sportsoneauthor | Page 1100 | SGB Media Online

OBIT: Dick Baker

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Dick Baker, the longtime apparel and beach/surf apparel executive, passed away last week after a two-year battle with cancer. Baker is perhaps best known for reviving the Op (Ocean Pacific) label in the late 90’s until the brand was sold to Warnaco Group

Russell Athletic to Close Alex City Plant

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Russell Athletic plans to close a woven plant in Alexander City, GA, on July 1. About 250 jobs are affected. Rick Medlin, executive vice president of manufacturing, said the closing is related to the general economic downturn…

Nautilus Goes After Counterfeiters

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Nautilus, Inc. has filed suit against importer/distributor, SC Excel Technology, Inc. (dba Duro Fitness) of Montreal, Canada and obtained an Anton Piller order to enter its premises and seize counterfeit goods and relevant records. An Anton Piller order i

NSGA: Walking Continues to Grow

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Exercise walking remained the No. 1 `activity in 2008 with another burst of new participants taking on the sport. Big gains were also seen in exercising with equipment, bicycle riding, and running/jogging, according to NSGA’s annual “Sports Participation

Orange 21 2008 Loss Nearly Doubles

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Orange 21 Inc., which owns Spy Optic, reported sales rose 2% to $47.3 million in 2008 from $46.5 million for 2007. The action sports company incurred a net loss of $15.2 million for the year ended Dec. 31 compared to a net loss of $8.0 million for the yea

Gwen Manto Exits Dick’s SG

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Gwen Manto left her role as EVP and chief merchandising officer of Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc., effective April 13. According to a filing with the SEC, DKS does not expect to replace her in this position but will instead realign its merchandising org

Census Bureau: Gas, Auto Sales Declines Sank Retailers in March

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

The U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March, which were adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $344.4 billion, a decrease

Sales Reps See New Challenges in Today’s Market

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Sales reps have traditionally been vital in bringing new brands and ideas to the outdoor marketplace, but their role in recent years has changed as a result of consolidation and advancements in technology. Reps are now increasingly asked to help manage in

Suunto Acquires Tacktick

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

Suunto, the manufacturer of sports precision instruments owned by Amer Sports Group, announced the acquisition of UK-based Tacktick Ltd, manufacturer of wireless marine sensors, instruments and displays. Terms were not disclosed. No changes are envisioned

New Bill Expected to Tax Online Retail

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

A bill expected to be introduced in Congress early next week by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-MA) could eliminate the days of tax-free Internet shopping. The exact language of the bill has not yet been revealed…

GLOCK Gets Big Boost from Handgun Sales Jump

April 20, 2009 SGB Update

With the 2009 fiscal year in the books, handgun manufacturer GLOCK, Inc. has announced a 36% increase in pistol sales over 2008 sales. Coming off five consecutive years of sustained growth, the company that focuses exclusively on semi-automatic handguns f