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
Category: Footwear
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…
PGA Show Rolls Out New Technologies in Tough Economy; The New Pro V1 Debuts
At the PGA Show in Orlando last week, the ‘new geometries’ launched two seasons ago that brought high-MOI to the norm now are slowly ebbing back toward traditional. For the most part, vendors appeared to be moving back toward a more traditional business
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
Asics and Brooks in “Dead Heat” at Fleet Feet
Brooks caught up to Asics at Fleet Feet in 2008, but New Balance, Saucony and Nike also gained market share at the chain. As reported, Fleet Feet’s sales grew 14% to $86 million in 2008 on a 12% comp gain…
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