Grassroots Connect, the invitation-only buying show for specialty outdoor retailers, will double the size of its Discovery Marketplace to include 70 brands at the upcoming event at the Knoxville [Tenn.] Convention Center.
The Discovery Marketplace is a one-day curated brand gathering structured to introduce prospective new vendors to the Grassroots community of member retailers, guest retailers and sales representatives.
The “meet and greet” format includes a simple booth and limited product selection and is held in the afternoon prior to the start of Grassroots Connect – an event that gathers more than 1,000 attendees including 122 retailers and more than 340 buyers and principals for four days of pre-scheduled appointments.
First held at Grassroots Connect in November 2022, the Discovery Marketplace was praised by attending brand representatives, who appreciated the low-cost, high-value format.
“Being a part of Discovery Marketplace was a real and valuable benefit for us. It was a whole new stage for us to expand our sales channels. For smaller brands like us, we need to be effective with our time and Grassroots stays true to that intent for all of us,” said Jonathan Ballesteros, CEO of Geyser Systems.
“The curation and balance between brands and retailers is part of what makes (the Discovery Marketplace) so special, but it’s also vitally important for industry newness to be on display in some fashion or things become stagnant. Retailers need a chance to see what’s out there, brands need a chance to be discovered, and that’s what the Discovery Marketplace provides,” added Cory Higgins of Jetty.
And Geoff Pedder of Tread Labs said, “The Discovery Marketplace was a tremendous opportunity for new growing brands like us to meet and introduce our product to some of the best outdoor retailers in the country … I only wish we had more time to spend with them.”
Retailers also praised the Discovery Marketplace for the variety of new brands, the relaxed “no appointment” format, and the friendly and casual atmosphere. Some reported “placing an order on the spot,” while many others expressed how valuable it was to have other retailers nearby as they explored opportunities.
Grassroots Connect will take place in early June Knoxville. Brands interested in being considered for the Discovery Marketplace (June 11) should submit their interest through this Grassroots exhibitor interest form
For more information on Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, please go to www.grassrootsoutdoors.com.
