Wilderness Systems signed on as the official kayak and co-title sponsor of the 2017 Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship, the premier freshwater kayak-fishing tournament.
Category: Outdoor
REI To Open Store In Chattanooga
With iconic places such as the Chattahoochee National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachians all within approximately 100 miles, REI will partner with local nonprofit, business and community leaders to support the nearby outdoor community.

Where Is VF Corp.’s Growth Coming From?
Hyper-growth online at both its DTC (direct to consumer) and wholesale accounts, continued momentum with Vans and outsized expansion overseas, especially in China, are being counted on to reach its new five-year growth goals.

Gander Mountain Still Hopes For Going-Concern Sale
Despite reaching a deal with a group of liquidators to become the stalking horse bidder in a planned bankruptcy auction, Gander Mountain said it remains in talks with strategic investors interested in buying the retailer on a going-concern basis.

Aisle Talk, Week Of March 27
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Study Shows Slight Increase In Activity Levels Among Americans
“This year’s PAC Report tells two stories, said Tom Cove, Sports & Fitness Industry Association president and CEO. “In a positive sign, more Americans were healthy to an active level and even moderate activity levels increased. On the other hand, the number of inactive Americans remains dangerously and unacceptably high.”

Gander Mountain Files Stalking Horse Bid Led By Liquidators
Gander Mountain announced that it has filed a stalking horse bid by a joint venture comprised of Gordon Brothers and Hilco Merchant Resources, two firms specializing in liquidations, to purchase substantially all of its assets.

Patagonia Board Shorts And Bikinis Are Now Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade offers direct and practical benefits to workers and is part of Patagonia’s broader drive to support workers, elevate communities and do work in a equitable way.
PAC Study Shows Slight Increase In Activity Levels
According to The 2017 Physical Activity Council (PAC) Participation Report, several activities saw moderate increase including outdoor, team, and fitness categories. These gains, especially among those who participate three times a week or more, contributed to the 0.2 percent decline in inactivity among Americans ages 6 and older.

Vail Resorts Hires Chief Human Resources Officer
Since 2010, Lynanne J. Kunkel has served in various executive positions for Michigan-based Whirlpool Corporation, most recently as senior vice president of global human resources.

Eddie Bauer Alpinists Return To Mt. Everest
Adrian Ballinger and Cory Richards will return to Mt. Everest this spring to provide a view of climbing the world’s tallest peak through their Snapchat handle, EverestNoFilter.

Electric Signs Surfer Noah Beschen
The San Clemente, CA-based eyewear company formed a partnership with the surfer from the North Shore of Oahu.
Mountain Khakis To Kick Off Hell Yeah Tour
Stopping at more than 150 outdoor retailers, craft tap houses and outdoor lifestyle festivals, the tour celebrates the intersection of craft beer and the outdoor lifestyle.

VF Corp. Forecasts 4-To-6 Percent Annual Growth Through 2021
At Vans, sales are expected to increase at a CAGR of 8 to 10 percent from 2016 to 2021. North Face expected to see CAGR growth of 6 to 8 percent and Timberland, 4 to 6 percent, over the next five years.

New Suitor Emerges For Cabela’s Bank Operation
Helping support the merger with Bass Pro and Cabela’s, Synovus Financial Corp., a regional bank headquartered in Georgia, has agreed to acquire the financial unit of Cabela’s Inc.