During Grassroots Connect’s annual fall buying show of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance members, the early November event delivered an A-list roster of independent retailers and specialty outdoor brands, a hyper-efficient show format featuring four days of pre-scheduled meetings, and an inspiring lineup of exceptional learning and sharing opportunities for all attendees.
The show also provided a welcome forum for key conversations during a pivotal moment for the specialty outdoor marketplace, including question marks about the state of consumer interest in outdoor recreation, the reality of inflationary impacts on both retailers and brands, and the impending challenges of oversupply.
“The specialty outdoor marketplace is keenly aware that communicating early and often is the best way to navigate shared challenges like the ones in this current moment. Considering all the factors in play, this was clearly an exceptional time to gather the industry, in addition to being as early as possible in the buying calendar,” said Gabe Maier, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.
Grassroots Connect organizers reported 1,083 total attendees, including 339 buyers from 128 retailers who sat in on more than 9,200 pre-scheduled appointments.
Ten educational seminars were held during the pre-show education day, including a full slate of events that were open to all attendees — Grassroots members and non-members — for the first time. Those events were kicked off by a deep dive into the world of Eagle Eye Outfitters led by founder Mark Anderson, while a lunchtime “Fireside Chat” on the opportunities of inclusion with Earl B. Hunter Jr. and Chuck Millsaps set the tone of learning and openness for the day.
The show attracted 149 exhibitors, a record tally that included 112 brands on the main show floor, as well as 37 additional brands that were invited to participate in the Grassroots Discovery Marketplace: a showcase held during the evening of the pre-show Education Day. Grassroots also held a “Disco(very) Happy Hour” on night two, bringing opportunities of discovery to the main show floor.
The success of Grassroots Connect has historically been rooted in its predictability as both buyers and sellers are well prepared and know to expect high-quality meetings, top tier attendees, and in-depth line reviews. But with the addition of these targeted discovery elements, Grassroots Connect is now introducing multiple chances for businesses to have that unexpected conversation that can grow into a difference-maker.
The next Grassroots Connect will be June 12-15 in Knoxville, Tenn. While exhibitor attendance is by invitation only, potential future exhibitors are encouraged to submit their interest through this simple form before the official registration process begins for brands in January.
