The Outdoor Industry's D2C Revolution Isn't Over Plus: What's Next for Backcountry?

What's next for Backcountry? And are direct-to-consumer outdoor brands making a comeback? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes back Outdoor Unfiltered host and Rock Fight consigliere Eoin Comerford to check in on the changing landscape of outdoor retail. First, they examine Backcountry's efforts to reinvent itself through acquisitions, new brand partnerships and an enormous online assortment. Can the longtime e-commerce player regain its former momentum, or has the increasingly competitive digital marketplace put a ceiling on its growth? Then Colin and Eoin dig into the surprising success of D2C outdoor brands that most industry insiders have never heard of. What's changed since the last D2C boom went bust? How are these brands finding customers and growing without traditional retail? And do they even need wholesale anymore? Plus, Colin explains why gravel running shoes are a sham, clears up the rumors about Marmot selling at Costco, and comes to terms with Bedrock Sandals finally making a proper shoe. Topics / Chapters 02:00 – Welcome to The Rock Fight + Programming Updates 03:15 – Mailbag: Is Lowe Alpine Officially a Zombie Brand? 06:00 – Why Gravel Running Shoes Are a Sham 08:15 – The Truth About Marmot at Costco 09:15 – Bedrock Sandals Finally Makes a Shoe 13:54 – Eoin Comerford Joins The Rock Fight 14:27 – The Sierra vs. REI Debate Continues 16:05 – What's Next for Backcountry? 17:31 – Backcountry's Strategy Under New Ownership 20:14 – Can Backcountry Compete With Amazon and REI? 22:07 – Will Acquisitions Move the Needle? 23:24 – Is Direct-to-Consumer Making a Comeback? 24:50 – Why Some D2C Outdoor Brands Are Thriving 26:49 – The Outdoor Brands Making Millions You've Never Heard Of 29:21 – Do DTC Brands Still Need Specialty Retail? 32:50 – Could Kickstarter Produce the Next Big Outdoor Brand? Pick a fight with The Rock Fight! Send your emails to [email protected]! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.