HEARD
MASTHEAD
It’s often difficulty that spurs reinvention, resilience, new ways
of thinking, and, ultimatley, a path forward.
Publisher and Editorial Director Doug Schnitzspahn Art Director John McCauley Photo Editor Andrew Kornylak Editor Bevin Wallace Copy Editor Lauren Kruchten Contributors Aaron Bible, Eugene Buchanan, Tyler Noonan, Hannah Truby
18). Indeed, successful ownership transitions of outdoor stores over the past 10 years are the norm, not the exception. Continuing the trend of evolu- tion and legacy, you’ll also hear or- igin stories from iconic Mississippi retailer Bu alo Peak Out tters (page 8), now in its 40th year, and that of apparel maker Toad & Co (page 9), which is celebrating 30 years in business by staying true to partnerships and social respon- sibility, even through the current tari turbulence. What’s more, many retail- ers are exploring new revenue streams by building out programs around repurposed/resale gear (see page 12). That’s helping expand their businesses in ways that foster sustainability and help bring younger, newer participants into the outdoor landscape. We look at the di erent used equip- ment models where retailers are exploring—and succeeding. To all of the individuals who took time to share how they are continuing to innovate and suc- ceed, and to the writers who have continued to bring these stories to you on the following pages—thank you. The mood across the industry is cautious, and that makes sense given everything we’re navigating. What’s in these pages o ers insight into the evolution, adaptation, and community that continues to show up when things get hard. Thank you for being part of this community. Viva la Specialty, Gabe Maier
T he last ve-plus years have brought no short- age of challenges in outdoor retail. And as much as we all appreciate the greener pastures of easier times, it’s often di culty that spurs reinven- tion, resilience, new ways of thinking, and, ultimate- ly, a path forward. If you look in the right places, you can see that’s exactly what’s happening in outdoor retail. The outdoor industry is full of innovators. Of course, the challenges in recent years have been very real. Relentless even. From pandemic disruption to supply chain upheaval, and PFAS phase-out to tari uncertainty; these things and others have played a part in destabilizing the best-laid plans for retailers, brands, and sales reps alike. This year some specialty retailers announced their closures after many years, and REI shuttered agship locations in major markets. When stores close and the industry landscape changes per- manently, we all feel the loss within our communities. But it’s good to remember that’s far from the only story being written. On the cover of this fourth issue of Grassroots Stories , you’ll nd the Brown family, owners of Mon- tana retailer The Base Camp, celebrating their 50th anniversary, as well as the business transition from one generation to the next. Inside, we explore what successful ownership transitions look like—from the Browns’ journey to Trail Creek Out tters in Pennsylva- nia and Canyon Pass Provisions in New Jersey (see page Secret to Success In an industry known for innovation, retailers embrace reinvention.
Publishers Gabe Maier gabe@grassrootsoutdoors.com Dana Howe dana@grassrootsoutdoors.com Publication Director Dave Simpson dave@verdepr.com
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer- owned active network of 104 independently owned outdoor retailers and 73 vendor partners working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. grassrootsoutdoors.com Grassroots Stories is published by Artemisia Media, LLC. Copyright© 2025 Artemisia Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any article without prior written permission from the publisher and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is strictly prohibited. Artemisia Media, LLC and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions which occur.
GABE MAIER President, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
GRASSROOTS STORIES 3
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