Head Moves 90% of Tennis Racquet Production to China…

Head has decided to outsource 90% of its tennis racquet production from its European sites in Kennelbach, Austria and Èeské Budejovice, Czech Republic to China. This move is in response to the sharp rise in the euro-dollar exchange rates over the past two

Skechers Q1 Sales Rise 11.2%; Earnings Jump 47%

Skechers USA, Inc. announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2005. Net sales for the first quarter of 2005 rose 11.2% to $246.2 million compared to $221.5 million in the first quarter of 2004. Net earnings for the quarter were $10.

MSA Recalls Redpoint Descenders

MSA recently became aware of two incidents where climbers using the Redpoint Descender experienced a rapid rate of descent. The company’s initial investigation indicates that under certain use conditions the model of one-way bearing used in some of the de

Itochu Backs Sims for the Long-Haul…

Sims snowboards is trying to alleviate any confusion and quell rumors surrounding the company’s staying-power. Apparently, the company was receiving reports from their sales reps that retailers were concerned about Sims’ new parent company, Itochu Intern

OR Summer Market Open Air Demo Changes Venue…

The Open Air Demo event that kicks off Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2005 will be held at a new and much larger location: Willard Bay State Park. Located fifteen miles north of Ogden, Utah, Willard Bay offers 9,900 acres of fresh water for paddling, swim

Lafuma Sees Success on Both Sides of the Pond…

The Lafuma Group is showing some positive results for its fiscal first half-year with a 7.0% increase in total sales to €87.3 million ($113.9 mm), compared to €81.6 million ($98.2 mm) last year. International sales within the group are showing similar res

OIA Follows-Up on Capital Hill…

Outdoor Industry Association’s efforts on Capital Hill last week are producing some tangible results with two separate “dear colleague” letters circulating through the House and Senate urging members of Congress to restore funding to the Stateside Land an

America Bikes is Making Headway with Congress…

America Bikes sent out a legislative update pointing to several key victories. First, the House TEA-LU bill passed on March 10th. TEA-LU includes many key elements of the America Bikes agenda, such as funding for the Recreational Trails program and a new,

LaSportiva Diversifies with Trail Running

According to a recent report by the Leisure Trends Group, La Sportiva, with roughly 45% YTD growth in the category, leads the list of fastest growing Trail Running shoes sold in Outdoor Chain Stores, and similar results in Specialty Outdoor shops…