In the last 6 months, the worldwide recession has taken hold and spared few countries. While the downturn clearly originated in those countries whose banks lent and citizens borrowed too recklessly, it is primarily exporting countries such as Japan and Germany who have so far taken the greater hit of the major economies.

As exporting and prudent countries felt less responsibility for the causes of the recession and presumed less susceptibility, so they have been less quick to enact stimulus. However it is precisely these countries that need to do most to stimulate internal demand. Citizens and governments of already indebted countries such the UK and the US have far less capacity to borrow further, and will be punished by markets if they choose to do so. (more…)

The Sustainability Working Group (SWG) has been having regular meetings and is progressing on several levels. The mission of the SWG is to provide business relevant insight and solutions to sustainability challenges facing the outdoor industry and its global stakeholders. Incorporating a comprehensive lifecycle perspective, the Sustainability Working Group’s key areas of focus are:
• Improving the ecological / environmental impact of the industry
• Ensuring the industry is up-to-date on relevant environmental and health and safety legislation as it relates to products and services
• Maintaining dialogue with relevant stakeholders
• Facilitating facts-based communication of sustainability credentials, including review of certification and labeling schemes
• Providing common positions on sustainability topics for the (EU) Outdoor Industry (more…)

SNEWS®, the leading trade news service for the US outdoor and fitness market, recently published an interesting review of the US trade show market’s status in early 2009. We are excerpting it with permission, below. The full story, “2009 trade shows still draw a buying and selling crowd, albeit smaller ones” is available at www.snewsnet.com to SNEWS subscribers.

The outdoor, fitness and sports industries are not alone in commiserating about trade shows and declining attendance and exhibitor numbers. In 2008, the exhibition industry, including all types of trade shows and conventions, declined 3.1 percent, marking the first annual decrease in business since 2002, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.

Overall, four key industry metrics saw declines in 2008, with net square footage for shows dropping 2 percent, the number of exhibitors dropping 2.6 percent, attendance decreasing by 4 percent and revenue slipping 3.5 percent. (more…)

A new study by Krauthammer has looked at the employees experience of their organisations CSR practices, comments from the employees state that “Organisations should practice the belief that the economy and the ecology are one thing.” And yet, of those surveyed, only 26% of companies seem to agree. The study reports that in general around 50% of organisations are operational or even exemplary when it comes to CSR practices related to the triple perspectives of Planet, Profit and People, employees claim. The other half display a reactive or inactive CSR policy. Or alternatively, they are failing to inform their own people about what they are doing. (more…)

The European Outdoor Group has also been dealing with another EU issue on behalf of the sector becoming involved in the European Commissions reluctance to classify Ice Tools under the Personal Protective Equipment category (PPE). (more…)

Registration for the OutDoor Industry Awards is now open. In its fourth year this prestigious award is given in recognition of innovation in the outdoor sector. Entries will be accepted in the following categories: Apparel/Helmets/Shoes, Backpacks/Travel luggage, Mountain-climbing equipment, Camping equipment, Sleeping bags and Accessories. (more…)

A major consumer research project is under way with a focus on Germany and Switzerland. Our partners so far are the Outdoor Magazine and Klettern in Germany and the Mammut Sports Group and Bächli – Bergsport in Switzerland. (more…)