LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. will consolidate its two distribution centers in La Crosse, WI into one world-class facility in Indianapolis, IN to improve its operating efficiencies. Completion for the project is targeted for the first half of 2009. The Midwest
Author: Charlie Lunan
Dorel Names Director as President of Recreation Segment
Dorel Industries Inc. named a director to take over its rapidly growing Recreational/Leisure segment, which includes its massive bicycle holdings, as part of a restructuring of senior management. The move comes as Dorel sets its eyes on displacing Special
Clif Bar Recognizes Ski Areas’ Environmentalism
CLIF BAR recognized Jiminy Peak with the 2008 Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence by a ski resort. The award hails Massachusetts-based Jiminy Peak for installing a wind turbine — a first for a mountain resort in North America — which p
Foreign Visitors Boost Spending at Tour de Georgia
The Tour de Georgia drew 20% fewer people, but generated 40% more spending last month due to higher gas prices and a weaker dollar, an economic impact study released Thursday estimated. The weak dollar drew many more foreign tourists, who had to spend mor
Osprey Hits Renewable Energy Target Two Years Early
Osprey Packs, Inc. said it had achieved 100-percent renewable energy efficiency at its Colorado headquarters a full two years ahead of schedule…
Coleman Names Solomon as Permanent CEO
Jarden Corporation has named Sam A. Solomon as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Coleman Company, Inc. Solomon has been serving as interim President and CEO since September 2007…
Teens Outside Gets $100,000 Grant from Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to expand Teens Outside to 29 communities in 2008 including eight new agencies in California…
Polartec Names APEX Design Winners
Polartec, LLC, the developer announced the North American APEX Design Award winners for 2008. The award goes to the best-of-the-best Polartec based garments that will be available to consumers in fall 2008…
Shimano Rides Cycling to Strong Sales Increase in Q1
Shimano Inc. said net sales at its cycling business rose by ¥7.8 billion ($7.4 mm), or 22%, to ¥43.3 billion ($411 mm) in the first quarter ended March 31. Fishing tackle net sales, however, dipped by ¥142 million ($1.4 mm), or 1.2%, to ¥11.4 billion ($10
K-Swiss to Acquire Palladium
K-Swiss Inc. plans to acquire French fashion footwear company Palladium SAS. The company will buy a 57% stake in Palladium from Palladium shareholders by July 1 at a price of 5.3 million euros, or $8.3 million, including a loan of 3.6 million euros, or $
Negative Comp Drags Down First Quarter Bottom Line for Zumiez
Zumiez Inc. reported a mid-teens increase in net sales for the first quarter as the addition of 21 new stores offset comparable store sales that came in just below flat. The negative comp hurt the bottom line as well, de-leveraging occupancy costs and dr
Pacific Sunwear Exits demo Business; Cuts Guidance
Pacific Sunwear had the closure of its demo and One Thousand Steps stores eat into the bottom line, as closure expenses accounted for more than $25 million of the reported loss for the period. For continuing operations, PSUN saw a loss of $12.0 million,
The Long, Cold Winter Boosts Q1, but Now Hurts Spring Apparel Sales
Many specialty outdoor retailers had a much more profitable first quarter this year as a record snow pack and cold weather helped them clear winter merchandise, often at much higher margins. But the long, snowy and cold winter has also stunted planned spr
Columbia Trims HQ Staff
The Oregonian reported that Columbia Sportswear trimmed headcount at its headquarters near Beaverton through layoffs and voluntary buyouts. The newspaper said company spokesman John Fread would not say how many workers took the buyout offer or were cut i
Patagonia Exits Paddlesports
Patagonia told retailers last week that it was exiting the paddlesports business and put all its 2008 product on close-out….