Outdoor Retail Stores Are Struggling – Here’s How You Can Support Them

We all know by now that COVID-19 is bringing massive change to our way of life. Many outdoor professionals are not able to do their daily jobs. From National Park Rangers to guides to retail employees, the outdoor community is really feeling the effects.

Retailers in general across the US saw huge declines in sales from February 2020 to March 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 250,000 retail stores that sell nonessential merchandise have temporarily closed their doors.

With various degrees of economic shutdown and forced store closures throughout the United States, over 70% of speciality outdoor retail stores have locked their doors. Should stay-at-home orders last multiple months, many stores don’t have the cash reserves to survive. Furthermore, getting a web store up and running to accept online orders requires resources that are simply out of reach for shop owners who have already seen years of declining sales driven by direct-to-consumer and other buying trends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation is dire, but the outdoor industry has shown that when we care about an issue, we can move mountains to make change.

A pinnacle, crucial segment of the outdoor industry – and the glue of outdoor communities throughout the United States – is specialty storefront retail. These shops are places for gathering, getting beta, meeting like-minded people, drooling over the latest skis or climbing shoes and getting our beloved gear serviced so we can go send it. Online shopping doesn’t hold a candle to the depth of service that these stores provide, and we don’t ever want to live in a world without them.

We are all in this industry for a common reason. We dedicate our lives and careers to the pursuit of the great outdoors because we share a mutual love for nature, passion for adventure and need for connected experience. Storefront retail is perhaps the most foundational segment within our greater industry that fosters grassroots community connection and inspiration for adventure. At Outdoor Prolink, we care deeply about contributing to the health of specialty retail. We are committed to leading our community of brands and professionals to actively keep our country’s retailers thriving, which is why now, more than ever, we must pull together to support our local gear shops before it’s too late.

If you agree with us, here’s how you can help.

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Currently, specialty outdoor retail shops across the country are doing their best to continue serving their communities by staying open in creative ways. While some have the ability to offer online shopping, others are available for private in-person shopping, phone orders, curbside pick-up and local delivery. Most shops are also available to talk on the phone about specific products and to help customers figure out what gear is best for them.  

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A big way we can pay it forward to our local shops is by purchasing gift cards to use in the future. A California specialty outdoor gear shop, Alpenglow Sports, reached out to its community for help and they were generously rewarded with $75k in gift card sales within four days. It’s amazing how an entire community can come together to give back in such a big way. 

If you are an Outdoor Professional, think of yourself as an ambassador for the outdoor stores in your community. Get to know them and recommend your clients, friends and family to them!

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In an effort to keep the local retailer spirit alive, we’ve created a list of outdoor shops and how they’re continuing to serve the community during these uncertain times.

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While each shop is functioning differently, we’ve pulled a quick list of ways you can support your favorite local shop:

Show Your Support

• Purchase gift cards – You know you’ll need to get your skis tuned or you bike tuned soon. Maybe you already have some gear in mind to buy your dad for Christmas? Purchase a gift card that you can use later – or gift to someone else – and give your local shop some much needed funds right now. Alpenglow Sports in Lake Tahoe sold over $75K in gift cards in just four days!
• Shop online – If your local shop has an online store, you know what do to. Spread the word to your friends, family and clients, too.
• Phone-in orders – Give ’em a ring. Likely, your shop is taking orders over the phone. (If not, who couldn’t use a few minutes of shooting the breeze with a fellow outdoor-lover?) You can get your new gear through either:
  • Curbside pick-up
  • Local delivery
• Private in-store shopping appointments – Some creative shop owners are taking appointments for private shopping. What better way to grab some new-new while staying safe and socially distant? Plus, you might even feel a little bit special having the whole store to yourself.
• Give them a shout-out on social media
• Leave a first-hand review on Yelp or Google Places
• Tell them ‘thank you’ for all they do!

We have been inspired by SNEWS, Mountain Hardwear, Rumpl, Chaco, Darn Tough, and others who have launched campaigns, donated funds and products, begun making personal protective equipment, and implemented revenue sharing programs to support local retailers. The people behind these brands and campaigns inspire us to band together to ensure our retail shop community can weather the storm. Read more about the outdoor brands that are stepping in to support those affected by COVID-19.

With assistance from the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, an organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retailers, we’ve created this detailed list of affected retail shops and specific ways you can help.

Have a favorite local gear shop you’d like to highlight? Or more suggestions on how to support them? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation in our Facebook Community Group or comment below.