Grassroots Outdoor Alliance welcomes Oboz Footwear, Mystery Ranch and HydraPak to national vendor partner network

November 19, 2020

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (www.grassrootoutdoors.com), the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, is announcing the addition of Oboz Footwear, Mystery Ranch and HydraPak to their national vendor partner network.

Nov. 19, 2020 ) ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  – Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (www.grassrootoutdoors.com), the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, is announcing the addition of Oboz Footwear, Mystery Ranch and HydraPak to their national vendor partner network.

Debuting as new members during the November buyer’s meeting of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, their addition elevates the group’s vendor community to 64, joining the nationwide network of 89 independent retailers with 192 retail locations in 46 states.

Grassroots vendor partners gain direct and personal access to the Grassroots retailer community, earning the opportunity to engage on numerous levels including facilitated learning events, regular planning meetings, participation in the specialty outdoor-specific Switchback data management system, and a guaranteed invitation to Grassroots Connect, the group’s hyper-efficient, twice-yearly buying show scheduled for each June and November.

“Through all the challenges of 2020, one of the bright spots in the outdoor industry has been the foundation of strong business relationships that’s keeping things together and moving forward,” said Rich Hill, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance president. “For new Grassroots vendors, joining the group opens the door to more familiar and more productive relationships throughout the country.”

Oboz Footwear (obozfootwear.com) builds ‘True to the Trail’ outdoor footwear inspired by the vast 18 million acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem surrounding the company’s Bozeman, Montana home. Oboz plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold, and strives for exceptional fit, feel and performance on any trail, anywhere

“Specialty retail has always been a cornerstone of Oboz’s business. At the core of doing business in a ‘true to the trail’ manner is being true to our community of retail partners,” said Amy Beck, Oboz President. “We’ve been invited to Connect for years and have found it to be one of the most meaningful and productive shows we attend. We are excited to engage with Grassroots and its passionate members as a vendor partner and work together to continue to grow and strengthen specialty retail.”

Mystery Ranch (mysteryranch.com), founded in 2000, is committed to building the finest load carriage equipment in the world. A product-driven company from the beginning, Mystery Ranch designs packs for the job that needs to get done, for the people committed to doing it, with the best materials available and the most durable construction methods that exist.

“We were invited to exhibit at the Connect show in our brand’s infancy and were exposed to an incredibly effective trade show experience. We’ve decided to become a vendor partner in the interest of improving our commitment to the very best specialty retailers in the U.S., and to focus our efforts on continuous improvement with these strategic partners. As we evolve out of a Covid dominated landscape, specialty retail and supporting small businesses is more important than ever to rebuild our economy,” said Ben Noble, Mystery Ranch North American sales manager.

HydraPak (hydrapak.com) is the number one original equipment manufacturer of reservoirs and soft flasks in the world, pioneering products for hundreds of renowned global brand partners. The company was founded in Northern California with a mission to create flexible and durable hydration products for recreational, athletic and military use. Its owned brands, Polar Bottle bicycle squeeze water bottles and Bottle Bright all-natural cleaning tablets, are leaders in their categories

“It is an honor for HydraPak and our stable of brands, including Polar Bottle and Bottle Bright, to be supported by the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance as a new vendor partner, “said Matt Patterson, HydraPak director of sales. “We align with the Grassroots focus on the specialty retailer being the heartbeat of the Outdoor Industry, and appreciate their creation of a profitable roadmap for players small and large. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is more than an organization; it’s a community of incredibly diverse retailers and brands that relay common goals for the industry including the importance of outdoor recreation access and sustainable practices which are at the core of HydraPak’s brand ethos.”

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ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE:  Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is an active, independent network of 89 independent retailers, with 192 retail locations, 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.

ABOUT GRASSROOTS CONNECT: Grassroots Connect is an ideally timed, invitation-only buying show for the specialty outdoor industry hosted by Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. Scheduled as early as possible in the buying cycle, Connect provides a highly efficient opportunity for retailers, reps and vendors to present, discuss, plan and collect pre-season orders. Cost-effective and simple, Connect is both an incubator and testing ground for the greater outdoor industry. Invited retailers receive a per attendee reimbursement to offset their travel costs. Upcoming Grassroots Connect dates include June 7-10, 2021 (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Nov. 8-11, 2021 (Kansas City, Mo.).

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