Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1384412
TRENDINSIGHT Do a store's sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious policies impact where you shop for outdoor gear, apparel or footwear? No Yes Somewhat In general, do you think that outdoor brands are more eco-conscious than brands in other industries? No, less eco-conscious Yes, more eco-conscious The same as in other industries 29% 28% 43% 2% 31% 67% Do a brand's sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious policies impact your purchasing decision of outdoor gear, apparel or footwear? No Yes Somewhat 19% 39% 42% If the running shoes meet my criteria for style and durability along with sustainability then I would buy. Male 54 It is not a sole deciding factor but it does motivate me to consider. Female 41 As long as they're not extreme. Male 35 All things being equal I'll pick the more eco or social conscious brand. Male 38 I don't usually look for that first, but it makes me like the company more. Female 49 No, not with outdoor gear. Male 41 Atmosphere, location, knowledge. Female 40 Ability to speak with an expert and try on the apparel, footwear and gear to see how it fits and feels. Male 31 Being able to hold and try on outdoor gear before purchasing is imperative to me. Male 27 Store associates' knowledge on products. I typically know what I will buy before entering a store but can be swayed by a good testimonial or sales pitch if I'm not already aware from research aor friends. Male 42 Proximity to my home and how urgently I need the products. Male 43 I visit stores for the ability to try on apparel and footwear for size. As well as for "last minute" gear purchases that I need immediately. Female 30 I shop in-store as oen as I purchase my athletic gear online. I like for the salesmen and women to first ask the right questions the moment I walk in the door. Find out what my needs are and inquire about my feelings on eco- friendly products, then introduce me to eco-friendly products that suit my personal needs and interest. Female 28 Price. How cool the store is! What brands they offer. And what's the motivation behind the store. Employees that are like me. And do the outdoor things I do and came to buy stuff for. Male 18 Brick-and-mortar allows me to get a real sense of how an item feels or performs prior to purchase. Male 35 It's hard to find clothes and shoes that fit so I appreciate the in-store experience for browsing and size- matching. Male 44 I like to support local businesses when possible. Also, the convenience of trying on before a purchase, rather than dealing with the hassle of repackaging and returning, waiting for the correct size. Female 38 Products that I need a really good fit to risk buying it online. Male 28 Sales associate's engagement with the outdoor activities I'm interested in. e rapport allows for easier discussion and believability of their recommendations. Male 37 Try out the gear, the feel and fit. en go buy online for a lower price. Male 36 Good prices/discounts/sales. A clearance or pre-owned, lower priced section. e ability to try on apparel for fit/sizing. Staff knowledgeable about outdoor recreation in the area. Female 28 Service aer the sale, in store amenities, VIP programs. Male 35 Sales better than online. Male 40 Personal, knowledgeable customer service. Female 37 Thinking about where you shop for eco-friendly products, what role, if any, should the retailer play? e store should be knowledgeable about the brands' performance, wear, and sustainability efforts. Female 41 e eco related features need to be clearly and prominently highlighted and not just casually mentioned on a tag or sticker label. Male 54 Carbon neutral, no poly bags and recycling. Male 43 Ensuring that they are actual eco-friendly products they carry. Female 53 None. It's all about the product itself. Female 37 e retailer should help explain which products are eco-friendly and why. ere are a lot of products that say they are eco-friendly but don't really explain in what way or how it's been done. Male 37 e retailer should also play a role in sustainability. Using less paper, using sustainable packaging, recycling plastic bags, promoting merchandise from sustainable brands. Female 51 Somehow the retailer would need to provide education like signage. How am I supposed to know what their policy is? I'm not going to their website to research this. Male 41 What are the most important factors that would compel you to visit a brick-and-mortar store to shop rather than shop online for your outdoor apparel, footwear and gear? 32 • Outdoor Insight • July 2021 outdoorinsightmag.com