The Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer (OR) Summer Market in Salt Lake City was held from August 5 to 8. The three-day event showcased latest outdoor apparels, footwear, gear, accessories, raw materials, and technologies from 1,600 brands. The US market for outdoor apparel grew by 7.9 per cent over the past year. Specialty retailer sales of outdoor products grew by 5.2 per cent.

The outdoor industry is in transition on several fronts. Outdoor specialty retailers have struggled to compete with a growing number of multi-national and omni-channel retail brands. Growth in the outdoor market is coming from categories such as: footwear, paddle sports, climbing gyms, yoga, and hammock. In fact, sales of light weight hammocks have risen by 51 per cent in the past year.

Outdoor enthusiast wants gear that is super-light and versatile rather than ultra technical. College students are also challenging traditional outdoor brands with a modern outdoor movement based on healthy lifestyles and an increased appreciation of sustainable fibers and cleaner technologies.

The search for a replacement for long-chain (C8) DWR finishes which contain harmful PFOA and PFOS has brands looking at a number of options. Many brands have transitioned to C6 or short-chain fluorocarbon finishes. But these tend to break down more quickly in the environment and perform less effectively in repellency tests. At the same time, brands are working to make DWR products lighter and more comfortable. The 2016 winter market will held from January 7 to 10.

www.outdoorretailer.com/summer-market/show.../show-overview.shtml