Maine Outdoor Brands and local retailers have launched an **exciting new branding initiative** to showcase **Maine-made outdoor gear and apparel**. This innovative program is set to elevate the visibility of local brands and deepen connections between consumers and the vibrant outdoor landscape of Maine.
Introducing the MOB Shop Initiative
The **statewide MOB Shop initiative** aims to unify various outdoor gear and apparel companies from Maine, utilizing coordinated branding and a hierarchy of signage to create eye-catching displays. This initiative is tailored to not only bring local products to the forefront but also to engage consumers with captivating stories about the brands they can support.
Visibility: The Key to Success
For small businesses, **visibility is everything**. **Flyn Costello**, founder of Flyn—a Portland-based company specializing in wildlife-themed hats and apparel—emphasizes the significance of this program: “Thanks to this initiative, we’ve expanded our reach, added new retail partners, and connected with more customers than we could have imagined.”
Success Stories From The Pilot Program
This initiative builds on the success of a **2022 pilot display** at the Westbrook location of **Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI)**, a co-op known for outdoor apparel and gear. The pilot generated an impressive **$45,000 in sales** of Maine-made gear, proving that when consumers can easily access locally-made products, they are eager to support them.
The pilot featured a strategically placed display using an existing REI table, adorned with a MOB tablecloth, showcasing Maine’s finest outdoor brands right at the store entrance for maximum exposure.
The Statewide Rollout: Expanding Horizons
In the current rollout, five **retailers** including **REI in Westbrook and North Conway**, **Maine Sport Outfitters** in Rockport and Rockland, and **Nomads**, an adventure and active wear retailer in Portland, have established MOB displays.
Spotlighting Maine’s Finest Brands
The displays feature exceptional brands such as:
- Flowfold — creators of durable wallets and backpacks from recycled sailcloth
- Good-to-Go — natural dehydrated meals from Kittery
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear — high-performance outdoor recreation products
- Jetboil — makers of portable cooking solutions
- Map Adventures — custom map producers based in Portland
- Shaw & Tenney — renowned for their handcrafted wooden oars and paddles
‘A Win-Win for Everyone’
“This program was born from a simple yet powerful idea,” says **Marshall Merriam**, a board member at Maine Outdoor Brands. “By streamlining the process for retailers to work with local outdoor brands, **everyone benefits**: businesses grow, consumers gain better access to values-driven products, and our local outdoor economy thrives.”
Engaging Storytelling at Every Turn
The displays incorporate engaging elements such as **larger posters** and **branded tablecloths**, along with smaller signs detailing each brand’s story, including their Maine origins and product highlights. Retailers like REI Westbrook and Maine Sport Outfitters have effectively grouped products for visual impact while maintaining storytelling throughout their stores, enhancing customer connections on a deeper level.
A Bright Future Ahead
This program, supported by a **domestic trade grant from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development**, is set to evolve further. Currently enrolled retailers are scattered across Portland, Westbrook, Rockport, Rockland, and even into **North Conway, NH**. Conversations are underway to onboard more retailers as Maine Outdoor Brands looks to broaden its reach this summer and fall, alongside plans to launch an **online storefront** later this year.
While retailers retain the autonomy in their buying decisions, this program fosters invaluable discussions between Maine-based product brands and local retailers, opening doors to new opportunities.
Join the Outdoor Movement
With nearly **200 members**, Maine Outdoor Brands, led by **Executive Director Jenny Kordick**, is committed to the **thriving outdoor economy worth $3.4 billion**. From small artisans to larger retailers, the initiative encourages participation and celebrates the unique spirit of Maine’s outdoor culture. Engage with local brands, elevate your outdoor experiences, and support the thriving community that makes Maine a **premier destination** for outdoor enthusiasts!
