The outdoor retail market surged to $27.5 billion in 2024, with accessories leading as the fastest-growing category. That’s excellent news for demand, but are local stores benefiting?
Big-box giants and online retailers still dominate search results and discounted prices, making it more challenging than ever for independent shops to compete.
To stand out, you need a strong outdoor store marketing strategy that helps local shoppers find you, trust you, and keep coming back.
Try these six practical ways to promote your store, build customer loyalty, and drive steady foot traffic all year long.
If your store doesn’t appear in local search, nearby shoppers might never find you. Local search engine optimization (SEO) helps get your business in front of nearby people looking for what you sell.
Here’s how to get started:
Update your Google Business Profile: Add photos of your storefront, shelves, and products. Double-check that your hours, address, and contact information are current.
Add city-based keywords to your website copy: Include phrases like “camping gear in [City]” or “[City] hiking store” to tell search engines exactly where you are and what you offer.
Ask customers for reviews after purchases: Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews on Google or Yelp to improve local rankings and help build trust with new shoppers.
To keep your local SEO fresh, update your business information and photos, and check that contact information and services are accurate.
Outdoor gear sales change with the weather — and your marketing should, too. Seasonal campaigns help you move the right products at the right time, giving shoppers a reason to act now instead of waiting.
Time sales to the season: Push snow gear in winter, fishing gear in summer, and highlight hiking and camping gear in spring and fall.
Create urgency with holiday events: Use flash deals or limited-time bundles during weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day to encourage quick buys.
Tie into local events: Sponsoring a trail cleanup or 5K? Promote it alongside a product drop, like a new line of trail shoes or hydration gear. It builds goodwill and sales.
Pull sales data from your point of sale (POS) system, then map out promotional dates in advance so you’re ready to launch tailored outdoor store marketing campaigns when interest peaks.
Specs and product tags can’t compete with seeing gear in the wild. Social media outdoor store marketing lets you showcase your products in action, helping shoppers picture their next adventure. Design content on real outdoor experiences and create a connection with your audience.
Increase engagement with these strategies:
Feature real customer content: Repost authentic photos, videos, or stories from people who’ve used your gear to build credibility and demonstrate your products in settings your shoppers care about.
Post how-tos and tips: Share quick guides, short videos, or blog snippets — like how to pack a tent or choose hiking boots — to show your expertise and help customers get the most out of their gear.
Collaborate with local adventurers: Team up with local influencers your customers already follow. Their personal recommendations can bring new shoppers to your store.
Most platforms now support in-app shopping, so include product tags or direct links in your posts to make buying quick and effortless.
Giving shoppers a chance to test products, learn basic skills, or explore new arrivals makes your store more approachable — and enables you to market to beginners and returning customers.
Try ideas like:
Host educational workshops: Use the gear you sell to teach map and compass reading, knot tying, and basic survival skills.
Set up interactive demo areas: Let customers try out popular items — from pitching tents to adjusting packs — and ask questions to learn about products before they buy.
Make your staff part of the experience: Train your staff to explain products, answer questions, and give quick demos. A helpful team turns browsers into buyers.
Send emails or texts to invite customers to upcoming demos, workshops, or events, turning interest into foot traffic and repeat visits.
Customer outreach doesn’t end when someone makes a purchase. Successful outdoor store marketing also keeps shoppers engaged and excited to revisit your store. Loyalty and referral programs reward regular visitors and turn them into brand advocates.
Reward repeat buyers with incentives: Offer discounts or award points that can be redeemed for gear after a certain number of purchases.
Offer perks for referrals: Encourage customers to refer friends and family by offering rewards on both sides, like a discount for the new shopper and a free item for the referrer.
Celebrate customer birthdays: Send a birthday surprise with a personalized deal or a discount on their favorite gear — it’s a small gesture that customers will appreciate and remember.
Set up and track these programs with your POS system to strengthen your connection with returning customers and attract new ones through word of mouth. POS software allows you to use purchase history to your advantage, too — offering personalized rewards that each customer will actually be excited about.
Email remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your customers. 59% of consumers say it influences their purchasing decisions, especially when the message feels timely and personalized.
Make the most of your list with these tips:
Automate email marketing with an integrated POS. It helps you save time and send targeted messages based on customer data.
Outdoor store marketing works best when it meets your customers where they are — online, in-store, and engaged with the gear they love. These strategies keep you connected, increase visibility, and turn interest into lasting loyalty.
Rain POS makes it easier to implement these ideas. With built-in marketing tools for email, reviews, customer loyalty, and vendor catalogs, it’s built to support outdoor retailers from campaign to checkout.
Make marketing easier with Rain POS. Try a free demo today to see how it gives outdoor shops a simple way to grow their email lists, run seasonal campaigns, and encourage repeat shoppers — all from one solution.