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.

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.