Inside Outdoor Spring 2020 Issue

Inside Outdoor | SPRING 2020 6 PARTNERING THROUGH THE PAIN Someday, in the not-so-distance future, when the global community col- lectively defeats the threat that is the coronavirus, we all once again will be able to warmly greet an old friend that we pass on the trail or share a hug in the trade show aisles. Folks that were introduced to “getting outside” during the time of needed distancing eventually will enter outdoor stores, free of fear, to pick up those “non-essential” items that promise to improve performance or make their time outside more comfortable. Most businesses that were healthy before the virus will once again roar back to life. We at Inside Outdoo r firmly believe this. But before we get there, the outdoor marketplace, similar to many other retail segments, could be in for a bloodbath. Although life as we know it shut down in March, the spring and summer still came, and with them so did the usual amount of spring and summer ap- parel and product (cue the proponents for more on-demand and nimbler supply chains). By the time openings are in full swing, all that product – apparel and footwear in particular – must be moved rather quickly as consumers start looking toward fall and winter. When and if demand does come back, retailers can expect unseen levels of items “on clearance.” Think of it as holiday sales on steroids. Already, my inbox is being inundated by daily offers from Dick’s ranging up to 50% to 70% off. And if you thought direct-to-consumer was bad before, just wait. With pipelines packed and supply chains stressed out, competition to recover between brands and retailers could get fierce. Some bridges will get burnt. On the other hand, adversity also tends to forge stronger and newer relationship. Indeed, during the next few months, specialty retailers will gain a much clearer view of which brands are truly loyal to specialty channels and which vendors are there just to sell-through. Brands that are willing to work with their retailers toward common goals and share the burden will be elevated. Those that slash apart their own MAPs or offload to cut-rate warehouses will be remembered. Much like the virus, this glut of spring and summer wares too will pace. That’s the good news. Survival in the near term may require serious discounting, so some forgiveness could be in order. For those outdoor businesses and communities looking to the longer recovery, as well as the health of the industry and activities overall, the tighter bonds forged in tough times will provide the greater payoff. Choose your partners wisely. From the Editor Martin Vilaboy Editor-in-Chief martin@bekabusinessmedia.com Gerald Baldino Managing Editor gerald@bekabusinessmedia.com Percy Zamora Art Director outdoor@bekapublishing.com Rob Schubel Digital Manager marketing@bekabusinessmedia.com Ernest Shiwanov Editor at Large ernest@bekapublishing.com Berge Kaprelian Group Publisher berge@bekabusinessmedia.com Anthony Graffeo Associate Publisher anthony@bekabusinessmedia.com Beka Business Media Berge Kaprelian President and CEO Neil Ende General Counsel Jim Bankes Business Accounting Corporate Headquarters 10115 E Bell Road, Suite 107 - #517 Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 Voice: 480.503.0770 Fax: 480.503.0990 Email: berge@bekabusinessmedia.com © 2020 Beka Business Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in any form or medium without express written permission of Beka Business Media, is prohibited. Inside Outdoor and the Inside Outdoor logo are trademarks of Beka Business Media