Some people think it’s all fun and games at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show. I’m here to tell you that they are sadly mistaken.

Yes, the show atmosphere is laid back and casual. People wear their everyday outdoor garb and you rarely, if not ever, see a suit in the Salt Palace during the show. The show is dog friendly, kid friendly, and weirdo friendly. There are always some characters trying to turn heads and grab attention with costumes. The Icebreaker model comes to mind. He wears nothing but skintight boxer briefs and the mascot head of a sheep. Furthermore, everyday at about 4pm you start to see people walking the show with a beer in hand, letting you know that business is coming to a close.

Yes, there are product giveaways and freebees for everyone – free trips, iPads, SUP boards, awesome t-shirts, shorts, shoes, sandals, nutrition snacks, and even socks.  SUP boards, Stand Up Paddle Boards, were a big hit this year with more presence and recognition than any previous show. Without a doubt, everyone leaves with at least one fun new toy for themselves or a close friend/family member. The buyers at these shows leave with their overnight packs and suitcases spewing the best new gear and gadgets that the market has to offer. I’ve actually seen buyers turn down free stuff because they already had so much, and can’t bear the thought of adding one more item to their load.

Yes, there are some notable athletes and celebrity CEOs in attendance. American ultra runner superstar Scott Jurek, American climbing phenom Chris Sharma, and the highly innovative and successful CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh all made appearances.  Lines for book signings clog the aisles so that meetings are never attended on time and passersby have no choice but to take the long route to booth #39170. This years highlight for many was the appearance of the famed ultra runner and character of Christopher McDougal’s hit book Born to Run, Caballo Blanco. Caballo not only signed books in Saucony’s booth, but he also led a group of select Saucony customers on a trail run in the high mountains that surround the Salt Lake City valley.

Yes, there are industry parties and amusingly themed soirees hosted by the top brands in the outdoor market. The Teva Party and the Brooks Party are two infamous shindigs. Not to mention the independent rendezvous throughout the city at the various pubs and watering holes. My favorites are Gracie’s Gastropub and the dueling piano bar called the Tavernacle. Indeed, the late nights blur into the early mornings and only the few dedicated athletes honor there scheduled training regimens.

Feetures! Outdoor Retailer Show

So yes, there is lots of fun to be had at OR. However, amidst the hoopla and diversions, there is work to be done. There are meetings scheduled throughout each day with buyers from our different retail partners. There is the Feetures! Sales meetings with our independent rep force;  a crucial time to relay strategy and the direction of our line. In addition, we try to meet with key potential retail partners to tell them our story and show them what our products have to offer. Most importantly, we roll out the new lineup for next year and promote our recent and biggest success, Feetures! Elite.

Since the success of Feetures! Elite Ultra Light many people have been awaiting the Elite technology in a more padded sock. Well, they finally got it this month with the first Light Cushion styles hitting the market. And, I’m pleased to report that this much anticipated sock received rave reviews at OR.

In addition to the newly released Elite Light Cushion socks, we also had our Spring 2012 new product introductions on display.  Next year, we will be expanding our Elite offering to include the No Show with Tab style.  This is our lowest profile sock, and the preferred choice of many of our customers.  The Tab is going to be available in some awesome new color combinations!  We heard nothing but great things about the new styles, so we can’t wait for them to hit the market next March!

All in all, this year’s show was a great success for Feetures!.  Our customers were pleased with our direction and we got great feedback on the new products rolling out for spring 2012. Once again, we managed to mix work and play, met lots of cool new people, enjoyed Salt Lake’s dry climate and had an overall great time at the bi-annual Outdoor Retailer trade show.

- Joe