VF Corp. promoted Andreas Olsson to VP/GM of Vans EMEA, effective July 17. Olsson had been the VP of sales at Vans for the EMEA region.
Author: SGB Media
QBP Named Exclusive Distributor of Sidi Cycling Shoes and Accessories
QBP said it is launching its long-term partnership with Sidi and existing Sidi retailers in the U.S. with a prebook sales program for the 2024 collection of road, mountain and gravel shoes, and accessories.
Carbitex Founder Returns as President; Outsources Manufacturing to Asia
In a strategic shift in manufacturing operations, Carbitex Founder Junus Khan is stepping back into the role of company president, and the company hired Patrick Sinner to lead brand product development.

White Duck Outdoors Launches New Tent Models
White Duck Outdoors, a provider of tents and outdoor accessories, launched two new tents, the Altimus Bell Tent and the Rover Scout Tent (in two sizes, 8ft x 9ft and 8ft x 13ft). Made with a sustainably sourced polycotton blend canvas fabric from BCI-certified cotton and recycled ocean-bound plastics, the material is “lighter than canvas but stronger […]
Backpacker’s Pantry Hires Director of Marketing
Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods hired industry veteran Chris Dickerson as its new marketing director.
True Religion Appoints Pac Sun Marketing Vet as Chief Marketing Officer
True Religion hired Kristen D’Arcy as chief marketing officer, a newly-created role at the company, reporting to CEO Michael Buckley. The position was reported to be an instrumental component in True Religion’s future growth strategy.
Zamberlan USA Hires Director of Operations
Zamberlan USA hired Chris Rischke as director of operations. Most recently, Rischke was VP of operations and wholesale at Erem, the sustainable footwear brand.

Thule, Inc.’s Q2 Sales Fall on Continued Cycling Inventory Imbalances
Thule, Inc. reported another challenging quarter as sales fell 15 percent in the Swedish company’s second quarter. The decline was attributed to weak bike-related product sales as retailers focused on reducing inventory levels.
Water Sports Industry Association Makes Hires, Names VP of Government Affairs
The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), based in Orlando, promoted Lee Gatts to vice president of government affairs. The non-profit also hired Aaron Hallenberg as Northwest government affairs manager, Ethan Hellier as Midwest government affairs manager and Megan Thielfoldt as communications and marketing director.
Play It Again Sports’ Parent Sees Q2 Profits Improve Sharply
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported earnings improved 14.9 percent in the second quarter ended July 1.
Camping World Holdings Promotes Two Execs to EVP Roles
Camping World Holdings, Inc. promoted Brenda Wintrow and William Colling, II, to executive vice president roles. The company said the appointments reflected its commitment to recognizing and developing talent from within while further strengthening its leadership team as it works toward continued growth.
Lezyne Inks Partnership with New Swiss Distributor
German bike accessories brand Lezyne has partnered with Swiss distributor Chris Sports AG, effective September 1, transferring responsibility from current partner TST-GPR.

Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded on Strong Operating Performance
S&P Global Ratings raised its debt ratings on Birkenstock as the German-based footwear brand’s sales growth of close to 29 percent and S&P Global Ratings-adjusted EBITDA margin of 29 percent in fiscal 2022 outperformed the rating agency’s expectations.

Dakine Launches Method Series Backpacks For Back-To-School
Dakine rounds out its back-to-school collection with the Method Series, which includes three styles: Method Backpack DLX 28L, Method Backpack 32L and 25L. Made of 100 percent recycled polyester or nylon, depending on the color, the DLX 28L offers organizational compartments and integrated water bottle pockets. Available in vintage camo, black ripstop, geyser grey, poppy […]
New Report Finds Interest in Solo Camping Jumped in 2022
A new report published by the camping information and booking app The Dyrt found that there was a growing interest in camping alone among its community.