Issuu

January/February 2016 brand editorial:

Press Contact: Kate Gaeir kate@akimbopr.com | 206.334.0863

Total seen monthly circulation: + 27,330,229 Total seen circulation year to date: + 27,330,229 Snow

BestProducts.com - W’s Vantage - 20,000 BestProducts.com - I/O 7 Goggle - 20,000 Blister Gear Review - Pivot Helmet - 25,000 Epic Life - Arena, Valence, Gambler - 220,000 Forbes - I/O 7 Goggle - 2,374,665 Freeskier - I/O Goggle, 2017 Trends - 70,000 Gear Institute - ChromaPop Snow - 58,076 GearMinded.com - ChromaPop Snow - 22,908 KSL.com - ChromaPop Snow - 5,000,000 Men’s Journal.com - I/O Goggle - 5,014,775 Mademan.com - I/O7 Goggle - 864,630 Mountain Mag - ChromaPop Snow - 125,000 Mountain Mag - Woolrich Collab - 125,000 OnTheSnow - ChromaPop Snow - 385,854 OnTheSnow - Pivot Jr Helmet - 385,854 OR Show Daily, Day 1 - Vantage x Woolrich - 67,634 Outside Bozeman - I/O Goggle - 20,000 Outside - Owner Operator Collab - 717,720 Sporting Goods Business - Goggle & Helmet Technologies - 23,700 SIA Preview Issue - Vantage x Woolrich - 21,829 Malakye.com - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 212,166 SNEWS - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 32,945 Snowboarder - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 557,198 SnowboardMag - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 488,204 SIA - Louis Paradif Announcement - 21,829 Transworld Snowboarding - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 1,037,634 Style of Sport - ChromaPop Snow - 10,000 Transworld Business - Riot, ChromaPop Snow, Goggle Trends - 190,051 Transworld Business - Woolrich Collab, ChromaPop Snow - 190,051 Transworld Business - Goggles and Helmets - 190,051

Bike / Performance

BestProducts.com - Forefront, Overtake - 20,000 Bicycling - Forefront - 3,331,230 Bike Radar.com - Smith vs POC MIPS Helmet - 2,500,000 Decline - Forefront, Arena Max, Squad MTB - 40,000 Dirt Rag - Forefront (cover photo) - 25,000 Freehub - Forefront - 25,000 GearMinded - Arena Max - 22,908 Global Mountain Bike Network - Forefront - 48,913 ROAD - Arena Max - 40,000

Sunglasses

OR Show Daily, Day 2 - Sidney - 67,634 Outside - Arena - 717,720 TheManual.com - Captain’s Choice - 104,651 TrailandUltra Running.com - Overdrive, Arena Max, Captain’s Choice - 81,327 Transworld Business - Clark, Sidney, Langley - 190,051 Vision Monday - Captain’s Choice, Guide’s Choice, Wanderer - 68,330

Fish

Fly Rod & Reel - Low Light Ignitor - 22,956 Southern Trout - ChromaPop - 40,502 Southern Trout - Suncloud Conductor Reader - 40,502 Tackle Trade World - Dockside - 20,000

Corporate News

Gear Patrol - OR Recap - 1,255,129 ShopEatSurf - Smith Business Recap - 95,543 SIA Show Daily, Day 2 - AJ Appezzato Avalanche - 21,829 SIA Show Daily, Day 3 - E. Carlson Interview - 21,829 Sports Executive Weekly - E. Carlson Interview - 36,401

ABOUT SMITH: Originating from Sun Valley, Idaho, SMITH was founded in 1965 with the invention of the first snow goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. With 50 years of innovation and design experience, SMITH is widely known today as an industry leader that pioneers advanced eyewear and helmets that incorporate dynamic technologies, optimized performance and clean styling to fuel fun beyond walls. SMITH seeks to power thrilling experiences in snow, surf, bike, fish and peak performance outdoor adventures with a comprehensive collection that exudes modern style and vibrant personality. To SMITH, the experience is everything. Smith is part of Safilo Group.

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ISSUE 1602 JANUARY 11, 2016

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Active Lifestyle Market

OUTDOOR HARDGOODS

An Unobstructed View Goggle Brands Look To Cleaner, Simpler Designs That Still Up Performance By David Clucas

intersport goggle brands are beginning to pull back from some of the category’s recent big trends - such as oversized lenses and integrated electronics - as consumers lean toward simpler models that bring performance they don’t have to think about on the slopes. And competition will be tight as warmer winter weather is already putting a squeeze on retailers’ open-to-buy dollars with larger inventories building up and pricepoints dropping. Oversized spherical lenses, while still popular, are reaching their peak, said Jon Raymer, category manager for goggles at Smith Optics. “The question is: ‘How big is too big?’” he said. “This is really becoming more of a fashion trend, because at 22 SGBWeekly.com | JANUARY 11, 2016

a certain point the larger size doesn’t increase your field of view anymore, and in some cases, makes it impossible to wear a helmet properly.” Consumers are complaining that oversized goggles are too big for their faces, and brands are re-introducing smaller models and new tech that better adapts to face shapes. Electronics in goggles - everything from liveview GPS stats to integrated video cameras were all the rage a few years ago, but that trend, too, is fading, brand officials said. Consumers are wary of spending big bucks on technology that quickly can become outdated. Plus, more often than not, they’re getting the same tech from their smartphones. “You’re able to do more with your phone and a 99-cent app

than you can with a $500 goggle,” Raymer said. “There’s a renewed focus on what goggles are for.” With those obstructions out of the way, goggle brands are focusing on technology advances in light management. There’s still demand for the ability to quickly and easily change out lenses based on light conditions, but also growing demand for photo-chromatic or transition lenses that alter the tint based on how bright or dim it is out there. With both systems, brands are also focusing on the clarity and color filtration of lenses to deliver the most natural, clear vision. Other trends to look out for on the winter trade show floors: a focus on better ventilation - especially as more skiers are huffing and puffing it uphill on AT skis -and the use of more

Revo Echo

Smith Optics I/O

Smith Optics Riot

Dragon Alliance X2S

magnet technology for quick and secure lens interchangeability. REVO “There’s a huge emphasis on all the bells and whistles, but people just want something that works and they can wear all day,” said Cliff Robinson, co-president of Revo. The brand introduces its first goggle line with six styles, four front shapes and three lens types, each $229, including the Wordsmith and Echo. All lenses are photo-chromatic and notably only semi-polarized. The latter still cuts down on glare but doesn’t distort terrain or hinder the user’s ability to read an electronic screen, Robinson said. The three lens options, blue water, green water and solar orange,

allow users some further dialing in beyond the photo-chromatic tech for bright-light days, lowlight days and universal lighting, respectively. SMITH OPTICS Smith’s iconic, spherical-lens I/O Goggle - a pioneer in lens interchangeability eight years ago - gets a makeover for winter 2016/17 with a wider fieldof-view and a new frame that better flexes to fit a variety of faces. “By reducing material and creating flexible lattice architecture, the re-designed I/O frame acts like a suspension system that micro adjusts to unique facial structures,” officials said. Each goggle, $180, includes a bright-light and lowlight lens, and for $30 more comes with the brand’s ChromaPop technology that better filters light and

color for more accurate vision. Smith also brings the Riot Goggle, $80 or $100 with ChromaPop, a women’s-specific, non-interchangeable cylindrical option that features much of the same tech above at a more affordable price. DRAGON ALLIANCE Frameless designs, which allow for easier lens change outs, continue to pick up steam after some initial hesitancy on the style front. Dragon Alliance brings its new X2S Goggle, $220, which is a smaller model from previous versions and features the brand’s new Apex color-tuning technology to optimize clarity. It’s an interchangeable lens with a sunny and lowlight lens options. JANUARY 11, 2016 | SGBWeekly.com 23

SPORTS & FITNESS

Concussion Conscious Media Attention On Head Injuries’ Lasting Effects Continues To Raise Safety Awareness In Wintersport Helmets By David Clucas

urrently in wintersport helmets, everyone is talking NFL football … even our European friends. No, don’t expect to see Smith, K2 and POC Sports outfitting the Pittsburgh Steelers or Arizona Cardinals next year. Rather it’s the increased media attention on concussions that have brought the topic of head safety - no matter the sport - to top-of-mind for consumers. With increased scrutiny, studies are beginning to link these head injuries to longer-lasting mental and physical problems for aging athletes. “Scientists, consumers and even governments are starting to pay a lot of attention, not only to single, high impacts, but also to repeated, low impacts [to the head] and their affect over time,” said Drew Chilson, head 26 SGBWeekly.com | JANUARY 11, 2016

of product creation at Smith Optics. “Protecting from those injuries is coming much more to the spotlight.” Wintersport helmet brands are responding. And while they can’t legally market a helmet as “safer” than another, the goal is to make safer helmets, while maintaining a balance with performance “We could design the ‘safest’ helmet in the world, but you would look like Spaceballs,” said Willie Ford, managing director of Poc Sports North America, referring to the 1980s Star Wars spoof where the villains wear oversized helmets. “We spend most of our time talking about how we can combine performance and protection.”

The conversation between brands, retailers and consumers is going to become a lot more sophisticated, Ford said, especially over the repeated “little bumps” that people don’t normally think about. Chilson agreed, adding that helmets will get more sport-specific on the basis of what injuries are more prone in the activity including risks at highspeed, low-speed, multi-impacts and rotational impacts. “You actually wouldn’t want a helmet that addresses all four of these pillars equally because you would compromise the product,” he said. Outside of protection, brands continue to work on making helmets lighter, more breathable and improving fit with accompanying goggles. Comfort and style are still priorities, even if they will likely take a backseat to safety next year.

Salomon MTN Charge

POC SPORTS Studies are beginning to show that repeated, smaller impacts to the head can be as long-term damaging as a single hard hit. That’s where Poc’s Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) protective layer can play a better role than standard EPS foam, Ford said. The technology debuted in 2007, but is being broadened into more new product this year. It has elastic properties that allows it to come back after dings and dents, versus EPS that can lose its protective loft with every little hit that gets past hard shell, Ford said. SALOMON Recognizing the growing touring and uphill market, Salomon has focused on lighter weight helmets with superior breathability for the sweatinducing workouts. With the new MTN Charge, $180, the brand targets free-ride skiers and snowboarders by beefing things up from last year’s MTN Lab Helmet. Maintaining the light 300-gram weight, the Charge is still comfortable and breathable enough to wear while touring, but now also burly enough to wear when shredding downhill.

K2 Virtue

Uvex Jakk+ Helmet

K2 A new hybrid shell construction and improved goggle integration highlight K2 Skis’ new men’s Diversion and women’s Virtue helmets for 2016/17. The hybrid and in-mold materials inside and outside of the shell “give skiers added protection where they need it, while cutting weight in places they don’t,” officials said. Strategically placed ventilation on the front corners of the helmet help eliminate foggy goggleS and side strap catches keep the goggles in place whether down or up. Plus, a new chinstrap comeS with a lock buckle to keep it from sliding off the user’s chin. UVEX Uvex shows off its Octo+ fitting technology in its Jakk+ Helmet, $220, which attaches itself firmly to the head of users and adapts the size automatically, like the arms of an octopus, for a comfortable and safe fit. Uvex also debuts its new P.8000 Tour Ski Mountaineering Helmet weighing in at 400 grams, including the Recco avalanche rescue system, a Boa fit system, a headlamp attachment. SWEET PROTECTION Today’s helmets have to adapt to a multitude of hits. Enter Sweet Protection’s Trooper, which utilizes the brand’s thermoplastic-laminated-carbon-fiber construction to make the shell hard enough to withstand severe stress, yet flexible enough for energy to be absorbed. The EPS padding is also constructed with “shields” of various densities to distribute the pressure and absorb energy efficiently. For the pros, check out The Rooster, which now features a mono shell exterior, those multi-density EPS shields and the ability to absorb impacts to less than 250 grams.

K2 Diversion

Sweet Protection Trooper

Sweet Protection The Rooster

JANUARY 11, 2016 | SGBWeekly.com 27

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2016 MOUNTAIN BIKES AND ACCESSORIES

Components, C omponents, Gear, Gear, A Armor rm mor and and M More! ore!

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 23, 2016

BUYER’S GUIDE 2016 | USA $8.99 | CAN $9.99

Scott USA

Six Six One

scottusa.com

Model: Vivo Plus Price: $149 Features: MIPS Brain Protection system, Optimized venting, extended coverage, removable visor.

sixsixone.com

Model: Spartan Price: $109 Features: Lightweight construction, washable pads, padded chin strap, 15 vents.

Six Six One

Model: RECON Price: $109.99 Features: All day comfort with super light in-molded construction, Extreme venting and weight reduction with multiple vents, Excellent protection with extended drop in rear, Removable visor.

Smith

sixsixone.com

Model: COMP Price: $99.99 Features: Lightweight polycarbonate shell, Large vents provide cold air intake and heat exhaust, Large eyeport for great vision and accommodating goggles, Complies to standards: CPSC, CE: 1078, AS/ NZS 206.

Model: EVO AM MIPS Price: $199 Features: MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) Light and well-ventilated design through in-molded construction with 15 vents. Secure and micro-adjustable with the 360Ë™ Boa Fit System.

smithoptics.com

Model: DIRTLID + Price: $39.99 Features: Traditional skate style profile, Durable shell made from ABS, One size fits all, Multi-sport use, One shell with additional pads for unlimited adjustability, Magnetic Fidlock Closure.

Model: Forefront Helmet with Mips Price: $260 Features: Ventilated Protection Featuring Patented Koroyd Material Integrated Skeletal Structure And Carbon Fiber Reinforcements; Integrated Camera & Light mount. Select colors with Mips protection.

Model: Forefront Helmet Price: $220 Features: Ventilated Protection Featuring Patented Koroyd Material Integrated Skeletal Structure And Carbon Fiber Reinforcements; Integrated Camera & Light mount.

Model: Down-O-Matic Price: $199.95 Features: CPSC certification, fiber composite construction, stylish and soft anti-crash visor, grilled vents, internal Venturi effect, 966g.

Model: Endur-O-Matic 2 MIPS Price: $129.95 Features: 28 Vents, Butterfly cage, Recycled PET straps and EPS shell, BOA retention system, MIPS. Non-Mips version - $134.95.

Model: Supatrail Price: $129.95 Features: CE1078 CPSC Certification, In-Mold construction, Custom ring system, Recycled EPS shell, Recycled PET straps, 3 shell sizes: S/M (54/57cm), L/ XL (58/60cm) XXL (63cm).

Urge Helmets urgebike.com

Model: Archi-Enduro Veggie Price: $224.95 Features: Removable/Washable Pads. In-Mold Construction, Flexible Visor.

122

MtbBuyersGuide.com

Protecting your eyesight while riding is of the utmost importance and should not be overlooked. Mountain biking eyewear has evolved into two different types — wrap around polycarbonate protective glasses or moto-style goggles. Glasses have better ventilation so they are ideal for riders putting out serious aerobic effort, as they won’t fog as easily when you perspire. Goggles offer the best eye protection — even keeping out fine dust particles — so they appeal to downhill, freeride and some enduro riders. While this buyer’s guide highlights some of the popular eyewear choices available, our website offers more eyewear as well as the ability to compare similar products and access manufacturer’s websites. Go to mtbbuyersguide.com to check it out.

100% Speedcraft

ride100percent.com

Price: $175 Features: Engineered with the finest materials. The Speedcraft carries the same DNA of 100% goggles, featuring striking design aesthetics with TOPVIEW lens technology.

Oakley

100%

oakley.com

ride100percent.com

Model: Accuri Price: $45-60 Features: Crafted from the finest materials, the Accuri ensures optimal performance with an enhanced field of vision at an obtainable price.

Model: Airbrake MX Price: $205 Features: High impact Plutonite lens w/ F3 AntiFog coating, Switch-Lock Lens Tech, O Matter frame, injection molded polycarbonate frame.

Model: Radar EV Path Price: $190 Features: Prizm technology lens, interchangeable lenses and fully customizeable, Path lense offers wide field of view.

Model: Seventh AntiFOG Price: $79.99–149.99 Features: With its casual flat top. The hydrophilic, adjustable temple tips and nose pads make it highly customizable. RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: Caliber AntiFOG Price: $89.99–159.99 Features: Wide-fitting with hydrophilic, adjustable temple tips and nose pads. RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: Strider AntiFOG Price: $89.99–139.99 Features: Lightweight with hydrophilic, adjustable nose pads and temple tips for a custom fit. RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: Nimby - AntiFOG Price: $139.99 Features: Lightweight, rimless design with adjustable, hydrophilic nose pads to customize the fit and airflow. The RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Ryders

Shred Optics

Smith Optics

Model: Shore Price: $49.99 Features: Unlike other goggles on the market, this is not a rebadged snow or MX goggle. We designed the Shore from the ground up to meet the specific challenges of freeride and downhill mountain biking.

Model: Soaza Price: $74.99 Features: Built in tear-off pins, easy-to-change lenses, Shred NoDistortion lens and NoClog technology.

Model: PivLock Arena Max Price: $159 Features: TR90 frame material, Hydroleophobic lens coating, 2-position nose pads, carbonic lenses, PivLock technology

Model: Racecraft Price: $65 Features: The Racecraft is a synthesis of precision engineering and minimal design, which produces a goggle that performs and feels as great as it looks.

Ryders

ryderseyewear.com

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MtbBuyersGuide.com

shredoptics.com

smithoptics.com

Model: Squad Price: $60 Features: Designed for mountain biking, very breathable, maximum airflow to reduce fogging on slower trails, roll-off & tear-off compatible

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Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRbgRuNIXM

o rd 2 POWERED BY SNEWS

DAY

•

OUTDOOR RETAILER DAILY

PARKS

PROPHET

TERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS CALLS FOR ACTION

PAGE 11

OUTSIDE FRONT

news

Millennialisms Young shoppers aren’t as different as you may think, says one expert PAGE

people Doug Tompkins Honoring a man who built a gear empire— and so much more PAGE

gear trends

Winter warmers A look at the latest in high-tech and retro insulation PAGE

The official publication of:

•

JANUARY 8, 2016

news OutdoorRetailer

scene

capturing the show’s key moments

Street ’n Slope

Today’s outdoorswoman has many more choices for lifestyle and performance wear ROA M D OM E F LOP TOP Sunday Afternoon’s Tessa moves seamlessly from cityscapes to countryside concerts, giving new life to grandpa’s fedora.

SU BT L E S H A DE S With Smith’s Sydney, she doesn’t sacrifice style or performance. ChromaPop polarized lenses give these cateyes superior optics.

From the eye shield compatibility to an Omega headband system (with ponytail notch!), the Petzl Elia protects even on the burliest climbs.

M I X & M ATC H Lens swapping is slick with Zeal Optics’ Voyager. And with the aid of Everclear anti-fog technology and bottom-and-top ventilation, her sight stays crisp.

MOU N TA I N M A M A W R A P ’E M U P She throws on the elegant Woolrich x Westerlind Poncho when the mercury dips during an evening outdoors.

She demands performance and style when ski mountaineering, and finds it in the Ortovox Merino Hardshell 3L Alagna Jacket.

S PIC E OF L I F E Petzl’s Selena harness is spiced with bright palettes. Ideal for her torso, the belay loop is longer for a comfortable around-the-hips rise.

S I L K Y ST R ETC H

TOA STY TOOTS I E S Wigwam’s Cozy Cypress keeps toes warm and adds some retro pop above her shoes.

M A DE I N T H E SU E DE The svelte yet rugged Timberland Wheelwright doesn’t blink at festival mud. Bonus: 50% recycled lining.

16 outdoor retailer daily

F R E E TO B E M E Did we mention she digs individuality? Marmot’s Whimsey Pant stands out in a crowd and up to the elements.

IC E , IC E , BA BY The super-technical La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX offers an innovative 3D flex ankle and impact brake system.

Photographs by Andrew Bydlon / Caveman Collective

Toad & Co’s Lean Legging moves with her when her favorite song inspires a little two-step.

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issue 23

Feb/Mar 2016

Southern Trout CLOSE LOOK: Georgia

www.southerntrout.com

new product review

Best Damn Sung

f you opened the bottom drawer on my desk, you’d see well in excess of three dozen pairs of sunglasses. No, I am not a sunglasses collector, or even a sunglasses hoarder. I do regard myself as a connoisseur tinted eyewear. Over the last four decades I have owned and lost enough sunglasses to put shades on the entire Swedish army. Some of these sunglasses were cheap and cheesy—capable of literally sucking your eyes out of your head at the end of a day of fishing. Other sunglasses melted onto your face so perfectly that you never wanted to take them off. To use a Clint Eastwood term, I had “the good, bad and the ugly.”

54 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

new product review

glasses - Ever!! www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 55

product review

56 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

product review

www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 57

product review

58 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

product review

www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 59

product review

60 l February December2016 2015l lSouthern SouthernTrout Troutl lwww.SouthernTrout.com www.SouthernTrout.com

product review

www.SouthernTrout.com www.SouthernTrout.coml Southern l Southern Trout Troutl January l March 2016 l 61

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Mississippi. If they get another two strong months of winter, maybe they’ll be okay. If they don’t, it will be ugly.” Chris Miller, national sales manager at Vasque and Bill Dodge, CEO of Garmont expressed similar senti-

idea, and more durable for backpacking and high-abrasion environments. the durability of the membrane,” said Scott Trepanier, director, PR and communications at Columbia. “Soon, it will allow us to go into categories where waterproof breathable hasn’t been before.”

Scott Trepanier Director, PR and Communications, Columbia

Show Timing Moving the show earlier by two weeks was the big conversation in the ORWM aisles. Some heading to the SHOT Show, ISPO and SIA appreciated a break between those shows and lack of housing er because the show overlapped with too many regional or buying group shows, as well as the Consumer Electronics Show. Some felt from Wednesday through Sunday instead of Tuesday through Saturday also led some buyers to spend two days instead of three or four at the show in order to enjoy the weekend. Eric Carlson, vice president product and design at Smith Optics, felt the show was a bit quieter. “I think people are just recovering to managing their business,” said Carlson. “So that change of only a couple On the positive side Carlson said, “orders are happening and business Eric Carlson ,VP Product is getting done” with accounts visitand Design, Smith Optics ing Smith Optics’ booth. He believes stores are being more strategic with many locking in appointments

will be a period of adjustment for all players. “This show is morphing into a Peter Sachs GM, marketing event than a sales event Lowa Boots, U.S. and that’s fine. We just have to have a different perspective into how we come to market,” Miller said. Vasque will be looking at shifting to a smaller booth space and lowering corporate participation to maximize its efforts at upcoming shows. Dodge said that each show, large and small, would have to do a better Chris Miller, National Sales Manager, Vasque

shows are getting stronger and we were very impressed with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance show in November,” he said.

of the show. Stated Sachs, “No people, no buzz.” He nonetheless believes the industry remains in solid shape.

9 SPORTS EXECUTIVE WEEKLY | JANUARY 11, 2016

buyer’s attitudes and their open-tobuy positions. “I think looking ahead at Fall 2016 there’s a lot of folks that are very, very Little, Marketing tentative in their buys,” Fairchilds said. Ian Manager, Hi-Tec USA - and Magnum USA ter inventories and that’s going to be a big hangover unless the weather quickly changes.” He added that there are some concerns about the global market, which is typically a strong contributor for U.S. winter brands, is also struggling with falling commodity prices and

currency - practically a 30-percent cut for U.S. brands selling there. But Fairchilds believes the U.S. economy is “actually pretty good” and supporting the outdoor market. Said Fairchilds, “People are paying their bills, people are reordering goods – those are the best indicators for us.”

show play and how do we make the

that’s too long to get it to the consumer.” “It’s been a good show for us,” said Ian Little, marketing manager for Bill Dodge, CEO, Garmont Hi-Tec USA and Magnum USA. “We’ve had quality appointments - not quantity but quality.” Hi-Tec was able to spend time with many of its key larger part-

Peter Sachs, general manager of Lowa Boots in the U.S., assessed suspected was due to the timing as well as many other regional

Weather & Economic Headwinds Josh Fairchilds, vice president of product and marketing at Oboz, believes the late winter on the East Coast has

we’ve had in a long time,” although he felt many came early to make it home for the weekend. “People don’t really want to be here on a Saturday or Sunday,” said Little. “Sports are going on and many have kids and families they want to spend time with.”

noted that his team saw the show challenged with the new dates and warmer weather out East. But he still felt the energy was Josh Fairchilds, VP Product strong in the building with many and Marketing, Oboz retailers embracing the broader outdoor lifestyle trends reaching the sector. “I remember coming to this show 10 years ago and if you weren’t pushing mountain product, it didn’t belong here,” said Spaletto. “So I think whether it’s Venture Out or just the way you’re seeing how the people here dress and look, that’s all just changing in a really positive way,” said Spaletto. “And I think specialty retail is embracing that opportunity. It’s a very loyal following of consumers so why not try to attach your business to them more broadly and deeply.” © SportsOneSource, LLC