L.L.Bean through a partnership will open its first-ever Canadian retail location in the company’s 107-year history. The 13,000 square foot store is set to open on August 23r in Oakville Place, just outside Toronto, via an exclusive agreement with Jaytex Group, a 40-year old Canadian distributor of brand name outerwear and apparel.
Category: Outdoor
Columbia Sportswear’s Tim Boyle Speaks Out Against Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies
In an internal memo, Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear CEO, blasted the Trump administration for its immigration policies, according to The Oregonian.
Accell Group’s Core Sales Climb 8.8 Percent In First Half
Accell Group N.V., the parent of Haibike, Koga, Batavus and Raleigh, reported sales in its core businesses in the first half were up 8.8 percent to €650.9 million. EBIT in its core businesses expanded 12.6 percent to €57.8 million.

Thule’s Q2 Revenues Climb 7 Percent
Thule reported earnings rose 8.9 percent in the second quarter on a 7.3 percent revenue gain. Magnus Welander, CEO and president, said in a statement, “After a strong April and stable May, growth in the month of June was a disappointment in the US as store owners became more cautious as a result of the additional 15 percent tariff on Chinese goods announced in May.”
PeopleForBikes Announces Community Grant Recipients
PeopleForBikes announced its latest round of community grants. The latest grant round totals $50,000 and includes eight projects in seven states.
Kate’s Real Food Appoints Sales Chief
Kate’s Real Food, producers of wholesome, hand-rolled energy bars made from organic ingredients, announced that company sales manager, Matt O’Rell, has been promoted to the position of EVP of sales.
QBP Appointed New U.S. Distributor For Fox Bicycle
Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) has been named the new U.S. wholesale distributor of Fox bike forks, shocks, dropper posts and service parts.

Colorado Classic Issues “Equity in Cycling Pledge”
The 2019 Colorado Classic presented by VF Corporation launched the “Equity in Cycling Pledge” today that asks fans around the world to show their support for gender equality in professional cycling.
Messe Friedrichshafen Decides To Postpone The New Outdoor Event
Messe Friedrichshafen has decided not to go ahead with the premiere of OUTDOOR Friedrichshafen scheduled for September 17 to 19 2019 and to postpone the new format. The decision is intended to give all those involved the opportunity to continue developing the newly initiated concept.
NSSRA Selects New Chair And Vice Chair
The National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) selected Gordon Geiger of Geiger’s (Lakewood, OH) as chair and Tom Fuerst of Pedigree Ski Shop (White Plains, NY) as vice chair at its June 11, 2019 board of directors meeting.
Tecnica Group Announces New North American Structure
Tecnica Group SpA, the parent company of Tecnica Group Canada, announced the restructuring of the Canadian leadership team as part of a global initiative to integrate strategic markets around the world.

The North Face Launches Youth Campaign For Arctic Advocacy
The North Face is launching a campaign to engage 18-25 year olds in Arctic advocacy in partnership with Alaska Wilderness League.
Cotton USA Research Finds Sustainability Concerns Rising
Research, commissioned by Cotton Council International and led by Harris Insights and Analytics, finds that 86 percent people globally are considering sustainability and the impact their decisions have on the environment across various parts of day-to-day life.

Accell Group Sells Canadian Bicycle Brand Registrations To Canadian Tire
Accell Group N.V. agreed to sell its Canadian brand registrations of Raleigh, Diamondback, Redline and IZIP to Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. for U.S. $16 million. Accell Group’s brands will be exclusively sold in Canadian Tire Corp., the owner of Sport Chek, starting in the 2020 bicycle season.
SRAM’s Debt Ratings Upgraded By S&P
Standard & Poors upgraded the debt ratings of Chicago-based bicycle parts manufacturer SRAM LLC due to better operating performance and a commitment to reducing debt.