Summer Trends Show Shifting Lifestyles, New Priorities

As families struggle with the rising cost of gasoline, the increased cost and inconvenience of summer travel and the much-publicized scare from the effects of BPA in some consumer products, there have also been big benefits this summer for categories and

Famous Footwear Sees Bright Spot in Athletics in Q2

Although Famous Footwear continues to see encouraging trends in athletics, soft consumer spending led to a decline in store traffic and increased promotional activity as the retail chain showed a 2.9% Q2 comp decline. Earnings came in well below those of

GSI Commerce Inks 15-year Contract with Dick’s

GSI Commerce Inc. and Dick's Sporting Goods have signed a new 15-year contract. Consistent with DKS' goal of having a seamless multi-channel operation, under the new agreement, the retailer will buy and own the sporting goods inventory sold onli

Former Rossignol CEO Lands Deal to Buy Brand

Quiksilver, Inc. found a buyer for the Rossignol Group with help from a former executive and current competitor. The action sports giant said last week it had reached a definitive agreement to sell Rossi to Chartreuse & Mont Blanc (C&MB), a company formed

SKECHERS Expands into Hong Kong

SKECHERS USA, Inc. announced that it has expanded its operations in Hong Kong and Macau through a joint venture (known as SKECHERS Hong Kong Limited) with the Onwel Group, a leading fashion company in the region. The new joint venture in Hong Kong follows

Acushnet Plans Ball Plant in Asia

The Acushnet Company plans to produce its top-selling Titleist Pro-V1 golf balls at a factory somewhere in Asia within 3 to 5 years. Domestic production of the Pro-V1 eventually will be trimmed about 20 percent and an estimated 100 jobs will be eliminated

Adidas Partners with Right To Play

Continuing its partnership that began in 2007, Adidas and the Toronto-based Right To Play will work together to raise awareness and funds for Right To Play's programs around the world through the second global Red Ball campaign. Right To Play is an i

Versatility a Key Trend at ORSM

At the recently concluded Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show, the words “hybrid,” “crossover” and “versatile” have become a mantra for most exhibitors. As is the case in any troubled economy, people are making an effort to do more with less, and at ORSM

Jart Skateboards Opens U.S. Office

Jart Skateboards, hailing from the Basque region of Spain, has opened offices in Los Angeles, CA, as part of its entry into the U.S. The office will be used as a call and shipping center. Jart, which produces OEM decks for skateboard companies while selli

GSI Commerce Inks 15-year Contract with Dick’s

GSI Commerce Inc. and Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. have signed a new 15-year contract, extending their successful relationship. Consistent with Dick’s Sporting Goods’ goal to have a seamless multichannel operation, under the new agreement, Dick’s Sport

REI to Open Store in Tucson

Recreational Equipment, Inc. said it will open a new store at the Tucson Mall in the spring of 2009. The store will be the co-op's third in Arizona…