Specialty Retail: Community Engagement

Outdoor specialty retailers are very unique among retail operations because they do so much more than sell products. They offer education and community events, they support recreational programs at local schools and parks, they often interface with local government on issues related to outdoor recreation, and they are general hubs of engagement for outdoorists in a town/city. Community engagement is a huge part of developing a strong reputation and loyal customer base. This episode focuses on best practices for: Creating unique and impactful community events/programs Partnering with brands/suppliers on in-store or local promotions and events Local advocacy—how retail shops can lead efforts to promote recreation and conversation. Why is it important for shops to be the voice of these efforts in a community? Show guests Darren Bush, Owner and Chief Paddling Evangelist at Rutabaga Paddlesports John Mead, Owner and President of Adventure 16 Deek Heykamp, Owner of Next Adventure