Outdoor industry sees growth despite slowing economy

There's been a lot of discouraging news lately about the economy, high gasoline prices, struggling real estate, etc. But, there's a bright spot right in Salt Lake.

Salt Lake's largest convention -- the Outdoor Retailers Summer Market -- has been going on for the past four day, and the show continues to grow despite the slowing economy.

Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the Outdoor Industry Association, says, "We have 10 percent growth over 2007 as an industry, and we have 9 percent growth over the last six months. So we are counter-cyclical to what's occurring right now in the economy."

Reasons for that, among other things, are airline hassles and high gasoline prices. People are passing on the family vacation to say, Disneyworld, and heading to the local mountains -- the so-called "stay-cation".

"They are going and dusting off the camping gear. They're buying new tents, sleeping bags and buying the camp stoves, "Hugelmeyer says.

As we walked around the Salt Palace, company representatives told us they are definitely seeing a spike in sales. Mike Wallenfels is with Mountain Hardware, which manufactures backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and clothing. He says, "Actually, our first two quarters of this year, we're up 22 percent from the previous year. The second quarter itself was up 20 percent.

Skip Yowell is the co-founder of backpack maker JanSport. He says, "We're actually seeing a lot of our retailers that carry our products, seeing an up-tick in their camping goods. So, it's been real positive."

James Curleigh is president of the Portland-based shoe manufacturer "Keen." He says this is the perfect time for outdoor businesses to really grow. "I actually think this is a great opportunity to almost force the issue and stay close to home and engage in the outdoors," Curleigh says. "And when you do it, you actually realize the family time, the enjoyment."

Even now, the industry pumps $46 billion into the nation's economy.

"We have a long history that during economic downtimes that we see growth and are part of the recovery to the economy," Hugelmeyer says.

Big companies or small, outdoor recreation is flourishing and that could be very important in the long run.

The trade show wrapped up at 3 p.m. They'll be back in January with the "winter" products market.

E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com

Related topics