Falling snow and balmy temperatures helped kick off the 2010 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Retailers and exhibitors headed to Snowbasin Ski Resort, west of Ogden, to test out new products. The All Mountain Demo at OR, presented by Mountain Hardwear and Clif Bar, attracted about 1000 manufacturers, retailers, and media for this one day event.
Attendees got to try out new backcountry and front-country gear, which included snowshoe, telemark, and various other winter sport products. For product demos, guests were able to take test runs on Snowbasin’s 26 km of groomed Nordic trails. Close to the demo site, alpine and snowboard enthusiasts had great access to the John Paul Express Quad, situated near the base of the main lodge.
New items included 3M Thinsulate Thermal Insoles Enhancers, the Salomon Quest boots, and Rossignol’s X-ium Skate package. Buyers and exhibitors alike say the All Mountain Demo gives them a leg up on how to sell to the customer. Testing the product gives them the knowledge and insight a consumer wants when putting down money on big ticket items.
The rest of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, and will run through Sunday, January 23. Over 20,000 attendees and 800 exhibitors are expected to make this year one of the most successful OR Winter Markets ever.