Skechers Targets China with JV…
Skechers is expanding its sales and distribution in China through a joint venture with Luen Thai Enterprises, a conglomerate based in Hong Kong, that will be aptly named, Skechers China. Over the next three years, the JV expects to open more than 1,200 po
Forzani Lands 100 New Doors with Athletes World Acquisition…
The Forzani Group closed its deal to acquire Athletes World Limited last week. Forzani paid $1.5 million for the shares of Athletes World and the inter-company debt. Forzani also assumed the secured debt, which was approximately $20 million. Roughly $17 m
Confluence Appoints Rechner as President and CEO…
Confluence Watersports has named Sue Rechner president and CEO, effective, December 17, 2007. Rechner has more than 15 years of experience in consumer products and was previously president of Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc. She also simultaneously served as
OR Winter Market Creates New Layout for 2008…
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market will be expanding upon the focused areas featured at Summer Market with a variety of categories gathered in distinct sections of the show floor…
MEC Pulls Polycarbonate Plastic Off Shelves…
According to Canada’s Globe and Mail, Mountain Equipment Co-op has pulled most food and beverage containers made of polycarbonate plastic from its shelves due to possible health risks. The action will see nearly all plastic containers removed from the ret
The Walking Co. Thanksgiving Comps Surge 20%…
The Walking Company saw comparable store sales increase approximately 20% for the three-day Thanksgiving weekend. The shoe chain also saw low-double-digit comparable store sales for months of October and November. Andrew Feshbach, CEO of Big Dog Holdings,
SIA.08 Ramps Up Sustainability…
SnowSports Industries America will be ramping up its environmental efforts this year with several new initiatives and practices. New for the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show is the ECOsource Market Segment exhibit. This special exhibit will feature exhibitor’
Zumiez Sees November Comp Sales Growth Slows…
Zumiez Inc. recorded a 5.6% increase in same store sales for fiscal November. The comps improvement comes on top of a 12.1% jump in the year-ago month. Total net sales for the four-week period increased 28.5% to $33.3 million, compared to $25.9 million fo
BOSS Goes One-on-One with Columbia’s Gert Boyle
Gert Boyle is the matriarch of Columbia Sportswear. Her father started the business—then called Columbia Hat Company—in 1938 and ran it until his passing in 1964, whereupon her husband, Neal, took over the helm. But six years later, in 1970, Neal died sud
Confluence Names Rechner as President and CEO
Confluence Watersports has appointed Sue Rechner to the position of president & CEO, effective December 17, 2007. With over 15 years experience in consumer products, Rechner joins the canoe and kayak manufacturer on the heels of her successful tenure as P
Forzani Sees Q3 Corporate Comps Slide on Dollar, Weather Pressures
The Forzani Group Ltd. reported a 1.5% increase in retail system sales for the third quarter to $344.6 million from $339.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The company said in a release that the increase came despite aggressive pricing actions taken in re
ORWM Reports New Exhibitors, New Layout for 2008
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market reports that it is receiving record interest in its 2008 show with 181 new exhibitors and already a 5% growth over 2007. This year, the show will feature several category-specific “zones” and “villages” to more easily conne
Gildan Fourth Quarter Sales Jump 24.7%
Gildan Activewear Inc. reported sales in the fourth quarter amounted to $254.9 million, up 8.4% from $235.2 million in the fourth quarter of last year. Fourth quarter net earnings of $40.9 million and diluted EPS of 34 cents, after recording a restructuri
Billabong Acquires Tigerlily Swimwear
Billabong International Ltd. agreed to buy Tigerlily swimwear for an undisclosed price, its first acquisition exclusively focused on female clothing…
Nautilus Fires Off Letter to Shareholders
Nautilus mailed a letter to to shareholders to prevent a hostile takeover of the company in an upcoming proxy fight. The letter highlighted significant positive changes under new CEO, Bob Falcone. The letter comes as Sherborne Investors LP, an investment