Summer is an odd time to discuss what’s happening at North American ski areas—especially with record high temps now sweeping the U.S.—but the escalating “arms race” between megaresort operators Vail Resorts Inc. and Alterra Mountain Co. was among the hottest M&A developments in June.
Category: Outdoor

Retail Report Roundup – July 1
Studies arrived last week showing Nike ranked highest among active lifestyle brands, but lost ground on Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the most valuable American brands. Studies also rated the digital expertise of department stores, the relevance of social activism for brands with teens, robust urban population growth and apparel’s expansion online.
SIA Announces Inaugural Trade Mission To China
Snowsports Industries America (SIA) announced the inaugural SIA trade mission to China, September 16-19, 2018.
Salomon Signs Sophie Caldwell
American Nordic skiing star Sophie Caldwell will join Salomon for the 2018-2020 seasons after a successful year in which she finished third in the overall sprint rankings and earned a victory on next year’s World Championships track.
Keen Partners With Newport Folk Festival
Keen Inc., best known for the Newport sandal designed 15 years ago, has signed on as a sponsor of the Newport Folk Festival.
MSR Partners With Outbound Collective Pursuit Series
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) signed on as a sponsor for the 2018 Outbound Collective Pursuit Series. As the exclusive stove and water filter sponsor, MSR will teach classes on stove safety and use in the backcountry.

Chinese Nationals Welcome the Winter Olympics
Beijing’s winning bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games has successfully evoked the wave of welcoming the Winter Olympics among Chinese nationals.

Aisle Talk Week Of June 25
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Adidas announcing a potential data security incident.
Amer Sports Completes Peak Performance Acquisition, Appoints Board Member For Apparel
In conjunction with the acquisition to support growth across its apparel brands Arc’teryx, Salomon and Peak Performance, Jon Hoerauf, general manager Arc’teryx, has been appointed president Amer Sports Apparel Category and member of Amer Sports executive board.
Gander Outdoors Prepares for Grand Opening In Tonawanda, NY
The 70,000-square-foot location is one of the retailer’s five planned facilities in the state.
Dorel Sports Sells Sugoi And Sombrio To Louis Garneau Sports
Dorel Industries Inc. announced that the company’s Dorel Sports segment has sold the Sugoi and Sombrio brands to Louis Garneau Sports Inc., divesting the company’s performance apparel line of business to focus on the company’s core strategic businesses of bikes, parts and accessories and electric ride-ons.
Retailers Say Customer Service Will Suffer Under ‘Deeply Flawed’ California Privacy Law
The National Retail Federation called new state privacy legislation expected to be signed into law in California today “deeply flawed” and said customer service could be severely hampered if the legislature fails to address retailers’ concerns before the measure takes effect in 2020.

Does The Online Tax Ruling Even The Playing Field?
Many brick-and-mortar retailers hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling late last week that finally gave states the authority to require online retailers to collect sales tax. But interviews with a number of independent specialty retailers show many in the industry still face uphill battles competing with online selling.
Clarus Finalizes New $150 Million Revolving Credit Facility
Clarus Corporation, the parent of Black Diamond, Sierra and Pieps, has signed a new $75 million credit facility agreement, plus an uncommitted accordion feature providing for an additional $75 million, for a total of up to $150 million with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.

Camping World Announces Launch Of Gander RV Sales
Camping World Holdings Inc. announced plans to dramatically increase RV sales locations over the next 15 months through the launch of Gander RV Sales, new store openings and continued acquisitions. With 50 Gander Outdoors opened so far this year, 40 Gander RV Sales branded locations are projected to open by spring 2019.