Outdoor Retailer returns to Salt Lake City with focus on innovation, sustainability and wellness

Photo: OR

SALT LAKE CITY —  Outdoor Retailer, the country’s leading trade show for the $1.2 trillion outdoor industry, returns to Salt Lake City this week, drawing nearly 300 brands and thousands of industry professionals to the Salt Palace Convention Center.

The four-day event, running June 17–20, showcases the latest in outdoor gear, technology and trends, with a strong focus on wellness, sustainability, and innovation. This year’s show kicks off Tuesday afternoon with Industry Day, featuring panel discussions from outdoor business leaders, including executives from Cotopaxi, Salomon, Skullcandy and Orvis.

The return of Outdoor Retailer marks a continued investment in Utah’s outdoor economy, which now contributes $9.5 billion in economic output—up 18% since 2022—and supports more than 71,000 jobs statewide. The show serves as a barometer for broader national trends, including surging participation in outdoor activities: 57.3% of Americans ages six and older—over 175 million people—got outside in 2023.

The show used to be held twice a year, but has now merged into one. The June timing is ideal for sales across all retailer markets organizers said.

Highlights of the show include the New Product Showcase, where brands like BabyBjörn, Ocean Bottle, Coulee Coffee, and Aska Outdoors are unveiling gear designed with health, sustainability, and inclusivity in mind. From collapsible solar panels to ocean-friendly skincare and women-designed adventure apparel, the exhibit reflects a growing demand for gear that supports active, eco-conscious lifestyles.

The show also offers opportunities for tastings, live demos, and interviews with Utah-based innovators in the outdoor sector.

Outdoor Retailer runs daily through Friday, June 20, with doors opening at 9 a.m. More information is available at outdoorretailer.com.