Outdoor Retailer’s Minneapolis Debut Felt Like a Genuine Reset

August 21, 2026

Outdoor Retailer’s Minneapolis debut marked a reset for the show, shifting its focus toward discovery, small brands, and meaningful connections rather than its former scale. The Garage Grown Gear and Founded Outdoors Pavilion attracted buyers and founders, with several emerging brands securing promising orders within hours. More than 150 content creators also brought fresh energy through the Wild Reach Initiative, helping brands generate live exposure and engage new audiences. While legacy brands remain cautiously optimistic, the show’s future will depend on maintaining its emphasis on emerging brands and clarifying its role in the industry’s trade-show calendar. SESO