Varsity Brands has officially opened submissions for the fourth annual 2019 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, which honor those in America’s high schools who are making an impact to build school pride and community spirit. A total of $100,000 will be awarded across 25 categories.
Author: SGB Media
Brunswick Reports More Than 125 Patents Granted In 2018
Brunswick Corporation announced that it had 126 United States patents granted to the Company during 2018, up nearly a third from its 2017 results and nearly twice as many as it was awarded in 2015. All Brunswick divisions – marine engine, boat and fitness — contributed to this record-breaking innovation output.

Wells Fargo: Industry Facing Risks Amid China Slowdown
After Apple announced lower-than-expected performance over the holiday season on January 2, Wells Fargo in a note said concerns over slowing growth in China may cause a “negative read-through” for Nike, Adidas, Skechers and other consumer-goods companies with big exposures to China.

BSN Sports Acquires Iowa’s Sports Page Team
BSN Sports announced that it has finalized the acquisition of Sports Page Team, LLC based in Pella, IA. Sports Page, which has served athletic and team sports customers since 1978, is a leading distributor of team Sports apparel and equipment in Iowa and eastern Nebraska.
WWE Names Sarah Cummins SVP, Consumer Products
WWE announced the appointment of Sarah Cummins as senior vice president, consumer products. Prior to joining WWE, Cummins was head of business development & strategic partnerships at New York Road Runners Inc.
Camping World Acquires Minnesota RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings Inc. announced that it has closed on the acquisition of Coates RV with locations in Hugo and Cloquet in Minnesota.
Wigwam Socks Announces Ambassadors Search
Wigwam Mills Inc., the maker of premium, made-in-the-USA socks, has announced it is searching for Wigwam brand ambassadors to wear and represent their socks and the Wigwam brand during the current year. The program, called #TeamWigwam, will include a diverse group of approximately 12 of athletes.
Freeride World Tour Partners With Black Diamond, Pieps And Vibram
The Freeride World Tour (FTW) reached new safety partnerships with backcountry brands, Black Diamond, Pieps and Vibram, while continuing its partnerships with ISTA and RECCO (search and rescue devices).
G-III Apparel Names Fran Della Badia President Of AM Retail Group
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. announced the appointment of Fran Della Badia as president of AM Retail Group, Inc., the retail subsidiary of G-III that operates stores and websites for its DKNY, Wilsons Leather, G.H. Bass and Karl Lagerfeld Paris brands and stores for the Calvin Klein Performance brand.
Third Gander Outdoors Location Closes
Camping World has closed a Gander Outdoors stores in Appleton, WI, the third Gander Outdoors to close since re-opening the former Gander Mountain chain.
Surf Technicians Expands Sales Team
Surf Technicians has launched a new sales strategy and team to support further growth. Current Southern California sales rep Ryan Mahoney is moving to Panama with his family and will manage all international sales with current and future distributors. Long time Surftech employee Joe Scaturro will take over the Southern California Territory as sales representative. Kyle Kamstra has joined the team as in-house West Coast customer care rep.
Retail Jobs Grew 37,600 Year-Over-Year In December
Retail industry employment in December increased by 15,200 jobs seasonally adjusted from November and 37,600 jobs unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said.
Coco Ho Joins Reef Team
Reef welcomed Coco Ho as an ambassador. Ho comes from a long line of professional surfers. Sister of current Reef ambassador Mason Ho, daughter of surfing Icon, Michael Ho and Niece to 1993 World Champion and former Reef ambassador, Derek Ho.
Aquilo Sports Extends Sponsorship Of Movistar Cyling Team
Aquilo Sports, known for its recovery pants, announced the continuation of its partnership with the Movistar Professional Cycling Team. 2019 marks the teams 40th consecutive season with its 25-rider men’s team and 12-member women’s team.
Introducing Catapult Outdoor Recreation Accelerator
Active Interest Media (AIM), the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), ICELab @ Western, and Moosejaw have joined forces to launch the Catapult Outdoor Recreation Accelerator open to outdoor industry startups throughout the U.S.