Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is pleased to announce that Icebreaker® Nature Clothing has joined our organization as a Vendor Partner.

Launched in 1994, Icebreaker was the first company in the world to develop a merino fibre layering system for the outdoors. It was also the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino directly from growers, a system it began in 1997. The Icebreaker apparel system includes underwear, mid-layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories. There are outdoor, technical and lifestyle categories, each with its own specific fabrics and design details. Icebreaker is sold in more than 3000 stores in 43 countries.

Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Icebreaker uses only pure merino handpicked from 140 high country stations in the country's Southern Alps to create adventure clothing for women, men and kids that combines nature's work with human technology and design. The company is committed to sustainability, ethical manufacturing and animal welfare. In 2008 the company launched “Icebreaker Baacode,” a pioneering supply chain transparency and traceability program. Each Icebreaker includes a unique Baacode, which enables customers to trace the garment online from rearing the sheep through to each stage of the supply chain process.

Lisa Thompson, Princess of Icebreaker, shared her thoughts on becoming a vendor partner with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, “We are delighted to become part of the Grassroots Alliance and to foster our relationships with their strong independent retailer base. We value their philosophy of nurturing local communities and businesses and protecting the outdoor spaces we love to play in. It is exciting we can join them in their efforts in these areas.”

With a history of producing fine, quality products, Icebreaker seems a natural fit to the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. Phil Leeds, co-owner of Skinny Skis and a member of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, shared his thoughts on Icebreaker, “Icebreaker offers excellent technical and streetwear base layers and a nice collection of mid-layer "sweaters". They have a great story of authenticity and progressive marketing. We have seen solid growth with the brand through nice margins and great rep service. We’re really please to have them on board as a vendor partner”.