OIA chief Louise Ramsay: 'We need a strong collective voice'

Independent outdoor retailers are being given the chance to recoup the value of their intial membership fee of a trade association.

Columbia UK has offered new retail members its products to the wholesale value of their first year’s subscription to the Outdoor Industries Association.

The move is part of a campaign to attract new members to the association which was outlined at its recent conference. Chair Corry Taylor pleaded with all outdoor organisations to work closely with the association to build the industry’s size and influence and to collaborate on projects designed to encourage more people to experience the outdoors.

He also challenged delegates to help recruit new members to the OIA, with a particular focus on the independent retail sector.  The association hopes the addition of the offer from Columbia UK, which is not limited to the brand’s existing accounts, will help to attract even more independents to the organisation.

Newly appointed OIA board member Anthony Greasby, from independent retailer Countryside Ski & Climb, said: “I think it’s time for independent retailers to sit up and take notice. This is the only trade organisation that’s specifically going to make a difference in our own industry, and I really can’t find any reasons why anyone wouldn’t want to be part of that.”

Louise Ramsay, chief executive of the OIA, added: “We already have 48 retailers as members, but that’s really just a drop in the ocean.

“We have many benefits and services that are very clearly designed to assist smaller businesses. Our membership fees are already very reasonable, but this great offer from Columbia UK means that businesses literally have nothing to lose, and a lot to gain.

“These are critical times for our industry and more than ever we need a strong collective voice. That’s what the OIA can provide, but only if we have significant support from across the sector. With the active backing of Columbia UK and other existing members, this year’s recruitment drive will be our most important and sustained to date.  I believe that we now have a compelling package to offer to all businesses in the industry and I look forward to welcoming many new members over the next few months.”

Membership of the OIA, of which grough is a member, has been growing steadily recently. Led by a new board, the OIA has introduced a range of improved products and services while also giving them access to vital industry data and research, along with numerous other benefits.

Later this year, the association will launch an industry retail training programme, and will soon launch The Active Guide, an interactive website designed to help consumers find their way to outdoor activities around the UK.  The site will offer all outdoor businesses the opportunity to promote themselves to a wide mainstream audience, with an enhanced presence for OIA members.