Ecomdigest Outdoor Apparel & Gear - 10.31.2024

PLUS: Boost your ski game with custom boots, adaptive goggles & more!

Author

Rafe Houston
October 31, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Insight of the Week 📣

Couldn’t make it to Chicago for Shoptalk Fall? In this post, Jamie Bolton gives us a rundown of the key trends and strategies brands are betting on in Fall 2024: 

🔑 Invest in Brand: Investing in brand has never been more important. Full-funnel strategies on Paid Social are now crucial, allowing brands to both build awareness and drive conversions in-platform. As Kyle Leahy from Glossier puts it, “People want to be part of something bigger.”

🛍️ Go Omni for Growth: As D2C growth hits limits, embracing an omni-channel sales approach is key to staying resilient. Brands like Solo Stove and Chinese Laundry are leading with strategies that don’t replicate D2C on third-party retail, finding unique advantages in each.

✈️ Go Global: With lower CPMs and wide-open markets, the EU offers significant growth opportunities. Effective localization strategies are essential for US brands looking to expand abroad.

Explorer Picks 🎒

Max Hitzig, a Freeride World Champion, shares his expert packing tips for backcountry skiing. Prioritizing safety, he emphasizes essential gear like avalanche tools, hydration, and protective layers. Hitzig's approach ensures comfort and preparedness, allowing skiers to focus on technique and enjoyment in variable conditions. His insights offer valuable guidance for enthusiasts.

Upgrade your skiing or snowboarding experience with essential gear enhancements. Invest in custom-fitted boots, moisture-wicking socks, adaptive goggles, powder baskets, organized gear bags, suitable skis or boards, and an edge tuner. These upgrades enhance comfort, performance, and enjoyment on the slopes, ensuring a memorable winter sports adventure.

X-BIONIC, a Swiss high-performance athletic-wear brand, launches in North America, aiming to redefine sportswear standards with innovative technology. Led by industry veterans, the brand focuses on superior quality and customer service. Their FW24 line includes advanced thermoregulation apparel, enhancing athletes' performance and comfort.

REI Co-op plans to expand with new stores in six states by 2026, focusing on New York, California, and Washington. These stores will offer outdoor gear and services, including bike and ski shops. This expansion supports active lifestyles and connects communities to natural destinations.

Go Outdoors has introduced Kudos Run, a new running department, both online and in select stores. It offers premium gear and advanced foot scanning technology for runners. This initiative aims to support all runners, enhancing performance and positioning Go Outdoors as a leading destination for running enthusiasts.

Performance Pulse 📈

Google Performance Max enhances eCommerce campaigns by utilizing multiple Google platforms, offering increased reach and automation. It provides an 18% conversion boost, real-time insights, and efficient ad targeting. Businesses should leverage audience segmentation and automated asset creation to optimize results, maximizing return on ad spend and campaign effectiveness.

Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) offers a suite of tools to enhance your campaigns. Use Amazon Ads for product visibility and create cost-per-click ads. AMC centralizes campaign management, providing near real-time metrics. For assistance, contact Amazon Ads; budget minimums apply. Cookies are used to improve services.

Every performance marketing campaign can incorporate brand elements to reinforce brand identity, while brand marketing efforts can successfully leverage performance metrics to refine messaging and engagement strategies - but getting the balance right is where the magic happens.

Ecomdigest is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division