ASR Blog

McCain to REI CEO: What do you want me to do?

From the Seattle Times:

McCain told the room of about 100 people, including press, that promoting "green" business practices would be good for the economy because it will encourage ingenuity and new products. "I just firmly and steadfastly reject the notion that this is going to be something that's harmful to our economy," he said.
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He seemed particularly interested in hearing from Sally Jewell, chief executive officer of REI. He asked her questions about how offering recycled products has affected the outdoor gear cooperative's business. At one point, he asked her bluntly: "What do you want me to do?"

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Companies Band Together For Hikers in Need

Via OIA:

Over a dozen Outdoor Industry companies banded together to support Little Yoga Warriors’ Katherine Homes and her effort to deliver shoes and socks to Nepalese people in need. Homes embarks this week on an extended trek into the remote Dolpo region with industry donated footwear and gear, while also carrying rolls of duct tape and nylon rope for shoe repair and lace replacement of existing shoes.
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Homes’ intention is to provide shoes to children and adults who often hike barefoot for multiple days to attend schools or libraries within the Dolpo region, and consequently suffer from chronic foot problems. Her philanthropic vision has been met with an outpouring of support from Boulder-based businesses and outdoor brands, culminating into donations that total over 250 pairs of shoes and socks, and other gear essentials for the distant trip.

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Gas Prices and Outdoor Recreation

From the Minneapolis-St.Paul Star-Tribune:

Should fuel prices keep people closer to home, they might buy a kayak to paddle on a city lake, or upgrade their grills and entertain at home instead of eating at restaurants. Perhaps they'll fish on a Minnesota lake instead of flying out West. Or, families might choose a camping vacation instead of springing for a hotel.

"The outdoor enthusiast is going to participate no matter what," said Gander Mountain CEO Mark Baker. "They may not make as many fishing trips or travel as far, but they're still going to go."

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What do you think? Will rising gas prices help or hurt the industry in terms of participation?

Internet/Catalog Sales Webinar Set for May 19

From OIA:

The Internet's impact on the outdoor industry is already huge and growing every day. In this second in a series of webinars, the Leisure Trends Group and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) offer an in-depth examination of the Internet/Catalog Channel of distribution. 

Using OIA's Topline outdoor data and the online data mining tool, participants will look at the size and growth of this channel, explore online sales trends, highlight key categories flourishing on the internet and compare average retail prices across online, specialty and chain stores. While deconstructing the online sales numbers, attendees will also be taught to mine this data, free to all OIA members, for themselves.

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now by clicking here.

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Consumers Buy Green Even In Slow Economy

From AllBusiness.com:

Chain Store Age is reporting that consumer interest in green products is up even in this down economy.

In a survey conducted by Mambo Sprouts Marketing, the report showed that 88% of consumers reported by the same or more green environmentally products than a year ago.  About 7 in 10 consumers are willing to spend up to 20% more for green sustainable products.

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Goodbye for Nau

From Nau.com:

"In the currently high risk-averse capital market, we simply could not raise the funds to continue to move forward. We believe this is not so much a reflection of the viability of our business, but the result of an unfortunate confluence of events. Just as we could not have predicted the sudden groundswell of environmental consciousness that blossomed at the time we launched our business, we did not foresee the current crisis in capital markets. At this time, investors are loath to invest in anything; especially, it seems, a company like Nau that has the audacity to challenge conventional paradigms of what a business should be."

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Traveling to the ORSM Open Air Demo Just Got Easier

From OIA:

Easy access just became one more reason to ensure your travel plans for Outdoor Retailer include the Open Air Demo at Pineview Reservoir on August 6 through 7. This past weekend, the Utah Transit Authority celebrated the grand opening of FrontRunner and TRAX extension light rail service connecting downtown Salt Lake City and Ogden. Open Air Demo attendees will now be able to take the train to Ogden and a quick shuttle to the Open Air Demo – and completely avoid traveling on Interstate 15. Book your travel now. For assistance and special rates for ORSM attendees, please click here.

Outdoor Chattanooga Seeks Help After Devastating Electrical Fire

Via OIA:

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) member and 2006 Rendezvous host, Outdoor Chattanooga, suffered a blow to their OutVenture kayak programming when an early morning fire on Saturday, April 26, completely destroyed their sea and recreational kayak fleet.

The fire burned a barn, which housed the majority of OutVenture's equipment, to the ground. Inspectors are working on determining the cause of the fire, but firefighters present at the scene believe the blaze started at an electrical box. The barn was completely engulfed by the time firefighters got to the scene.
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Organizations or individuals who are interested in making donations of money or equipment to help with OutVenture and Outdoor Chattanooga programs this summer may call OutVenture director Marcus Hulsey at (423) 842-6629 or visit www.outdoorchattanooga.com.

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Moosejaw Now Accepting PayPal at Cash Registers

From Digital Transactions:

Madison Heights, Mich.-based Moosejaw, which sells camping and other outdoor gear, began accepting PayPal at its stores last week. After the cashier totals the sale, the customer may use his mobile phone to access his PayPal account via the processor's 2-year-old PayPal Mobile service. He can then complete the transaction via text message or by accessing PayPal via the mobile Web and using the retailer’s e-mail address, which the cashier supplies.

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The Outdoor Elite

Market research firm Hanson Dodge Creative has released new study findings about a niche of outdoor consumers they call "Outdoor Elite":

"These findings have significant implications for brands in the active lifestyle sector," said Ken Hanson, partner and chief brand strategist at Hanson Dodge Creative.  "There are opportunities to engage in real relationships with this highly discriminating and educated consumer through blogs, expert user groups, peer-to-peer product reviews and other rich online brand experiences.  Smart brands will find meaningful ways to reach out to the Hispanic market.  And the relationship between the independent retailer and the consumer should be supported and leveraged by brand manufacturers.  The Outdoor Elite patronizes specialty dealers, so brands should coordinate their online promotions with retailers, motivate consumers to visit their dealers, create dealer incentives and integrate points of sale."

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