Grassroots Outdoor Alliance has launched a free, flexible and open online platform – the Connect Hub – to bring together vendor brands and specialty retailers for the spring 2021 buying process.
With 81 retail members comprising 182 storefronts nationwide, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a national association working together for the long-term health of independent specialty outdoor retail. For their new Connect Hub, however, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will be welcoming approved retailers and qualified brands from outside their traditional membership.
“For the independent specialty retailer community, open accessibility for the greatest possible number of vendors and retailers is of utmost importance for the spring 21 buying cycle. To acknowledge that reality, we created a tool that would support both our members and our industry at whatever level they are able to come to the table, and whenever it works best for them,” said Gabe Maier, vice president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.
Designed for simplicity and ease of use, the Connect Hub supports qualified vendor brands of all levels by hosting essential sales tools and best practices in a single, structured location, including available categories; an overview of their sell-in process; key deadlines; product and brand images; assets including workbooks, price lists, MAP policies and order forms; and links to any B2B sales platforms, if available.
All company materials other than basic contact information will be password protected and accessible only by verified specialty retailers.
The Connect Hub opened for vendor submissions on June 2, 2020, and is anticipated to begin welcoming approved retailers later this month. Interested vendors should go to https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com/connect-hub.
