While no data were actually provided, attendance figures fell below expectations at last month's new Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Denver, said the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). The new dates were supposed to respond to the need by softgoods companies for earlier orders, yet major brands like Patagonia and The North Face stayed away from the fair. The OIA urged outdoor brands to continue to support the event, as it allows them to highlight innovations and build momentum for a strong selling season, but it acknowledged that outdoor companies are confused as to whether they should show there or at the Outdoor Retail & Snow Show in mid-January.