SPI Industries
Injection Molding (574) 272-3733
Blow Molding (269) 849-3200
Thermoforming (269) 849-3200

custom • design support • engineering • molding

New Outdoor Product Manufacturers Benefit from Multiple Generations of Outdoor Enthusiasts

New Outdoor Product Manufacturers had blow molded at SPI

New Outdoor Product for New Outdoor Product Manufacturers

New outdoor product manufacturers are feeling supported by studies that show increases participation and spending in the outdoor recreation industry. Even during the economic recession from 2005-2011 the outdoor recreation economy grew approximately 5% each year.1 In the United States there are 198 million adults between the age of 18-65 and of those, 60% qualify themselves as outdoor consumers.2 With it’s undeniable impact on economic, social and health benefits, outdoor recreation is getting attention from leaders and consumers alike. Last month (February 2015) the Obama administration’s announcement for “Every Kid in a Park” and the new national monument designations brought attention to the importance of the outdoors and introducing outdoor recreation to a new generation.

With America’s youth spending less time outside than ever before, many parents who grew up enjoying the outdoors are working to expose their children to outdoor activities. 43% of outdoor consumers have kids at home.3 Studies by the Outdoor Industry Association show this renewed interest in outdoor activities increases outdoor product purchases by this growing sector. From bicycles and accessories to hiking, swimming, sports and camping gear, outdoor recreation product manufacturers are diversifying their product lines to meet the demands of families getting outdoors and active. Whether outdoor sports enthusiasts or backyard barbecuers, outdoor consumers are all ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities and income levels. New outdoor manufacturers can assist in raising the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts by developing innovative products that can fit family budgets and lifestyles.

The recent OIA Consumervue study identifies clear consumer segmentations in the outdoor recreation industry. These consumer segmentations can help new outdoor product manufacturers develop specific products that help people participate in outdoor recreation more easily and often. New outdoor product manufacturers can strategize business growth by developing new product lines for existing consumers, discover new consumers with an existing product line and capture new customers with new product lines. A clear example is with the aging baby boomer generation. Many baby boomers grew up enjoying outdoor recreation and still want to enjoy the outdoors. Health and mobility can be limited with this group and they need products that will assist them in continuing to engage comfortably. New outdoor product manufacturers who create products that will help this generation stay active and comfortable while enjoying the outdoors not only increase the aging populations lifespan and well-being, healthier communities and reduced medical expenses result.

• more than 140 million Americans make outdoor recreation a priority in their daily live
• outdoor recreation consumers spend $646 billion on outdoor products and activities,
• Outdoor recreation industry employees over 6.1 million Americans.

Although electronic gadgets are in the hands and homes of preschoolers and the elderly alike, consumers actually spend over twice as much on outdoor recreation as they do on their household utilities annually. A recent study on the frequency and types of camping equipment consumers purchased showed these otherwise distracting electronic devices are often used to research camping equipment purchases in advance of camping trips. From sleeping bags to portable sewage disposal products for campers. consumers read about products online, reviewed them in a store and most often purchased them in the store.

As the generations of American’s who grew up enjoying the outdoors continue to actively engage the younger generations in outdoor recreation more outdoor products will fill their homes, garages, and mini-vans. From sports water bottles to baseball bats, kayak oars and plastic lawn darts new outdoor product manufacturers must find cost effective solutions to meet the demand. As the baby boomers strike out with their lightweight walking canes, sunshade umbrellas, and activity trackers, new outdoor product manufacturers can develop innovative solutions to keep them active in style.

As America heads into Spring and the most active months for outdoor recreation are upon us consider what’s missing in your biking, barbecue, sports or camping gear. Search online or in stores for the outdoor recreation products you need. If you don’t find what you are looking for maybe it hasn’t been invented yet. If you have an idea for a new outdoor recreation product you can contact a local manufacturer to create a plastic mold or a 3-D printer prototype and try to develop it on your own. If creating a small business is not your goal, search for an outdoor product inventor club or ask a molding manufacturer if they have customers who produce similar product solutions. You never know, your invention could help countless people in multiple generations step out into the great outdoors in comfort and style.

 

1. Consumervue Executive Summary, 2014, Outdoor Industry Association

2. Consumervue Executive Summary, 2014, Outdoor Industry Association

MENU