In a walk-through of North Face’s new Protoype concept in Williamsburg, Mark Parker, the brand’s VP of direct to consumer (DTC), said the store showcases North Face’s expansive lifestyle offerings, puts a major focus on community engagement and will serve as a testing lab for future retail ideas. Said Parker, “This is a place where we’re going to play and learn.”
Category: Outdoor

Kohl’s Sees Q3 Comps In Active Segment Jump 10 Percent
The Active segment for Kohl’s, which has grown to represent about 20 percent of the retailer’s mix, saw comps climb 10 percent in the third quarter and Kohl’s officials believes the chain is increasingly being perceived as a go-to place for active apparel. Shares slipped on a weak guidance for the fourth quarter.

TJX Shares Slip On Q3 Gross Margin Dip, Earnings Miss
Shares of The TJX Cos. fell $2.14, or 4.4 percent, Tuesday as increased freight costs and supply chain expenses offset the company’s strong expense leverage in the third quarter, dropping gross margin 90 bps to 28.9 percent.

Leki Renews Contract With Lindsey Vonn Through 2020
Leki today announced they have renewed their sponsorship agreement with three-time Olympic Medalist and four-time World Cup Champion Lindsey Vonn for two more seasons.
The North Face Signs Lease In Mexico City
The North Face has signed a long-term lease at Town Square Metepec, a new lifestyle retail and entertainment center in Mexico City totaling 1.7 million square feet, according to real estate company Thor Equities Group.
Good To-Go Again Aims to #DoBetter this Holiday Season
After last holiday season’s successful #DoBetter campaign that provided 900+ meals to those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria, Good To-Go, the dehydrated gourmet meal brand changing the way people eat on the go, is once again donating one meal for every twi purchased through their website during the busy holiday season. This year, meals will be donated to the veteran-led Team Rubicon.
Vista Outdoor Completes Credit Refinancing
Vista Outdoor Inc. announced that it completed the refinancing of its existing senior secured credit facilities by replacing those facilities with a new asset-based revolving credit agreement and term loan credit agreements.
Columbia Sets Leadership Promotions At Sorel
Columbia Sportswear Company announced a number of promotions at Sorel, including Erin Sander, Taylor Vaugh and Natalie Hayes.
The North Face Announces Giving Back Initiatives
As the temperatures drop across the U.S., The North Face is ramping up how it gives back to its community of explorers in two major ways—the Explore Fund and a $250,000 Move Mountains grant created in memory of a long-time leader at The North Face, Ann Krcik.

Nordstrom, Macy’s Stand Out In Disparate Q3 For Department Stores
Department stores are a mixed bag heading into Black Friday and the 2018 Holiday Season, as companies like Nordstrom Inc. and Macy’s raised guidance with hopes of closing out the year on strong footing while J.C. Penney and Dillard’s continued looking for ways to keep from stumbling.
Columbia Appoints Troy Sicotte As Mountain Hardwear VP Of Sales
Columbia Sportswear Co. on Monday announced the appointment of Troy Sicotte to serve as vice president of sales, North America for the Mountain Hardwear brand, effective October 22, 2018.
Weston Snowboards Rebrands To Weston Backcountry
Weston Snowboards, an independent rider-owned, industry-leading snowboard manufacturer based in Minturn, CO, will be undergoing a rebrand to Weston Backcountry. The change comes as Weston Snowboards expands experiential events to build community around backcountry riding.
Peak Design Recognized For Work Culture
Peak Design, based in San Francisco, ranked second in Outside Magazine’s “The 50 Best Places to Work in 2018.” Other vendors recognized included Ergodyne, SportRx, CamelBak, Eagle Creek, SlideBelts and Stio.

Performance Bicycle Parent Files For Bankruptcy
Advanced Sports Enterprises Inc., the parent company of Performance Bicycle and Bike Nashbar, on Friday announced it is seeking Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Woolrich Closing Woolen Mill In Woolrich, PA
Woolrich Inc. announced that it will be closing the Woolen Mill in Woolrich, PA. The fabric manufacturing operations will cease by the end of the year and will affect up to 40 employees in the mill.