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The OIA Article Library is your go-to resource to learn about the issues affecting the outdoor industry. From the latest business and marketing trends to technology innovation and retail management, we cover it all. Search by topic or browse the entire library.

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Onex to acquire Nielsen Expositions, owner of Outdoor Retailer (Market Wired) Marks & Spencer pilots mobile payment app to explore emerging technologies...
Merrell Renews Support of Outdoor Nation for 2013 Millennial Summits
Merrell has signed on as a lead partner for the 2013 Outdoor Nation Summits, which will take place this summer and fall across the United States. The summits bring...
UPS Worldwide Express Freight Offers Fast, Reliable International Shipping — Discounted for OIA Members
Even with the most careful planning, urgent scenarios arise. Whether it's a product launch, equipment failure, or a product outage, critical situations rarely allow...
Terminal, POS Upgrades Need to Anticipate Digital Wallets
Merchants upgrading their payment terminals to meet new security standards being imposed by major credit card companies should make sure the equipment they buy can be...
Dueling Technologies Complicate Mobile Payments Decision
From a brick-and-mortar retailer’s perspective, mobile payment solutions can be divided into two camps. There are those that harness the NFC (near field...
Converging Trends Hasten Need to Offer Mobile Payments
A convergence of trends is making it much more likely that independent retailers will have to invest in mobile payment systems in the next two to five years to stay...
Are You Ready for Mobile Payments? Here’s What You Need to Know
There’s no question that the proliferation of smartphones, new mobile-payment technology, and evolving payment security standards are changing the face of...
Intangible Benefits May Outweigh Salary in Retaining Experienced Managers
Senior managers are the lifeblood of a successful outdoor specialty store. Over time, they can contribute significantly to a specialty shop’s reputation with...
More Articles on All News Stories ››

OIA Presents Sen. Baucus with 2013 Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award
Last week Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) presented the 2013 Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award to Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT). Each year OIA presents this award...
OIA Capitol Summit Amplifies Outdoor Industry Agenda in Washington, D.C.
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) hosted its 20th annual Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C., last week, bringing nearly 70 outdoor industry representatives from...
Outdoor Industry Association Hires Jessica Wahl as Policy Manager for Recreation
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has hired Jessica Wahl as recreation policy manager. In this role, Wahl will promote OIA’s recreation policy goals,...
Register Now for OIA’s Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C.
Have you registered for Capitol Summit yet? Taking place April 16 and 17, this event is our chance to make our voice heard in Washington, D.C., and promote policies...
OIA Releases Data on the Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation in All 50 States
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has released data quantifying the economic impact of outdoor recreation in all 50 states, with a separate report for each...
Outdoor Industry Award Season Hits a High Note
Salt Lake City was abuzz with awards and accolades last week during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The outdoor industry is replete with passionate and dedicated...
Governor and Outdoor Industry Association Unveil Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Vision
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market was made all the more special last week when Governor Gary Herbert unveiled Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Vision — the...
OIA Hosting a Made in America Working Group Listening Session at ORWM
At Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is hosting a “listening session” to provide an opportunity for outdoor companies who...
More Articles on Advocacy ››

April OIA Data Dashboard Is Now Available
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Data Dashboard for April is now available. The Data Dashboard provides timely data and insight into key measures relevant...
A Five-Step Plan for Split Testing Your Next Email Campaign
At its core, split testing emails and other marketing messages provides a framework for innovation through continuous, incremental improvement. The successful split...
Email Split Testing Can Boost Response Rates
While email remains one of the most popular marketing channels for independent specialty retailers and the brands they sell, email service providers say most of their...
Fueling the Passion: Event Marketing Benefits Outdoor Brands and Retailers
Like a dry birch log on a summer campfire, event marketing fuels consumers’ fire for recreation products. Outdoor brands and specialty retailers also benefit...
Ten Tips for Using QR Codes Effectively
While two-dimensional barcodes (2D) such as QR codes have become more mainstream with the proliferation of smartphones, they are merely one more tool in the...
QR Codes Offer a Great Cross-Media Marketing Tool
QR codes have risen in prominence over the last two years as smartphone penetration has increased from 30 to more than 50 percent in the United States. The square...
Six Tools for Your Cross-Media Marketing Toolbox
Today’s forward-thinking brands realize consumers don't distinguish between marketing channels any more than they do retail channels. Outdoor enthusiasts want...
Ten Guidelines for Launching a Cross-Media Marketing Campaign
Cross-media marketing enables brands to align their marketing with the way today’s digitally enabled consumers shop. Yet using it effectively requires planning,...
More Articles on Business Trends & Marketing ››

April OIA Data Dashboard Is Now Available
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Data Dashboard for April is now available. The Data Dashboard provides timely data and insight into key measures relevant...
Outdoor Product Sales Post Solid Gains in March
Outdoor Product sales showed solid growth in fiscal March, up 7.6 percent to $881.4 million, according to the latest monthly sales report from OIA...
Winter Inspires February Outdoor Sales Growth
Outdoor Product sales rose 10.2 percent to $769.4 million in fiscal February, according to the latest monthly sales report from OIA VantagePoint™. Winter...
Millennial Consumer Insights Available Free of Charge to OIA Members
The success of your business will soon depend much more on selling to millennials, whether you are ready or not. The generation, which includes those in their...
March OIA Data Dashboard Is Now Available
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Data Dashboard for March is now available. The Data Dashboard provides timely data and insight into key measures relevant...
Calling All Retailers and Manufacturers: OIA Benchmarking Surveys Help Solve the Profitability Puzzle
In these hugely competitive times, wouldn’t it be helpful to know if your profits are keeping pace with those of your peers? To help you uncover your profit...
Outdoor Product Sales End Retail Fiscal Year on High Note
January marked the end of the retail fiscal year, a year in which Outdoor Product sales grew an impressive 5.1 percent to $11.4 billion, according to OIA...
February OIA Data Dashboard Is Now Available
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Data Dashboard for February is now available. The Data Dashboard provides timely data and insight into key measures...
More Articles on Industry Research ››

Made in America Working Group Gathers Momentum with Online Collaboration Tool
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has launched an online collaboration tool for our new Made In America Working Group , a subgroup of the OIA Business...
OIA Seeking Outdoor Companies to Join Trade Mission to Colombia in June
Outdoor companies with a desire to learn more about sourcing in Colombia have an exciting opportunity to join a sponsored trade mission to the country in June....
Wild Things Gains an Edge by Offering “Made in USA” Mass Customization Technical Apparel
When Ed Schmults became CEO of Wild Things, LLC, in 2009, one of his first tasks was to broaden the outdoor brand’s appeal. The company had thrived since 1981...
OIA Made in America Working Group Begins to Shape Agenda
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) hosted a listening session during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last month to gather input for its new Made in America...
OIA Hosting a Made in America Working Group Listening Session at ORWM
At Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is hosting a “listening session” to provide an opportunity for outdoor companies who...
Three Companies Share Sourcing Journeys
In a world crowded with competitors, innovation provides the best strategy for separating from the pack, and outdoor brands have learned that innovation requires...
OIA Forming Made in America Working Group to Encourage Domestic Sourcing
In recognition of growing interest in domestic manufacturing, Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is establishing the OIA Made in America Working Group within the...
Should “Made in USA” Rules Be Updated to Reflect the Global Value Chain?
One of OIA’s core objectives is to educate federal policymakers and candidates for political office about the substantial economic contributions of the outdoor...
More Articles on Manufacturing ››

UPS Worldwide Express Freight Offers Fast, Reliable International Shipping — Discounted for OIA Members
Even with the most careful planning, urgent scenarios arise. Whether it's a product launch, equipment failure, or a product outage, critical situations rarely allow...
Terminal, POS Upgrades Need to Anticipate Digital Wallets
Merchants upgrading their payment terminals to meet new security standards being imposed by major credit card companies should make sure the equipment they buy can be...
Dueling Technologies Complicate Mobile Payments Decision
From a brick-and-mortar retailer’s perspective, mobile payment solutions can be divided into two camps. There are those that harness the NFC (near field...
Converging Trends Hasten Need to Offer Mobile Payments
A convergence of trends is making it much more likely that independent retailers will have to invest in mobile payment systems in the next two to five years to stay...
Are You Ready for Mobile Payments? Here’s What You Need to Know
There’s no question that the proliferation of smartphones, new mobile-payment technology, and evolving payment security standards are changing the face of...
Intangible Benefits May Outweigh Salary in Retaining Experienced Managers
Senior managers are the lifeblood of a successful outdoor specialty store. Over time, they can contribute significantly to a specialty shop’s reputation with...
Employee Stock Option Plans Offer Succession Planning Strategy
While they may lack the sex appeal of selling to a private equity firm or publicly traded company or going public, employee stock ownership plans, or ESOPs, remain a...
Consolidate and Save with the UPS Services Portfolio
When OIA members take advantage of UPS for all their shipping needs, they gain the benefits of partnering with a single carrier. Members not only can simplify daily...
More Articles on Operations & Finance ››

Warm-Weather Activities Vulnerable to Weather Uncertainty
It’s well-known that cold-weather activities have suffered in recent years due to winter weather that failed to deliver. To fully understand the vulnerability...
Outsiders Ball on a Roll — The Industry’s “Party with a Purpose” Continues Momentum
Outsiders Ball, the industry event spearheaded by The Outdoor Foundation, is on a roll, gaining significant momentum in just a few months. More than 20 diverse...
Outdoor Nation Selects 2013 Paddle Nation Project Grant Recipients
Outdoor Nation has selected the grant winners of The Paddle Nation Project, an initiative that aims to connect young Americans with their waterways through...
Outdoor Industry Award Season Hits a High Note
Salt Lake City was abuzz with awards and accolades last week during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The outdoor industry is replete with passionate and dedicated...
Minorities Represent a Vast Market Opportunity
Executives at REI were pleasantly surprised when they saw the results of a survey the company conducted to gauge minority interest in outdoor activities. The survey...
Seven Characteristics of America’s Emerging Minority Outdoor Market
The market for selling outdoor gear to African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanic-Americans is expected to grow faster than the overall market in coming years....
Future Sales Hinge on Meeting Minorities Where They Recreate
While research has clearly established that African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanic-Americans are underrepresented in many core outdoor activities, it...
Think Locally When Searching for Emerging Minority Markets
When it comes to the “outdoors,” people’s uses and definitions are shaped not just by their country of origin, ethnicity, race, upbringing, class,...
More Articles on Outdoor Participation ››

What the 2012 Election Results Mean for the Outdoor Industry
At all levels of government, the 2012 elections had major implications for government policies that affect the outdoor industry. Here is a brief look at some key...
OIA, Industry Hail Ruling Maintaining Protection of Forest Service Roadless Areas
The Clinton-era Roadless Area Conservation Rule — protecting roughly 45 million acres of USDA Forest Service backcountry lands and waters — has been...
More Articles on Political Action Committee ››

OIA Capitol Summit Amplifies Outdoor Industry Agenda in Washington, D.C.
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) hosted its 20th annual Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C., last week, bringing nearly 70 outdoor industry representatives from...
Outdoor Industry Association Hires Jessica Wahl as Policy Manager for Recreation
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has hired Jessica Wahl as recreation policy manager. In this role, Wahl will promote OIA’s recreation policy goals,...
Your Help Is Needed — Voice Your Support for Sally Jewell by March 5
President Obama has nominated industry leader and REI CEO Sally Jewell to be the next Secretary of the Interior. On March 7, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and...
OIA Releases Data on the Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation in All 50 States
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has released data quantifying the economic impact of outdoor recreation in all 50 states, with a separate report for each...
Outdoor Industry Award Season Hits a High Note
Salt Lake City was abuzz with awards and accolades last week during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The outdoor industry is replete with passionate and dedicated...
Governor and Outdoor Industry Association Unveil Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Vision
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market was made all the more special last week when Governor Gary Herbert unveiled Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Vision — the...
Outdoor Industry Association Rejects Sales of Public Lands in Fiscal Cliff Negotiations
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has voiced concern over lawmaker proposals to sell public lands as one solution to the impending fiscal cliff. Last week,...
What the 2012 Election Results Mean for the Outdoor Industry
At all levels of government, the 2012 elections had major implications for government policies that affect the outdoor industry. Here is a brief look at some key...
More Articles on Recreation & Public Lands ››

Terminal, POS Upgrades Need to Anticipate Digital Wallets
Merchants upgrading their payment terminals to meet new security standards being imposed by major credit card companies should make sure the equipment they buy can be...
Dueling Technologies Complicate Mobile Payments Decision
From a brick-and-mortar retailer’s perspective, mobile payment solutions can be divided into two camps. There are those that harness the NFC (near field...
Converging Trends Hasten Need to Offer Mobile Payments
A convergence of trends is making it much more likely that independent retailers will have to invest in mobile payment systems in the next two to five years to stay...
Are You Ready for Mobile Payments? Here’s What You Need to Know
There’s no question that the proliferation of smartphones, new mobile-payment technology, and evolving payment security standards are changing the face of...
Intangible Benefits May Outweigh Salary in Retaining Experienced Managers
Senior managers are the lifeblood of a successful outdoor specialty store. Over time, they can contribute significantly to a specialty shop’s reputation with...
Pricing 101: Why You Need to Calculate Initial Markup for Every Product in Your Store
For years, many retailers have used “keystone pricing” to set the sales price of an item. Buy an item for $20 and sell it for $40, the thinking goes, and...
Pricing 101: What Are Markdowns Telling You about Your Store?
Retail consultant Lewis Cocke remembers the days when retailers could mark down a product 25 percent and it would fly out the door. He estimates that was about 25...
Six Ways to Build Your Customer Relationship Management Database
The key to retailing and brand building in the spam-filled 2010s is gathering enough data to break your customer lists into smaller segments for more targeted...
More Articles on Retail Management ››

New Equipment Index Pilot to Help Outdoor Companies Measure Hardgoods Product Sustainability
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Sustainability Working Group (SWG) is launching a pilot program to test drive the Equipment module of the Higg Index, a...
Start Managing Chemicals in Your Supply Chain – Join the Pilot Program
If you think you can turn a blind eye to proactive chemicals management in your supply chain and final products, think again. The good news is, we have a tool for...
OIA SWG Launches New Fair Labor and Materials Traceability Tools
Following the semi-annual meeting of the Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Sustainability Working Group (SWG) in January 2013 at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market,...
Outdoor Industry Award Season Hits a High Note
Salt Lake City was abuzz with awards and accolades last week during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The outdoor industry is replete with passionate and dedicated...
Establishing a Social Responsibility/Fair Labor Program Is Good Business
Do you have a social responsibility/fair labor program for your company? If not, you could be at risk — not to mention you might be contributing to poor working...
How Can Your Company Start Measuring the Sustainability of Your Products?
Are you aware of the outdoor industry’s sustainability work? Do you want to get involved in these efforts, and begin measuring the sustainability of your...
Updated OIA Website Features Corporate Responsibility Resources and Working Groups
When was the last time you sat at a table with your competitors to solve a core business challenge? As unlikely as this may seem, every day outdoor industry companies...
OIA Releases 2011 Annual Report
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has released its 2011 Annual Report, which provides roundup of the trade association’s accomplishments last year. OIA...
More Articles on Sustainable Business ››

Terminal, POS Upgrades Need to Anticipate Digital Wallets
Merchants upgrading their payment terminals to meet new security standards being imposed by major credit card companies should make sure the equipment they buy can be...
Dueling Technologies Complicate Mobile Payments Decision
From a brick-and-mortar retailer’s perspective, mobile payment solutions can be divided into two camps. There are those that harness the NFC (near field...
Converging Trends Hasten Need to Offer Mobile Payments
A convergence of trends is making it much more likely that independent retailers will have to invest in mobile payment systems in the next two to five years to stay...
Are You Ready for Mobile Payments? Here’s What You Need to Know
There’s no question that the proliferation of smartphones, new mobile-payment technology, and evolving payment security standards are changing the face of...
Hi-Tec USA Using Customer Data, Drop-Ship Model to Zero in on What Consumers Want
Come spring, Hi-Tec USA will begin stuffing a little something extra in every shoe box it ships. Each will include a note inviting customers to submit an online shoe...
Wild Things Gains an Edge by Offering “Made in USA” Mass Customization Technical Apparel
When Ed Schmults became CEO of Wild Things, LLC, in 2009, one of his first tasks was to broaden the outdoor brand’s appeal. The company had thrived since 1981...
Google+ Climbs to Fifth Among Social Media Sites
Google+ has claimed the number five spot on eBizMBA.com’s list of the most popular social networking sites. At the end of 2012, the site boasts 65 million...
Google+ Pages Bring Market Segmentation, Live Video Conferencing and SEO to Social Media
If you think your business has the bandwidth to add another social media channel, Google+ merits consideration. Not only has Google+ become the fifth most popular...
More Articles on Technology & Innovation ››

Made in America Working Group Gathers Momentum with Online Collaboration Tool
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has launched an online collaboration tool for our new Made In America Working Group , a subgroup of the OIA Business...
OIA Seeking Outdoor Companies to Join Trade Mission to Colombia in June
Outdoor companies with a desire to learn more about sourcing in Colombia have an exciting opportunity to join a sponsored trade mission to the country in June....
OIA Capitol Summit Amplifies Outdoor Industry Agenda in Washington, D.C.
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) hosted its 20th annual Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C., last week, bringing nearly 70 outdoor industry representatives from...
OIA Made in America Working Group Begins to Shape Agenda
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) hosted a listening session during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last month to gather input for its new Made in America...
REI’s Marc Berejka Named Chairman of OIA Business Advisory Council
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is pleased to announce that the new OIA Business Advisory Council (OIABAC) will be chaired by Marc Berejka, director of...
Outdoor Industry Award Season Hits a High Note
Salt Lake City was abuzz with awards and accolades last week during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The outdoor industry is replete with passionate and dedicated...
OIA Hosting a Made in America Working Group Listening Session at ORWM
At Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is hosting a “listening session” to provide an opportunity for outdoor companies who...
Three Companies Share Sourcing Journeys
In a world crowded with competitors, innovation provides the best strategy for separating from the pack, and outdoor brands have learned that innovation requires...
More Articles on Trade & Global Competitiveness ››

Merrell Renews Support of Outdoor Nation for 2013 Millennial Summits
Merrell has signed on as a lead partner for the 2013 Outdoor Nation Summits, which will take place this summer and fall across the United States. The summits bring...
Outdoor Nation Unveils Cities for 2013 Nationwide Summits on Outdoor Engagement
Outdoor Nation, the outdoor movement led by members of the millennial generation, is seeking applicants for the 2013 Outdoor Nation Summits, to be held this summer...
Outsiders Ball on a Roll — The Industry’s “Party with a Purpose” Continues Momentum
Outsiders Ball, the industry event spearheaded by The Outdoor Foundation, is on a roll, gaining significant momentum in just a few months. More than 20 diverse...
Outdoor Nation Selects 2013 Paddle Nation Project Grant Recipients
Outdoor Nation has selected the grant winners of The Paddle Nation Project, an initiative that aims to connect young Americans with their waterways through...
Outdoor Nation’s Paddle Nation Project Grants Seeking Industry Support
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Paddle Advisory Council is seeking industry support for the second annual Paddle Nation Project Grants, an initiative of...
Merrell and The Outdoor Foundation Announce Grant to Get People Outdoors
Merrell and The Outdoor Foundation are working together to increase youth participation in outdoor activities. As part of Merrell’s Pack Project, the brand is...
The Outdoor Foundation Releases American Camper Report
Nearly 43 million Americans participated in camping last year, according to a new study by The Outdoor Foundation and sponsored by The Coleman Company, Inc. and KOA...
OIA Releases 2011 Annual Report
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has released its 2011 Annual Report, which provides roundup of the trade association’s accomplishments last year. OIA...
More Articles on Youth Engagement ››

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