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SALT LAKE CITY -- The semi-annual Outdoor Retailer Show has the streets of Salt Lake City buzzing with activity, and that means a big boost to the local economy.
Outdoor Retailer seems to get larger each year. At least 22,000 people have come to town for this year's show, and each of them may spend just under $1,000 each.
Enes Huskic, the shop's owner, isn't complaining. "Let's say three times what we do in an average day. Three, four times. So a little hectic, but we love it," he said.
Toasters is just one shop that's thanking the Outdoor Retailer Show for the extra business. This year, 900 exhibitors and vendors are selling a variety of innovative and high-tech products geared to active, outdoor-oriented people.
"This really caters to the outdoor enthusiast, which is not going away, They're loyal supporters," said Tim Birdsong with New Balance Shoes.
There are products like Gibbon Slacklines, branded as inexpensive, simple and trendy. According to outdoor industry officials, products like these, as well as camping, hiking and climbing gear, are more 'recession-proof'.
"More people are not going on long-distance travels anymore. They'd rather go on holiday by car, go camping and then take a fun product with them to have some enjoyment," said Robert Kading with Gibbon Slacklines.
The business Outdoor Retailer generates for Utah is so significant, the state and Salt Lake County paid to expand the Salt Palace to accommodate it. It's an investment that is apparently paying off.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
