Quarantined consumers who fueled the outdoors boom saved retailers from the “hardest impacts” of the pandemic. In 2020, cabin fever motivated young consumers to escape outdoors during the warmer months—which meant “a boom” for retailers specializing in outdoor products. According to the NPD Group, the watercraft, bicycle, and the running, hiking, and walking shoe industries all saw “signs of life” while other areas like indoor spots and climbing saw declines. Fjällräven, known for their signature Kånken backpacks, shifted strategies to focus on their apparel and their sales “began firing like crazy,” with some categories seeing “double and triple-digital growth” as loyal and newcomers stocked up on gear for local outdoor trips. (Retail Dive)
