Crocs Asks Distributors to Absorb IP Enforcement Fees

Crocs has created a new model of (IP) enforcement activity in all distributor regions in which distributors contribute to legal fees. “The new model simply requires our distributors to absorb the cost of enforcement in their region,” said Crocs spokesman

REI Boulder Awarded LEED Gold Rating

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) announced that its prototype store in Boulder, Colo. has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). REI Boulder is a remodeled and e

QBP Distributes SealLine Urban Line

Cascade Designs, Inc. announced the distribution of the SealLine Urban Line of gear protection through QBP (Quality Bicycle Products). A distributor to the cycling industry, QBP will stock the full SealLine Urban Line including…

McDavid Names Marketing Product Manager

McDavid has named Melissa Poole to the newly created position of marketing product manager to support the company’s rapid growth of its protective apparel category, which features its patented HexPad technology…

Hartmarx Files for Chapter 11

Hartmarx Corp., which makes the Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Jones and Lyle & Scott golf apparel collections, filed for Chapter 11 protection in an Illinois federal bankruptcy court, citing a “substantial decline” in sales to consumers and retailers as well as li

Johnson Outdoors Outlines 2009 Savings Targets

Johnson Outdoors Inc. management said that disappointing holiday sales and declining consumer spending and confidence levels have “definitely made retailers more focused than ever on keeping inventory levels down.” Retailers are apparently signaling to t

Pelican Products Acquires Hardigg

Pelican Products, Inc., manufacturer of plastic injection molded protective cases, acquired long-time competitor Hardigg Industries, manufacturer of roto molded protective cases. The transaction, valued at approximately $200 million, is believed to be the

SIA 09: Youth Culture Expands Influence

SIA 2009 was a surprisingly lively show considering the widespread declines in many other trade and consumer shows in recent weeks. While Outdoor Retailer Winter Market reported a 5% decline in attendees, and ASR attendance was down significantly, SIA is

CPSC Delays Some Safety Act Provisions

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a one year “Stay on Enforcement” for the submission of “Testing and Certification” of compliance with the new lead and phthalates laws. The CPSC will not require Testing and Certification on products until

Escalade’s CFO Resigns

Escalade, Inc. said it has accepted the resignation of Terry D. Frandsen as vice president and chief financial officer. Robert J. Keller, Escalade's president and chief executive officer, said that the company and Frandsen had reached a mutual decis

Macy’s to Cut 7,000 Jobs

Macy's Inc. plans to cut 7,000 jobs, or 4% of its workforce, as it expects sales to remain sluggish through 2009. No store closings were announced. Staff reductions and other moves to restructure the company's operations, including grouping stor

Kmart Introducing Athletic Line

Kmart is introducing an exclusive athletic footwear and apparel collection called Protege and created by NBA star Al Harrington. The launch of Protege is part of Kmart's footwear re-launch which will feature new and exclusive brands both in stores n

Karhu Holding and Karhu Sports Reach Settlement

Karhu Holding BV and Karhu Sports Oy reached an amicable settlement to their dispute over the Karhu trademarks. Karhu Holding BV was confirmed as the owner of the Karhu global trademark portfolio and will be responsible for the sale of all other products