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OTS PREVIEW
A show worth visiting
4-6 October 2006
Stoneleigh Park, Coventry
With the inaugural and much discussed Outdoor Trade Show opening its doors in a few weeks, SGB Outdoor takes a closer look at why it’s set to benefit both retailers and brands alike...
The Outdoor Trade Show, was born out of many independent retailers wanting a trade show later in the year. And whilst the move of the OIA’s outdoorpreview to the summer months makes perfect sense, since many brands close their order books within the first half of the year, a number of brands, notably Gelert, Wynnster, AMG, Thatchreed, Burton McCall and Hi-Gear all researched their customer bases to identify that an event should still be held in autumn.
The initiative for the Outdoor Trade Show was led by Michael White of Wynnster, who held firm in his belief that many independent retailers across the UK would not make buying decisions and place orders with brands until later in the year. The group was thus formed to organise and underwrite the event and albeit this will be its first, the exhibition has already sold out over 80% of its space allocation, equating to some 39 exhibiting companies.
Research to identify a need
Discussing the event with organisers, MCS, Alasdair Scobbie told SGB Outdoor, “Prior to announcing the launch of The Outdoor Show, we conducted research with potential exhibitors and visitors. The findings highlighted that there was a demand for an autumn trade show, which is targeted predominately at the independent retailer.”
Continuing he said, “The nature of buying trends has changed over the past few years, and many retailers expect suppliers to carry more stock as well as providing shorter buying periods and forward orders. Naturally this is all to help with cashflow.”
“Whilst events such as Friedrichshafen play an increasingly important role within the outdoor trade, this type of event, by its very nature attracts the larger retailer and the multiples. Yet it is too early in the buying calendar for the smaller independent as more often than not, they will not be in a strong position to have identified what lines have sold well (if at all) during the summer months, and as a consequence will not be able to order appropriately for the coming year,” Scobbie continued.
“In addition, for many exhibitors and distributors, they won’t know what is available until after Friedrichshafen, therefore a later show undoubtedly suits some distributors better.”
Essentially, the event is not a break away from the OIA’s outdoorpreview, but in effect an enhancement to it. Since, outdoorpreview appeals to many of the clothing and footwear brands, whose buying trends are governed by factory dates as well as the wider gear, accessory and equipment manufacturers. There is also a certain level of synergy between the two exhibitions too - since both are organised by non-commercial entities and in fact, are both arranged by the trade in order to support the trade.
The organisers are also very quick to point out that the Outdoor Trade Show, is not a camping accessory show to follow on from The Tent Show @ Stoneleigh (held at the beginning of this month) but a broad outdoor event, playing host to a vast and varied range of outdoor specific gear and apparel.
Visiting
Visiting the event is open to all of the outdoor trade, and retailers wishing to identify what lines are likely to provide them with a healthy profit during spring/summer 07 will be well placed to attend. An open invitation is extended by the organisers and no appointments are necessary. However, it is advisable to pre-register to avoid queuing. Full details on registering can be found at the event’s purpose built website, www.theoutdoorshow.com or calling 0161 980 7242.
Exhibitor List
(Correct as of 4 August 2006)
Alco (Stand 91)
Anatom (Stand 73)
Blake Leisure (Stand 93/94)
Burton McCall (Stand 81)
Cigman (Stand19)
Eskimo Leisure (Stand 92)
Flitterman (Stand 79A)
Hi-Gear (Stand 80)
Keela (Stand 24)
Khyam (Stand 56)
Lyon Equipment (Stand 50/52)
Nikwax (Stand 21)
Progress (Stand 20)
Pyramid Products (Stand 98)
Sealskinz (Stand 79)
Snugpak (Stand 72)
Target Dry (Stand 44)
TKC (Stand 45)
Whitby & Co (Stand 74)
Wynnster (Stand 82)
AMG Group (Stand 68)
Artic Fox (Stand 8)
Buffera(Stand 76)
Calange (Stand 87)
Dalesman (Stand 13)
First Ascent (Stand 39)
Gelert (Stand 69)
Highlander (Stand 33A)
Kestra Electroweld (Stand 54)
Lagenfeld (Stand 70)
Multimat (Stand 38)
Oase (Stand 10)
Puddlehunters (Stand 96)
Rekri8 (Stand 12)
Silva (Stand 51)
Sorbothane (Stand 9)
Thatchreed (Stand 26)
Trespass (Stand 67)
Woodlands Organics (Stand 49)
