Retailers Satisfied with OutDoor by ISPO: "Ambitious Expectations Were Exceeded"

As a trade visitor fair, OutDoor by ISPO is the perfect place for retailers to find out about new products, trends and developments in the outdoor industry.

What it doesn't need for that? crowds of people in corridors far too narrow. This is another reason why OutDoor by ISPO has opted for a completely new hall concept with airy areas and wide central aisles. It was well received by the dealers.

"Even during the outdoor trade fair, many of our dealers gave us a positive feedback that the organisation of their stay was much easier overall and that the quiet, open and spacious atmosphere in the halls made working and networking easier," said Alexander von Preen, CEO of Intersport Germany, for example.

Markus Kasperbauer from Bergzeit emphasized the good networking opportunities: "The trade fair location with its infrastructure and the generous corridors between the individual trade fair stands convinced me very much. There were many places to sit, where you could meet and exchange ideas."

International trade visitors also immediately found their way around the Munich halls. "The square exhibition area with three times three halls was very efficient. It was incredibly quick to switch between the halls," said a Danish outdoor dealer, praising the layout. "Thanks to the airy corridors, I was able to talk to the people without feeling like I was constantly in the way," added a Dutch retailer.

The Basecamp of Inspiration was also an attractive meeting place for innovative start-ups and retailers. „Personally, I found the concept of Hall B4 interesting, where the new brands present themselves together," says Carolin Fittkau, Buyer at Zalando: "As a retailer, this is perfect for going on a discovery tour or following the development of small brands in one go.

The major focus on sustainability was also supported by retailers.

"For me personally, the focus on sustainability was exciting, among other things. This is an issue that is very close to my heart. To position the trade fair in a sustainable and climate-neutral way is the absolutely right approach", says Intersport CEO von Preen: "If you have taken a close look, you will always come across the sustainable idea during the tour: Begun with the garbage monster up to planted Europalletten, numerous water donors or the contentwise accents in resounds to B6. We will certainly address a number of issues in our new CSR report, which is currently being prepared. In this respect the Hashtag: #challengeaccepted. That should apply to all industry participants."

Zalando buyer Fittkau also liked the focus on sustainability: "For me personally, the subject of Ocean Plastics in combination with recycled polyester is also very outstanding. I think it's great to have one "key theme" per trade fair, which is also dedicated to the topic of sustainability. I don't know if it was planned that way, but as a visitor I perceived it that way and found it very appealing and informative".

A few suggestions for the next OutDoor by ISPO from 28 June to 1 July 2020 also came from the retailers.

So Markus Kasperbauer from Bergzeit encouraged to think about "whether it is not possible to integrate the bike sector as well". Kasperbauer also wants a bigger focus for the outdoor area, Fittkau suggested "outdoor activities such as slacklining".

Overall, the retailer's assessment of OutDoor by ISPO was extremely positive. "It was a very successful first OutDoor by ISPO. You could feel that a lot of work and lifeblood had been put into this project. The ambitious expectations were exceeded - the rest are solvable points", says Globetrotter Managing Director Andreas Bartmann.

Zalando's Fittkau also praised: "I received positive feedback from all the brands I look after - the industry was very satisfied with the trade fair!"