Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report

What the Latest Numbers Reveal About a Cooling Market

Outdoor product sales in Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) retail channels opened 2026 in a precarious position—and the signals are worth a close look. Dollar sales held nearly flat, declining less than 1%, but unit sales fell sharply, down 7.3% across every product category. At the same time, average retail prices climbed 6.7% year-over-year, outpacing the broader inflation rate of roughly 3.3%. With consumer sentiment at decade lows and middle- and lower-income households cutting back on discretionary spending, understanding which products are still moving and which are cooling fast has never been more important.
OIA’s Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report is now available. It covers category-level dollar and unit sales performance across ASSG retail, standout performers in equipment, accessories, and footwear, and the categories seeing the sharpest declines—from women’s basketball-inspired shoes to portable fire pits and insulated tumblers. Check out the Executive Summary for the key findings and market implications.

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ESPR Policy Brief

What the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation Means for Outdoor Brands

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a landmark EU framework that will reshape how textiles and apparel are designed, sold, and tracked—and the implications for the outdoor industry are significant. The regulation applies to any company placing covered products on the EU market, regardless of where it is based. Some compliance deadlines are already in effect, and others are approaching fast, which makes understanding what is required, and when, essential for any brand or retailer selling in Europe.

OIA’s sustainability team has prepared a new policy brief that gives outdoor companies a practical overview of what ESPR requires and how to prepare. It breaks down reporting obligations, ecodesign requirements for textiles, Digital Product Passport rules, and the steps your team can take now ahead of the Textile Delegated Act expected in late 2027. Whether your products are directly in scope or you sit further down the supply chain, understanding these changes is a must.

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2025 OIA Sustainability’s Impact Report

A Year of Collective Progress for the Outdoor Industry

2025 was a defining year for the outdoor industry—tested by unprecedented tariffs, economic pressure, and mounting compliance obligations, yet strengthened by collaboration. OIA Sustainability’s first-ever Impact Report captures the year in full, with more than 500 individuals from 118 companies driving collective progress across climate, chemistry, and compliance—from Climate Action Corps milestones and a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement supporting 18.5 megawatts of renewable energy to new Clean Chemistry guidebooks, expanded policy resources, and the launch of OIA Learning. Whether you’re shaping strategy, tracking progress, or building industry partnerships, this report shows what’s possible when the industry chooses collaboration over retreat.

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EU CSRD and CSDDD Webinar

What the EU’s New Sustainability Directives Mean for You

The EU’s Omnibus Simplification Package has finalized the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)—and the implications for the outdoor industry are significant. OIA’s sustainability team was joined by Francesca Fina of Ohana Public Affairs for a webinar that breaks down the finalized requirements, which companies now fall within scope, and how these directives could ripple through outdoor brands even if they sit outside the thresholds. Whether your business is directly in scope or not, understanding these landmark changes is a must.

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Guide to Comply

Stay Ahead of Sustainability Compliance

Keeping up with sustainability laws across the U.S. and Canada is becoming increasingly complex—and the cost of falling behind is rising. OIA’s updated 2026 Guide to Comply cuts through the noise with a 20+ page resource covering the specific regulations impacting the outdoor industry right now, from climate accountability and PFAS rules to Extended Producer Responsibility and green claims best practices. Whether you’re navigating new state-level emission mandates or refining your sustainability messaging, this guide gives your team the clarity needed to stay compliant.

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Sustainability Marketing Webinar

How to Market Sustainability Without the Greenwashing Risk

As outdoor brands increasingly promote their sustainability efforts, global regulators are cracking down on greenwashing—and the legal stakes are rising. OIA Legislative Consultant James Pollack walked through current marketing regulations and key litigation, followed by a panel hosted by OIA’s Keelin Christensen with the Black Diamond team on how their marketing and sustainability departments collaborate to craft compliant messaging that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. Whether you’re in marketing, product, or materials, this session offers a clear understanding of the regulations to know and strategies for authentic communication.

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2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report

Outdoor Retail Is Holding Its Ground

Tariff-driven price increases tested consumer spending across the outdoor market last year, but the full picture is more nuanced. OIA’s 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report breaks down what sold, what softened, and where the real opportunities lie across footwear, apparel, equipment, and specialty retail. Whether you’re a brand refining your pricing strategy or a retailer planning for the future, this report gives you the market intelligence to define your strategy. 

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OIA 2026 Camping Report

Casual Camping Is the Industry’s Next Big Opportunity

Camping is our industry’s most reliable gateway to broader outdoor recreation. OIA’s 2026 Camping Report reveals how an expanding base of casual campers is creating new opportunities across the outdoor economy, from first-time tent buyers to enthusiasts who go on to invest in hiking, fishing, and beyond. Whether you’re a brand looking to reach untapped demographics or a retailer planning for long-term growth, this report gives you the insights to plan smarter.

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