REI Consumer Survey Points To Increase In Outdoor Activity

Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) conducted a consumer survey in
mid-October with RT Nielsen, to gauge how it could best respond to the
consumer mood and needs this coming Holiday season. The results of the
survey, shared with the public Nov. 6, reveal that 70 percent of the
population plans to head outdoors in the next few months to “relieve
stress and lift their spirits.”

The survey of 1,000 households clearly indicates that Americans value
the time they spend outdoors and place great faith in its restorative
powers. The following is a summary of key points in the survey:

• Of
  the 70 percent who plan to spend time doing outdoor activities this
  holiday season, a third will spend more time outdoors than last year.
• Nine
  of 10 Americans say spending time outdoors is important to them. Over
  half the respondents say spending time outdoors is very or extremely
  important.
• 93 percent say that spending leisure time outdoors lifts their spirits.
• 71 percent report outdoor leisure activities are more effective in reducing personal stress than indoor activities.
• 75 percent of the population strongly agrees spending time doing outdoor activities is a good way to build family relationships.
  
  

It
looks as though outdoor-related gift buying may experience a boost in
sales, according to the REI survey. The survey found that seven out of
10 Americans feel gifts related to outdoor activities and experiences
are especially meaningful. When asked to elaborate on why these gifts
are meaningful, 20 percent commented that outdoor gifts could promote
family togetherness, while another 18 percent referred to the
restorative nature of the outdoors.