At hearings before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, Rich Harper, manager of international trade, OIA, said the proposed List 4 tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports would “raise costs for outdoor companies, cut already thin profit margins, hamper innovation and new product development and depress U.S. job growth.”
Category: Outdoor
Hydro Flask Makes Pledge To Combat Single-Use Plastics at Outdoor Retailer
Hydro Flask will provide 1,992 of its hydration and drinkware products, a retail value of over $53,564, to support of the Plastic Impact Alliance – a grassroots commitment to removing single-use plastics from Outdoor Retailer.
Sportfishing Industry Testifies On Tariffs Before U.S. Trade Representatives
The American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) President, Glenn Hughes, along with many ASA members, made the case before the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that sportfishing equipment should be excluded from the next round of proposed tariffs on Chinese imports.

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Kicks Off This Week
More than 1,400 exhibiting brands and over 25,000 attendees are expected to gather this week Outdoor Retailer Summer Market at the Colorado Convention Center. The show features more than 250 new exhibitors and is the largest event held at the convention center.

Bass Pro, Bluegreen Vacations, Settle Dispute Over Timeshare Sales Tactics
Bluegreen Vacations, the timeshare marketer based in Boca Raton, FL, will pay more than $40 million to Bass Pro Shops to settle a dispute over Bluegreen’s alleged high-pressure sales tactics. The settlement allows Bluegreen to resume sales at kiosks inside Bass Pro’s locations.
Neptune Mountaineering Launches Program Supporting Crowdfunded Products
Neptune Mountaineering announced plans to launch of Neptune LAB, a first-of-its-kind product experience that allows customers to discover a diverse and highly curated mix of ‘crowdfunded’ products.
VF Corp. To Shutter Alameda Facility, Lay Off 52
VF Corp. will eliminate 52 positions at its Alameda Warranty Center located at 2321 North Loop Road in Alameda, CA.
Blizzard Tecnica USA Appoints National Sales Manager
Blizzard Tecnica USA promoted Justin Heanue to national sales manager.
The Conservation Alliance Announces New Staff
The Conservation Alliance has hired Conor McElyea as its new membership and development program manager.
Helen of Troy Promotes Mike Wallenfels
The Housewares Division of Helen of Troy Limited, the home to the OXO and Hydro Flask, announced the promotion of Mike Wallenfels to the newly created divisional role of senior vice president of global sales. Prior to this promotion, Wallenfels served as vice president of worldwide sales for Hydro Flask since 2015.
RECALL: Mares Buoyancy Compensation Vests
About 600 Mares XR buoyancy compensation vests are being recalled. The deflation button can come unscrewed and result in loss of buoyancy, posing a drowning hazard.
La Sportiva Beefs Up Marketing Team
La Sportiva promoted Chrissy Wise to marketing director, Quinn Carrasco to marketing manager, and Wes Green to vice president of sales and marketing. All three are veterans of La Sportiva and all promotions are effective immediately.
Patagonia Creates Mail-in Trade-In Program
Patagonia is now allowing consumers to mail in their used Patagonia clothing for credit as part of its Worn Wear program. Previously, customers had to bring the Patagonia products they are no longer using to their local Patagonia store.
Evo To Build Campus SLC In Salt Lake City
Seattle-based outdoor and action sports retailer Evo, in partnership with Lake Union Partners, has announced its most ambitious project to date, Campus SLC, a collection of complementary businesses designed to drive community around a shared passion for outdoor culture.
Vail Resorts CEO To Donate $15.7 Million From SAR Exercise
Vail Resorts Inc. announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz has exercised stock appreciation rights (SARs) and will be donating 100 percent of the shares and proceeds received to his family charitable foundation and donor advised charitable fund.