An online marketplace is targeting outdoor enthusiasts who typically buy their gear at physical retail.
Everest.com is a purchasing platform and community hub providing nature lovers with access to more than 1,000 U.S. brands and retailers like Volcom, Dakine and Calloway. According to the group, less than 20 percent of outdoor industry purchases take place on the web, though the category takes in more than $700 billion in sales each year.
“Our mission is to create the largest marketplace on earth for the outdoor recreation community,” founder and CEO Bill Voss said, noting that the site will expand its merchant roster to over 10,000 by 2023. Everest isn’t just a platform for transactions, but “a place for retailers and brands to stand out, build fanbases, and sell gear, accessories, and apparel for all genres of outdoor activity.”
Expert advice and tailored content about different sports and activities aligns consumers’ interest with their needs, he added.
Voss hopes to provide a “seller-friendly” environment that fosters brand-building, ultimately generating consumer loyalty. “That level of collaboration allows for the most robust niche marketplace possible, which provides the best experience for the consumer.”
An avid excursionist, Voss founded Everest in 2020 as pandemic-weary consumers flocked to the outdoors. “Over the years I have assembled a team of smart, talented and like-minded members to build Everest into the successful marketplace we knew it could be,” he said. “Now, we’re ready and thrilled to share it with today’s consumers.”
The site launches with a loyalty program dubbed Caliber, which costs users $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. The plan provides members with free shipping on a selection of products, streamable video content, early access to sales and promotions, discounts on certain gear, and a number of deals on travel and even fuel from Shell gas stations. A percentage of membership fees are donated to non-profits like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Chive Charities, Everest said.
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Meanwhile, Texas-based retailer Academy Sports and Outdoors is augmenting its selection with a new private-label line of men’s activewear called Right of Way (ROW). The collection represents the latest addition to the 260-store franchise’s roster of house brands like Mage Magellan Outdoors, Freely and BCG.
ROW features pants, joggers, shorts, polos, T-shirts, and long-sleeve base layers made with moisture-wicking fabrics. The line of basic wardrobe staples bridges the gap between casual garb and sports apparel, with clean lines, flattering cuts and discreet pockets. A color palette of neutral gray, beige, olive and black is complemented by pops of blue and rust. Available in size small to XXL, the line retails for $19.99 to $34.99 and is on sale both online and in-store.
“ROW provides the guy on the go with a collection of athletic-inspired essentials that seamlessly integrates into his lifestyle,” senior vice president and general merchandising manager Eli Getson said of the line. “Whether you’re taking a video call, running errands, or grabbing dinner, these accessible pieces create an effortless style.”
Founded in 1938, Academy has expanded its reach to 16 states and offers localized merchandising that appeals to a broad range of consumers, the group said. In addition to its private-label offerings, the retailer carries apparel and footwear from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia Sportswear, Brooks, Reebok, New Balance and Asics.