SIA Retail Audit Sees Higher ASP at Chain Stores…

The SnowSports Industry launched into the 2004-05 season with solid pre-season sales fueled by good snowfall in the western states, particularly the Sierra. According to the SIA and The Leisure Trends Group, total industry sales increased 3.0% to $323.3 m

Malden Union Inks Three-Year Contract Deal…

After rejecting Malden Mills “best and final” contract offer last week, the UNITE HERE workers union has voted to accept a new three year contract. The union, which represents roughly 70% of Malden’s workforce, threatened to strike last week because membe

Nikwax Receives Picks Up Honors at U.K. Event…

Nikwax recently received one of the U.K.’s top awards for business, The Queen’s Award for Export Achievement, and was also recently given the International Business award for Language. Both honors speak to the diversity of culture within the company and t

Walden Kayaks Shutters Operations…

Walden Kayaks was informed on November 24th that Banknorth, the company’s principal source of financing, was unable to continue financing and the company would be forced to shut down by 5:00 on the same day. Walden Kayaks President, Jeffrey DeSantis, is h

Lafuma Profits Outpace Sales; Looks at Acquisitions…

The Lafuma Group ended fiscal 2004 with solid sales and profit growth, and a large improvement to the company’s debt-to-equity ratio. Fiscal year sales increased 2.0% to €179.9 million ($219.0 mm) compared to €176.4 million ($191.2 mm). Net profit outpace

Bain Capital Could See 200% Return on Jack Wolfskin…

Bloomberg is reporting that Bain Capital LLC, a Boston-based private equity firm may be ready to sell Jack Wolfskin after owning the company for only two years. Bain acquired German outdoor apparel and equipment manufacturer from Johnson Outdoors in 2002

American Skiing Company: Early Indicators Look Good…

The American Skiing Company, parent company to Sugarloaf USA, Killington, The Canyons, and several other ski resorts, reported a strong start to fiscal 2005. First fiscal quarter revenues increased 5.8% to 19.5 million compared to 18.5 million last year.

REI Receives Honors for Ad…

REI’s ‘It was a Good Day’ ad designed by the Copacino+Fujikado ad agency out of Seattle was recently given honors in AdWeek magazine, saying, “Lifestyle advertising is so much nicer when there aren't people in it. An unpopulated ad makes it easier to

Cabela’s Wins Fort Worth TIF Suit…

Judge Donald J. Cosby of the 67th Judicial District has entered a Judgment validating the creation of a tax increment financing zone by the Fort Worth City Council and authorized the issuance of up to $32 million in bonds to help pay for the development o

Taiwan Bicycle Exports and Prices Climb

According to the China Economic News Service, Taiwanese bicycle exports increased 7.9% to 2.7 million units for the first eight months of 2004. The export value jumped 18.52% to reach $424 million. Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association said that the