Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/918475
4 • Outdoor Insight • January 2018 outdoorinsightmag.com NEWS/ANALYSIS OUTDOOR EYE Retail Insight Checking in with three outdoor specialty retailers to gauge their thoughts on the year that was and the year that will be. How would you describe 2017 in one sentence? How would you describe 2017 in one sentence? What are your expectations for the OR+Snow Show this year? What are your expectations for the OR+Snow Show this year? What are your expectations for the OR+Snow Show this year? How would you describe 2017 in one sentence? What are your hopes for 2018? What are your hopes for 2018? What are your hopes for 2018? Good year. Very good year for the Outdoor Retail business. Myself and one hardgoods buyer are attending. We are Grassroots and have a small regional show that mostly wraps things up for apparel and accessories. With the exception of the shrinking bit of ski business we do there is not much reason [for us] to attend the OR+Snow Show. It is however the only place currently that we can see a handful of ski vendors we still work with. We are attending, and we are delighted the show is back in mid-to-late January. We are expecting the OR+Snow Show to be as good or better than either SIA or Winter OR. Most variable year we have ever had, never had a record best and record worst month in the same year [before], and we saw shrinking margins due to DTC Channel behavior. Stable weather, as in no fires. I am also hoping we see some of the vendors in the industry clean up the DTC channel and actually support specialty retail with some skin in the game. Continued prosperity in the industry and good health. A good snow winter, and business that is level or up in the summer. W hen the outdoor tribe descends on Denver for the new OR+Snow Show January 25-28, there will be plenty of new things to get used to. The show, which organizers say has sold out of space in the Colorado Convention Center, will be a combination of Outdoor Retailer and the SIA Snow Show, and will showcase an entirely new format with exhibits spanning three floors. For the first time, the public will be invited to attend select marquee events, including a fashion show held at the Red Rocks amphitheater. Outdoor Retailer will partner with Icelantic's Winter on the Rocks to host a Fashion Show at Red Rocks on night two of the show, Friday, January 26. The Fashion Show will feature DJ Matt Cassidy, followed by performances by JAUZ and Mac Miller. The Fashion Show and concert will be open to show attendees and the public, providing a new platform for brand engagement and giving consumers a glimpse into the fashion coming from the outdoor and snowsports industries for next season. Some things to look for on the trade show floor: • Venture Out: This section will once again feature brands celebrating the modern outdoor experience. Visit the Ranger Station there to under- stand the trends and consumers behind this movement. • Luxe: A curated, immersive experience in premium and luxury snow and outdoor apparel on the show floor. • Scandinavian Village: Discover the energy, diversity and culture of Scandinavian brands. • Rental World: From the backshop to the counter, this area will be a one-stop overview of alpine, snowboarding and cross country rental gear. • The Camp: Offering elevated education right on the show floor, from the latest issues stores are facing to industry trends. • The Trend + Design Center: Showcasing innovations in materials and manufacturing for designers and R&D teams. Marisa Nicholson, VP and show director for all Outdoor Retailer events, says, "We are going to be bursting at the seams with gear. The opportunities for product discovery and access to outdoor and snow brands will be unparalleled, as well as the other hallmarks of an Outdoor Retailer show - education, networking and events that allow us all to connect with the outdoor community." O What to Expect at The OR+Snow Show Denver, Colorado VINNY MCCLELLAND Owner, The Mountaineer (Keene Valley, NY) NEIL STARRETT Hard Goods Buyer, Teton Mountaineering (Jackson, WY) TODD FRANK Owner, The Trail Head (Missoula, MT)