Jumping into 2015 with both feet… sloshing. If this latest SoCal storm is any harbinger, the year to come is going to be blustery and blowing frozen moisture aplenty. Still not close to getting us out of drought, and not at all sure what that portends for me as I pivot to a new work platform, but for the entire active outdoor rec industry, it’s good. The big data says so, anyway!
Trends for the economy, most of the sports market pundits, and the outdoor-centric predictors are in alignment on that, if not at all positive on specific industry outcomes in’15. One thing I will say for sure; the need to get out and in it, under the sun and moon and stars and in the natural spaces we work to protect for recreation, has never been greater. Technology to increase comfort, measurement, performance and safety only serves to make the yearning for nature ever stronger in the urban core of America.
This is my short vid clip to represent going through the 2014 portal, and moving into the new 2015 world… wondering where I’m going through examining where I’ve been, all the while wondering at this 50 year snowfall event (8″ on top of Santiago Peak, or ‘Saddleback’ as the locals call it). This is on the ‘Holy Jim’ trail… and no I didn’t ski the summit. This time.
047 from Kenji Haroutunian on Vimeo.
Leaning in? OK here is what I see from my crystal ball exercise of the past few days:
- Technology will advance strongly in the OIBIZ, especially in wearables, portable power and personal performance and safety
- Fashion will continue to fuse with Outdoor, with particular emphasis on heritage and post-hipster looks across product categories
- Localism will rise as counter-force to increased consolidation and consumer concern over security and transparency with giant company engagement
- Diversity of age, ethnicity will rise as a value point for brands and retailers in the active outdoor recreation businesses.
- UPDATE – forgot to add in the most important one – the return of the Fanny Pack. Yup it’s real. Don’t make me post pics. Particularly on young men.
So long to a solid but transitional 2014 and into the wild blue/green/white 2015! Join me in finding the wonder in every day and night and relationship and encounter!
KH
