ASHEVILLE, N.C. ( Nov. 7, 2024) — Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, welcomes Opinel to its national vendor partner network, effective Fall 2024.
Opinel, which is based in the French Alps, has been manufacturing knives since 1890. The brand will attend the upcoming Grassroots Connect Show in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 11-14, as a member. The addition of Opinel grows the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance vendor community to 67, joining the organization’s nationwide network of 95 independent retailers with 210 retail locations in 45 states.
Brands that are vendor partners in Grassroots Outdoor Alliance gain direct and personal access to the Grassroots retailer community. Membership provides numerous opportunities to collaborate, engage and learn, including through customized data reports, facilitated learning events, access to the Grassroots staff, and a guaranteed invitation to Grassroots Connect, the group’s super-efficient, twice-yearly buying show each June and November.
“We’re very excited to welcome Opinel into Grassroots as a vendor partner and to support them as they continue to grow in the outdoor space. With their rich history, Opinel embodies a stable and reliable ethos that aligns well with specialty outdoor and Grassroots member retailers.” said Gabe Maier, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.
Based in Savoie, France, with distribution in the U.S. since 2016, Opinel’s product collection encompasses classic pocket knives, kitchen tools, table knives, and gardening tools.
“Since 1890, Opinel’s global growth has been closely tied to specialty retail. We believe that independent specialty retailers are the most authentic ambassadors of our brand, helping to build a strong community around Opinel,” said Alex Delecroix, director of U.S. sales and operations. “This is why our partnership with Grassroots is such a natural fit. Through this collaboration, we aim to deepen our commitment to supporting independent specialty retailers within the outdoor industry.”
Retailer attendance at Grassroots’ Connect Show next week will be up 13 percent to 157 retail businesses, vendor attendance will increase 8 percent to 134 brands, and total buyers in attendance will rise 3.5 percent to 387, compared to numbers at last Fall’s Connect Show.
About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned network of 95 independently owned outdoor retailers and 66 vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance also operates Connect, a twice-annual legacy show experience that spans four days, offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct pre-season line showings and business conversations.
About Opinel
From our home in the French Alps, Opinel has been making knives since 1890. Today, the Opinel line encompasses classic pocket knives, kitchen tools, table knives, and gardening tools. As you move from your garden to the table, from the great outdoors to great meals with friends, let Opinel join you for good food, good company, and the adventures that await. To view the collection, visit www.opinel-usa.com or follow @opinelusa.
