Outdoor Retailer is the premier business-to-business event for the outdoor and adventure industry to showcase new gear, attend trainings, and connect with other industry professionals. As a retail design studio with a focus on the outdoor industry, it was important for us to get to Outdoor Retailer this year and see for ourselves what new brands are emerging, what stories they are telling, and what makes their product stand out in a market that can feel oversaturated at times.

What to expect when attending Outdoor Retailer?

Outdoor Retailer is not the same show it used to be. The big brands have decided to stop attending which has been a hot topic. Yes, we were disappointed that the bigger staples weren’t there with their latest and greatest product, but it allowed us to focus on the smaller brands that will pave the path for our future. Outdoor Retailer recently announced they will have one annual show instead of two. We expect this to be a positive shift as more companies will likely be in attendance.

Trends We Spotted at Outdoor Retailer June 2024

The biggest trend we saw with these emerging brands is the huge focus on being purpose-driven. They had a clear definition of why they existed and what change they wanted to create in the industry. Unlike big brands that have been around for a long time, these emerging companies are doing the right thing from the very beginning by considering the lifecycle of their clothing, making the outdoors more accessible for underrepresented communities, and designing products with durability in mind for long-term use.

Emerging Brands We Are Excited About

SENIQ

SENIQ is changing the lifecycle that apparel typically goes through. This women-led brand is already thinking about the end game of products by creating a reroute program, where customers can sell their used apparel instead of having end up in landfills. Their brand’s purpose is to empower minds through the outdoors. What sets them apart is their technical gear is elegant and well made so it can stand the test of time and be worn by multiple users in its lifetime. They currently make their clothes up to an XL ( fingers crossed for expanded sizing in the future). Cofounders Valentina Thompson and Madison Poitinger were a joy to speak to and made us excited about this brand focused on empowering women, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Our favorite product from SENIQ

The Trailmix short immediately stole our hearts. Our principal designer now owns a pair in hazelnut and rocked them camping the weekend after the show!

GNARA

We don't often predict the future, but in the near future Gnara GoFly will be as synonymous in the outdoor industry as GoreTex. The brand was developed by a group of women who wanted more accessible apparel for their outdoor adventures. If you have ever attempted to pee while backpacking you know just how awkward it can be to remove all of your layers, the GoFly solves this dilemma. Their core values are to be brave, empower others, stay curious, show grit, have integrity, and encourage play. We had the pleasure of meeting co-founder Georgia Grace Edwards and had an insightful conversation about just how challenging it is for women-led businesses to get their footing.

Our favorite product from GNARA

Our principal designer is proud to be rocking the GoThere Shorts in Redwoods Rust, currently made up to a size 22. They are stretchy and went on every adventure with her this summer.

LIVSN

LIVSN is committed to longevity, sustainability, and ultimately owning less clothing. They create multipurpose products by blurring the lines between workwear and outdoor gear. LIVSN started as a mens-only brand but in 2022 started making womens’ apparel as well and has collaborated with innovative brands like Gnara. I was able to catch an education talk from founder Andrew Gibbs-Dabney on the GearJunkie podcast speaking on putting your brands purpose first and having clarity on your principles and values before you even create your first product.

Our favorite product from LIVSN

Our principal designer snagged their Ecotrek Overall through their Kickstarter Campaign, which are sourced from recycled fishing buoys. One of the best pasts is that they feature the GoFly! They look incredibly stretchy and she can’t wait to get them for winter!

Brands We Wish Were at Outdoor Retailer June 2024

While Outdoor Retailer June 2024 was packed with exciting brands and innovative products, there were a few names we were hoping to see but didn’t make an appearance. These brands included Shredly, Hilma, Youer, and Branwyn all of which have a strong presence in the outdoor market and could have contributed valuable insights or showcased cutting-edge ideas. Their absence was felt and we hope to catch them at future shows or see them represented in similar events.

The Future of Outdoor Gear & Apparel

From the long list of emerging brands we saw at Outdoor Retailer June 2024, it’s obvious that consumers want more from the companies they purchase from. This includes brands being more inclusive and sustainable, following fair trade and labor practices, and innovation. The problem for retailers to solve is how they tell this story to consumers in a way that makes them stand out in an oversaturated market. Seek out storytelling opportunities to tell consumers why your brand exists and why you do it better than anyone else. We plan on returning to Outdoor Retailer every few years to see the evolution of brands, trends, and products.

Ready to Elevate Your Storytelling?

Feels on Brand is built around helping female-forward brands thrive in the ever-competitive retail space. If you are an emerging brand visit our Branded Experiences page to get our Branded Experience Toolkit and learn about services to elevate your branded experiences in retail, wholesale, tradeshows, and more.

Trends, Brands, and Inspiration from Outdoor Retailer 2024