The outdoor retail sector is undergoing a much-needed reset.

Changing consumer needs, especially among the younger demographic cohorts, have shifted how companies need to think about participation in outdoor sports activities. And tariffs and trade issues are impacting how specialty chains need to operate to stay relevant and maintain profitability.

The shift is global and far-reaching. Trade show groups have been grappling with how to adapt to the trend shift over the last few years, while retailers like REI and Orvis have revealed new store closings just this week. (REI’s move to close its Soho flagship, especially, generated a lot of conversation on Wednesday.)

“The outdoor business boomed during the [COVID-19] pandemic, helped by the free money,” noted Matt Powell, an analyst

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