Outdoor industry brands and retailers are once again gathering in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the Outdoor Retailer Winter trade show this week.
This year’s winter show runs Nov. 14-16 at the Salt Palace, and exhibiting brands will be arranged with a new floor plan that’s designed to encourage exploration and improve the shopping experience, according to OR organizers.
This year the show floor is arranged by activity, so the brands will be in their own sections. Think camp, climb, hike, overland, snow, and lifestyle.
More Than 200 Exhibitors
A wide variety of outdoor brands are exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer Winter this November, with products ranging from performance apparel and technical backpacks to camping hammocks and woolen blankets.
With more than 200 businesses exhibiting, including the sourcing section, the show floor will be a mix of new brands and well-established companies.
For example, German manufacturer Ortovox has been providing mountaineers with safety equipment, including avalanche safety gear and apparel, since 1980. The brand’s products are designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing, and alpine touring.
Picture Organic will be exhibiting, showcasing its recycled, organic, and bio-sourced products for board sports and the outdoors. In 2022, Picture took the top spot in the fastest-growing apparel category for Circana’s annual U.S. Outdoor Sports Retail Performance Awards.
Also on the show floor will be hammock camping and camp chair specialists Grand Trunk. Based in Salt Lake City, Grand Trunk has been making hammocks and other camping accessories for the outdoor enthusiast since 2001.
Returning to the show this year is Goorin Bros, a family-run business that started making hats in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1895. The company makes fedoras, beanies, and a number of other types of hats as well as accessories, and has a hipster vibe.
To round out this list, woolen blanket brand Pendleton will also be on the show floor. The privately held, sixth-generation family-owned business from Oregon will be showcasing blankets, bedding, and more with its signature, Western-inspired style.
Other brands to look out for include:
- Arctic Lynx
- Anatomie
- Autumn Headwear
- Clif Bar
- Db
- Flyn
- Holebrook Sweden
- Jack and Sage
- Jambar
- Mainers
- Moab Bag Co
- Namuk
- Nivis Gear
- Nobody’s Princess
- OOSC Clothing
- Opolis
- Pearson Ranch
- Tasty Bite
- Tipsy Elves
Schedule Change
The change in schedule from January to November is part of Outdoor Retailer‘s efforts to put on shows that better align with seasonal buying schedules for retailers.
It’s also the last show before OR debuts its new format. Beginning in June, the show organizers are offering a more extensive hosted buyer program, presenting a new booth and pricing structure, and moving the sourcing category into a separate show that will be co-located with Outdoor Retailer.
Industry Gathering
The show this week will offer events and education along with the meetings between brands and retailers.
One key event: On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Basecamp Outdoor is hosting a party in the climbing gym at outdoor retailer evo’s Salt Lake City campus.
The industry gathering will offer free food, drinks, a live DJ, climbing, puppy yoga, photo booths, and more in the Bouldering Project SLC. The event will run from 7-11 p.m., and an RSVP is required to attend. Click here for details and to RSVP.
Key Events
All education will be on the show floor in both The Camp and Overland Experience show areas.
A few of the key sessions the organizers are highlighting are:
- Retail and consumer trends with consumer behavior research firm Circana (formerly NPD) (Day 1).
- Gen Z marketing with market research firm YPulse (Day 1).
- Preseason buying and retail planning with retail consultancy Outside Looks (Day 2).
The most up-to-date schedule will always be available here and in the Outdoor Retailer mobile app.
With the schedule changes, this November’s show will share the Salt Palace with another event. The main entrance for Outdoor Retailer Winter 2023 will be from the West side, across from the Delta Center. For more details, head to outdoorretailer.com.
