Welcome
to the GearTrends® Outdoor Summer 2004 magazine -- issued
to the trade August 2004. As a GearTrends® website
visitor – you
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TABLE OF CONTENTS INCLUDES: WELCOME LETTER from publishers Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian --
Sometimes, a closer look at ourselves is
needed if we are to decide what needs a
little refreshing. | CONTRIBUTORS --
Take a look at who makes GearTrends® the
page-turner it always is
AN IDEAL FIT? | PADDLESPORTS MARKET:
Can the paddle market find any unity among the alphabet soup of
consumer and trade associations?
BUYING OUT OF THE BOX | RETAIL TRENDS:
Playing it safe doesn’t cut it anymore. Retailers and manufacturers
need to shake up their product mix to draw in new customers.
TALKIN’ ABOUT A REVOLUTION | CLIMBING EQUIPMENT:
New designs in cams, shoes, ice tools and other climbing gear are
rockin’ the industry.
SIZING GIVES INDUSTRY FITS | APPAREL TRENDS:
Sizing standardization is as elusive as the Holy Grail. Will anyone ever
be able to definitively answer the question, “What size are you?”
GADGETS GALORE | ELECTRONICS:
It’s a digital world and the outdoor industry has tons of new gadgets—
from headlamps to watches to MP3 players—to electrify sales.
SPREADING THE WORD | SPECIAL REPORT:
Research funded by the outdoor industry is grabbing the attention of
federal agencies and putting us on the road to attracting new customers.
KICK OFF YOUR SHOES | TECHNICAL SANDALS:
Technical sandals turn 20 this year and have evolved into an
essential piece of gear for any outdoor adventure.
LETTER OF THE LAW | LEGAL CONTRACTS:
A good contract between manufacturers and independent
reps can ensure a sound business marriage
and smoother breakup, if it comes to that.
VERTICAL WORLD
| CLIMBING MARKET:
An in-depth analysis of the state
of the climbing and bouldering
market reveals a few surprise
findings, and ponders what
the future holds.
A WORLD BEYOND COLUMBUS | NAVIGATION:
Navigation has moved beyond paper maps and compasses into a
digital world of GPS receivers and computer mapping.
FABRIC SUPPLEMENT | SPECIAL SECTION:
GearTrends® in partnership with FabricLink.com covers the world of fibers and fabrics in this 20-page section.
CREATING A FIT OUTDOOR PLANET | SPECIAL REPORT :
Government agencies, private associations, non-profits and businesses are working together to fight inactivity and obesity among Americans—and the outdoor industry is poised to reap the benefits.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS | HEALTH & SAFETY:
A look at the subtle innovations happening in the
world of first aid, sunscreens, insect repellents,
energy bars, water filtration and footbeds.
HOW GREEN CAN WE BE? | SPECIAL REPORT:
Although we all love the outdoors, our industry’s
manufacturing processes have an impact on the
environment. Is it that hard for us to reduce our footprint on this earth?
SPACE CASE | MERCHANDISING:
Make the most out of a limited amount of
merchandising space.
THE BIG SHOW
| CONSUMER EVENTS:
Large consumer paddle events not
only bring big bucks, they’ve become the center stage to launch
products, market the sport and build momentum for the spring and
summer selling seasons.
BALANCING ACT | FITNESS:
Stability balls and wobble boards are fitness
products that can add balance and stability to
your bottom line, not to mention offer a world
of fun for your staff and customers.
PAIN KILLERS | PADDLE ACCESSORIES:
Innovative thinking is making boat seats and PFDs a lot more comfy
than they used to be for backs, behinds and legs.
WAY OF THE WOMAN | WOMEN’S MARKET:
With 17 million women recreating in the United States,
you can bet they’re expecting a lot from their
apparel and gear.
INFORMATION PORTAL | WEB BIZ:
Your website can be a key stop on the
information highway.
STAYING SHARP | KNIVES:
Knife and multi-tool companies
are still finding
cutting-edge
trends to make
their products
even better.