EXETER, United Kingdom (BRAIN) — The CLUG, a simple wall-mount bike storage product, has been relaunched globally by U.K.-based accessory brand Hornit.

The CLUG was launched in 2013 on a Kickstarter campaign by a Vancouver, British Columbia, company. The campaign raised over $100,000. After fulfilling early orders, the company was unable to meet demand and sold the business assets to Hornit, which has taken over production and distribution. In the U.S., the CLUG has been distributed by J&B Imports since April.

"The product itself was already perfect so only essential changes were made. CLUG became HORNIT CLUG, the wall anchors were upgraded to patented U.S. Toggler wall anchors and the tools were tweaked imperceptibly to ensure an even smoother fit between the two constituent parts," the company said. 

Hornit said it keeps significant stock of the CLUG in China, the U.K. and the U.S. Hornit is launching a social media marketing campaign and is working with bike brands such as Profile Design and Cervélo, to provide bike displays at events. 

For more information about Hornit CLUG visit: us.thehornit.com/getclug. For more information about stocking the product visit: jbi.bike.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Velotooler, launched as a peer-to-peer service for independent bike mechanics, is shifting toward offering a Software as a Service product with new features allowing consumers to schedule service with independent bicycle mechanics, mobile mechanics, and local bike shops.

Consumers can book services based on the provider's indicated availability within the platform. 

"This release bolsters the bike industry's push into a new era of digitization," said CEO Yahor Buben. "The service providers have always been a focus of our platform. That's why developing more customized tools for service providers was always a top priority."

The Velotooler app is available for iOS and Android devices. Buben said the new functions are key to Velotooler entering overseas markets including Europe and Australia.

"We will continue building our platform using the newest technology that will focus on integrating and bringing together the industry to better serve bike owners and support our service providers," he said.

More information: velotooler.com.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — BikeFlights.com has named Sue George its vice president. George has served as the company's director of communications since 2014.

"It's been a pleasure to lead our Outreach Team in helping spread the BikeFlights.com word, and I'm looking forward to my new, expanded role," said George, who is responsible for developing and managing relationships with BikeFlights.com's industry partners, events, brand ambassadors and sponsored teams.

BikeFlights.com's president, William Alcorn, said, "George has played an instrumental role in the growth of BikeFlights.com during the past four years, and we're excited that she has stepped up to become vice president as we continue to grow and expand our services.

Before joining BikeFlights.com, George served as the mountain bike editor at Cyclingnews, and she has also freelanced for a variety of industry publications including Dirt Rag and Bicycling magazines. She is a graduate of both Penn State University and the University of Virginia.

Among other staff changes, Connie Pizoli was promoted to support team manager overseeing the orders team. She took over from former support team manager Gordon Wadsworth, who moved into a new role as special projects director.

All changes took effect on July 5.

PETALUMA, Calif. (BRAIN) — CamelBak has hired Greg Williamson as its new president, effective July 16.

Before joining CamelBak, Williamson was the chief marketing officer for EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours, and the CMO for Arctic Cat, Inc. He has two decades of experience with leading hardware brands.

"The iconic nature of the brand and the position it has carved out in the marketplace is impressive and a tremendous asset," said Williamson. "Over the years I have come to appreciate leading committed teams who are passionate about what they do and the customers they serve. This dynamic is incredibly evident at CamelBak and gives us a strong foundation as we move the business forward. These are products and end markets I get excited about and personally participate in, so when the offer was made to come lead the team, the decision was a no-brainer."

"CamelBak has nearly 30 years of providing innovative solutions in hydration for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts," said Williamson. "As a market leader, the challenge is to determine the best way to leverage that history and equity for the next phase of growth for the business."

CamelBak is owned by Vista Outdoor.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Emerald Expositions Events, Inc. has promoted Justin Gottlieb to vice president and group show director for Emerald's cycling and sports licensing shows, which includes Interbike and the Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show in Las Vegas.

Gottlieb was named interim show director at Interbike after Pat Hus left the company earlier this year. 

"Justin has done a great job taking the reins of this group and we are pleased to promote Justin to the vice president and group show director position," said Darrell Denny, executive vice president at Emerald Expositions. "All who know Justin are not surprised at his passion, intelligence, work ethic and authentic connections to the cycling market. We couldn't be more proud of Justin and the Interbike and Sports Licensing team."

Denny said that the upcoming cycling events are gaining momentum with brand participation and retailer registration. Interbike also just announced a collaborative panel discussion with the National Music Merchants Association, and released details for its OutDoor Demo and Free-Ride Festival events.

Besides Interbike and the Outdoor Retailer shows, Emerald owns Bicycle Retailer, which is operated under license by NBDA Services Inc. 

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. (BRAIN) — Kopin, the maker of the Solos smart glasses, is now sponsoring the Ironman North America and Ironman World Championships, where Solos will be the "Official Smart Glasses."

The sponsorship agreement starts at the Ironman Lake Place this weekend. 

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Ironman,” said Scott Fliegelman, director of strategic partnerships for Solos. “As a 5-time Ironman, I’m personally excited to share our amazing technology with today’s athletes, who are looking for improved performance, safety and fun.”

Solos smart glasses contain an augmented reality display and noise cancellation technologies that let athletes view metrics as if the data is floating in front of them. They can also receive information through audio messages.

“We know Ironman athletes are always looking for quality, ingenuity and as much valuable data as possible in the devices they wear,” said Stuart Selig, EVP of global partnerships at Ironman. “Solos smart glasses provide just that — an innovative product that will empower them to achieve optimal performance. We believe this partnership offers our athletes a unique training advantage across North America.”

WILTON, Conn. (BRAIN) — Cannondale has launched a new website with features that allow consumers to research which nearby retailers have the bike they want in stock, among other new features. 

Cannondale worked with SmartEtailing to link its dealer network to the website to provide real-time visibility of inventory in stock at retailers. The Cannondale website also recently received a rebrand and update, and the company said it has seen a "dramatic increase" in visitors this year.

"We have a responsibility to meet the needs of the modern-day consumer and his or her ever-changing expectations, as well as helping our IBD partners by driving riders through their doors," said Nick Hage, the general manager of Cannondale Sports Group for the U.S. 

Cannondale calls the new features the RIDE (Rider Integrated Dealer Experience) Interface.

"Consumers expect convenience, exceptional customer service and a personalized experience at every stage of the purchase funnel, and we're confident the RIDE Interface will have an immediate and positive impact on consumers and retailers alike," Hage said.

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (BRAIN) — Accell Group announced flat sales for the first half of 2018, with North American sales down sharply over the same period last year due to the loss of Dick's Sporting Goods sales. Accell is the parent company of Raleigh, Diamondback, Haibike, iZip, Ghost, Lapierre and other brands. 

Global sales were 636 million euros ($745 million), up 2.7 percent at constant exchange rates or up 0.3 percent in local currencies. Profits were 42.7 million euros, down 10 percent, which the company blamed on one-time restructuring expenses.

In North America, sales were down 22.5 percent from last year, to 44 million euros. Sales in the Netherlands were down 10 percent, while Accell saw solid gains in Germany and the rest of Europe.

The company remains bullish on e-bikes — in particular higher-end sport models and the developing e-road market. It also is bolstering its position in the e-mobility market with the recent purchase of Velosophy, a Dutch cargo bike brand (That purchase was in July, after the end of the first half year).

Accell also said it is making preparations to launch Beeline Bikes in Europe soon. Accell bought the U.S.-based mobile service company in March.

"For us 2018 is clearly a year of transition, a period we will use to smartly reorganize our group and a period in which costs will outpace any concomitant income," said Ton Anbeek, the chairman of the board of directors for Accell.

"Over the past six months, we have strengthened our management team in a number of crucial places and created a mix of young talent and solid experience, which has also created a completely different dynamic and added new energy. With this new team, we will accelerate the implementation of our transition and the rollout of our new strategy."

More information: Accell half year results news release.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — Quality Bicycle Products is introducing the QBP Service Summit, an event in January 2019 for service department leaders that will include strategies and tools to increase profitability.

"Having a profitable service department is increasingly important in today's ever-changing retail marketplace," said Aaron Stehly, QBPs' senior vendor sales manager. "With the QBP Service Summit, retailers will gain an education on how to improve processes, work more efficiently, and employ proven methods that will help their service department generate more revenue."

The first summit is scheduled for Jan. 27–29 in Portland, Oregon.

The summit will kick off with a welcome reception on Sunday, followed by two days of education on Monday and Tuesday. Topics will include service writing, setting and measuring labor rates, service menu pricing, setting up for profitability and efficiency, establishing the global value of your service department, and preparing your service department for e-bikes.

Registration is $425 and opens Oct. 13 at qbp.com/events/service-summit. Retailers who have placed a Dealer's Choice order with Jagwire, iSSi, SRAM or DT Swiss will receive a $50 discount on registration.

Presenting brand partners include SRAM, Park Tool, Stan's NoTubes, Finish Line, DT Swiss, Bosch E-Bike Systems, Problem Solvers and Barnett Bicycle Institute.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — At Eurobike earlier this month, French tire brand Hutchinson showed an internal wireless air pressure monitor, which will be available in the first quarter of 2019. 

The Connect Tires monitor is similar in concept to the Quarq TyreWiz introduced at Sea Otter but the Hutchinson monitor sits inside the tire and costs half as much.

The Connect Tires monitor has Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless capability for connection to a phone, smartwatch or GPS head unit. The company said it can be used with tire sealant. The mobile app allows users to create a rider profile that includes weight, height and riding style to get suggested pressures. The app has alerts to give the rider notice when pressure drops below a certain point.

The target MSRP is $100 for a pair. 

COCHRANE, Alberta (BRAIN) — Dynastream Innovations, the inventor of the ANT wireless protocol, is now operating as Garmin Canada Inc. Dynastream has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin for more than 11 years.

Dynastream began as a manufacturer of wireless components for the sports and fitness industry. Garmin Canada will remain the same legal entity as before and will continue to supply the same products. The company said there will be no impact to ongoing business practices, including the ANT Wireless licensing process.

"This name change better reflects who we are to the broader market: a wholly owned subsidiary of a well-known and highly reputable company," said Andrew Skarsgard, the director ANT Wireless at Garmin Canada. "As we continue to develop products and technology for new markets, we look forward to doing so under the trusted name of Garmin Canada Inc."

There is one change, besides the new letterhead and business cards: Garmin Canada has relocated to a new, larger office.

Its new address is:

Garmin Canada Inc.
124 — 30 Bow Street Common
Cochrane, AB, T4C 2N1
Canada

More information at thisisant.com. 

MUNICH, Germany (BRAIN) — EVOC, a Germany-based sports protection brand, is now working with ORIS Intelligence to help monitor and enforce its Minimum Advertised Price policy in the U.S.

"EVOC has been challenged by the online pricing landscape for some time," said Bernd Stucke, the company's co-founder and managing director. "ORIS allows us to monitor the market and take immediate action to correct pricing irregularities, to support and protect our valued retail partners."

"Today's selling environment is rapidly changing and increasingly challenging for manufacturers," said Pamela Springer, CEO of ORIS. "For brands, like EVOC, that are in high demand, pricing violators are coming out in full force to take advantage of a strong market.
EVOC is a trailblazer in its market, so it only makes sense that they are leveraging the most modern and comprehensive platform for managing minimum advertised pricing policies."

For more information on EVOC's MAP policy or to obtain a MAP price list, retailers can contact info@evocsports.com.

AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — The Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association will present Tech Clinics again at this year's Interbike Expo in Reno. The association has also announced three education sessions focused on the current state of service in many shops.

The three sessions are:

Masters at Work — Live Wheel Building Demonstration Tuesday Sept. 18, 2 p.m., Wednesday Sept. 19 10 a.m.

Join Boyd Johnson (Boyd Wheels) and Jude Gerace (Sugar Wheel Works) as they talk you though a wheel build in real time. Technique, process and method will vary between builders. These wheel masters walk you though their process, explaining what they are doing as they go; including helpful tips and tricks for any wheel builder. Attendees of this session will be entered to win one of two handbuilt wheelsets.

Technical Staff, Recruit, Retain, Compensate Tuesday Sept. 18, 10 a.m.

This panel discussion hosted by PBMA's president, James Stanfill and featuring panelists Win Allen (Wins Wheels), Nick Martin (The Pro's Closet), and Ron Sutphin (United Bicycle Institute) focuses on service staff compensation and ways to recruit and retain professional bicycle mechanics.

Suspension and Profitability Wednesday Sept. 19, 2 p.m.

Jeff Menown from United Bicycle Institute brings 30 years of experience and teaching excellence to talk about making money-servicing suspension in your shop. Is in house suspension service right for you and your shop? What tools and equipment are necessary? Where do you find the training necessary to become an expert? Jeff talks about all this and more.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — Velofix is offering a $500 signing bonus for mechanics who take jobs with its franchises across North America.

Velofix's corporate headquarters is paying for the bonus to help its franchise owners attract staff, Chris Guillemet, the company's CEO and co-founder, told BRAIN.

"This program is designed to help franchise partners recruit the best mechanics in the industry," Guillemet said. "We need mechanics who have the premium skills on the wrench and have the ability to communicate and develop relationships with our customers."

"Our business is built on premium service and personal relationships with our customers; our mechanics are the front line and the ones who make it happen. I believe we have the best mechanics in the industry and we need to continue to recruit the best in order to grow our business."

Velofix now has sold 132 franchises. The following new markets launched or are launching this month: Orlando, Houston, East Bay San Francisco, East Seattle and another San Diego territory.

More information on job openings at velofix.com/we-are-velofix.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Monday July 23 is the final day that the U.S. Trade Representative will be accepting public comments about its proposed 25 percent tariff on e-bikes and other goods. A public hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday and at least two industry representative are expected to speak. 

Comments can be left on the Regulations.gov website at regulations.gov or via peopleforbikes.org. 

Last month the Trump administration added China-made e-bikes and e-bike motors to a list of 284 product categories that it proposes should be subject to the tariff. On the same day the adminstration released a list of 818 product codes, representing $34 billion in imports, that became subject to the duty on July 6. That list includes some bike GPS units, and bearings used by bike component makers and shops. 

So far at least 60 people have left comments on the USTR website regarding the e-bike tariff. The comments come from consumers, retailers and industry suppliers. The USTR office moderates the comments before posting them on the website, removing duplicate comments that appear to be part of a mass mailing campaign as well as comments that are marked as containing trade secrets. 

Tony Jabuka of The Bike Palace in San Pedro, California, is among the retailers who have left comments. Jabuka told BRAIN last week that he was encouraged to leave a comment by the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

"It's just frustrating because the electric bikes have just started to be seen as a real alternative for people for transportation," he said. "I think it's terrible to raise prices for the consumer, it's just going to slow sales."

In his comments to the USTR, Jabuka echoed those of other retailers, pointing out that he expects the tariff to hinder the growth of his business, and that they do not serve to protect a U.S. business because very few electric bikes are made in the U.S. 

"Over the past several years, I have seen the electric bicycle portion of my business grow significantly," he wrote in his comment. "Electric bicycles accounted for 9.8 percent of all wholesale bike sales in the first quarter of 2018. This is up from 5.5 percent of the total market in the same quarter last year. This is the fastest growing sector of sales for my business. For this reason, I am concerned these proposals are targeting a massive growth segment for independent bicycle retailers across the country.

Independent bicycle retailers operate on a narrow margin. The threat of decreased sales as a result of a 25 percent tariff on the import of electric bicycles is concerning because it will likely hurt my bottom line.

If implemented, these tariffs will have a significant impact on my store, my employees and customers. I encourage you to modify this policy proposal."

At least three e-bike suppliers have left comments: Faraday, Pedego and Pure Cycles. 

Don DiConstanzo, the founder and CEO of Pedego, wrote in part:

"An additional tariff on electric bicycles under 8711.60.00 will deeply harm U.S. based electric bicycles companies that are currently competing with European companies, by increasing the prices for bikes from U.S. based companies like ours and allowing foreign manufacturers to swoop in and take over the market. This investigation should not allow additional tariffs that will negatively impact U.S. jobs and consumers in such a unique sector to the benefit of foreign competitors."

DiConstanzo told BRAIN he plans to testify in Washington on Wednesday. Also speaking will be Bob Burns, the vice president and general counsel for Trek Bicycle. Burns is also representing PeopleForBikes. 

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association is looking to raise $30,000 by July 29 to help fund construction of the Palisade Plunge, a planned 32-mile backcountry singletrack connecting the top of Grand Mesa outside of Grand Junction, Colorado, to the town of Palisade some 6,000 feet below.

COPMOBA is raising the funds as part of a larger effort to qualify for matching funds from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's state trails program, with an application deadline of Aug. 1, COPMOBA president Scott Winans told BRAIN. Winans is also co-owner of retailer Rapid Creek Cycles & Sports in Palisade and vice president of product engineering at MRP in Grand Junction.

The projected total cost of the Palisade Plunge project is $1.6 million. The trail will be open to hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and other non-motorized users. BRAIN reported on the trail project as part of its Grand Valley Dealer Tour last year.

The first phase of the project, which would start in spring 2019 if funding is secured, would cover 18 miles of the lower portion of the route. The second phase would follow immediately after that.

Donors can contribute on the COPMOBA website or by mailing a check to COPMOBA at PO Box 4602, Grand Junction, CO 81402. Fundraising will continue past the July 29 deadline, Winans noted.

LEVIS, Québec and LEXINGTON, S.C. (BRAIN) — As the last step in the merging of operations of the two companies, Hawley-Lambert has rebranded and is now known as HLC, an acronym for Hawley-Lambert Cycling.

The distributor has launched a new website at HLC.bike as well as a new logo.

Lambert acquired a majority interest in The Hawley Company in 2010. The companies combined their leadership in 2015. 

"We're the same team of dedicated people working hard to equip our customers' success every day," HLC president Sylvain Caya said. "The HLC name reflects our efforts over the past few years to operate as one team and one company with a common purpose. We met that challenge, and today HLC has the largest reach to specialty retailers across North America."

HLC operates from four distribution centers across North America and has its leadership balanced between the U.S. and Canada. Pat McGinnis, the company's vice president of commercial, works from its Lexington, South Carolina, facility.

"This change is the result of the countless hours our passionate team invested into building a great company and culture," McGinnis said. "It's been exciting to watch strong relationships form between employees regardless of work location. Seeing and experiencing this, I know we really have become HLC."

Cycles Lambert was founded by Charles Lambert as a bicycle shop in 1945 and transitioned exclusively to bicycle parts distribution in 1984. Hawley also has its roots in retail. Founder Steve Hawley started working in the family business, Hawley's Bicycle World, and spent his formative years immersed in all things bicycle. After a successful run of developing a line licensed collegiate bicycles, Hawley transformed the into a distribution company.

"While HLC honors our past it, more importantly, represents all that we have become and where we plan to go in the future — all in support of our brands, our customers and employees," Caya said. "We have a plan backed by a purpose, and I am confident everyone we serve will see just how much passion we are bringing to it."

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Tuesday evening's DRAFT Meetup event here is being produced by PeopleForBikes and Felt Bicycles. 

The event will include three sets of speakers:

• Elizabeth Young, a cycling advocate, personal trainer and Felt Freedom Rider, who will talk about "Overcoming Women's Fears of Cycling."
• Andy Lightle, the co-owner of Non Dot Adventures, who will speak on "Bringing More People into Cycling in Southern California."
• Ray Keener and Pat Hus, who will talk about "Embracing the E-bike Movement."

The event is at Felt Bicycles, 30452 Esperanza, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 at 6 p.m.

DRAFT is a nationwide meetup series for people who love bikes, biz and beer. 

More information at: eventbrite.com/e/july-24-draft-orange-county-tickets.

PARK CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — At the Eurobike show, POC released its 2019 cycling and mountain bike collections which includes the Omne Air SPIN road helmet, designed for road and urban use. The company also showed its new VPD System torso protection and new Resistance, AVIP and Essential apparel collections for road and mountain bike.

"We are delighted to present a host of new products and collections at Eurobike, all driven by our commitment to POC's safety mission, and the dedication and enthusiasm of the POC team," said Jonas Sjögren, POC CEO. "We worked closely with our athletes in both mountain bike and road to perfect everything from weight, fit and function in the new helmets, protection and apparel."

The Omne Air SPIN helmet was developed with an optimized EPS liner for crash protection and features POC's patent-pending oblique impact protection system, SPIN. The helmet also features a slimmer profile than previous POC helmets, thanks to the precise depth in core zones of the liner and the optimized coverage of the helmet shell.

The VPD System Torso is a new back and chest protection system created to provide maximum levels of protection, ventilation and comfort for DH and gravity riders. The design and materials used ensure that the Torso system is minimalistic and will not interfere with riding in any conditions especially as body heat molds the protection to the rider's body shape. The VPD System Torso is level 1 and 2 certified.

POC's 2019 road and mountain bike apparel incorporate protective materials and design to maximize protection and performance. In addition to POC's spring 2019 road apparel, it will also feature a fall collection for 2018, with jerseys and jackets designed for colder weather riding. The mountain bike collection includes redesigned Resistance Enduro jerseys and shorts and additions to Resistance WO a women's specific line.

DENVER (BRAIN) — Outdoor Retailer Summer Market opened Monday to crowded halls, but suppliers and retailers were worried about the impact of Trump administration tariffs and rising freight costs in the U.S. market.

One Eagle, Colorado, company, QuietKat, is deeply concerned over proposed tariffs on e-bikes. Chase Perry, the company's sales manager, said he's uncertain what the impact a proposed 25 percent tariff would have on the company's sales.

QuietKat makes all-terrain e-bikes for the hunting, fishing and camping markets. Camo paint sets them apart from traditional IBD offerings, but the bikes are well-spec'd and well-made with prices exceeding $4,100 for some models.

Perry said the company got into the broader e-bike market after supplying fat-tire e-bikes for industrial markets. It entered the outdoor market promoting heavy-duty e-bikes for hunters and fishermen. Models top out at 70 pounds.

"Right now, as a supplier, we're thinking this could add a minimum of $150 to our pricing," Perry said. That could be amplified once more at retail. The aluminum-frame bikes, sporting Bafang motors and Shimano components, are made in China. "It's the uncertainty that has us worried," he said.

Joel Grabenstein, Yakima's senior director of marketing, said the uncertainty over tariffs is delaying final pricing for its 2019 products. While Yakima is owned by a Taiwan company, its racks are manufactured in China. "We're just trying to work through the uncertainty and what the full impact could be for September pricing," he said.

"We may have to look at some U.S. assembly and doing things differently," he said. Adding to many supplier issues are higher prices for freight, Grabenstein added. That could force Yakima and others to raise minimum dealer orders to earn free freight. Currently, Yakima has a $1,500 minimum.

Driving higher freight costs are a combination of factors: a generally healthy economy; a squeeze on available trucks; aging drivers who are leaving the industry; and the difficulty of hiring younger drivers who are unwilling to spend weeks on the road away from their families.

One company executive said they are shipping more of their products from the East Coast to its West Coast distribution facility via train. However, it takes nine days for products to reach their center and then more time as they are delivered to dealers. Trucks make the same trip in four days, but the costs are considerably higher.

Still, the Trump Administration's continued threat to impose tariff's on up to $500 billion in Chinese-made goods is slowly reverberating throughout the outdoor, bicycle and a host of other industries. And the administration's tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum is sparking a tit-for-tat trade dispute.

For example, an executive at Cascade Design said some U.S. made products that it ships to Canada are getting hit with retaliatory tariffs imposed by the Canadian government.
Another U.S. company, Garmin, with three factories in Taiwan and a factory in China, will move its Chinese production to Taiwan, said Tammy Deranieau, Garmin's regional sales manager for consumer goods.

Despite concerns over tariffs, freight and other issues that could impact future pricing at retail, Outdoor Retailer was booming as attendees packed the main hall by mid-afternoon Monday.

Marisa Nicholson, OR's vice president and show director, standing near the convention center's registration booths, said she was pleased so far with attendance, noting that floor traffic had picked up considerably as the day wore on.

Several exhibitors said they expected Tuesday to be the show's busiest day. Yakima's Grabenstein, for example, said many retailers were flying into Denver on Monday with plans to spend two days on the floor, Tuesday and Wednesday, with many leaving Thursday.

OR expects to attract upwards of 30,000 attendees to the four-day show held in the Colorado Convention Center. It will be the largest trade show ever held at the center with some 1,400 brands exhibiting at the show.

"Outdoor Retailer Summer Market brings together the heart and soul of the community under one roof for the purpose of debuting next generation product, conducting business, exchanging best practices, making new connections and seeing old friends," Nicholson said.