EDELRID, Nomadix join Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
Climbing and multi-use equipment manufacturers cite support of specialty retailers as key in growth of their brands over time.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 18, 2025) — Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this month welcomes two new manufacturers to its national vendor partner network, climbing and outdoor equipment manufacturer EDELRID North America and multi-purpose outdoor gear manufacturer Nomadix. Their addition brings the number of Grassroots vendor partners to 64.
Becoming a vendor partner in Grassroots Outdoor Alliance enables brands direct and personal access to the Grassroots retailer community, which consists of 100 independent retailers with 211 retail locations in 45 states. Through membership, there are numerous opportunities to collaborate, engage and learn, including 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, which takes place each June and November.
Founded in 1863, EDELRID is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative climbing and outdoor equipment. With a commitment to technical excellence and a focus on sustainable manufacturing practices, EDELRID has set a high standard for quality, innovation and responsibility in the outdoor industry.
California-based Nomadix was born on a cross-country road trip, when three friends realized that if they had less gear, they'd have more room for adventure. Nomadix launched in 2014 with a multi-purpose towel designed to perform for a wide range of activities. Today Nomadix is a social purpose corporation that crafts sustainable, multi-purpose gear designed to inspire adventure and replace separate towels for camping, yoga, beach, and travel.
Both EDELRID and Nomadix cited specialty retailers as crucial to the growth of their brands.
“Specialty retailers are the backbone of the Edelrid brand,” said Blair Williams, President of EDELRID North America, “Their expertise and passion have been integral to our significant growth in North America over the last decade. In an era where more brands are pivoting to direct-to-consumer models, Edelrid remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the specialty outdoor market. We are thrilled to join forces with the GOA to reinforce this dedication and foster new opportunities for collaboration and impact.”
To ensure the success of its partnership with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, EDELRID appointed industry veteran Ryan Gajewski as the GOA Key Account Manager. Williams can be reached at b.williams@edelrid.com and Gajewski at ryan@edelrid.com.
Nate Clark, Nomadix Director of Sales, said partnering with Grassroots wasn’t about making a calculated business move or chasing a specific strategy.
“For us, it’s much deeper than that — it’s about staying true to what really matters: supporting the people and organizations that make up the heart and soul of the outdoor industry,” Clark said. “Grassroots retailers are the ones forging real connections, building communities, and keeping the outdoor industry alive and thriving. Grassroots Retailers have been championing our brand on their sales floors, believing in what we do, and trusting us to deliver on our promises — whether it’s about quality, customer service, or sustainability. Becoming a vendor partner with Grassroots was just a natural fit because it aligns so closely with who we are and what we stand for.”
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.