retail buyer’s guide
RETAIL BUYER’S GUIDE
CAMPING AND OUTDOOR SS22
HELINOX
In the wake of the pandemic, more and more people are taking up outdoor sports as they become increasingly aware of the health benefits that spending time in nature can bring. At the same time, consumers are willing to invest more of their time and money in the ‘outdoor’ lifestyle. The shift to the outside and the resulting growth of the outdoor sector creates exciting opportunities for new and existing brands. The Outdoor Retail Buyer’s Guide for SS22 by Natalia Maruniak.
INDIVIDUAL OUTDOOR SPORTS ARE BOOMING As soon as the days get longer, many people feel the urge to get out into nature. Even a pandemic has not been able to stop this craving for the outdoors. On the contrary, Covid-19 has intensified this phenomenon. Whether hiking, cycling, mountaineering, climbing or trail running – many outdoor activities are booming at the moment. “The outdoor industry is probably one of the few industries that can speak of positive developments in relation to Covid-19. Due to the various restrictions, people have gone a little ‘back to the roots’ again, into nature. Alternative outdoor activities, long walks, local vacations, etc. are awakening a growing number of buyers to the need for the appropriate equipment and clothing 30
suitable for outdoors,” explains Madeleine Koziolek, Head of Marketing at Brandit. While all outdoor brands have suffered to a greater or lesser extent from the shops being closed during the lockdowns, they nevertheless share the view that the trend is very positive. Jeckybeng Founder Moritz Lorentz even declares Covid-19 “a blessing for the outdoor industry”. VERSATILITY FOR MORE ADVENTURE The modern outdoor athlete no longer focuses on just one specific activity; instead, a combination of disciplines is becoming increasingly popular. While in the past you were either a mountaineer or a mountain biker, the new generation goes freeriding
