Fall 2019 - Inside Outdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | FALL 2019 33 outdoor space grew 24 percent in the last year, and it’s going to continue to grow.” Barone cites the growing numbers of millennials living in urban areas with little storage space and a primary driver of demand. “They also want to be able to book online, after hours, and not have to call and ask for things like pricing and product details. So the convenience of being able to find something easily and look online is really important,” said Barone. Barone also mentioned how mil- lennials today want to support local businesses. “Millennials are conscious buy- ers, especially when it comes to making decisions that impact their local community,” Barone said. “We’re partnering with all brick- and-mortar retailers and supporting these businesses.” Barone further touched on the com- munity element and how retailers today should work together instead of against each other in the new rental economy. “Instead of viewing [other provid- ers] as competitors, ask how they are handling certain processes. Look to build relationships, or even ways to help other businesses. It’s not taking revenue from one store or another because the person who is going to rent in a place like Montana isn’t going to also be renting that same time in Vermont,” said Barone. “The idea of sharing information can be incredibly powerful.” Screenshot sample of Gearo rental portal LIGHTWEIGHT • COMFORTABLE • PACKABLE Kelly McCue overlooking the Grand Canyon from the South Kaibab Trail north of Kahtoola headquarters in Flagsta‚, AZ.