Small Outdoor Accessories That Complete an Assortment

Accessories can appear less important than large equipment.

From a retail perspective, however, they can play several important roles.

They can:

• Complete an activity
• Provide add-on purchases
• Create lower-commitment entry points
• Fill assortment gaps
• Support cross-selling

Start With the Customer Activity

For camping, customers may need products related to:

• Lighting
• Storage
• Cooking
• Hydration
• Comfort
• Safety

For hiking:

• Hydration
• Storage
• Safety
• Organization

For travel:

• Bags
• Storage
• Convenience
• Portable tools

Avoid Random Accessories

An assortment should not become a collection of miscellaneous products.

Each accessory should connect to a customer need or a core product.

Ask:

What larger purchase does this product support?

If the answer is clear, the accessory has a role.

Accessories Can Also Test New Categories

Because many accessories are compact and easier to purchase, they can provide a lower-risk way to explore a new customer segment.

A retailer interested in cycling, for example, may begin with cycling accessories before expanding into a broader cycling assortment.

The same principle can apply to camping, hiking, travel, and outdoor lifestyle.