SmartWool Calls For Outdoor Retailer Support
Travis Campbell, president, Smartwool, in a letter wrote, “We must be louder and stronger than our opposition and that means everyone coming together. We can’t do that if we leave the OIA to fight on their own – with fewer resources. We can’t do that if we leave the OIA to fight on their own – with fewer resources.”
Metolius Withdraws From Outdoor Retailer
Said Chip Miller, global sales director for Metolius. “We look forward to rejoining Outdoor Retailer once a host state has been found that values our sport.”
Cascade Designs To Attend Outdoor Retailer
In a statement, Cascade Designs, the Seattle-based manufacturer of outdoor gear including the Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), SealLine, Platypus and PackTowl brands, said it “strongly believes that in coming together as a $646 billion dollar industry we will be a more powerful and meaningful force in protecting our nation’s public lands.”

The North Face Sticks With Outdoor Retailer Show
In a letter to the outdoor industry, Scott Baxter, group president, The North Face, said the best way to protect public lands is “by staying at the OR show at this time.” He added, “We must be louder and stronger than our opposition and that means everyone coming together. We can’t do that if we leave the OIA to fight on their own – with fewer resources.”

REI Urges Support For Outdoor Retailer Show
In a letter to outdoor industry leaders, REI CEO Jerry Stritzke stated “it would be a mistake for us not to gather as an industry this July. Now more than ever, we need to act together to advocate and find a common voice to protect our most important asset — our public lands.”

Asics’ 2016 Earnings Stung By U.S. Weakness
Asics Corp. reported operating earnings in the year were down modestly primarily due to foreign exchange losses. A double-digit drop in the U.S. and the strong yen led to a decline in revenues.

OIA’s Board Encourages Members To Attend Outdoor Retailer Show
In a letter to the outdoor industry, the Outdoor Industry Association’s board applauded REI, Ibex and The North Face “and their call for industry unity by attending Outdoor Retailer this July while we work to find a more suitable venue for future shows.”

Hibbett’s Q4 Earnings Miss Guidance
Hibbett Sports Inc. said it expects earnings to slump between 28 to 30 percent in the fourth quarter, well below guidance, as same-store sales slid 2.2 percent.
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Mountain Khakis’ Jen Taylor Pens Letter Addressing OR Debate
Mountain Khakis Brand Manager Jen Taylor issued a personal open letter to Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard and Black Diamond Founder Peter Metcalf.

Gander Mountain Mulling Chapter 11
Gander Mountain Co. may soon become the latest retailer in the active lifestyle space to land in bankruptcy court, perhaps as soon as this month.

Nike Takes A Stand For Equality
This campaign is supported by a new film – featuring LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Megan Rapinoe, Dalilah Muhammad, Gabby Douglas and Victor Cruz – that amplifies the voice of athletes, using the power of sport to create conversation, inspire people to act and press for lasting change in their communities.

Wolverine Worldwide Appoints New Sperry President
Tom Kennedy was formerly president of apparel and accessories, Wolverine Worldwide.

Report: Gander Mountain Exploring Restructuring
Gander Mountain Co. is reportedly preparing for a debt restructuring in bankruptcy proceedings, sources told Reuters.
NRF Forecasts Retail Sales Will Increase 3.7 To 4.2 Percent In 2017
Online and other non-store/online sales, which are included in the overall number, are expected to increase between 8 and 12 percent.

Adidas Signs Lionel Messi To Lifetime Contract
Adidas signed Lionel Messi to a lifetime contract, according to Cope. The signing was confirmed by Messi via a Facebook post.