Grassroots Celebrates 25 Years, Healthy Sales Growth

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, will mark its 25th anniversary at the upcoming Grassroots Connect buying show in Knoxville, Tenn., on June 9-12, 2019. Along with a special presentation honoring this milestone at the event, the group is also celebrating strong and steady growth over the last 30 days, the year-to-date, and the last 12 months.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance topline sales reports for member retailers indicate an increase of 5.78% in the month of April, extending a growth trend buoyed by increases in five out of the last six months. The group reports 3.6% overall growth since Jan. 1, 2019, and an increase of 2.53% nationally over the last 12 months.

 “These businesses and business owners are truly at the core of local communities across the country, and in many cases are also an important economic engine,” said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “You have to tip your hat to the ongoing commitment of independent specialty retailers.”

Notably, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance positive sales are being led by stores with a single retail storefront — a group reporting growth of 3.93% year-over-year.  Close behind, stores with 2-4 doors are up 2.95% in the same period.

“Operating a successful business is about more than just growth,” added Hill. “However, there’s no better time to celebrate growth than when it comes from small independent shops.”

Next month’s Connect show will begin with an Education Day (June 8), including a full slate of seminars and presentations, and culminating with the eagerly anticipated Grassroots Dinner & Award night.  Retailer and vendor sales appointments — which are pre-booked for all attendees by Grassroots Connect staff — will fill attendee calendars from Sunday to Wednesday (June 9-12).

Highlighting their ongoing commitment to retailer and vendor efficiency, the upcoming Grassroots Connect will also feature increased efforts in conversion to digital sales presentations. At the show, more than 25% of attending retailers will be equipped with iPads, while Grassroots Connect organizers will download, store and share digital workbooks from exhibiting vendors and vendor partners. And, to share best practices for implementation, Grassroots Connect will host a Digital Workbook seminar for its members on Saturday, June 8 at 11 am.

“By bringing both retailers and vendors forward together, our goal is to help foster a system that works well for everyone,” said Hill. “Every small step toward the elimination of the paper workbook is a major efficiency boost delivering massive working benefits.” \lsdlocked0 Sma