And Heads to U.S. Court in Stripe Fight…

In other adidas news, the company has reportedly filed suit against U.S. Polo Association in the U.S. District Court in Portland for trademark infringement. The suit claims that a USPA shoe is a copy of the adidas Superstar product, but with one less str

Ups and Downs in Nike’s Europe…

Spain’s Supreme Court ruled in 1999 that the Nike brand name did not in fact belong to Nike, Inc., at least if the company wanted to market apparel in Spain. Cidesport, a company that had been a licensee of the Nike name was said to be the lawful owner o

Aldila Gets Leaner and Meaner

Aldila reported that fourth quarter net sales rose 6.6% from $9.1 million in 2002 to $9.8 million in the final quarter of 2003. The company managed to reduce their net loss for the quarter as well, down 28.3% from ($1.7 million) in 2002 to ($1.3 million)

Acushnet Pays up to Protect Titleist…

Acushnet and Nitro Leisure Products have settled a suit out of court. Nitro refurbishes used Titleist golf balls and re-sells them for half to a third of the original retail price. At issue is Nitro’s actions that involved collecting used balls and subs

New Toolbox for the Outdoor Industry…

The Outdoor Industry Association has taken a very important first step toward growing human powered outdoor participation by completing the most exhaustive research study of consumer trends conducted to-date. This research does not specifically solve any

All In the Family at Johnson Outdoors?

Samuel C. Johnson, majority shareholder and director of Johnson Outdoors, and his daughter, Helen Johnson-Leipold, chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors, have made an offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Johnson Outdoors and take it private. Accordi

Stuck in the Middle with You…

In an exciting and provocative new book entitled Trading Up, Boston Consulting Group members Neil Fiske and Michael Silverman help to explain the seeming disappearance of the middle class shopper. In recent years we have seen the growing strength of the

Bass Pro Shop Will Open in Indiana

General Growth Properties has signed Bass Pro Shops to be an anchor location at the River Falls Mall located in Clarksville, Indiana. Tentatively scheduled for a fall 2005 opening, the Bass Pro Shops store will serve as a “catalyst for a major reinvention

Rock and Ice Singles Out Bouldering

Rock and Ice magazine will expand its reach and coverage of climbing's fastest growing category with its new Bouldering Issue. “Just five years ago, bouldering was a subsport and only a handful of companies made products specific for it,” says Rock a

SRAM Places Focus on The Road

SRAM celebrated a huge 2003 on the road starting with Tour de France. SRAM also placed their drivetrain components in the Men’s and Women’s USPRO Criterium Championships. Heading into 2004 SRAM hopes to continue its success with several strong domestic pr

Raleigh Appoints New President and COO

Raleigh America announced the appointment of Steve Meineke as president and chief operating officer to drive the company’s rejuvenated brands, products, services and marketing direction. Most recently Meineke served as president of Equus Marketing & Desi