What’s new to do at OR

As outdoor brands and retailers travel to Salt Lake City, or hit the 47″ inches of fresh powder at Solitude, home of the All Mountain Demo today, Outdoor Retailer would like to point out some key updates and additions to the Winter Market show floor. With efficiency in mind, the show is rolling out a new retail training series, rest areas across the show floor; debuting The RANGER Station at Venture Out; and handing out the new industry calendars:

Retailer Skills Course: A new take on outdoor specialty retail leadership training, each two-hour session is part seminar, part skills development. Facilitated by the Mann Group, Day 1 is about how to hire the right retail employees; Day 2 is about developing leaders; and Day 3 is about how to measure employee success.

The RANGER Station: Outdoor Retailer is taking deliberate steps to provide a hub for both the brands in this space and the retailers looking to engage in this growing urban trend. Hosted by RANGE, the RANGER Station will also be home to a boutique-inspired pop-up shop curated with items that have received a RANGE “Radical by Design” Seal of Approval. These distinctive products are designed to elevate outdoor adventure while focusing on design and execution.

The High-Altitude Den: Responding to pleas of “there’s nowhere to sit down!” Outdoor Retailer has created oases for retailers to stop for a moment. The High-Altitude Den, in the heart of the climbing community, will be serving Carabiner Coffee and food from the Himalayan Kitchen, a local SLC favorite. There’s also The Huddle in Venture Out, with Sage serving vegan and veg options and La Barba Coffee serving hot and cold brews. Other areas include MeetUp SLC (claiming “best couches on the show floor”) near Venture Out, a Grab N Go food station in the South Lobby and snacks in the West Lobby.

Industry Calendar: Covering 18 months of shows, this pocket guide has every show – national, regional and international – that influences the outdoor market. Pick up your copy at Registration.

“We’re excited that after five years, winter is finally beginning to arrive,” said Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer. “We know how critical this is to our retailers, reps and brands and we’re working to make the show as efficient as possible, down to making it only three days. We want the industry to come together, make plans for the future and get back to the business of getting people outside in their communities.”

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market opens January 10 -12, 2017 in Salt Lake City. The All Mountain Demo is January 9, 2017 at Solitude Mountain Resort.

RELATED: Outdoor Retailer to Stay in SLC Through 2018