Thule Increases Top and Bottom Line in First Half

Thule AB reported that first half sales were up 29.3% to SEK 1,966 million ($259.4 mm) compared to SEK 1,520 million in 2005 ($213.9 mm). This is an increase of 13.4% once adjusted for currency and acquisition effects. Operating profit (EBITA) before one-

Smith Partners with Transitions

This season, Smith is extending their Photochromic line into their prescription program though a partnership with Transitions Optical, Inc. which will allow Smith Optics to now offer clear-to-dark photochromic prescription lenses…

Lotto Focuses on Tennis Sponsorships

Lotto signed a sponsorship agreement with Spanish tennis player Juan Carlos Ferrero at the Italian sportswear company’s headquarters. As a further confirmation of the Italian sports brand’s commitment in international professional tennis, Lotto will be th

NPD: Back to School Expected to be Flat

Most students are only just beginning to enjoy the summer break from school, but retailers are already gearing up for the onslaught of students and their parents expected in the aisles during the back-to-school shopping season. Unfortunately for retailers

Utility Inc. Forms New Branding Division

Utility Inc., a retail fixturing group based in the SODO district of Seattle, WA, has created a new division: Dept. of Energy a.k.a. D.O.E.; a small coalition of graphic designers focused on branding, product development, fashion and the general aesthetic

OIWC Creates New Clinics and Programs at ORSM

The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) created a new initiative to assist women in becoming more influential in the Outdoor Industry through education and mentoring around the topics of Professional Development. We will be providing seminars, onl

Asics Ramps-Up Ad Campaign

ASICS America has experienced record growth over the past few years. To fuel their momentum, ASICS launched its most ambitious brand effort with their largest media spend in company history earlier this year…

Cascade Designs Appoints New Europe VP

Cascade Designs Inc. appointed James Cotter as Vice-President of European Operations for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cascade Designs, Ltd., located in Cork, Ireland. Cotter will oversee the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sales subsidiary and

Hi-Tec Inks New China License

Hi-Tec Sports PLC signed a new Licensing agreement with Fujian Taiya Shoes Material Co. Ltd to cover China. The agreement is a 30 year arrangement, covering Hi-Tec’s Outdoor, Athletic and Court categories. Taiya Shoes will in addition develop an apparel r

Callaway Appoints Two SVP’s

Callaway Golf Company appointed two new Senior Vice Presidents, David Laverty and Thomas Yang, reporting directly to President and CEO George Fellows. Mr. Yang assumed his duties immediately as Senior Vice President, International and Mr. Laverty will beg

Interbike Announces Third Annual Hangover Ride

Interbike announced details of the Third Annual Hangover Ride scheduled for the morning of September 26th, day two of the OutDoor Demo. What started out three years
ago as an impromptu morning ride by several Interbike Expo attendees has evolved into the

Mizuno Extends Deal with Luke Donald

Luke Donald has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Mizuno Corporation to continue serving as a Mizuno Brand Ambassador around the world. Donald will continue to carry a Mizuno Staff Bag along with Mizuno headcovers and umbrella, and wear his

Jay McGregor to Lead Coleman’s Sales Team

Jay E. McGregor has joined The Coleman Company as Vice President, Sales, the Americas and Canada. In his new position, McGregor will direct the sales and distribution of new and existing Coleman products at the mass channel, and will lead Coleman’s specia

Execute Sports Launches Marketing Services Firm

Execute Sports, Inc. has established “The Council” (dba), to develop strategic marketing, research and business development related services for both action sports companies as well as companies intending to brand their products and services to the Gen X