Gander Finalizes New Store Opening Locations

Gander Mountain Company announced three additional new outdoor lifestyle specialty stores to open in the fall of 2006. The company previously announced two openings for the fall. These additional stores will complete the company's plan to open eight

Gander’s Loss Widens on Double-Digit Comp Decline

Gander Mountain Company first quarter sales increased 15% to $155.6 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales decreased 10.4%. The company reported a loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 of $23.0 million for both pr

Nicholson Takes Over at OR and FFR

VNU Sports Group appointed Marisa Nicholson to the post of national sales manager for the Outdoor Retailer and FlyFishing Retailer trade shows. Nicholson, previously a senior account executive for the Outdoor Group, takes over for Andy Tompkins, who was r

PHIT Legislation Could Provide Fitness Incentives

The SGMA sees great opportunity in a bill introduced by Congressman Jerry Weller (R-IL). Personal Health Investment Today (HR 5479) – known as PHIT – provides financial incentives for Americans to play sports, workout, and be physically active…

WSA Awards Design Scholarships

The World Shoe Association and The Fashion Group Internationalâ Foundation of Los Angeles, Inc. announce scholarship award winners in the WSA-sponsored scholarships for footwear and handbag design, that is a part of the FGI-LA Scholarship program. WSA wil

Nike Opens Factory Store in Florida

Nike, Inc. today announced the official opening of its Nike Factory Store at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, FL. The more than 25,000 square foot retail outlet will employ a total of 90 full and part-time staff…

Ultimate Direction Ramps Up Running Sponsorships

Ultimate Direction will be sponsoring several organizations throughout the next several months to increase its brand awareness and continue its team and individual sponsorship for outstanding players in the running community.

J. C. Penney Comps Jump 11.1% in May

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. department store sales increased 11.2% for the four weeks ended May 27, 2006. On a comparable store basis, sales increased 11.1%, well above guidance for a low single digit sales increase…

Costco May Comps Jump 10%

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $4.71 billion for the four-week retail reporting month of May, the four weeks ended May 28, 2006, an increase of 15% from $4.11 billion in the same four-week period of the prior fiscal year. Comparable St

Meng and Associates Hires Steve Pike

Golf marketing and public relations firm, Meng & Associates Inc., has brought aboard former PGA.com equipment editor Steve Pike as an associate writer. Pike is an award-winning golf writer, and will help create high-impact editorial for Meng & Associates

NSGA Board Elects New Directors

The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) Board of Directors has elected officers to two-year terms that commence on June 1, 2006. Bruce Ullery, President & CEO of MC Sports was elected Chairman; Curt Munson, President of Playmakers will represent me

McKinney Joins Mitchell and Ness

Mitchell & Ness hired Sean McKinney to the company’s executive leadership team. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, McKinney will oversee the two departments and focus on enhancing the worldwide distribution of the Mitchell & Ness brand…