Outdoor Retailer 2026: Did the Reboot Deliver?

Eoin Comerford breaks down whether Outdoor Retailer 2026 delivered after its move from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis and its shift to an August date. He shares his own read on the show floor, then sits down with OR show director Matthew Mathiason to talk buyer registration numbers, the Wild Reach creator partnership with Popfly, and what's next for the show. Eoin also catches up with three brands from the Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator: Georgia Grace Edwards of Gnara on the GoFly zipper and collaborations with LIVSN and Burton; Scott Jensen of Near Zero on his lightweight backpacking bundles; and Kara Hardman of Thicket Adventure on plus-size outdoor apparel and the Brecken pant. This episode is sponsored by ISPO, relaunching in Amsterdam November 3-5, and Crux Retail, which builds custom retail fixtures for brands like Yakima, Dometic, Wahoo, and Clif Bar.Show Notes0:00 - Eoin previews the episode's coverage of Outdoor Retailer 2026, Matthew Mathiason, Gnara, Near Zero, and Thicket Adventure.0:48 - A look back at OR 2025's struggles in Salt Lake City and the rise of Switchback.1:48 - Emerald's new leadership team announces the move to Minneapolis and an August date.2:42 - How OR 2026 actually turned out on the show floor with buyers and brands.4:25 - A recap of the pre-show education day sessions.5:05 - Eoin's macro assessment of the timing change, location, and overall buzz.6:18 - A word from sponsor ISPO on its Amsterdam relaunch.7:27 - Eoin sits down with OR show director Matthew Mathiason.11:05 - Matthew and Eoin dig into buyer registration numbers and onsite verification.19:30 - Matthew explains the Wild Reach partnership with Popfly and creator ROI.23:01 - Matthew makes the case for education as a "fourth leg" of the trade show stool.26:13 - Matthew and Eoin talk about Minneapolis as a host city and OR's future there.29:08 - A word from sponsor Crux Retail on custom retail fixtures.30:51 - Eoin catches up with Georgia Grace Edwards of Gnara about the GoFly zipper.41:12 - Eoin talks with Scott Jensen of Near Zero about lightweight backpacking bundles.49:53 - Eoin speaks with Kara Hardman of Thicket Adventure about plus-size outdoor apparel.55:55 - Eoin closes the show with how to leave a review and how to connect.Guest LinksGnara: www.gnara.com, Instagram @gnara_apparelNear Zero: www.nearzero.co, info@nearzero.co, or scott@nearzero.coThicket Adventure: www.thicketadventure.com, or DM on Instagram/Facebook @ThicketAdventureSponsorsISPO - Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play, and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers, and innovators who shape the future of sport. www.ispo.comCrux 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.Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.comLinkedIn: Eoin Comerford (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/)Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC.