Zug, Switzerland – The first interim results of a major outdoor consumer research project undertaken by the European Outdoor Group (EOG) are starting to emerge, and they offer some good news for the German outdoor industry. In a survey conducted in partnership with leading German magazines Outdoor and Klettern, 70% of consumers stated that the current economic climate will have no impact on their level of outdoor activity. In addition, 68% of consumers added that during 2009 they plan to spend about the same amount of money as last year on outdoor related travel and accommodation.

The interim results of the EOG research are released as Germany hosts Europe’s biggest trade event for the outdoor industry – OutDoor, held at the Messe Friedrichshafen, over 800 exhibitors from across Europe will be represented at the show. The research is the first in a series of in depth projects launched by the EOG, designed to assess the habits and attitudes of outdoor consumers in relation to participation and spend, brand choice and loyalty, and sustainability and the environment.

Using an online survey, the EOG asked a broad range of questions in order to build a better understanding of the opinions of consumers and their changing plans and intentions for 2009. A similar survey is also being undertaken in Switzerland, in partnership with EOG member Mammut.

The full research data is still being analysed, but some of the initial results have been released. While 45% of consumers still intend to travel overseas for outdoor activities and holidays to some degree, 43% of those who were asked stated that they intend to spend more of their outdoor activity/holiday time within Germany. Only 19% stated that this was not likely.

Rolf Schmid, President of the EOG, commented “These are challenging times for everyone in business. The world economic climate is causing uncertainty and means that it is difficult for companies to make plans with confidence. This research is timely and important as it indicates the resilience of the outdoor industry. Our core consumers in Germany plan to spend as much time as in the past participating in
outdoor activities. They will still need to be properly equipped for the outdoors, which offers encouragement for businesses that make or supply outdoor products and services.

“The research gives the European Outdoor Group evidence that it can use to demonstrate the relative and growing importance of the outdoor industry to the German economy. We will use the full results to both promote the benefits of outdoor activities to a wide consumer audience, and to lobby Government on behalf of our members and the wider industry.”

The full research results and analysis will be released in August with the full report following. The data will be used to inform the Group’s plans for the future.

Notes to Editors:
The European Outdoor Group is an association set up to represent the common interests of the European outdoor industry.
Founded in 2003 the European Outdoor Group has 48 members, which include some of the largest brands in the world. The combined strength of the member brands, and a close cooperation with national outdoor associations, provides an extremely powerful force to represent the whole European outdoor industry in a constructive and positive manner.

Further information about the European Outdoor Group can be found on the website: www.europeanoutdoorgroup.com
Or contact Vanessa Knowles:

Tel: +44 1942 886402 Email: vanessa.knowles@europeanoutdoorgroup.com