In this episode, Cole sits down with Niclas Bornling, an outdoor industry veteran, to discuss the challenges faced by outdoor brands. They explore the lessons to be learned from the decline of brands like Quicksilver and DC Shoes in the early 2000s and how those lessons can be applied to the current state of the industry. They highlight the importance of understanding the evolving consumer landscape and the need for brands to adapt to the changing preferences and cultural references of younger generations.

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Takeaways:

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• Outdoor brands need to understand and adapt to the evolving consumer landscape, particularly the preferences and cultural references of younger generations.
• The decline of brands like Quicksilver and DC Shoes in the early 2000s serves as a lesson for the current state of the industry.
• The GorpCore trend, while currently popular, may not last forever, and brands should not rely solely on its success.
• Telling relevant stories and offering solutions that resonate with the evolving audience is crucial for the success of outdoor brands. Understanding and connecting with a specific audience is crucial in marketing.
• Brands should surround themselves with diverse perspectives to stay relevant and adapt to the changing cultural landscape.
• Knowing your audience and telling meaningful, relevant stories is key to building a successful brand.

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‍About the Backcountry Marketing Podcast

As a marketer in the outdoor industry, the odds are stacked against you. Does this sound familiar? “You’re part of a small, talented, yet overworked team with a limited budget facing hundreds of ways to grow your brand and stand out in a sea of sameness. Some days you feel like quitting and getting a corporate job that pays more but then you realize, I get to work in an industry that some people only dream of working in. Sure the challenges are real, but this is better than a cubicle right?”

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If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Consider this podcast your guidebook to navigating the ever-changing world of marketing. This podcast is produced by Port Side Productions, a video production company that works with outdoor + athletic brands to help them stand out, launch products, build brand equity, and grow their business. Why would a video production company start a marketing podcast? Because we believe that great marketing is great storytelling. Stories come in all shapes and sizes and at the end of the day marketing is all about communication. People talking to people. People tell stories. People are emotionally driven individuals. Our job is to help bridge the gap between your brand and your people. 

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If you need help bringing your next video project to life, check out our website to learn more. If not, enjoy this episode and discover other resources below:

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Booklist | Here's our curated list of recommended books over the years.

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