Sports Belle Inc., the sports uniform supplier based in Knoxville, Tenn., is recovering after a fire on March 16 destroyed its headquarters and main factory in Knoxville. The facility employed 50 people…
Category: Footwear
Vietnam Nike Factory Remains Closed…
A strike at a Nike factory in Vietnam closed down the plant last week after a pay dispute led to a walkout by as many as 20,000 workers. Workers at the Taiwanese-owned factory went on strike last Monday at the Ching Luh factory in southern Long An provinc
Broder Bros. Records Loss on One-Time Charges…
Broder Bros., Co. reported net sales in the fourth quarter decreased 3.4% to $232.7 million compared to $240.9 million a year ago. The company’s Broder division generated fourth quarter 2007 net sales of $90.0 million, down 8.2% from $98.0 million in the
Win Hanverky Ties 2008 Growth Plans to China Market…
Hong Kong-based apparel maker, distributor and retailer Win Hanverky is shifting its focus away from a stagnant U.S. economy and toward China’s booming domestic market in 2008…
Shoe Pavilion Logs $16.3M Loss for 2007
Shoe Pavilion reported in a filing with the SEC that net sales for 2007 increased 18.2% to $152.6 million from $129.1 million. The growth reflected increased sales of $7.6 million generated from 15 new stores opened in fiscal year 2007 and a comparable st
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
White Sierra Seeks Retailers in China
White Sierra will push into China's domestic market this year with its outdoor and sports apparel, packs, bags and footwear. The company said a successful showing at ispo China and a shift to a two-day weekend in China bode well for the outdoor indus
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
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.
Honeywell To Buy Norcross Safety For $1.2 Billion
Honeywell International Inc. has agreed to buy Norcross Safety Products LLC, a privately held maker of protective equipment, for about $1.2 billion. Norcross owns several shoe brands in the work, hunting and outdoor space. These include Ranger, XTRATUF, S
Fleet Feet Restructures, Adds to Team
Fleet Feet, Incorporated has added three new members under a new corporate structure. Bryan Mills has been promoted to director of New Franchise Development. Brian Breedlove has joined the team to oversee the financial management, personnel and legal matt
Confluence Vendor of the Year at MC Sports
MC Sports has named Confluence Watersports as its 2008 Vendor of the Year. The Midwest retailer said Confluence's ability to segment the market with unique product and deliver boats with very little lead time was the driving force behind its record p
Spyder Opens Guangzhou Sourcing Office
Spyder Active Sports Inc. has opened a production representative office in China to facilitate Spyder’s sourcing and product strategies. Located in Guangzhou, approximately 2 hours from Hong Kong in southern China, the office is close to high quality manu