Ecomdigest Outdoor Apparel & Gear - 08.22.2024

PLUS: Why brands like Salomon and Arc'teryx are winning the TikTok race

Specialty Bites 🍪

An innovative solution for athletes has emerged from Zimmerman, Minn., where an inventor has developed the QUICK DRY, a device designed to efficiently dry sports equipment within the bag itself. "I wanted to provide hockey players with a quick and effective means of drying their equipment without the hassle of removing everything from the bag" the inventor explained. This invention promises to evaporate perspiration and moisture, significantly reducing the notorious locker room odor.

The QUICK DRY operates by circulating air throughout the gym bag and its contents, saving time and effort for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its portable and user-friendly design makes it an ideal companion for anyone engaged in sports. The device not only enhances convenience but also contributes to a more pleasant and hygienic sporting experience.

Currently, the original design has been submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp and is available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. This development opens up new possibilities for the sports equipment industry, offering a practical solution to a common problem faced by athletes.

For more information, interested parties can contact InventHelp at their Pittsburgh office. This invention represents a significant step forward in sports equipment maintenance, combining practicality with innovation to meet the needs of modern athletes.

Belk partners with Fanatics to expand its licensed sports merchandise, enhancing the online shopping experience. Customers can now access a wide range of Fanatics' products on Belk.com, including NCAA gear. This collaboration aims to offer more diverse and high-quality fan gear, benefiting sports enthusiasts.

Extra Butter collaborates with Brooks on the Cascadia 18, infusing the trail running sneaker with a city-inspired design. Featuring splash graphics, tonal blue and grey hues, and a cant-yellow look, the shoe combines style with functionality. Available now, it boasts DNA Loft v2 foam and a TrailTack Green outsole.

Performance Platters 🍽️

Arc'teryx's success with fun product experiments and Salomon's engaging outdoor challenges showcase the platform's potential for outdoor gear brands to create viral content that highlights product features without direct sales pitches.

Fospha's TikTok Playbook reveals that brands are now allocating an average of 10% of their marketing budgets to TikTok, recognizing its exceptional return on ad spend (ROAS) during high-traffic periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

TikTok's ability to attract new customers makes it ideal for product discovery in the outdoor gear sector, with both brands effectively raising brand awareness and loyalty through their unique content strategies.

As outdoor gear brands prepare for upcoming high-traffic events, how can they develop a comprehensive TikTok strategy that balances product demonstrations, user challenges, and stunning outdoor content to maximize both brand engagement and sales in this adventure-driven market?

Disney, YouTube, and Instacart introduce innovative ad formats to enhance user engagement and brand recall. Disney's interactive and shoppable ads, Instacart's contextual product placements, and YouTube's picture-in-picture live mid-rolls aim to create less intrusive, more engaging advertising experiences, promising higher consumer interaction and improved monetization.

Snapchat introduces new ad products, including an enhanced Lead Gen suite, First Lens Unlimited, and AR Extensions. The platform's Q2 2024 report shows a 16% revenue increase and a 243% rise in adjusted EBITDA. New features target app advertisers and leverage ML and AI for improved ad performance.

Industry Appetisers 🥨

New York or Nowhere has partnered with the Yankees to launch a co-branded athleisure collection. This collaboration follows their successful partnership with the Knicks. Cofounder Quincy Moore highlights the brand's unique blend of sports merchandise and athleisure, aiming to replicate their previous success with the Yankees' iconic status.

Lolë, a Montreal-based activewear brand, has acquired Sanuk from Deckers Brands. This acquisition aims to leverage Sanuk's established market presence and align with Lolë's eco-friendly ethos. Both brands anticipate growth through new product launches and expanded market reach, particularly in North America.

 

Ecomdigest is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division