
Patagonia Forms Research Partnership With HeiQ
The partnership will explore ways for a sustainable textile finishing technology to achieve high-performance breathable and durable water repellence (DWR).

Gander Mountain Downplays Bankruptcy Speculation
Gander Mountain issued a statement noting that it had retained Houlihan Lokey as independent advisors as part of a review process, but also inferred the hiring wasn’t tied an imminent bankruptcy filing.

MC Sports Looks For Rebirth Amid Liquidation
In two diametrically opposed maneuvers, MC Sports is planning to quickly hold going-out-of-business sales at all its locations while also feverishly seeking a buyer or investor to avoid an all-out liquidation.

VF Corp. Adds To Board Of Directors
The branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories company elected Carol L. Roberts and Benno Dorer as board directors, effective February 14, 2017.

Walmart Acquires Moosejaw
Walmart has acquired Moosejaw, a leading online outdoor retailer, for approximately $51 million.
Gander Mountain Retains Houlihan Lokey In Review Process
The privately-held firm said it issued the statement because “recent speculative news articles” had caused concern among its partners.

Nike and Under Armour Top MC Sports Unsecured Creditors List
The list of the top 20 unsecured creditors of MC Sports reads like a who’s who of the sporting goods industry. The largest sums were owed to Nike, $3.81 million, and Under Armour, $2.45 million.

Plank Pens Open Letter Responding To Trump Backlash
In a full-page advertisement in The Baltimore Sun, Kevin Plank, Under Armour’s CEO, responded to the uproar the company has faced after his comments last week praising President Donald Trump.
NRF Sees Imports Picking Up
Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to increase 4.6 percent during the first half of 2017 over the same period last year as the nation’s economy improves and retail sales continue to grow, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

MC Sports Files For Bankruptcy
MC Sports, the Michigan-based sporting goods chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday. The company is moving to hold liquidation sales at all of its 68 locations, but will use the reorganization to seek a rushed alternative funding or to find a buyer that might keep the stores open.
ComScore Reports 18 Percent Jump In Online Holiday Spending
Online buying on desktop computers grew 13 percent while mobile spending (smartphones and tablets) was up 45 percent.

Shimano Sees Earnings Drop In 2016
Sales in 2016 slid 14.7 percent to ¥323 billion, with a 17.4 percent slide in its Bicycle Components segment and 1.7 percent slip in its Fishing Tackle segment.
Surf Expo Adds Sales Manager
Surf Expo, the largest and longest running boardsports, paddle and beach/resort lifestyle tradeshow in the world, appointed Kenenth Andres as sales manager for the SUP, Wake, Wind, Kayak & Canoe sections of the show.

Cotopaxi Expands Questival To 50 Events
The outdoor gear brand expanded its 24-hour adventure race series to 50 events, including the addition of three Canadian stops, in 2017.

Baltimore Gets Behind-Security Airport Gym
Roam Fitness members will also have access to Lululemon clothes and Brooks Running shoes available for rent or purchase.