It's that time of year again. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, one of the world's largest outdoor gear trade fairs, is held twice a year (in summer and winter) in Salt Lake City, USA. To be honest, I probably wouldn't be able to physically cover events twice a year, but I decided to go again this year
2015 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market – Recap
For those of you attending for the first time, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is a four-day event where over 1,600 outdoor brands, large and small (as of 2015), gather from all over the world to unveil for the first time the latest gear scheduled to be released for the North American market next season. We reported on our coverage of the event last year in this report , but as it is an event held in the North American market, which can be said to be leading the global outdoor market, it is a rare opportunity to get a firsthand feel for the major trends in outdoor gear.
As I mentioned earlier, similar trade shows are held in Europe, and I've already reported on them here . However, a look at the exhibitors reveals a distinctly American feel. They range from backpacking, camping, hiking, climbing, alpine climbing, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, fly fishing, hunting, health and fitness, paddle sports, water sports, SUP, pet supplies, running, trail running, surfing, skating, triathlon, endurance, yoga, Pilates, military, adventure travel, and health foods. In addition to a wide range of outdoor activities, there were also many exhibitors in the lifestyle and healthcare fields, and the "Made in America" movement, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, featured in the exhibits. These are characteristics typical of the American market.
Of course, there's every chance that unknown activities that don't make the list every year, like slacklining, which has recently become a global phenomenon, will be born here. America is a country with a truly refreshingly reckless spirit, and the countless exhibitor booths are filled with diversity, from brands that make you wonder how they managed to exhibit such products to amazing products that could change the world. When you look at the outdoor industry in particular, you can really feel that this is, for better or worse, the very essence of American vitality. There's a lot of junk, but the encounters with these few new innovations are the real fun of this event, and the reason I couldn't resist going again this year
That's why this event is filled with enthusiasm, with everyone from global brands with a global reach to garage brands with a DIY spirit all eager to amaze the world. What new discoveries will there be this year? We apologize to those who are hoping for a review, but please bear with us for a little longer as we continue our coverage report. So, please look forward to it in a week!
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