Applications are now open for Outdoor Retailer’s hosted buyer program that pays for a portion of qualified retailers’ travel expenses to the June show.
The program is intended for product development teams, independent specialty retailers, and omnichannel retailers who are ready to purchase outdoor apparel, clothing, footwear, gear, recreation and leisure products.
Pieter-Jan Hoon, the buying leader at Cape Union Mart in South Africa, which operates over 200 stores in the country, said the hosted buyer program allows his company to make the trek to OR.
“Our market follows U.S. trends almost to a T, so we are always interested in what is new and trending in the U.S. market and Outdoor Retailer is by far the best way to get this information,” Hoon said. “The program allowed us to meet brands such as Teton, Max-Lux and Topwell last year, and we are now doing business with them. The education sessions provide us with so many insights which we could never get if not for the hosted buyer program.”
The Outdoor Retailer show takes place June 18-20 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. The day before the show, June 17, OR is hosting Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer, a half-day conference fostering meaningful conversations around the most pressing issues facing the outdoor community.
Free to attendees as part of OR’s support of the industry, Industry Day at Outdoor Retailer will take place at the Salt Palace, from 1 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Day Zero, one day prior to the official opening of the show.
For Buyers
In addition to travel assistance, participants in the hosted buyer program will have access to:
- A concierge-led matchmaking program to discover new brands and products, book appointments, and build relationships.
- Multiple days of education, networking, and direct connection to industry leaders.
Steven Fisher, buyer relations director for Outdoor Retailer, said retailers are appreciative for the financial help to get them to the show where they can hunt for up-and-coming brands, and view new products from existing vendors.
“This is such a great opportunity to receive travel assistance for retailers in our market, get them to Salt Lake City in June, and let them experience what Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design & Innovation (ODI) have to offer,” he said.
Brands exhibiting in June include Stansport, Sun Bum, MK Lighter, Melan, Lotus & Luna, Konnek Sports, Sand Cloud, Nomatic, TOAKS Outdoor, and more.
To get involved apply here. Contact the Outdoor Retailer team with questions.
Adding More Buyers to Benefit Exhibitors
The benefit of the hosted buyer program to exhibitors is that it helps brands meet more buyers in just a few days and build relationships with prospective retail partners, leading to new leads and measurable ROI, according to show organizers.
“We know attracting a wide range of buyers to the show is important for our brand exhibitors,” said Outdoor Retailer Show Director Sean Smith. “That’s why we are investing to bring in high-quality retailers who are ready to do business and form meaningful partnerships with brands. We invite interested retailers to take advantage of our hosted buyer program, which is unique in the outdoor space, and apply today.”
Ready to the attend the show? Registration is now open. Register here.
