K2 Shakes Up the Market with Blockbuster Deals…

In its latest acquisition moves, K2 Inc. has apparently accomplished three key objectives that are critical as the company’s strategy to become the strongest platform of sporting goods brands in the industry. While the deals last week to acquire Volkl Sp

Nordic Walking Has the Potential…

The Nordic Fitness section at ISPO Summer 04 has been billed as one of the “main focal points” and the Nordic Walking Village is the anchor of this section. The sport certainly seems to be growing in the European market, but the many retailers in the U.S.

Phoenix Deal Should Boost Profits…

Phoenix Footwear joined in on the acquisition frenzy last week, announcing that they had inked a definitive agreement to purchase Altama Delta Corporation, which makes high performance combat and tactical boots for U.S. and foreign militaries…

MEC Continues Growth…

Mountain Equipment Co-op has decided to ramp up its expansion plans in the Canadian market and start back-filling key areas. The co-op will be opening one to two stores a year for the foreseeable future and doubling up in existing markets with smaller sto

Booth Creek Struggles, but Stays Strong

Booth Creek Ski Holdings managed to keep its head above water this quarter, in spite of what was described as “very volatile and frustrating weather conditions for the better part of the ski season,” in New Hampshire, and “the balmiest March in 70 years,

Watermark is on the Prowl…

Watermark has decided to consolidate all of its warehousing and shipping through an outside contractor, Patterson Warehousing, based in Memphis Tennessee. The decision will close down Watermark’s two current DC’s in Piedmont, South Carolina and Otay, Cali

Volkl Apparel Hires New U.S. Reps

After launching their apparel line in the US for 04/05, Völkl Performance Ski Wear has added two reps in the West to help build their sales force to six for 05/06. Tracy Ross will cover the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Represen

Bluetorch to Acquire Island Tribe

Bluetorch has signed a letter of intent with Laguna Niguel, CA based Island Tribe Inc. to purchase a majority interest in the surf apparel brand. Bruce MacGregor, President and CEO of Bluetorch Inc. stated, “This is one of the freshest brands I have seen