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  • Why Loyalty Programs Are Coming for Independent Retailers - Plus Why Arc'teryx Is "Junk,"

    Why Loyalty Programs Are Coming for Independent Retailers - Plus Why Arc'teryx Is "Junk,"
    Jul 6 2026
    Today on the show Eoin Comerford breaks down the outdoor industry's paid loyalty arms race — from Dick's Sporting Goods' new Scorecard Plus tier to Backcountry's Summit Club Plus and REI's co-op membership — and explains what it means for independent specialty retailers. Then, why is Amer Sports, the parent company of Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, still rated "junk" by Moody's despite seven billion in sales and 60% gross margins? Eoin unpacks the fashion risk, operational scale concerns, and Anta ownership issues keeping the rating below investment grade. Finally, Rumpl founder and chairman Wiley Robinson and GM Josh Simpson join from the Switchback New Orleans show floor to discuss navigating tariffs, abandoning promotional discounting, launching the Rapsack sleeping bag line, sleep system accessories, and the brand-new Game Time Puffy — a sideline stadium cushion that converts into a full puffy blanket.Timestamps[0:00] — Introduction to the episode: paid loyalty programs, Amer Sports' credit rating, and a live interview with the Rumpl team at Switchback New Orleans.[0:52] — How Dick's Sporting Goods' Scorecard Plus, Backcountry's Summit Club Plus, and REI's co-op membership are competing for the outdoor consumer's wallet — and what independent specialty retailers should do about it.[5:27] — Sponsor: ENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. www.endvr.io[6:38] — Why Amer Sports, parent of Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, remains rated speculative grade by Moody's despite $7B+ in sales, 30% growth, and 60% gross margins — and what it means for the industry.[10:50] — Sponsor: Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com[11:40] — Outdoor Unfiltered ranks as the most popular outdoor industry podcast on Apple Podcasts in the Wilderness category.[13:00] — Wiley Robinson and Josh Simpson of Rumpl join live from the Switchback New Orleans show floor.[13:55] — How the founder/GM leadership transition between Wiley Robinson and Josh Simpson has played out 18 months in.[15:37] — How Rumpl navigated tariffs, held price on 95% of its line, and protected margins while many peers struggled.[17:45] — How Rumpl cut MAP breaks from six per year to one and reduced off-price transactions by 50% to rebuild a full-price business.[19:40] — Why Rumpl launched the Rapsack sleeping bag after 12 years focused exclusively on blankets, and how REI's early commitment validated the category.[21:00] — How Rumpl is expanding the Rapsack into a full sleep system with new temperature ratings, sizes, and sleep liners.[25:15] — Introducing the Game Time Puffy — a $99.95 stadium seat cushion and puffy blanket in one, already sold into Dick's Sporting Goods.[27:47] — Closing thoughts, how to follow the pod, and how to reach out.GuestsWiley Robinson — Co-Founder & Chairman, RumplJosh Simpson — General Manager, RumplRumpl — www.rumpl.comSponsorsENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel.www.endvr.ioCrux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands.www.crux-retail.comConnect With UsWe would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries, or whatever's on your mind.DM Eoin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.comIf Outdoor Unfiltered brings value to your week, please follow the pod and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other outdoor industry professionals find us — and makes sure you never miss an episode.
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    29 Min.
  • Is Screen Time Killing Outdoor Outings? Plus: Switchback’s 2027 Shakeup!

    Is Screen Time Killing Outdoor Outings? Plus: Switchback’s 2027 Shakeup!
    Jun 29 2026
    In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford breaks through the PR speak to deliver critical insights on the outdoor industry's evolving landscape. First, we unpack the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. While the participant base hit a record 183 million, actual outings are declining. Eoin looks at why screen time is the ultimate enemy and how Merrell is tackling this with their It Starts Outside campaign. Next, Eoin analyzes Switchback’s shocking shift to late May 2027 dates in New Orleans, navigating what a weekend trade show means for specialty retailers, Grassroots Connect, and the 360 Collective.Later, Mike Massey, Founder and CEO of Locally (and former GOA president), joins the show to discuss reviving the brand-retailer relationship. We dive deep into the math of D2C vs. wholesale contribution margins, why brands like Patagonia and Yeti succeed by prioritizing local retail, and how Locally’s new AI-powered ShopSense platform is helping reps and stores optimize regional product assortments for brands like Helly Hansen.Tune in for an unfiltered conversation on thriving in a channel-agnostic retail world, brought to you by our sponsors ENDVR and Crux Retail.Host: Eoin Comerford Guest: Mike Massey, Founder & CEO of LocallyTimestamps[0:00] – Intro & Episode Overview Eoin previews the three topics: the OIA Outdoor Participation Trends Report, Switchback 2027 dates, and the interview with Mike Massey of Locally.[0:23] – OIA 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report Kelly Davis's presentation at Switchback revealed a record 183 million outdoor participants in 2025 — 59% of Americans — up 1.6% from 2024 and nearly 20% above pre-COVID levels.[1:29] – The Dark Side of the Data: Declining Outings Per Participant Despite record participation, outings per participant have dropped 14% from COVID highs and 15% from 2016 peaks. Eoin traces the decline back to 2007 — the year the iPhone launched — arguing screen time is stealing outdoor time.[1:55] – 18–34 Year Olds & the Smartphone Problem The 18–34 age group is the only one showing declining participation rates, correlating with record levels of anxiety and depression tied to smartphone use.[3:09] – Industry Call to Action: "Put Your Phone Down" Eoin makes the case that addressing smartphone addiction is both a business and social imperative. He highlights Merrell's It Starts Outside campaign as a step in the right direction.[4:04] – Sponsor: Endeavor Endeavor connects brands directly to 140,000+ frontline retail associates for product education and sales incentives.[4:49] – Switchback 2027: New Dates Announced The show is moving to May 22–24, 2027 — a Saturday through Monday, the weekend before Memorial Day — shifting earlier rather than later to avoid June's crowded buying calendar.[6:02] – Pros, Cons & Eoin's Unsolicited Advice for Switchback Eoin weighs the challenges (retailers may be on the floor Memorial weekend) against opportunities and encourages Switchback to lean into the New Orleans weekend vibe with brand parties, partner packages, and an industry awards ball.[7:57] – Sponsor: Crux Retail Crux Retail designs custom retail fixtures for outdoor brands like Yakima, Dometic, Wahoo, and Clif Bar.[8:47] – Interview: Mike Massey, Founder & CEO of Locally Eoin welcomes Mike to discuss Locally's origin story — born out of outdoor retail (Massey's is a third-generation New Orleans chain) and funded by industry insiders — with a mission to use digital marketing to drive foot traffic to local stores.[9:22] – What Is Locally & How Does It Work? Locally aggregates real-time inventory from 70,000 retailers and uses digital tools to connect online shoppers to products available in local stores. Revenue comes ~80% from brand tools/data and ~20% from retailer transaction fees (3.5% on confirmed local pickups and same-day delivery).[13:52] – The Brand-Retailer Partnership Score Eoin introduces his scoring framework evaluating brands on two lenses: (1) how discount-heavy their D2C experience is, and (2) how well they promote retail partners on their site.[14:10] – Why Are Brands So Discount-Oriented? Mike and Eoin discuss how short-term investor pressure and siloed conversion-rate thinking have driven brands toward constant discounting, undermining retailer relationships built over decades.[15:41] – The Conversion Rate Trap Brands obsess over converting visitors on their D2C site, but lose sight of the 98%+ who don't buy — and those shoppers often end up on Amazon. Locally argues the online-to-offline journey should be treated as a continuous funnel, not separate channels.[18:04] – Showing Retailer Inventory on the Product Page (PDP) The highest-scoring partnership behavior: displaying local retailer inventory directly on a brand's product page so customers can find the right size/color at a nearby store. AB testing by major brands shows this actually ...
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    38 Min.
  • Switchback New Orleans Reaction: Did The Show Work In Year 2?

    Switchback New Orleans Reaction: Did The Show Work In Year 2?
    Jun 22 2026

    What is the purpose of an outdoor trade show beyond sales?

    Live from the floor of Switchback in New Orleans, Eoin Comerford sits down with thru-hiking expert Shawnté Salabert (Gear Abby) to break down the hits, the misses, and the future of the outdoor tradeshow.

    In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin and Shawnté dive deep into reactions of the exhibit hall. From the highly anticipated US Participation Report presented by Kelly Davis to navigating the timing clash with regional shows like GOA, they examine what it takes to build a true national show. Plus, the duo doesn’t hold back on their unfiltered booth reviews, praising the stunning blonde-wood aesthetics of Snow Peak, Fjällräven, and Teva, while calling out the underwhelming setups from other brands.

    Tune in for an inside look at the latest gear innovations shaking up the market, including Dometic’s interchangeable tumbler system, GRAYL’s Carry Project pack line, Butt Napkins’ upcoming submarine bidet wand, Date Fix’s intense food culture mission, Rumpl’s clever cape clips, and the mouth-watering backpacking meals from Lux Fly. Whether you are a specialty retail buyer, a major outdoor brand, or a gear junkie, this episode is your ultimate backstage pass to the business and culture of the great outdoors.

    Then later in the show, Eoin sits down with Switchback Event Director Sean Smith to share his impressions and break some news about a time change for next year.

    Connect With Us

    We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind!

    • Connect with Eoin Comerford: LinkedIn Profile

    Our Sponsors

    Support the brands that make this show possible:

    • ENDVR – The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. Visit www.endvr.io.
    • Crux Retail – Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. Visit www.crux-retail.com.
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    41 Min.
  • Bonus Episode! The Rock Fight Heads To Oboz

    Bonus Episode! The Rock Fight Heads To Oboz
    Jun 18 2026

    On this special bonus episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin welcomes the founders of The Rock Fight -- Colin True and Producer Dave Karstad.

    Colin and Dave share why they decided to go out on top with the Rock Fight at its peak, what drew them to their new roles at Oboz, and what lies ahead for them and the brand.
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    23 Min.
  • The Hottest Brands We Saw At The GOA Connect Discovery Marketplace!

    The Hottest Brands We Saw At The GOA Connect Discovery Marketplace!
    Jun 15 2026
    In this episode, we take you inside the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) Connect show and the newly expanded, high-energy Grassroots Discovery Marketplace. We examine the shifts in retail distribution, including the wave of D2C darlings breaking into wholesale brick-and-mortar specialty shops. We discuss Huckberry’s full-circle evolution with their private labels Flint and Tinder and Proof, alongside top D2C and international players like Poncho Outdoors, Half Days, Melin, Baja Llama, Solbari, Parkit Chairs.Get the inside track on the most innovative product designs shaking up the market: the mule-style shoes from Moondeck, the premium $275 Parkit folding camp chair, and Poncho Outdoors’ hyper-focused men's shirts. Plus, discover how Suunto is mounting a retail comeback, why Gear Envie's patented Hikas Gaiters are reinventing the puffy leg warmer, and how Furnagami is taking outdoor camp furniture engineering to rugged new heights.Finally, sit down on the show floor for exclusive, unfiltered interviews with Jeff Anderlite, founder of the "fight against boring" apparel brand Baja Llama, and Damien Huang, former CEO of Cotopaxi and Eddie Bauer, as he introduces his premium down outerwear brand, Maveral. We also catch up with John Peretti of Coastal Range Equipment to check out their ultra-lightweight, 9.2-ounce 1.2-liter integrated camping stove backpacker system, and close things out with a look at the innovative waterless coffee from Dry Brew.Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction to Outdoor Unfiltered and Eoin Comerford.00:35 — What is the GOA Connect Show and the Grassroots Discovery Marketplace? Why the new 5-hour format is a game-changer for independent specialty retailers and emerging brands.01:50 — The D2C Darlings Moving to Wholesale: How Huckberry (Flint and Tinder, Proof), Poncho Outdoors, Half Days, Melin, and Parkit are changing strategies.02:30 — European Brands & Dual Exhibitors: A look at Berghaus, Suunto, Vivo Barefoot, Peak Design, and Save the Duck.03:10 — Product Highlights: Moondeck shoes, the high-end Parkit camp chair, and Poncho Outdoors' focused brand philosophy.04:05 — The Suunto Comeback: Can they challenge Garmin's electronics dominance with better margins and distribution discipline?04:40 — Innovation Spotlights: Gear Envy’s Hikas Gaiters (the puffy leg warmer) and Furnagami’s ultra-rugged camp furniture.05:15 — Mid-roll Break: A message from our sponsor, ENDVR.06:20 — Interview 1: Jeff Anderlite, Founder of Baja Llama. Fighting against boring apparel, sourcing Peruvian cotton, and utilizing sustainable "Llama Seal" coconut husk fabrics.11:15 — Interview 2: Damien Huang, Founder of Maveral. The former CEO of Cotopaxi and Eddie Bauer discusses escaping the "sea of sameness," engineering "Thin Down" fabric without quilting cold-spots, and building for long-term repairability.21:30 — Mid-roll Break: A message from our sponsor, Crux Retail.22:45 — Interview 3: John Peretti of Coastal Range Equipment. A look at their 2023 Moose Jaw Outdoor Accelerator roots and their ultra-lightweight 9.2 oz integrated backpacker camping stove.26:15 — Interview 4: Checking in with Dry Brew to discuss the future of convenient outdoor trail coffee.Our Sponsors:Support the brands that make this show possible!ENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. Visit www.endvr.io to launch your live campaign in 5 minutes.Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. Maximize your store footprint and turn visitors into buyers. Book your discovery call at www.crux-retail.com.Connect With Us:We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind.Host: Eoin ComerfordLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.comNetwork: Proud partner of The Rock Fight Podcast network
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    39 Min.
  • Beyond the Black Square: Teresa Baker on Inclusivity Action vs. Rhetoric in the Outdoor Industry

    Beyond the Black Square: Teresa Baker on Inclusivity Action vs. Rhetoric in the Outdoor Industry
    Jun 8 2026

    In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin sits down with Teresa Baker, the co-director and co-founder of the Outdoor Diversity Alliance (ODA) and the unofficial queen of outdoor inclusivity, for a transparent look at the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoor industry.

    Tracing their collaborative roots back to 2018 with the launch of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge and a fateful 2022 summit at the Patagonia Ventura headquarters, Eoin and Teresa discuss what it takes to build authentic corporate relationships. Modeled originally after the industry action of The Conservation Alliance (TCA), the ODA has rallied an impressive collective of over 23 brands committed to real action—including Burton, Keen, Smartwool, REI, Cirrus, BOA, SIA, Aspen, Bonfire Collective, and the Switchback trade show.

    This conversation confronts the heavy challenges facing modern brands around inclusiviyt work. Teresa directly addresses the shift from performative corporate gestures to the deep internal work of diversifying corporate boards and staff. Eoin and Teresa unpack why brands are "turtling" in fear of political boycotts, why companies like Brooks Running get authenticity right, and why high-profile outdoor faces need to step up and use their platforms.

    Unfiltered, urgent, and inspiring, this episode is a call to action to lean into "good trouble," adapt to changing cultural demographics, and rewrite the corporate script to preserve our collective Joy in the Outdoors.

    Connect With Us

    We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. You can reach out directly via the following channels:

    • LinkedIn: Connect with our host, Eoin Comerford.
    • Email: Drop us a line at outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com.

    Our Sponsors

    This episode of Outdoor Unfiltered is made possible by the incredible support of our industry sponsors:

    • ENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel.
    • Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands.
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    30 Min.
  • Revamping ISPO, Inside KMD's Strategic Review & The Truth Behind Recreation dot Gov

    Revamping ISPO, Inside KMD's Strategic Review & The Truth Behind Recreation dot Gov
    Jun 1 2026

    Dive beyond the PR spin with Outdoor Unfiltered, your insider look into the outdoor industry's biggest shifts. In this episode, host Eoin Comerford breaks down why KMD Brands -- the parent company of global surf icon Rip Curl, retail giant Kathmandu, and hiking footwear favorite Oboz -- has launched a major strategic review.

    Next, we call out the non-stop promotional spam from recreation.gov, peeling back the curtain on its operator, Booz Allen Hamilton, and how their contract impacts public lands' funding. On a brighter note, we highlight Mountain High Outfitters and their impressive 31-store expansion, showing why the "Big Os" specialty retail model is thriving.

    Finally, Mike Seaman and Tracy Bebbington of Racoon Media Group join the show to discuss their massive €3 million investment to revitalize and completely revamp the iconic ISPO show as it moves to Amsterdam this November.

    Timestamps:
    • [00:22] – KMD Brands Strategic Review: What does the future hold for Kathmandu, Rip Curl, and Oboz under their New Zealand-based parent company?
    • [04:45] – The Recreation.gov Spam Machine: Why a private contract with Booz Allen Hamilton is driving massive revenue away from our underfunded National Parks.
    • [07:11] – Specialty Retail Success: How Mountain High Outfitters is bucking the trend with its 31st store expansion.
    • [09:05] – Interview with Racoon Media Group: Mike Seaman and Tracy Bebbington lay out their €3 million plan to relocate, revamp, and revitalize the iconic ISPO show in Amsterdam.

    Connect With Us:

    We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries, or whatever's on your mind.

    • Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com
    • LinkedIn: Connect with Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn

    Our Sponsors:

    We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors who make this show possible. Please support them by checking out their services:

    • ENDVR: The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel.
    • Crux Retail: Creating bold retail displays for bold brands.
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    48 Min.
  • The North Face Turnaround, Lululemon’s Feud, & Shein Buys Everlane

    The North Face Turnaround, Lululemon’s Feud, & Shein Buys Everlane
    May 25 2026

    In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford pulls back the curtain on major shifts hitting the outdoor and apparel markets. We analyze the 4-year financial trajectory of The North Face, look past the personality drama at Lululemon, and deliver a sobering wake-up call to outdoor brands relying too heavily on sustainability as their primary differentiator.

    Timestamps:
    • 00:00 – Podcast Intro and Host Overview
    • 00:36 – The Unfiltered Upside: Inside The North Face's Q4 and Fiscal 2026 Turnaround Metrics
    • 01:50 – Product Assortment and "Me-Too" Traps: How TNF Hit a Wall in 2023
    • 02:30 – Analyzing VF Investor Day: Category Consolidation and Brand Centering
    • 03:15 – Premiumization, Luxury Collaborations, and Rising Price Points
    • 04:00 – Performance vs. Performance-Inspired: Navigating Cultural Relevancy
    • 04:45 – Product Franchise Management: The Proliferation of Denali and Nuptse Variations
    • 05:40 – Modernizing Marketing: Reviewing the "Never Just a Hike" Campaign
    • 06:54 – Commercial Break: ENDVR
    • 07:42 – The Lululemon Spat: Is Chip Wilson Actually Right?
    • 08:35 – Stock Peaks and Product Execution: What the Street is Saying About Lululemon
    • 09:12 – The Rise of Alo and Vuori: Has Lululemon Abandoned Its Playbook?
    • 09:50 – Commercial Break: Crux Retail
    • 10:44 – The Anti-Shein No More: Shein Acquires Everlane
    • 11:34 – The History of Everlane and the Trap of the "Middle Ground"
    • 12:20 – The Sincerity Crisis: Is Sustainability a Primary Driver or Just Table Stakes?
    • 12:45 – The Cautionary Tale of Allbirds
    • 13:30 – The 4 Critical Takeaways for Outdoor Brands in a Trend-Driven Market

    Connect With Us:We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries, or whatever's on your mind.
    • Email Us: outdoorunfilteredpodcast@gmail.com
    • Connect with Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn: Eoin's Profile

    Our Sponsors:
    • ENDVR – The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. Visit www.endvr.io to claim your free starter credits.
    • Crux Retail – Creating bold retail fixtures and custom displays for bold outdoor brands. Book your discovery call today at www.crux-retail.com.

    Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight LLC.
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    22 Min.