Grassroots Adds Farm to Feet, KAVU, Rab Sierra Designs as Vendor Partners

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this fall welcomes Farm to Feet, KAVU, Rab and Sierra Designs to its national vendor network. The new vendors’ first event as members will be the Grassroots Connect show (Nov. 4-7, 2018) in Denver, Colo.  – an outdoor industry buying experience held immediately prior to its biggest national trade show.

“These companies do more than make quality product that Grassroots retailers love to sell. They’re openly supportive of independent specialty retail and the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance mission,” said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “While Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailers typically make their own decisions on which brands to support – considering regional uniqueness, sales representatives, and personal opinion  – Grassroots vendor partners always have an elevated role within our retail collaborative, and are in the true driver’s seat when it comes to communication, industry data and breaking news.”

“It’s an honor to be welcomed into the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance family, especially as we celebrate our 5th Anniversary,” said Kelly Nester, Farm to Feet President. “From the beginning specialty retail has always been the focus for Farm to Feet. We began with an idea that we knew would resonate with retailers and consumers – a brand that told the narrative of the product and the people associated with it from the source of its materials to the consumer. We look forward to including Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and its members into our story.”

“Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a force to be reckoned with right now and KAVU is thrilled to be included in this tight knit community of outdoor industry leaders,” said Barry Barr, founder and CEO at KAVU. “We are looking forward to contributing to the network and helping it grow. When grassroots efforts take the lead in any initiative, it’s a good thing.”

“Within Rab, we talk about surrounding ourselves with kindred spirits – those who relish the experience of a gritty and memorable mountain endeavor.  Being vetted and invited to become a vendor member of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance validates our brand focus on the specialty outdoor retailer, and supports our standing with core outdoor users who continue to embrace the climb. We couldn’t be more excited to join this group of Grassroots retailers as they continue to seek unique and authentic brands to offer their specialty customer base,” said Chris Tennal, U.S. president of Rab.

“Over a 53-year history at Sierra Designs, our business thrived in times where we were most closely aligned to specialty retailers,” added George Bryant, VP/GM of Sierra Designs. “Partnering with this group of innovators in outdoor retail allows us to present our product innovations to a special group of consumers while forging sustainable business partnerships for the long term, and we are grateful to join a community focused on those goals.”