The Running & Fitness Event For Women (TRFEW), now in its second year, will occur June 29 through July 1, 2015 at Navy Pier in Chicago, featuring an expanded conference and trade show as well as tie-ins with specialty retail groups Independent Running Ret
Category: Outdoor

REI Donates $100,000 to Green Lane Project
Specialty outdoor retailer REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) has awarded $100,000 to PeopleForBikes to expand its Green Lane Project, which helps U.S. cities build better bike lanes to create safer streets and better communities…
Rising Costs Worry Garmin Analysts
Rising advertising and R&D expenses at Garmin Ltd.’s Fitness and Outdoor segments came under scrutiny during its first quarter earnings call last week, when analysts pressed executives on how long the company would have to sustain higher spending le
VF Corp’s Q1 Impacted by Currency Challenges
VF Corp. reported earnings dipped 2.8 percent in the first quarter but would have been ahead 13 percent on a currency-neutral (c-n) basis. Sales increased 1.9 percent or 8 percent on a c-n basis. Among its major brands, sales on a c-n basis rose 7 percen
Columbia’s Q1 Yields Upside Surprise
Columbia Sportswear Company cheered investors last week when it said it expects operating margins to hit double digits for the full year following stronger than expected first quarter sales of Columbia and Sorel gear…
REI to Open Third Distribution Center Next Summer
REI announced plans to open a distribution center in Arizona in mid-2016 that will enable it to reach 20 percent more customers with two-day ground service…
Mountain Khakis New Owners Say Brand Has Reached Inflection Point
The investment company that acquired Mountain Khakis last week sees no need to change the outdoor apparel brand’s growth priorities, according to an interview with one of its principals…
Hibbett Sports Opens 1,000th Location
Hibbett Sports, Inc. announced the opening of the 1,000th store. The new store in Sealy, TX opened on Friday, May 1…
VF Corp Lifts Outlook Despite Q1 Profit Dip
Led by a 10 percent gain at its Outdoor & Action Sports coalition, VF Corp.’s sales on a currency-neutral basis grew 8 percent in the first quarter. But like many companies with a big international presence, reported results were dinged by the stren
Implus Finds New Equity Partner
Implus Corp., a leader in insoles, shoe care and other sports accessories brands, announced that Boston-based investment firm, Berkshire Partners LLC, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority position in the company – alongside management
Mountain Khakis Acquired by Warren Kanders
Mountain Khakis was acquired Wednesday by Warren B. Kanders, executive chairman of Black Diamond Inc.. Kanders will join Mountain Khakis as the chairman, while Ross Saldarini will continue to serve as president…
Mizuno Renews Contract with Boston Marathon Women’s Winner
Mizuno USA signed a multi-year renewal contract with 2015 Boston Marathon Women’s Winner, Caroline Rotich. The partnership has a global reach, with specific USA responsibilities…
Newton Running to Sell at Dick’s SG
Newton Running has opened up distribution to Dick's Sporting Goods in select stores and online at dicks.com starting in May. As part of the partnership, Newton Running will also have a presence at this weekend’s Dick's Sporting Goods Pitts
Vibram CEO Antonio Dus Resign
Vibram announced that CEO Antonio Dus has resigned. Vibram president and chairman of the board Marco Bramani, the grandson of founder Vitale Bramani, will take over as interim CEO…

Sanuk Launches Global Brand Campaign
Sanuk, a division of Deckers Brands, announced the launch of its multi-platform, global marketing campaign titled, “Always…Sanuk.” Rolling out in April, the campaign is an evolution of the brand's 2014 campaign aimed at educating the consumer about t