Both REI and Canada’s MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) late Thursday said they have suspended orders from Vista Outdoor due to the company’s manufacture of semi-automatic rifles. Vista Outdoor’s brands in the outdoor and cycling space include Bell, Blackburn, Bollé, Bushnell, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Giro and Jimmy Styks. CamelBak issued a statement on the changes.
Sports Specialists, Ltd. (SSL) of Golden CO and Snowsports Merchandising Corp. (SMC) of Springfield MA, co-hosts of the Winter Sports Market, announced a change beginning in 2019, and will call Salt Lake City its new home.
Under Armour announced that Karl-Heinz (Charlie) Maurath will retire as its chief revenue officer effective March 31.
Asics officially opened its doors to the brand’s new Creation Studio at 125 Summer Street in Boston. The Creation Studio brings together teams driving key areas of the business, including footwear apparel, equipment, marketing, digital and commerce. Asics now holds a significant bicoastal presence in the U.S., in both Irvine, California and Boston.
Perry Ellis International announced its board of directors has authorized a special committee of independent directors to evaluate the February 6, 2018, proposal from George Feldenkreis to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Perry Ellis not already beneficially owned by Feldenkreis.
Compass Diversified Holdings, the owner of Crosman, 5.11, Liberty Safe and other middle-market brands, reported a sharp gain in earnings in the fourth quarter ended December 31 due to a tax benefit. Cash flow from operations improved slightly.
Anna Sports reported revenues in 2017 rose 25.1 percent to RMB16.7 billion, up from RMB13.3 billion in 2016.
Winmark Corporation, the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported net income for the year ended December 30, 2017 of $24.6 million, or $5.66 per share, compared to net income of $22.2 million, or $5.13, in 2016.
Escalade Inc. reported operating earnings rose 36.4 percent on improved margins and a 4.3 percent revenue gain.
Fox Factory Holding Corp. reported sales increased 8.6 percent in the fourth quarter to $121.1 million.
Walmart joined Dick’s Sporting Goods on Wednesday in saying it would no longer sell guns or ammunition to anyone under 21 years of age. The discount giant also said it would no longer sell items resembling assault-style rifles, including toys and air guns.
Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, said it will stop selling guns and ammunition to customers who are younger than 21 years old. Kroger sells guns at 43 of its 133 Fred Meyer locations in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Canada Goose Holdings celebrates its 10-year relationship with Polar Bears International (PBI)–an organization dedicated to the preservation of polar bears and their habitat–by announcing the creation of its signature ‘PBI Blue’ color as a customized Pantone shade, just in time for International Polar Bear Day.
Accell North America announced Stuart Johnson as its chief marketing and digital officer.
Chums, the travel and active lifestyle accessory producer, and sister brand Beyond Coastal, the sun care product manufacturer, announced the hire of Susie Tew as e-commerced director at the companies’ Salt Lake City office.
Reed Exhibitions appointed Ron Walden as group vice president and head of the Fashion & Festival portfolio, which include the Agenda Shows, Agenda Festival and ComplexCon.
Ann Krcik, senior director of brand communications and outdoor exploration at The North Face, passed away after a battle with cancer.
Vans launched its first customer loyalty program. Vans Family is an interactive and intuitive loyalty program designed to recognize, reward and celebrate Vans fans for who they are and what they like to do.
Boardriders Inc., the parent of Quiksilver, Roxy and DC Shoes, is announcing several memorial ceremonies to celebrate the life of Pierre Agnes.
DC Shoes announced the appointment of Michael Minter as global head of marketing.
Asics announced that it has concluded a multi-year global agreement to become a Global Development Partner of The International Triathlon Union (ITU).
Nathan, a specialist in hydration, visibility and performance gear, announced the extension of a multiyear sponsorship with the Ragnar Relay & Ragnar Trail Series, which is the largest overnight running relay series in the world.
5.11 will continue as The Official Sponsor for the CrossFit Games Service Open, and will be the title sponsor of the CrossFit Games Europe Regional in Berlin, Germany.
After its successful inaugural year, Granite Gear has launched the 2018 Grounds Keepers Program with new supporting sponsor Altra Running.
New Balance has signed on as the official footwear and apparel partner of the New York Mets and their Citi Field ballpark.
REI and Athleta announced plans to bring a curated selection of current Athleta apparel to 14 REI stores and REI.com this spring.
Nike’s Jumpman logo didn’t violate the copyright of an earlier photograph of Michael Jordan, a federal appeals court ruled.
A European court has ruled for Adidas in an infringement case against a Belgian footwear company. Adidas had been seeking to block two trademarks for parallel stripes on shoes filed by a Belgian firm, Shoe Branding Europe, saying it infringed on Adidas’ iconic three-stripe design.
Colorado-based Granite Marketing will represent Industrial Revolution’s wholesale partners in the Rocky Mountains territory, including Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
Farm to Feet announced that they have appointed Allen Breeding and Associates to represent the brand in the South-Central states and Amy Brown and Associates in the Mid-West.
Hillsound Equipment, a leading producer of winter traction equipment and gaiters, partnered with HannaWear Sales to further its distribution in Canada.
According to Golf Datatech, golf rounds played were down 5.4 percent in January, with the Eastern part of the country particularly impacted by weather.
Dick’s Sporting Goods will be opening four new Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in March in St. Petersburg, FL; Lancaster, PA; Pace, FL and Mesquite, TX.
Gander Outdoors, which is part of Camping World, announced plans to open locations in Winston-Salem, NC; Dickson City, PA and Ocala, FL.
ADA and NBS have once again partnered to co-locate their 2018 Spring & Summer Athletic Shows. The joint event will be held at the Hyatt Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, FL.
PHIT America is launching PHIT America Month (PHITMonth.org) in May to promote and encourage millions of Americans to learn and enjoy the opportunity to be physically active, exercise, and play sports.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is joining forces with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to lead the campaign for chairman of the President’s Council, on behalf of former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker.
In a move to place a greater focus on team sports, Donald Trump signed in an executive order that revised the title of the “President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition,” to the “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition” and announced plans to increase emphasis on youth sports participation.
Target Corp. announced a limited-edition spring collaboration with Hunter, known for its iconic Original Wellington boot.
ISA TanTec announced that it has signed definitive agreements to acquire the Auburn Leather brand, business and assets with closing in Q2 2018.
Photo courtesy Asics
