Grassroots Cancels June 2021 Connect Buying Show

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, has canceled its spring Connect buying show, originally scheduled for June 7-10.

The cancellation is based on numerous business factors, which remain impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, including safety considerations as well as attendees’ ability and appetite for national travel.

“This an unfortunate but wholly correct decision. We’re now honed in on our fall Connect show in Kansas City (Nov. 8-11, 2021) as a time where our community can once again gather, reunite and move forward together,” said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.

In the absence of the spring 2021 Connect show, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is encouraging retailers and vendors to remain engaged through Grassroots’ free assortment of digital support tools, including Grassroots ConnectHub — a shared-resource solution designed to simplify the remote buying process — and NuOrder, an innovative online platform which enables buyers to visualize their assortment by any data point.

Additionally, Grassroots organizers are encouraging member retailers and exhibitors to consider participation at nearby local or regional sales events through the spring and summer, such as 360 Adventure Collective (www.360adventurecollective.org) or the Western Winter Sports Rep Association (wwsra.com).