By Maddisyn Blue
June, 2024
Unveiling the Stories Behind Garage Grown Gear: Championing Small Brands in the Outdoor Industry
ToughCutie socks is now one of the Garage Grown Gear brands
About Garage Grown Gear
In the bustling world of outdoor gear, where big names dominate the landscape, a small but mighty force is making waves. Garage Grown Gear, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, stands as a beacon for ultralight enthusiasts since its inception in 2017. From its humble beginnings in Lloyd's basement to becoming the go-to destination for ultralight gear and accessories, this online marketplace is rewriting the rules of the game. Co-Founders Amy Hatch and Lloyd Vogel, both avid ultralight backpackers, have steered the company with a singular mission: to amplify the voices of small brands and showcase their exceptional products.
Balancing Brand Identity and Collaboration
One might wonder how Garage Grown Gear maintains its own brand identity while championing others. According to the founders, the key lies in collaboration over competition. They emphasize putting the brands they collaborate with at the forefront, highlighting their stories and products. By positioning themselves as allies rather than competitors, they create a space where innovation thrives and small brands shine
"We really try to always put our brands first, emphasizing collaboration instead of competition! For us this means leading with the stories and products of the brands themselves, and letting folks know that they can find a whole bunch of innovative small and ultralight brands in one place on GGG. Our brands are what make GGG special, so they are always our top priority."
- Lloyd Vogel
The Role of ToughCutie in the Journey
Among the roster of brands Garage Grown Gear collaborates with, ToughCutie stands out as a
prime example. This small brand crafts remarkable products that deserve widespread
recognition.
Garage Grown Gear sees it as their duty to amplify ToughCutie's awesomeness,
acting as a beacon in the often challenging outdoor industry. Through their partnership, Garage
Grown Gear contributes to their broader mission of supporting small brands, ensuring that
innovation and quality are celebrated.
Storytelling as a Marketing Tool
At the heart of Garage Grown Gear's marketing strategy lies storytelling. Through brand pages,
blog posts, and social media, they weave narratives that showcase the unique journeys of the
small brands they collaborate with. This approach humanizes these brands, highlighting the real
people behind the products and the interesting stories that accompany them. By sharing these
narratives, Garage Grown Gear not only promotes their partners but also creates a deeper
connection with their audience.
In a world where giants dominate the landscape, Garage Grown Gear stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and storytelling. By lifting up small brands and amplifying their voices, they not only redefine success but also create a community where innovation thrives and stories are celebrated. As they continue their journey, one thing remains clear: Garage Grown Gear is more than just a marketplace; it's a movement.
Interesting Links
ToughCutie Brand bio
https://www.garagegrowngear.com/blogs/brand-bios/toughcutie-merino-hiking-socks?_pos=1&_
sid=a5083a6ce&_ss=r
Instagram Reel featuring ToughCutie socks
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0cJojFuYVf/
Instagram post with ToughCutie socks featured in purple inspired outdoor gear roundup
image
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kXHAosV7O/
About Glacier National Park Conservancy
A Nonprofit National Park Partner
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is the official non-profit fundraising partner of Glacier National Park. Their mission is to preserve and protect Glacier National Park for future generations.Glacier National Park Conservancy is a 501(c)3. You can find the park store at Belton Train Station12544 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936.
The Park Store
In 2013, the Glacier National Park Fund and the Glacier Natural History Association merged to form the Glacier National Park Conservancy with the aim of bolstering annual support for Glacier National Park. The Fund, established in 1999, focused on preserving the park's natural beauty and cultural heritage through private philanthropy, while the Association, formed in 1941, supported education and interpretation through merchandise sales. Since the merger, the Conservancy has become the official fundraising partner for Glacier National Park.
Try a Shoe with More Top Coverage
The more coverage you have on the top of your feet, the better. Sometimes, you can wear high heels all day and they don’t bother your feet as much. In the summer, you can try something with an ankle strap or a large wide strap over the top. If you are worried about blisters and friction, you might want to try something that covers more of the top of your foot.
Opt for Platform Heels
Platform heels are more comfortable than single-sole heels because the actual heel is shorter than the heel height. The platform also reduces the impact of your feet touching the ground, reducing discomfort. However, thicker platform heels can cause your foot to wobble and your ankle to snap, especially if the platform is very thick and the heel is stiletto. The shoe should be a good ratio between a thick platform and a fitting heel.
Want to carry ToughCutie in your stores? Get in touch!
ToughCutie helped Lloyd and Garage Grown Gear achieve their sales goals and support the store's mission. If you're interested in placing ToughCutie in your store, get in touch today!