Total seen monthly circulation: + 27,330,229Total seen circulation year to date: + 27,330,229

January/February 2016 brand editorial:

Bike / PerformanceBestProducts.com - Forefront, Overtake - 20,000Bicycling - Forefront - 3,331,230Bike Radar.com - Smith vs POC MIPS Helmet - 2,500,000Decline - Forefront, Arena Max, Squad MTB - 40,000Dirt Rag - Forefront (cover photo) - 25,000Freehub - Forefront - 25,000GearMinded - Arena Max - 22,908Global Mountain Bike Network - Forefront - 48,913ROAD - Arena Max - 40,000

SunglassesOR Show Daily, Day 2 - Sidney - 67,634Outside - Arena - 717,720TheManual.com - Captain’s Choice - 104,651TrailandUltra Running.com - Overdrive, Arena Max, Captain’s Choice - 81,327Transworld Business - Clark, Sidney, Langley - 190,051Vision Monday - Captain’s Choice, Guide’s Choice, Wanderer - 68,330

FishFly Rod & Reel - Low Light Ignitor - 22,956Southern Trout - ChromaPop - 40,502Southern Trout - Suncloud Conductor Reader - 40,502Tackle Trade World - Dockside - 20,000

Corporate NewsGear Patrol - OR Recap - 1,255,129ShopEatSurf - Smith Business Recap - 95,543SIA Show Daily, Day 2 - AJ Appezzato Avalanche - 21,829SIA Show Daily, Day 3 - E. Carlson Interview - 21,829Sports Executive Weekly - E. Carlson Interview - 36,401

Press Contact: Kate Gaeirkate@akimbopr.com | 206.334.0863

ABOUT SMITH: Originating from Sun Valley, Idaho, SMITH was founded in 1965 with the invention of the first snow goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. With 50 years of innovation and design experience, SMITH is widely known today as an industry leader that pioneers advanced eyewear and helmets that incorporate dynamic technologies, optimized performance and clean styling to fuel fun beyond walls. SMITH seeks to power thrilling experiences in snow, surf, bike, fish and peak performance outdoor adventures with a comprehensive collection that exudes modern style and vibrant personality. To SMITH, the experience is everything. Smith is part of Safilo Group.

SnowBestProducts.com - W’s Vantage - 20,000BestProducts.com - I/O 7 Goggle - 20,000Blister Gear Review - Pivot Helmet - 25,000Epic Life - Arena, Valence, Gambler - 220,000Forbes - I/O 7 Goggle - 2,374,665Freeskier - I/O Goggle, 2017 Trends - 70,000Gear Institute - ChromaPop Snow - 58,076GearMinded.com - ChromaPop Snow - 22,908KSL.com - ChromaPop Snow - 5,000,000Men’s Journal.com - I/O Goggle - 5,014,775Mademan.com - I/O7 Goggle - 864,630Mountain Mag - ChromaPop Snow - 125,000Mountain Mag - Woolrich Collab - 125,000OnTheSnow - ChromaPop Snow - 385,854OnTheSnow - Pivot Jr Helmet - 385,854OR Show Daily, Day 1 - Vantage x Woolrich - 67,634Outside Bozeman - I/O Goggle - 20,000Outside - Owner Operator Collab - 717,720Sporting Goods Business - Goggle & Helmet Technologies - 23,700SIA Preview Issue - Vantage x Woolrich - 21,829Malakye.com - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 212,166SNEWS - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 32,945Snowboarder - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 557,198SnowboardMag - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 488,204SIA - Louis Paradif Announcement - 21,829Transworld Snowboarding - Louif Paradis Annoucement - 1,037,634Style of Sport - ChromaPop Snow - 10,000Transworld Business - Riot, ChromaPop Snow, Goggle Trends - 190,051Transworld Business - Woolrich Collab, ChromaPop Snow - 190,051Transworld Business - Goggles and Helmets - 190,051

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ISSUE 1602JANUARY 11, 2016

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Active Lifestyle Market

22 SGBWeekly.com | JANUARY 11, 2016

Wintersport goggle brands are beginning to pull back from some of the category’s

recent big trends - such as oversized lenses and integrated electronics - as consumers lean toward simpler models that bring performance they don’t have to think about on the slopes.

And competition will be tight as warmer winter weather is already putting a squeeze on retailers’ open-to-buy dollars with larger inventories building up and pricepoints dropping.

Oversized spherical lenses, while still popular, are reaching their peak, said Jon Raymer, category manager for goggles at Smith Optics. “The question is: ‘How big is too big?’” he said. “This is really becoming more of a fashion trend, because at

a certain point the larger size doesn’t increase your field of view anymore, and in some cases, makes it impossible to wear a helmet properly.” Consumers are complaining that oversized goggles are too big for their faces, and brands are re-introducing smaller models and new tech that better adapts to face shapes.

Electronics in goggles - everything from live-view GPS stats to integrated video cameras - were all the rage a few years ago, but that trend, too, is fading, brand officials said. Consumers are wary of spending big bucks on technology that quickly can become outdated.

Plus, more often than not, they’re getting the same tech from their smartphones. “You’re able to do more with your phone and a 99-cent app

than you can with a $500 goggle,” Raymer said. “There’s a renewed focus on what goggles are for.”

With those obstructions out of the way, goggle brands are focusing on technology advances in light management. There’s still demand for the ability to quickly and easily change out lenses based on light conditions, but also growing demand for photo-chromatic or transition lenses that alter the tint based on how bright or dim it is out there. With both systems, brands are also focusing on the clarity and color filtration of lenses to deliver the most natural, clear vision.

Other trends to look out for on the winter trade show floors: a focus on better ventilation - especially as more skiers are huffing and puffing it uphill on AT skis -and the use of more

An Unobstructed View

Goggle Brands Look To Cleaner, Simpler Designs That Still Up Performance

By David Clucas

OUTDOOR HARDGOODS

JANUARY 11, 2016 | SGBWeekly.com 23

magnet technology for quick and secure lens interchangeability.

REVO“There’s a huge emphasis on all the bells and whistles, but people just want something that works and they can wear all day,” said Cliff Robinson, co-president of Revo. The brand introduces its first goggle line with six styles, four front shapes and three lens types, each $229, including the Wordsmith and Echo. All lenses are photo-chromatic and notably only semi-polarized. The latter still cuts down on glare but doesn’t distort terrain or hinder the user’s ability to read an electronic screen, Robinson said. The three lens options, blue water, green water and solar orange,

allow users some further dialing in beyond the photo-chromatic tech for bright-light days, low-light days and universal lighting, respectively.

SMITH OPTICSSmith’s iconic, spherical-lens I/O Goggle - a pioneer in lens interchangeability eight years ago - gets a makeover for winter 2016/17 with a wider field-of-view and a new frame that better flexes to fit a variety of faces. “By reducing material and creating flexible lattice architecture, the re-designed I/O frame acts like a suspension system that micro adjusts to unique facial structures,” officials said. Each goggle, $180, includes a bright-light and low-light lens, and for $30 more comes with the brand’s ChromaPop technology that better filters light and

color for more accurate vision. Smith also brings the Riot Goggle, $80 or $100 with ChromaPop, a women’s-specific, non-interchangeable cylindrical option that features much of the same tech above at a more affordable price.

DRAGON ALLIANCEFrameless designs, which allow for easier lens change outs, continue to pick up steam after some initial hesitancy on the style front. Dragon Alliance brings its new X2S Goggle, $220, which is a smaller model from previous versions and features the brand’s new Apex color-tuning technology to optimize clarity. It’s an interchangeable lens with a sunny and low-light lens options.

Revo Echo

Smith Optics I/O

Smith Optics Riot

Dragon Alliance X2S

SPORTS & FITNESS

Concussion Conscious

Media Attention On Head Injuries’ Lasting Effects Continues To Raise Safety Awareness In Wintersport Helmets

By David Clucas

Currently in wintersport helmets, everyone is talking NFL football … even our European friends. No, don’t expect to see Smith, K2 and POC

Sports outfitting the Pittsburgh Steelers or Arizona Cardinals next year. Rather it’s the increased media attention on concussions that have brought the topic of head safety - no matter the sport - to top-of-mind for consumers. With increased scrutiny, studies are beginning to link these head injuries to longer-lasting mental and physical problems for aging athletes.

“Scientists, consumers and even governments are starting to pay a lot of attention, not only to single, high impacts, but also to repeated, low impacts [to the head] and their affect over time,” said Drew Chilson, head

of product creation at Smith Optics. “Protecting from those injuries is coming much more to the spotlight.”

Wintersport helmet brands are responding. And while they can’t legally market a helmet as “safer” than another, the goal is to make safer helmets, while maintaining a balance with performance

“We could design the ‘safest’ helmet in the world, but you would look like Spaceballs,” said Willie Ford, managing director of Poc Sports North America, referring to the 1980s Star Wars spoof where the villains wear oversized helmets. “We spend most of our time talking about how we can combine performance and protection.”

26 SGBWeekly.com | JANUARY 11, 2016

JANUARY 11, 2016 | SGBWeekly.com 27

The conversation between brands, retailers and consumers is going to become a lot more sophisticated, Ford said, especially over the repeated “little bumps” that people don’t normally think about.

Chilson agreed, adding that helmets will get more sport-specific on the basis of what injuries are more prone in the activity including risks at high-speed, low-speed, multi-impacts and rotational impacts.

“You actually wouldn’t want a helmet that addresses all four of these pillars equally because you would compromise the product,” he said.

Outside of protection, brands continue to work on making helmets lighter, more breathable and improving fit with accompanying goggles. Comfort and style are still priorities, even if they will likely take a backseat to safety next year.

POC SPORTSStudies are beginning to show that repeated, smaller impacts to the head can be as long-term damaging as a single hard hit. That’s where Poc’s Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) protective layer can play a better role than standard EPS foam, Ford said. The technology debuted in 2007, but is being broadened into more new product this year. It has elastic properties that allows it to come back after dings and dents, versus EPS that can lose its protective loft with every little hit that gets past hard shell, Ford said.

SALOMONRecognizing the growing touring and uphill market, Salomon has focused on lighter weight helmets with superior breathability for the sweat-inducing workouts. With the new MTN Charge, $180, the brand targets free-ride skiers and snowboarders by beefing things up from last year’s MTN Lab Helmet. Maintaining the light 300-gram weight, the Charge is still comfortable and breathable enough to wear while touring, but now also burly enough to wear when shredding downhill.

K2A new hybrid shell construction and improved goggle integration highlight K2 Skis’ new men’s Diversion and women’s Virtue helmets for 2016/17. The hybrid and in-mold materials inside and outside of the shell “give skiers added protection where they need it, while cutting weight in places they don’t,” officials said. Strategically placed ventilation on the front corners of the helmet help eliminate foggy goggleS and side strap catches keep the goggles in place whether down or up. Plus, a new chinstrap comeS with a lock buckle to keep it from sliding off the user’s chin.

UVEXUvex shows off its Octo+ fitting technology in its Jakk+ Helmet, $220, which attaches itself firmly to the head of users and adapts the size automatically, like the arms of an octopus, for a comfortable and safe fit. Uvex also debuts its new P.8000 Tour Ski Mountaineering Helmet weighing in at 400 grams, including the Recco avalanche rescue system, a Boa fit system, a headlamp attachment.

SWEET PROTECTIONToday’s helmets have to adapt to a multitude of hits. Enter Sweet Protection’s Trooper, which utilizes the brand’s thermoplastic-laminated-carbon-fiber construction to make the shell hard enough to withstand severe stress, yet flexible enough for energy to be absorbed. The EPS padding is also constructed with “shields” of various densities to distribute the pressure and absorb energy efficiently. For the pros, check out The Rooster, which now features a mono shell exterior, those multi-density EPS shields and the ability to absorb impacts to less than 250 grams.

Salomon MTN Charge

K2 Diversion

K2 Virtue

Uvex Jakk+ Helmet

Sweet Protection Trooper

Sweet Protection The Rooster

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Components, Gear, Armor and More!

2016 MOUNTAIN BIKES AND ACCESSORIES

BUYER’S GUIDE

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 23, 2016

BUYER’S GUIDE 2016 | USA $8.99 | CAN $9.99

CCCoommpppoonnneeeeennnnttttssss,,, GGGGGeeeeaaaaarrrrr,,,,AArmmoorr aaaaannndddd MMMMooooorrrrreeeee!!!!

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 23, 2016

BUYER’S GUIDE 2016 | USA $8.99 | CAN $9.99

Model: COMP Price: $99.99Features: Lightweight polycarbonate shell, Large vents provide cold air intake and heat exhaust, Large eyeport for great vision and accommodating goggles, Complies to standards: CPSC, CE: 1078, AS/NZS 206.

Model: Vivo Plus Price: $149Features: MIPS Brain Protection system, Optimized venting, extended coverage, removable visor.

Model: DIRTLID + Price: $39.99Features: Traditional skate style profi le, Durable shell made from ABS, One size fi ts all, Multi-sport use, One shell with additional pads for unlimited adjustability, Magnetic Fidlock Closure.

Model: SpartanPrice: $109Features: Lightweight construction, washable pads, padded chin strap, 15 vents.

Model: Forefront Helmet with MipsPrice: $260Features: Ventilated Protection Featuring Patented Koroyd Material Integrated Skeletal Structure And Carbon Fiber Reinforcements; Integrated Camera & Light mount. Select colors with Mips protection.

Model: EVO AM MIPS Price: $199Features: MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) Light and well-ventilated design through in-molded construction with 15 vents. Secure and micro-adjustable with the 360˙ Boa Fit System.

Model: Forefront HelmetPrice: $220Features: Ventilated Protection Featuring Patented Koroyd Material Integrated Skeletal Structure And Carbon Fiber Reinforcements; Integrated Camera & Light mount.

Model: RECONPrice: $109.99Features: All day comfort with super light in-molded construction, Extreme venting and weight reduction with multiple vents, Excellent protection with extended drop in rear, Removable visor.

Model: Archi-Enduro VeggiePrice: $224.95Features: Removable/Washable Pads. In-Mold Construction, Flexible Visor.

Model: Down-O-MaticPrice: $199.95Features: CPSC certifi cation, fi ber composite construction, stylish and soft anti-crash visor, grilled vents, internal Venturi effect, 966g.

Model: Endur-O-Matic 2 MIPS Price: $129.95Features: 28 Vents, Butterfl y cage, Recycled PET straps and EPS shell, BOA retention system, MIPS. Non-Mips version - $134.95.

Model: Supatrail Price: $129.95Features: CE1078 CPSC Certifi cation, In-Mold construction, Custom ring system, Recycled EPS shell, Recycled PET straps, 3 shell sizes: S/M (54/57cm), L/XL (58/60cm) XXL (63cm).

Six Six Onesixsixone.com

Scott USAscottusa.com

Smithsmithoptics.com

Six Six Onesixsixone.com

Urge Helmetsurgebike.com

122 MtbBuyersGuide.com

Model: RacecraftPrice: $65Features: The Racecraft is a synthesis of precision engineering and minimal design, which produces a goggle that performs and feels as great as it looks.

Model: Strider AntiFOGPrice: $89.99–139.99Features: Lightweight with hydrophilic, adjustable nose pads and temple tips for a custom fi t. RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: Caliber AntiFOGPrice: $89.99–159.99Features: Wide-fi tting with hydrophilic, adjustable temple tips and nose pads. RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: Seventh AntiFOGPrice: $79.99–149.99Features: With its casual fl at top. The hydrophilic, adjustable temple tips and nose pads make it highly customizable. RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: Nimby - AntiFOGPrice: $139.99Features: Lightweight, rimless design with adjustable, hydrophilic nose pads to customize the fi t and airfl ow. The RYDERS antiFOG lens has a permanent and washable fog-resistant coating on the back of the lens and a hydrophobic coating on the front.

Model: PivLock Arena MaxPrice: $159Features: TR90 frame material, Hydroleophobic lens coating, 2-position nose pads, carbonic lenses, PivLock technology

Model: Soaza Price: $74.99Features: Built in tear-off pins, easy-to-change lenses, Shred NoDistortion lens and NoClog technology.

Model: ShorePrice: $49.99Features: Unlike other goggles on the market, this is not a rebadged snow or MX goggle. We designed the Shore from the ground up to meet the specifi c challenges of freeride and downhill mountain biking.

Model: SquadPrice: $60Features: Designed for mountain biking, very breathable, maximum airfl ow to reduce fogging on slower trails, roll-off & tear-off compatible

Model: AccuriPrice: $45-60Features: Crafted from the fi nest materials, the Accuri ensures optimal performance with an enhanced fi eld of vision at an obtainable price.

Model: Airbrake MXPrice: $205Features: High impact Plutonite lens w/ F3 Anti-Fog coating, Switch-Lock Lens Tech, O Matter frame, injection molded polycarbonate frame.

Model: Radar EV PathPrice: $190Features: Prizm technology lens, interchangeable lenses and fully customizeable, Path lense offers wide fi eld of view.

Smith Opticssmithoptics.com

Rydersryderseyewear.com

Rydersryderseyewear.com

100%ride100percent.com

Oakleyoakley.com

Shred Opticsshredoptics.com

Price: $175Features: Engineered with the fi nest materials. The Speedcraft carries the same DNA of 100% goggles, featuring striking design aesthetics with TOPVIEW lens technology.

100% Speedcraft

ride100percent.com

Protecting your eyesight while riding is of the utmost importance and should not be overlooked. Mountain

biking eyewear has evolved into two different types — wrap around polycarbonate protective glasses or moto-style goggles. Glasses have better ventilation so they are ideal for riders putting out serious aerobic effort, as they won’t fog as easily when you perspire. Goggles offer the best eye protection — even keeping out fine dust particles — so they appeal to downhill, freeride and some enduro riders. While this buyer’s guide highlights some of the popular eyewear choices available, our website offers more eyewear as well as the ability to compare similar products and access manufacturer’s websites. Go to mtbbuyersguide.com to check it out.

124 MtbBuyersGuide.com

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Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRbgRuNIXM

2

Winter warmersA look at the latest in high-tech and retro insulation

33PAGE

gear trends

Doug TompkinsHonoring a man who built a gear empire—and so much more

29PAGE

people

JANUARY 8, 2016

DAY

PARKS PROPHETTERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS CALLS FOR ACTIONPAGE 11

PAGE

newsMillennialismsYoung shoppers aren’t as different as you may think, says one expert

13

The official publication of:

POWERED BY SNEWS

OUTDOOR RETAILER DAILYo•r•d•

Issue2_Cover_Winter2016-JD-ml-JD-ml.indd 1 1/7/16 5:20 PM

OUTSIDE BACK OUTSIDE FRONT

DAY2_SPIRIT COVER FRONT_ORD_WIN16.indd 1 12/16/15 3:57 PM

newsOutdoorRetailer

16 outdoor retailer daily

scene capturing the show’s key moments

Street ’n SlopeToday’s outdoorswoman has many more choices for lifestyle and performance wear

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Sunday Afternoon’s Tessa moves seamlessly from cityscapes to countryside concerts, giving new life to grandpa’s fedora.

F L O P T O P

With Smith’s Sydney, she doesn’t sacrifice style or performance. ChromaPop polarized lenses give these cat-eyes superior optics.

S U B T L E S H A D E S

She throws on the elegant Woolrich x Westerlind Poncho when the mercury dips during an evening outdoors.

W R A P ’E M U P

The svelte yet rugged Timberland Wheelwright doesn’t blink at festival mud. Bonus: 50% recycled lining.

M A D E I N T H E S U E D E

Wigwam’s Cozy Cypress keeps toes warm and adds some retro pop above her shoes.

T OA S T Y T O O T S I E S

Toad & Co’s Lean Legging moves with her when her favorite song inspires a little two-step.

S I L K Y S T R E T C H

From the eye shield compatibility to an Omega headband system

(with ponytail notch!), the Petzl Elia protects even on the burliest climbs.

R OA M D O M E

Lens swapping is slick with Zeal Optics’ Voyager. And with the aid of Everclear

anti-fog technology and bottom-and-top ventilation, her sight stays crisp.

M I X & M AT C H

She demands performance and style when ski mountaineering,

and finds it in the Ortovox Merino Hardshell 3L Alagna Jacket.

M O U N TA I N M A M A

Petzl’s Selena harness is spiced with bright palettes. Ideal for her

torso, the belay loop is longer for a comfortable around-the-hips rise.

S P I C E O F L I F E

Did we mention she digs individuality? Marmot’s

Whimsey Pant stands out in a crowd and up to

the elements.

F R E E T O B E M E

The super-technical La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX offers an

innovative 3D flex ankle and impact brake system.

I C E , I C E , B A B Y

Issue2_16_Scene1_Winter2016-gl-JD.indd 16 1/7/16 7:27 PM

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issue 23

www.southerntrout.com

Southern TroutFeb/Mar 2016

CLOSE LOOK: Georgia

new product review

Best Damn Sunglasses - Ever!!I

f you opened the bottom drawer on my desk, you’d see well in excess of three dozen pairs of sunglasses. No, I am not a sunglasses collector, or even a sunglasses hoarder. I do regard myself as a connoisseur tinted eyewear. Over the last four decades I have owned and lost enough sunglasses to put

shades on the entire Swedish army. Some of these sunglasses were cheap and cheesy—capable of literally sucking your eyes out of your head at the end of a day of fishing. Other sunglasses melted onto your face so perfectly that you nev-er wanted to take them off. To use a Clint Eastwood term, I had “the good, bad and the ugly.”

54 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

Best Damn Sunglasses - Ever!!

new product review

www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 55

product review

56 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

product review

www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 57

product review

58 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

product review

www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 59

product review

60 l December 2015 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com60 l February 2016 l Southern Trout l www.SouthernTrout.com

product review

www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l January 2016 l 61 www.SouthernTrout.com l Southern Trout l March 2016 l 61

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9 SPORTS EXECUTIVE WEEKLY | JANUARY 11, 2016 © SportsOneSource, LLC

idea, and more durable for backpack-ing and high-abrasion environments.

the durability of the membrane,” said Scott Trepanier, director, PR and communications at Columbia. “Soon, it will allow us to go into cat-egories where waterproof breathable hasn’t been before.”

Show TimingMoving the show earlier by two weeks was the big conversation in the ORWM aisles. Some heading to the SHOT Show, ISPO and SIA appreciated a break between those shows and lack of housing

-er because the show overlapped with too many regional or buying group shows, as well as the Consumer Electronics Show. Some felt

from Wednesday through Sunday instead of Tuesday through Saturday also led some buyers to spend two days instead of three or four at the show in order to enjoy the weekend.

Eric Carlson, vice president prod-uct and design at Smith Optics, felt the show was a bit quieter.

“I think people are just recovering

to managing their business,” said Carl-son. “So that change of only a couple

On the positive side Carlson said, “orders are happening and business is getting done” with accounts visit-ing Smith Optics’ booth. He believes

stores are being more strategic with many locking in appointments

Peter Sachs, general manager of Lowa Boots in the U.S., assessed

suspected was due to the timing as well as many other regional

of the show. Stated Sachs, “No people, no buzz.”He nonetheless believes the industry remains in solid shape.

Mississippi. If they get another two strong months of winter, maybe they’ll be okay. If they don’t, it will be ugly.”

Chris Miller, national sales man-ager at Vasque and Bill Dodge, CEO of Garmont expressed similar senti-

will be a period of adjustment for all players.

“�is show is morphing into a marketing event than a sales event

and that’s �ne. We just have to have a di�er-ent perspective into how we come to market,” Miller said. Vasque will be looking at shi�ing to a smaller booth space and lowering corpo-rate participation to maximize its e�orts at upcoming shows.

Dodge said that each show, large and small, would have to do a better

shows are getting stronger and we were very im-pressed with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance show in November,” he said.

show play and how do we make the

that’s too long to get it to the consumer.”“It’s been a good show for us,” said

Ian Little, marketing manager for Hi-Tec USA and Magnum USA. “We’ve had quality appointments - not quantity but quality.”

Hi-Tec was able to spend time with many of its key larger part-

we’ve had in a long time,” although he felt many came early to make it home for the weekend.

“People don’t really want to be here on a Saturday or Sunday,” said Little. “Sports are going on and many have kids and families they want to spend time with.”

Weather & Economic HeadwindsJosh Fairchilds, vice president of prod-uct and marketing at Oboz, believes the late winter on the East Coast has

buyer’s attitudes and their open-to-buy positions.

“I think looking ahead at Fall 2016 there’s a lot of folks that are very, very tentative in their buys,” Fairchilds said.

-ter inventories and that’s going to be a big hangover unless the weather quickly changes.”

He added that there are some concerns about the global

market, which is typically a strong contributor for U.S. winter brands, is also struggling with falling commodity prices and

currency - practically a 30-percent cut for U.S. brands selling there.

But Fairchilds believes the U.S. economy is “actually pretty good” and supporting the outdoor market. Said Fairchilds, “People are paying their bills, people are reorder-ing goods – those are the best indica-tors for us.”

noted that his team saw the show challenged with the new dates and warmer weather out East.

But he still felt the energy was strong in the building with many retailers embracing the broader out-

door lifestyle trends reaching the sector.“I remember coming to this show 10 years ago and if you

weren’t pushing mountain product, it didn’t belong here,” said Spaletto. “So I think whether it’s Venture Out or just the way you’re seeing how the people here dress and look, that’s all just changing in a really positive way,” said Spaletto. “And I think spe-cialty retail is embracing that opportunity. It’s a very loyal follow-ing of consumers so why not try to attach your business to them more broadly and deeply.”

Scott Trepanier Director, PR and Communications, Columbia

Eric Carlson ,VP Product and Design, Smith Optics

Peter Sachs GM, Lowa Boots, U.S.

Chris Miller, National Sales Manager, Vasque

Bill Dodge, CEO, Garmont

Ian Little, Marketing Manager, Hi-Tec USA and Magnum USA

Josh Fairchilds, VP Product and Marketing, Oboz