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.
Category: Outdoor

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.

Four Questions: Smartwool’s Jennifer McLaren
On June 26, VF Corp. announced that Jennifer McLaren would succeed Travis Campbell as president of Smartwool. Here, she talks about Smartwool’s strengths, near-term priorities in her new role, and becoming the first female to be promoted to president in the VF Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition.
Grassroots Connect Retailers, Vendors Embrace ‘Sales Over Style’ Trade Show Approach
Retailers and vendors praised Grassroots Connect’s sales-over-style approach at the organization’s most recent trade show in Knoxville, TN.

Vasque Selects Joel Lee To Lead Revamped Sales Team
Vasque announced a restructuring of the company’s sales team, with new global sales director Joel Lee at the helm. Moving forward, Lee will oversee the U.S. sales manager position, which Vasque is looking to fill.

L.L.Bean Partners With Flowfold
Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean has partnered with Maine outdoor gear startup Flowfold on a new collection of backpacks, totes and gear bags. The collaboration pairs L.L.Bean’s experience of more than a century of outdoor product development and customer satisfaction with Flowfold’s fabrics and design.
L.L.Bean To Open Store Hadley, MA
L.L.Bean currently operates stores in Boston, Burlington, Dedham, Mansfield and Mashpee, MA.
New Five Star System Rates Bike Helmets For Concussion Protection
A joint project at Virginia Tech with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that standard testing required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission doesn’t find all the potential flaws in bike helmets.
The Conservation Alliance Hosts Successful Backyard Collective Event In Vancouver
More than 70 volunteers from five member companies participated in The Conservation Alliance’s Backyard Collective stewardship event in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, June 22.
Denver To Host 2019 UIAA World Cup Ice Climbing Competition
The American Alpine Club (AAC), America’s oldest and largest non-profit organization for climbers, announced that UIAA World Cup Ice Climbing is coming to Denver, CO, February 23-24, 2019.
LEM Helmets Partners With Verde Brand Communications
LEM Helmets, the cycling helmet maker based in Italy, has partnered with Verde Brand Communications to support its North American launch.
POC Expands Marketing Team
David DeMartini, based in POC’s Park City, UT, office, has been named global chief marketing and digital officer.

Elan Alpine Skiing Museum Opens In Slovenia
Elan Skis, the Slovenian-based maker of handcrafted skis, announced the opening of the Elan Alpine Skiing Museum at the brand’s headquarters in Slovenia.