OIA Outdoor University: The path of harmony — working with, not against, big boxes

On Wednesday, Dec. 8, Darren Bush, owner of Rutabaga (and OIA board member), will share his insights on how outdoor specialty retailers can work with. and not against, big box stores. This interactive discussion will explore cooperative business strategies and tactics that can allow big boxes and specialty stores to coexist. All Outdoor University webinar classrooms are scheduled from 2-3 p.m. MST.

Bush explained: Very few things are as frustrating and unproductive as wasted energy. This is the philosophy behind Aikido, a Japanese martial art that focuses on redirecting attacks rather than opposing them head-on. Specialty retailers may feel like their big box opponents are bigger and stronger, but a little understanding of “The Path of Harmony” can help you compete (and win) when confronted with big-box competition, whether you believe it to be fair or unfair. The less time you spend grappling with a bigger stronger opponent, the more time you can spend creating your own success, and you’ll come out of it with a lot fewer bruises.

Programs by the Outdoor University, an affiliate of the SNEWS Retail College, are free to all OIA membersand SNEWS Retail College subscribers — otherwise $99. To receive your SNEWS subscriber free registration form, send an email to oureg@snewsnet.com.

Want all your staff to be able to participate in the Outdoor University/SNEWS Retail College webinar series? Just have them register for SNEWS and they are automatically enrolled in the SNEWS Retail College — registration is free! Simply share the following URL with all your friends and store employees: https://www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/SNEWSFreebie/OURetailCollege.html

Upcoming 2010 Outdoor University/SNEWS Retail College webinar classes (all begin at 2 p.m. MST):

January 12 – Sustainability as a Business Initiative

Guest Instructor: Paul Fish, CEO, Mountain Gear