The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday announced final rules to restrict the fees and expiration dates that may apply to gift cards – a significant source of profit growth in recent years for retailers. The rules protect consumers from certain unexpected co
Author: Charlie Lunan
REI Profits More than Doubled in 2009
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) released its audited 2009 financial results showing it earned net income of $29.8 million, up 106% from $14.5 million in 2009. The company's direct sales channel, which includes online and catalog sales, grew by ne
Reynolds Cycling Names New Product Manager
Jon Swanson has joined Reynolds Cycling as VP of product management after a stint at at Specialized, where he was performance road product manger, equipment R+D product manger/developer and an SBCU Professor…
Performance Bicycle to Open Another California Store
For the second time in two weeks, Performance Bicycle said it will open a new retail location in California. The Chapel Hill, NC-based bike dealer said the new store would open in Woodland Hills north of Los Angeles on May 7, 2010…
Boulder Outdoor Specialty Group Hires eCommerce Manager
Boulder Outdoor Specialty Group named a former REI Internet manager as its eCommerce manager, adding to a string of hires in its marketing department since September. Other recent hires include product designers, a graphic designer and a sales director…
Forest Services Backs off Rate Hike for Seniors
The USDA Forest Service will not implement proposed changes to fees charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced last week. Tidwell's decision means seniors and
OIA: Affordable Footwear Act Alive and Kicking
Outdoor Industry Association said support is building for the Affordable Footwear Act in Congress despite press reports indicating it is opposed by the Obama Administration…
Taipei Cycle Says Foreign Attendance Rose 7.6%
Preliminary attendance figures for the first three days of the four day Taipei Cycle trade show indicated attendance by foreign visitors reached 4,913, up 7.6 %, from 86 countries, up 22 from 09…
Blacks Leisure Rejects Rival’s Offer, Will Pursue Stock Sale
Blacks Leisure rejected a £26 million offer from rival British retailer Sports Direct as “wholly inadequate” and said it plans to pursue plans sell stock to raise cash need for its turnaround plans…
Children’s Bike Bells Recalled for Excessive Lead
Do It Best Corp., of Fort Wayne, Ind. is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 children’s bicycle bells made by a Chinese company because the red paint on them contains excessive lead levels, violating the federal lead paint standard…
MountainSource Adds Bruce Gorden to Sales Force
The sales agency MountainSource has added Bruce Gordon to its team. Most recently the director of sales for Chrome Industries, Gordon will oversee the Mountain Source territory of Colorado's front range, Wyoming and Western Nebraska…
Hi-Tec Names Charles Willis as Creative Director
Hi-Tec said Charles Willis will join the company in the coming months as Outdoor Creative Director. Willis leaves his current position as Merrell group VP and creative director, where he influenced many iconic outdoor product designs such as the Jungle Mo
Senate Bill Aims To Penalize Currency Manipulation
In a move likely to further friction with China, a group of 16 U.S. senators announced bipartisan legislation this week to penalize countries that undervalue their currency to artificially discount their exports…
Taipei Cycle 2010 Draws Record Number of Exhibitors
Taipei Cycle 2010 has drawn a record 894 exhibitors to Taiwan this week. They will be occupying 3,018 booths. That represents growth of 17.3% and 4.5% respectively from last year, according to the Taiwan External Development Council (TAITRA), chief organi
Trade Groups Form Physical Activity Council to Research Participation
Seven of the major governing bodies and trade associations in the sports, fitness, outdoor, and leisure industry have formed a research partnership – The Physical Activity Council (PAC), which will release findings from a major survey later this month…
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