Former Patagonia Buyer Joins Rab
Rab, the British manufacturer of technical mountaineering garments, gear and accessories, said Jeannie Wall will be directing the company’s brand-new Backcountry collection. Wall was most recently with Patagonia, Inc., from 1991 to 2007. Most relevant to
Zoot Acquired by K2 Sports
Zoot Sports, the manufacturer of apparel, footwear and wetsuits, has been acquired by K2 Sports. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The triathlon-apparel firm will continue to be based in Southern California under its existing leadership team, l
Seattle Sports Hires New Sales Manager
Seattle Sports, the outdoor gear manufacturer, has hired Steve Cole as its director of sales. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Cole has worked extensively in the outdoor and bicycle industries and brings over 20 years of combined experience working in sales,
Insight Names New Marketing Director
Insight Tech-Gear, a developer and manufacturer of illumination, laser aiming and imaging solutions for the federal, law enforcement and commercial markets, has named Paul Erhardt its new Marketing Director…
Patagonia Austin to Raise Money for Local Environmental Groups
In an extension of the well-known Patagonia grants program that has given over $31 million to grassroots environmental organizations since 1985, the new Patagonia store in Austin is sponsoring a 'Land, Air & Water' silent auction and concert fro
Against All Odds Files for Chapter 11 Protection
Against All Odds USA Inc., an operator of urban apparel and footwear retail stores, filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newark, NJ. The chain has about $38 million in assets, and $35.9 million in liabilities. The chain operates 64 stores in shopping malls
A Growing List of Companies Lower Guidance
As retailers released their disappointing December comps this week, many included revised guidance with their results and gave cover to the vendor side to lower expectation as well…
Vendors Restructure Under Economic Pressures
The body count from a brutal economy continued to mount last week as four more major manufacturers announced operation restructuring plans to welcome in what has been an exceptionally frosty New Year for vendors and retailers across the board…
SIA: Snow Sports YTD Sales Up 3% through November
According to SnowSports Industries America's (SIA), the snow sports market remained healthy with 3% growth August to November. Snow sports sales surpassed $917 million as the overall retail market faltered in the recession's nadir…
OIA: Nov. Outdoor Sales Slide
Outdoor Industry Association reported that retail sales for all core outdoor stores fell 11% in November. It marked the first month of overall dollar sales decline since the recession started in December 2007. All three store channels and all four major p
Johnson Health Tech Sues Icon
Johnson Health Tech, parent company of Horizon Fitness, has sued Icon Health & Fitness, claiming that the company has produced products infringing on Johnson’s patent no. 7,316,633 of which pertains to an “exercise elliptical machine” patented in January
Sporting Goods Retailers Sued Over Switchblades
A class action claims that Wal-Mart, Cabela's, Dicks Sporting Goods and others are selling switchblade knives that they know are illegal in Texas…
The Finish Line Shrinks Loss, Inventory in Third Quarter
Strong inventory and cost controls combines with a decent performance in footwear to help The Finish Line slightly trim its loss from continuing operations in the third quarter ended November 29. These improvements helped offset continued weakness in appa
More Vendors Restructure Under Economic Pressures
Head N.V. Group plans to close its tennis ball factory in Phoenix, AZ in March of this year. In 2007, the company began manufacturing tennis balls in a new factory in China, and has now made the decision to shut the U.S. facility and manufacture its worl
Zumiez December Comps Fall 12%
Zumiez, Inc. reported a 12.3% decline in same-store sales after a 3.9% increase in comps for the year ago period. Management said the decrease in comps was driven by a decrease in store transactions and a decrease in average unit retail…
