Net sales at The Walking Co. increased 19.5% for the year ended Dec. 31, to $162.1 million from $135.7 million last year. The chain, which is part of Big Dog Holdings, reported that $10 million of the increase related to an 8.1% increase in comparable sto
Author: Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas J. Ryan
Senior Business Editor | SGB Media
tryan@sgbonline.com | 917.375.4699
REI Re-Elects Three Directors…
Members of Recreational Equipment Inc. elected a consultant, the CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the former CEO of Land’s End Inc. to new terms on their board of directors…
Spyder Swims Up Stream; Opens Second Asian Sourcing Office…
Spyder Active Sports Inc. opened a production representative office in China to facilitate sourcing. Located in Guangzhou, approximately two hours from Hong Kong in southern China, the office will work in tandem with Spyder’s existing Bangkok sourcing
Sport Chalet Warns as Economy Worsens…
Sport Chalet Inc. warned investors it would turn in a dismal performance for the fourth quarter as sagging housing values in California, Arizona and Nevada continued to suppress spending…
Speedo: LZR Won’t Face Ban…
Speedo last week said its LZR Racer swimsuit should have no problem being the primary swimsuit used in the upcoming Beijing Olympic games despite assorted calls for banning the record-breaking product…
New Confluence CEO Settles In, Adds to Team…
When Sue Rechner was named CEO of Confluence Watersports Company in December as part of a major overhaul of the paddling industry giant, she stepped into what many saw as a pretty tough position. The company had spent another season disappointing independ
B.O.S.S. Goes One-On-One with… Confluence’s Sue Rechner
BOSS: What’s the outlook for the paddling business right now?
SR:There is no such thing as a recession-proof business, but right now the trend line on kayaks and canoes is very positive. We are experiencing definitely well into double-digit percent inc
Unifi Sees Polyester Yarn Prices on the Rise…
Another hefty price increase is working its way through the early stages of the supply chain that produces the fleece and other polyester apparel that is a staple of the outdoor industry…
Dick’s Launches Anglers’ Legacy Promotion
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has announced a new partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. to recruit new anglers across the country and promote Anglers' Legacy, a program that encourages avid anglers to share their lo
Delta Apparel Cuts 62 Jobs in N.C.
Delta Apparel Inc. has laid off 62 employees at its plant in Maiden, N.C., due to a relocation of bleaching operations to Honduras. The plant, which had 351 employees before the layoffs, makes fabric that is cut and sewn into T-shirts…
Jack Hillerich Sells Stake in Minor League Team
Jack Hillerich, chairman of Hillerich & Bradsby Co. Inc., sold his stake in the Louisville Bats minor league baseball team to other Bats partners. According to the Business First of Louisville, he's also handing off the last of his administrative dut
Sports Chalet Names Tennyson EVP/CMO
Sports Chalet appointed Tom Tennyson to the newly created position of executive vice president-chief merchandising officer. Tennyson will be responsible for all merchandising and marketing initiatives as well as in-store merchandise presentation for Sport
Play It Again Sports Celebrates Brand’s 25th Anniversary
Play It Again Sports will be holding events this April and throughout the year in celebration of the brand's 25th anniversary this year. the chain now has nearly 400 locations nationwide…
FINA Clears Speedo Swimsuits
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) insisted there is no evidence Speedo's LZR Racer suit gives swimmers an unfair advantage. Said the governing body said in an official statement, “FINA is always willing to examine issues in connection with
Black Diamond Makes New Hires
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. announced a new round of hires, athletes and general growth coming off a nationally strong winter. The new hires include Andreas Schmidt as a Graphic Designer and the promotion of Matt Law to the position of Creative Director.