Retail Organization Seeks To Make Face Masks Mandatory

In a letter to the National Governors Association this week, RILA (Retail Industry Leaders Association) asked governors to require face masks when in public or while shopping. Fewer than half of U.S. states require masks in public places, according to the RILA.

OBIT: Yoshizo Shimano

Shimano announced the passing of chairman emeritus and former chairman Yoshizo Shimano. Yoshizo died of chronic heart failure at the age of 85 on July 3, 2020.

Kathmandu Sees Strong Rip Curl Recovery As Stores Reopen

Kathmandu Holdings Limited reported that total Group sales for the 10 months ended May 31 were down 15.1 percent versus the prior-year comp period but retail store and online sales have “generally exceeded management expectations since stores began reopening.

PrimaLoft Inks Global License Agreement With Fiberpartner

PrimaLoft, Inc. inked a licensing agreement with Fiberpartner, a global supplier of stapled fibers, technical yarns and plastics. The agreement allows Fiberpartner to develop the use of Primaloft’s PrimaLoft Bio technology in multiple new industries.

Winnebago Debt Ratings Upgraded Near-Term RV Demand

S&P Global Ratings said it is revising its outlook on the debt ratings of Winnebago Industries to stable from negative. The rating’s agency believes RV demand could grow at least over the next few months as new buyers entering the market offset high unemployment.

PeopleForBikes President Announces Retirement

After 16 years at the helm of PeopleForBikes and four decades working in the bike industry, President Tim Blumenthal has announced his retirement. Jenn Dice, the organization’s COO, will become president and CEO on July 1.

Pocket Outdoor Media Acquires Three Divisions From Active Interest Media

Pocket Outdoor Media (POM), the endurance sports media platform, announced the acquisition of the Healthy Living, Fitness, and Outdoor divisions of Active Interest Media (AIM). Included in the AIM acquisition are: Yoga Journal, SKI, Climbing, Backpacker, Warren Miller Entertainment, Oxygen, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, Clean Eating, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition, NatuRx, Muscle & Performance, Nastar, Fly Fishing Film Tour, National Park Trips, and SNEWS.

OIA Commends House Climate Crisis Action Plan

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) commended the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for releasing its action plan to solve the climate crisis. The goal of its roadmap is to “build a prosperous, clean energy economy that values workers, advances environmental justice, and is prepared to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.”

Grand Trunk Under New Ownership

Grand Trunk, the hammock and adventure travel goods business based in Skokie, IL, has been acquired by a team of Utah-based entrepreneurs. Co-founder, Kevin Kaiser will remain with the business moving forward. The new owners include Andy Stroman, founder of the outdoor specialty retailer CampSaver.com, and brothers Bruce and Dale Majors, who previously built and grew Bikewagon.com.