NSGA Sporting Goods 2008 Sales Forecast

The projected sales for the running/jogging sector of the sporting goods market has shown steady improvement over last year and is expected to continue this growth in 2008. Sales of running and jogging clothing rose 25 percent to $909 million from $726 mi

SGMA Survey: Americans Delusional Over Their Health…

Despite widespread concerns over obesity, diabetes and other health issues, most Americans believe they are in better-than-average health for their age. According to the SGMA’s “2008 State of the Industry Consumer Survey,” the industry faces an uphill bat

Suunto Partners with Runner’s World

Suunto is planning a series of grassroots events at running specialty stores through a new partnership with Runner’s World Magazine. The program targets seven key regions – Texas, California, New York City Metro, Atlanta Metro, Seattle, Chicago and Florid

Golfsmith’s Thompson to Steer Performance, Inc.

Bicycle retailer Performance, Inc. has named Jim Thompson—who previously guided Golfsmith International Holdings Inc. through its IPO—as CEO. Performance’s annual sales are an estimated $225 million, and Thompson sees substantial growth ahead for the mult

Aruba Sponsors Hansons Distance Project

Aruba Sport Eyewear has agreed to sponsor the Hansons Distance Project (HDP) through 2012. The Hansons Distance Project is a training facility for elite athletes who aspire to become the best in their fields…

Horny Toad Acquires Nau Assets

Lifestyle apparel maker Horny Toad has acquired the Nau outdoor brand, including its trademark, URL, and all intellectual property such as product designs. In addition, the company acquired the physical assets of Nau’s design offices for an undisclosed su

ASICS Sues Steven Madden for Infringing its Trademark

ASICS Corporation and its U.S. subsidiary sued Steven Madden for infringing on its stripe design trademark in U.S. District Court in California last week in violation of a confidential agreement reached in 2006. The suit alleges that several of Madden&#03

Timberland Sells GoLite to Former Exec

On June 13, New England Footwear LLC closed a deal to acquire the GoLite footwear business from Timberland. Douglas Clark, who was previously VP of Timberland’s Invention Factory, formed Portsmouth, NH-based New England Footwear two weeks prior to the dea

Lands’ End Exec Named Under Armour President

David McCreight, most recently president of Lands’ End, was named president of Under Armour Inc. He is expected to join Under Armour in September and will be responsible for developing and executing long-term growth strategy, implementing new practices to

Yue Yuen Reports Second Quarter Revenues Jump 23.5%…

Yue Yuen Industrial Ltd. reported second quarter sales jumped 23.5% to $1.66 billion from $944.5 million a year ago. For the period ended March 31, athletic footwear sales, its largest category, climbed 23% to $668.1 million. Also seeing strong growth wa

Nikwax Puts Global Marketing Under U.S. Exec

U.K.-based Nikwax has put international marketing under Chas Fisher, the president of its North American unit. Fisher will be responsible for the strategic and tactical branding efforts of Nikwax in the global market. He will continue to oversee the compa

Fortune Brands Cuts Q2, FYO8 Outlook

Fortune Brands Inc., which owns the Titleist, Cobra and FootJoy golf brands, slashed its earnings outlook for the second quarter and the full year, citing a challenging consumer environment as a result of soaring fuel costs and a large tax increase in Aus