Retailers succeeding in the midst of economic turmoil

The news these days has more exclamation points per page than at any time I can remember... I used to consider it annoying, but realize that in critical times, all business-minded people are paying closer attention to the daily ebb and flow of the market than before; the press knows it, and therefore play to that increased attention by putting more 'pop' into headlines.  Yesterday the stock market surged on an internal comment that Citi CEO Pandit made about being in the black.... are we a reactive bunch or what? Like watching a good horror flick, our collective hands are clasped over our eyes, but peeking through to bear witness to the latest corporate thrashing of share value and employee head count.  

It's important not to panic in these times, or buy into the 'sky is falling' sentiment.  Most of us in Outdoor know how to face adversity, in the market just like on the mountain.  There is a lot of information out there, and resources to utilize in reacting appropriately to the forces at work in the outdoor market.

Here, then, is one of several balancing reports that show how retailers have made successful progress even during tough times.  Our recent survey of retailers (over 1500 respondents) and even the online poll we are tracking now (bottom right, run of site on outdoorretailer.com) shows a confident yet cautious approach to running the business that betrays the 'cataclysm' portrayed in the mainstream business media. From Retail Info Systems Newsletter.

The OIA recently produced several very interesting articles and webinars, and are continuing their quest to serve up more meaningful business education at the show, but also directly via their website.  A renewed spirit of cooperation was evident in last week's string of meetings to come up with new ideas for the show and association to raise the ROI of attendees and vendors at the OR shows.  As the pace of change in business quickens, communication within and throughout the various stakeholders in Outdoor will be the key to outperforming the economy and our own expectations.

KH