The total power of the Internet as a tool to communicate and build a feeling of community is just being realized by many, and recently a few veterans of the outdoor industry teamed together to use the Internet for this very purpose. ThePiton.com was launc
Category: Outdoor
Dick’s Sporting Goods Charlotte Store Overwhelmed by Retro Jordan 13 Launch…
It was a good news, bad news scenario last week for the Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the University area of Charlotte, NC as local police were forced to close the store during a Midnight Madness sale that also featured the launch of the Retro Jordan 13
Spy Optics Launches IPO…
Spy Optics has launched a successful IPO on the Nasdaq National Exchange under the corporate name Orange.21 with the ticker symbol ORNG. Orange.21 offered 2.48 million shares initially, and then upping the number to 3.48 million shares when an internal st
Oakley and Sunglass Hut Parent Ink 2005 Agreement…
Oakley and Luxottica Group, which owns the Sunglass Hut retail chain, last week inked a new contract that will go into effect immediately and run through December 31, 2005. Luxottica said the deal includes “slightly more favorable pricing” on sunglasses
Giant and Merida Expect a Record 2004…
According to the China Economic News Service, Taiwan’s two largest bicycle manufacturers are posting record sales and profits this year. Last week BOSS reported that Taiwan exports were at an all time high in both units and value, with ASP’s climbing due
Skechers USA Settles Three Class Action Suits…
Skechers USA Inc. has reportedly reached a tentative settlement in three class-action lawsuits that were brought by former and current store managers, assistant store managers and employees of the company's retail stores who accused the company of vi
Veltec Pushes North; Enters Snow Biz…
Veltec made a series of major announcements this week, first expanding its LOOK cycle equipment distribution agreement into Canada, an then announcing the formation of a new SnowSports division…
GEAR for Sports to Launch New Premium Golf Apparel Line…
GEAR for Sports last week signed a deal to be the exclusive licensee of Robert Trent Jones Apparel. The new apparel brand, which will be designed, manufactured and distributed by GEAR for Sports, is expected to reach retail in May 2005…
Klein’s All Sports to Shutter All Doors…
Klein's All Sports, an Upstate New York regional sporting goods mainstay for 56 years, will be going out of business and closing its 12 stores in the near future. The sale of all inventory in all currently stores is underway and will continue until a
Obermeyer Hires Shenley Bertram Smith as Texas-Gulf Rep.
Sport Obermeyer has hired Shenley Bertram Smith to their Sales Team. A familiar face at Obermeyer, Smith was previously a member of their production and customer service departments in 1995 – 1998, but will be expanding her role at Obermeyer to Sales Repr
Suunto Inks Deal with WeCeFAR
Florida based adventure racing club, WeCeFAR (West Central Florida Adventure Racing) has inked a partnership with Suunto USA as a “sustaining” sponsor of its 2005 adventure racing and ultra endurance events…
Tubbs Hires Atlantic Associates to Rep Northeast
Atlantic Associates, has been hired as the northeast agency for the Tubbs Snowshoes Brand, effective January 1st, 2005. Atlantic Associates is a six-person agency and has been incorporated since 1982. Atlantic Associates is composed of two principals,
OIA Releases Top-Line Retail Report
Outdoor Industry Association announced the availability of its most recent Top Line Retail Sales Report. According to this study, the total 2003 annual sales for the outdoor segment through all distribution channels are $12.7 billion, up from $11.3 billi
Lamar to Distribute Crocs Footwear
LAMAR Health, Fitness and Sports (HFS) will be the exclusive distributor of Crocs(TM) footwear to the health and fitness industry. LAMAR recently expanded Crocs' sales into the independent bicycle dealer network through a relationship with Fuji Bicy
Gear for Sports Inks Robert Trent Jones License
GEAR for Sports will be the exclusive licensee of Robert Trent Jones Apparel, a golfer’s fashion-forward brand of fine men’s apparel. This new brand will be designed, manufactured and distributed by GEAR for Sports. The Robert Trent Jones collection is cu