Grassroots Outdoor Alliance expands to 67 retailers, with new members in North Carolina, Vermont and Washington

November 27, 2017

New Grassroots retail members include Cascades Outdoor Store (Winthrop, Wash.), Outdoor Gear Exchange (Burlington, Vermont) and Townsend Bertram & Co. (Carrboro, NC.)

(NOVEMBER 27, 2017) – Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of independent specialty retail, is welcoming three new members to their independent retailer network.

The new Grassroots retail members include Cascades Outdoor Store (Winthrop, Wash.), Outdoor Gear Exchange (Burlington, Vermont) and Townsend Bertram & Co. (Carrboro, NC.)

“Every retail member of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is completely unique within their own communities, but when they join Grassroots they’re surrounded by like-minded business owners who are seeing the same opportunities, facing the same challenges and wondering about the same things.  Being a part of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance builds knowledge, creates confidence and puts retailers in a strong long-term position,” said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.

Cascades Outdoor Store is located in the pristine mountain town of Winthrop, Wash. (population 500).  Summer visitors to the area are drawn by thousands of miles of trails — while winter adventurers are drawn there for the largest cross country ski area in North America. Cascades Outdoor Store supports their customers with a trail specific assortment of outdoor equipment and apparel, with well-trained staff, and with a commitment to “hands on” time spent with every customer.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be welcomed into the Grassroots community. To be in a room surrounded by business owners that are all doing an amazing job is both exciting and humbling,” said Brian and Amy Sweet, owners of Cascades Outdoor Store.

Outdoor Gear Exchange has been a part of Burlington, Vermont’s outdoor community for more than two decades. Founded in 1995 with the goal of making outdoor activities as accessible and affordable as possible, Outdoor Gear Exchange today employs 110 people, supports 21,000 square foot of retail, and has an additional 28,000 square feet dedicated to onsite warehousing and web fulfillment. Outdoor Gear Exchange’s Charitable Grant Fund has given away over $38,000 to local non-profit organizations since 2013, helping local organizations support and grow outdoor recreation opportunities in Vermont.  Outdoor Gear Exchange is owned by Marc Sherman, Mike Donohue and 10 employee shareholders.

“Every business owner is looking for better ideas, better ways to do things. We’re eager to learn, share and enjoy all the opportunities that Grassroots membership provides,” said Sherman.

Townsend Bertram & Co (Carrboro, N.C.) was founded in 1988 by Audrey Townsend and Scott Bertram who shared a vision to create a retail business centered around community, inspiration, adventure, and protecting the planet. Thirty years later, TB&C is still family owned and operated, and still committed to its original core goals. TB&C is located in Carrboro’s historic Carr Mill — the building where the business first took residence. TB&C community support includes the Scott Bertram Scholarship with Learning Outside, Haw River Assembly, Friends of Bolin Creek and many more organizations dedicated to environmental protection and education.

“Only through collaboration and a shared sense of trust can outdoor retailer shops and brands join together to show the world how businesses can elevate environmental standards, create community, and give back to the organizations that protect our planet. Thank you Grassroots Outdoor Alliance!,” said Betsy Bertram of Townsend Bertram & Co.

ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE: Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is an active, independent network of 67 independent retailers working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is also recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. For more information on Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, please go to www.grassrootsoutdoors.com.

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