Is YETI discontinuing the roadie?

YETI coolers have become extremely popular in recent years, known for their durability and ability to keep ice frozen for days. The YETI Roadie is one of YETI’s smaller cooler models, making it a convenient choice for shorter trips or smaller loads. However, there have been some concerning rumors circulating recently that YETI may be discontinuing the Roadie model in the near future.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the background behind the Roadie cooler, analyze the rumors about it potentially being discontinued, and provide some insight into what YETI’s motivations might be if the rumors end up being true.

The History and Background of the YETI Roadie Cooler

The Roadie is one of YETI’s smaller cooler options, with a 20-quart capacity. It first launched back in 2008 as one of the original YETI cooler models. The Roadie filled an important niche for YETI, appealing to customers who wanted the performance of a YETI cooler in a more compact, portable size.

Over the years, the Roadie has been updated with new features like a redesigned gasket for better cold retention and an added lock system. However, the overall size and design has remained largely consistent. The Roadie measures 19” long x 13 3⁄4” wide x 14 3⁄4” high and weighs 15 pounds when empty.

The Roadie is cube-shaped, with a rugged Rotomolded construction made from heavy-duty polyethylene plastic. It features two inches of PermaFrost insulation and YETI’s patented ColdLock gasket, which helps prevent cold air loss. The Roadie can hold up to 14 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio.

Like all YETI coolers, the Roadie is built to be durable, grizzly bear resistant, and to retain ice for extended periods. Under normal conditions, it can keep ice frozen for 3-5 days. The Roadie also comes in a wide variety of color options and can be customized with engraving.

With its portable size and impressive cooling performance, the Roadie has found popularity among camping and fishing enthusiasts, NASCAR fans, boaters, hunters, and many other outdoor adventurers who want a smaller heavy-duty cooler option. It fills an important niche in the YETI cooler lineup.

Examining the Rumors About the Roadie Potentially Being Discontinued

In 2022, rumors began circulating on social media and cooler fan sites claiming that YETI planned to discontinue the Roadie model. Reportedly, some independent YETI dealers had been alerted that the Roadie would be phased out and YETI would stop production on the model sometime in 2023.

As these rumors spread, more people began to speculate on why YETI might cut the Roadie model. Some theories include:

• Declining sales and demand for the Roadie size
• Production costs being too high for the smaller Roadie
• YETI shifting focus to larger capacity coolers
• Plans to replace the Roadie with a new or redesigned smaller cooler

At the same time, other industry experts and cooler enthusiasts have expressed skepticism about the rumors. They point out that the Roadie still seems to be selling well and is featured prominently on YETI’s website.

YETI has not made any official announcement regarding the future of the Roadie. The company declined requests for comment on the rumors that it may be discontinued. YETI is known for keeping quiet about product launch and retirement plans until they are ready to announce them publicly.

Without solid confirmation from YETI, it’s difficult to say if the concerning rumors are true. Many Roadie fans are anxiously awaiting official word one way or the other about the fate of this popular cooler model.

Analyzing Why YETI Might Really Discontinue the Roadie

If YETI does end up discontinuing the Roadie cooler, they likely have some strategic motivations behind that decision. Here are some potential reasons why YETI might choose to axe the Roadie model:

Lagging Sales and Declining Demand

The most straightforward reason YETI could cut the Roadie is simply that sales of this smaller cooler are lagging behind the demand for their larger options. If the Roadie just isn’t selling as well anymore, it makes sense for YETI to retire the model and focus production on their more popular products.

Increasing Production Costs

Cooler production costs, including material and shipping expenses, have been rising across the industry in recent years. This makes it more expensive to produce smaller-capacity coolers like the Roadie. YETI may find it’s no longer profitable enough to justify the production costs on the low-margin Roadie model.

Shift to Larger Capacities

YETI’s cooler lineup has expanded over the years to include massive options like the 350 quart Tundra 350. The company may be strategically shifting focus to bigger, more high-capacity coolers to align with customer demand. If so, the little 20-quart Roadie doesn’t really fit into their portfolio plans anymore.

Plans for a New Small Cooler Design

Discontinuing the Roadie could be a strategic move to pave the way for a newly redesigned smaller cooler model. YETI may have plans to launch a new portable cooler option more aligned with current customer preferences and needs. Retiring the Roadie first would allow them to promote the new model as the successor.

Cutting Down on Total Model Offerings

YETI’s cooler lineup has expanded over the years to include many sizes and models. This can cause consumer confusion and complicate manufacturing and inventory management. Discontinuing the Roadie could be part of a larger plan to cut down on total model offerings and streamline their cooler portfolio.

Of course, it’s also entirely possible the rumors are false and YETI has no plans to stop making the Roadie. But if they do discontinue it, these strategic factors likely influenced the decision.

How a Roadie Discontinuation Could Impact YETI

If YETI does discontinue the Roadie model, it could impact the company and their customers in a few key ways:

Loss of Small Cooler Option in Lineup

Obviously, retiring the Roadie would mean YETI loses their only sub-25 quart cooler option. Customers looking for a smaller heavy-duty YETI cooler would be out of luck going forward.

Missed Revenue Opportunity

Even if Roadie demand is waning, discontinuing it still represents missed revenue and lost sales for YETI. There are likely still many customers interested in the compact Roadie, even if YETI doesn’t see it as a priority.

Customer Frustration

Existing Roadie owners may be very disappointed and frustrated to see this model discontinued. It could damage goodwill with some customers who appreciate the portable size of the Roadie.

Competitive Advantage for Other Brands

YETI retiring the Roadie could give competitors an advantage in the small cooler space. Other brands like RTIC and Pelican still offer 20-25 quart models that could appeal to Roadie fans.

Inventory Issues

If the Roadie is discontinued, remaining stock may need to be heavily discounted. Exclusive authorized dealers could also be frustrated to have invested in inventory they can no longer sell.

On the positive side, eliminating the Roadie would allow YETI to streamline manufacturing and inventory management. But the disadvantages are likely to impact both YETI’s customers and partners. The company will need to weigh both sides carefully if they do plan to discontinue this model.

Recommendations for YETI Regarding the Roadie

If I were consulting YETI on whether to keep or discontinue the Roadie model, here are my recommendations:

Conduct Thorough Consumer Research

Really dig into sales trends, customer surveys, and market analysis to determine current and future demand for a small premium cooler like the Roadie. Get solid data before making a big decision.

Weigh Production Costs

Do a cost-benefit analysis on the profitability of continuing to make the Roadie. Compare those numbers to forecasts for a new small cooler model.

Test a New Design

Try launching a limited test run of a new small cooler design before retiring the Roadie. See if it drives more excitement and sales.

Communicate With Transparency

If the Roadie is discontinued, explain the reasoning clearly to customers. Make sure they understand it as an improvement and transition rather than abandonment.

Offer Discounts on Remaining Stock

Don’t just liquidate remaining Roadie inventory to dealers. Offer special promotions direct to consumers first to provide a positive customer experience.

Help Guide Customers to Alternatives

Have a plan to steer Roadie fans towards the next best YETI options. Provide recommendations for similar capacities from other brands.

With strategic planning and transparency, YETI can minimize negative customer impact if retiring the Roadie ends up being the right business decision.

The Roadie’s Future Remains Uncertain

As YETI has not yet made any official announcement, the future of the Roadie cooler still remains uncertain. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Rumors are swirling about the Roadie being discontinued, but no confirmation from YETI.
• Discontinuing it could be a strategic business decision if sales are lagging.
• But retiring it could also frustrate Roadie fans who want a smaller cooler option.
• YETI should research demand and consider a replacement if they discontinue.
• The Roadie is a popular model, so many customers hope it remains available.

Hopefully YETI will address the rumors soon and provide some clarity. In the meantime, the Roadie’s fate hangs in limbo. Customers interested in this smaller-capacity cooler may want to act fast just in case stock soon runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the rumors of YETI potentially discontinuing the Roadie cooler model:

When did the rumors about the Roadie being discontinued start?

Rumors seem to have begun circulating in early 2022 based on alleged reports from independent YETI dealers about changes coming in 2023.

Has YETI confirmed the Roadie is being discontinued?

No – YETI has not yet made any official announcement about the Roadie being discontinued. The company has declined to comment publicly on the rumors.

When will YETI announce whether the Roadie is discontinued?

Unfortunately, there is no definite timeline. YETI tends to remain quiet about product changes until they are ready for a full public announcement and rollout. They may address the rumors soon or continue staying silent.

Where are people discussing the rumors about the Roadie?

Cooler fan forums, Reddit, and Facebook groups have active discussions speculating about the Roadie rumors. Some popular online sites include IceMuleCoolers.com, CoolerNews.com, and the IGBC cooler forum.

What’s the reaction from Roadie owners?

Current Roadie owners seem very concerned and disappointed about the possibility of it being discontinued. Many express how much they rely on the Roadie’s portable size for their needs.

Could YETI bring the Roadie back in the future?

It’s possible. Even if YETI discontinues the Roadie for strategic reasons right now, they could opt to bring back a revamped smaller cooler option in the future if demand warrants it.

What’s the best way to get updates on the Roadie’s status?

Watching YETI’s social media accounts or signing up for their email list are good ways to get official news as soon as YETI announces it. Cooler news sites may report updates faster once available.

Where can I buy a Roadie while it’s still available?

YETI’s website still has the Roadie in stock currently in most colors. Many authorized dealers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, and Home Depot also still have inventory available at the moment.

Conclusion

The potential discontinuation of the YETI Roadie cooler remains an unconfirmed rumor for now. But if YETI does end this popular smaller model, it would likely be due to strategic business factors like lagging sales and high production costs.

Retiring the Roadie could hurt YETI’s brand reputation with some customers in the short term. But it may allow them to focus on more profitable and in-demand models. Hopefully YETI will address the rumors soon and handle any transition smoothly.

In the meantime, fans of the Roadie’s portable 20-quart size may want to consider picking one up from the remaining inventory just in case. Only time will tell whether this turns out to be the Roadie’s swan song or just an overblown myth.