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Marcus Insights
Revitalizing Recreation: Strategies to Appeal to a Younger Demographic


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Role: Principal Consultant
Industry: Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Situation: The recreational activities industry is facing increased competition due to changing consumer preferences and the emergence of new leisure trends. Our organization has a strong brand and customer loyalty, but we struggle with outdated facilities and an aging customer base. Internally, there are challenges in aligning our workforce with the evolving needs of our target demographic and in fostering a culture of innovation to adapt to new trends. We are considering strategic initiatives to revamp our facilities, introduce new recreational offerings, and enhance our marketing strategies to attract a younger audience.

Question to Marcus:


How can we revitalize our recreational facilities and offerings to appeal to a younger demographic while maintaining our existing customer base?


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Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Market Segmentation

Identifying and understanding the distinct segments within the younger demographic is crucial for revitalizing recreational facilities to appeal to them while retaining the existing customer base. Different sub-groups may have varying preferences for outdoor activities, technology integration, and social experiences.

Developing a deep understanding of these preferences through Market Research can guide the creation of targeted offerings that resonate with each segment. For instance, one segment may prefer high-adrenaline activities with a technological twist, such as Augmented Reality climbing walls, while another might value eco-friendly and sustainable practices in outdoor adventures. Tailoring the recreational experience to match these preferences not only attracts a younger audience but also enhances the Value Proposition for all customers. Implementing a segmented marketing strategy can help in effectively communicating these new offerings, ensuring that messages resonate with the intended audience while also highlighting the brand's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. This approach fosters a sense of community among users, potentially transforming them into brand ambassadors who share their experiences through word of mouth and social media, further amplifying the brand’s reach and appeal.

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Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Adopting advanced CRM strategies is vital in engaging with both the existing aging customer base and the targeted younger demographic. A robust CRM system can help in personalizing marketing efforts, tracking customer interactions, and collecting valuable feedback.

For the recreation and outdoor activities sector, this could mean creating tailored communication plans for different customer segments, offering them relevant promotions, and keeping them engaged with the brand through regular updates about new facilities or events. Additionally, leveraging CRM data can provide insights into changing consumer preferences, enabling the organization to adapt its offerings more swiftly. Engaging with the younger demographic might also involve integrating social media platforms within the CRM strategy, utilizing these channels for targeted advertisements, interactive content, and direct customer communication. For existing customers, a focus on loyalty programs and exclusive offers could enhance retention. CRM technologies can facilitate this nuanced approach, ensuring that all customer interactions are meaningful and contribute towards building stronger relationships, ultimately supporting a seamless transition as the organization evolves to meet new market demands.

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Operational Efficiency

Improving operational efficiency is key to ensuring that the revamping of facilities and introduction of new offerings are financially sustainable and do not adversely impact the existing Customer Experience. This can involve streamlining processes, adopting new technologies, and optimizing resource allocation to minimize downtime and ensure a high-quality customer experience.

For recreation and outdoor activities, this might mean investing in maintenance management software to ensure facilities are always in top condition, or implementing online booking systems to reduce wait times. Efficient operations also allow for better scalability of new initiatives, ensuring that as new activities are introduced, they can be delivered consistently and at the desired quality level. Additionally, analyzing operational data can reveal areas for Cost Reduction without compromising service quality, such as energy-efficient lighting for night-time activities or water recycling systems for water-based attractions. By focusing on operational efficiency, the organization can ensure that it remains competitive, both in terms of pricing and the quality of the recreational experience offered.

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Brand Strategy

Developing a strong Brand Strategy that resonates with a younger audience while still appealing to the existing customer base is essential. This involves articulating a clear brand identity that emphasizes values such as innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

For the recreation and outdoor activities sector, this could translate into adopting eco-friendly practices in Facility Management and activity design, which not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also enhances the brand's overall image. Additionally, leveraging digital marketing and social media to showcase these values and the unique experiences offered can significantly enhance brand visibility and appeal among younger demographics. It's also important to tell compelling stories that connect on an emotional level, highlighting community involvement, customer stories, or behind-the-scenes looks at how activities are created. A cohesive brand strategy that aligns with the interests and values of both target audiences will help in attracting new customers while reinforcing loyalty among existing ones, ensuring long-term business sustainability.

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Innovation Management

Embracing Innovation Management is critical in successfully introducing new recreational offerings and revamping facilities to meet the evolving expectations of a younger demographic. This involves fostering a culture of Creativity and experimentation within the organization, encouraging employees at all levels to contribute ideas for new activities, technology integrations, or improvements to the customer experience.

Implementing a structured process to evaluate, pilot, and scale these innovations can ensure that they align with strategic objectives and deliver real value to customers. For the outdoor and recreational activities industry, this might include exploring emerging technologies such as virtual reality to create immersive experiences, or leveraging Data Analytics to personalize the Customer Journey. Collaborating with tech startups or academic institutions can also bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge solutions to traditional challenges. By prioritizing innovation, the organization can continuously refresh its offerings, staying ahead of industry trends and ensuring that it remains a preferred choice for both new and existing customers.

Learn more about Innovation Management Customer Journey Data Analytics Creativity

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