Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Is seeking outdoor industry input for its Outdoor Retail of the Future Project, a multi-year initiative aimed at reinventing the outdoor retail experience. Working with IDEO, a world-renowned design consultancy, and gathering perspectives from the industry, OIA aims to uncover actionable strategies to help OIA members adapt to the rapidly shifting needs and expectations of outdoor consumers.
The OIA website now features a variety of background resources on the project, including the Outdoor Retailer Industry Breakfast presentation where the project launched, vignettes from preliminary research interviews, and other resources to help industry representatives get involved. Industry representatives are encouraged to view the resources, provide input, and attend Rendezvous — the outdoor industry leadership forum — where the project will continue with an interactive presentation by IDEO.
“We aim for a high level of industry engagement in this project,” said Christie Hickman, vice president of market insights for OIA. “The combination of IDEO’s research and industry perspectives will help us identify how outdoor retail should evolve to attract and engage future outdoor consumers.”
Using feedback gathered from the industry and additional research, OIA will continue the Outdoor Retail of the Future Project at Rendezvous, being held Sept. 30-Oct.2 in San Diego. At the conference, IDEO will host a participatory keynote session that will inspire a “concept retail environment” that OIA will showcase this at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January 2014.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services.
