Industry headlines: Intriguing reads from around the web REI workers speak out: The company is facing criticism over its handling of coronavirus cases as locations reopen across the country. [The New York Times] Invest in outdoor: “It’s hard to go wrong with the great outdoors ...read more
Racial controversy plagued the recent SHIFT conference after some participants came forward with accusations that the event's executive director, Christian Beckwith, lacks the basic justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) training needed to lead the organization. The ...read more
Just when the outdoor recreation industry seemed to be making serious progress on the complex issues of racial diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the best efforts of a leading advocacy organization were stopped dead in their tracks. Despite its good intentions the initiative ...read more
If Outdoor Retailer Summer Market's event lineup was any indication, the outdoor industry is putting diversity issues front and center. From a lack of ethnic diversity in leadership positions and brand marketing to cultural appropriation of native designs and symbols, our ...read more
When I first set foot at the Outdoor Retailer show in 2011, I wore a gold pin-striped suit, a preppy yellow tie, and a slightly oversized overcoat that was passed down from my grandfather. My loneliness was only surpassed by awkwardness, walking around in a sea of plaid, ...read more
When journalist James Edward Mills, 51, attended his first Outdoor Retailer show in 1992 he was surrounded by thousands of people yet he felt utterly alone. Like many walking the aisles, Mills shared the same love of the outdoors that they did. But he was also very different ...read more
