SGB Executive Outdoor
European Vendors Push EC for VAT Relief
A coalition of European bicycling organizations is petitioning the European Commission to reduce permanently the VAT rate for all bicycle products and services, arguing Europe should encourage more bicycle use to address economic, environmental and health
Asics Launches Music Promotion
Asics America Corp recently launched a digital music card promotion to build brand awareness among teenage athletes. Promotional Currency, a marketing strategies firm that specializes in innovative digital entertainment promotions, recently teamed with Ir
Billabong Acquires Skate Longboard Company Sector 9
Billabong International Limited has acquired Sector 9, a Southern California-based skateboard brand. Co-founders and owners Steve Lake and Dennis Telfer and co-owner Dave Klimkiewicz are being retained as part of the acquisition in their current roles. Se
Confluence Hires Verde P.R.
Confluence Watersports has hired Verde PR & Consulting as its public relations agency of record effective July 1. The news comes as Confluence prepares to relaunch its brands at Summer OR under new CEO Sue Rechner…
EUROBIKE Draws Record 900 Exhibitors
For the first time in its history, the EUROBIKE trade show has drawn more than 900 exhibitors amid rising interest in cycling in the host country Germany. The 17th annual show comes as high petrol costs, climate protection and a continuing trend towards f
Report: Steve and Barry’s Exploring Store Closings
Steve & Barry's LLC is readying plans to close more than 100 of its stores, and is contemplating a full liquidation should it not find emergency financing, the Wall Street Journal reported on its website. The article, citing people familiar with the
L.L. Bean and Barclays Launch Visa Card
L.L. Bean and Barclays announced the launch of a new Visa card they said will provide enhanced benefits to shoppers who use it to charge their purchases from the outdoors outfitter. The card will become available as a replacement for the L.L. Bean Visa ca
Srixon to Move in With Cleveland…
At the tail end of 2007, Quiksilver sold off its golf hardgoods business in the form of a $132.5 million deal as SRI Sports, the parent of Srixon acquired Cleveland Golf (see SEW_0745). The deal left the industry guessing at the possible consolidation an
NSSF Hails Supreme Court Ruling on Second Amendment…
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court effectively ruled that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. Relating specifically to the District of Columbia v. Heller case, Washington, D.C. can no longer enforce a ban ag
Luxottica Results to be Boosted by Oakley, Hurt by Dollar…
Luxottica Group hosted a mid-period conference call with analysts last week to review its current status and give a peak into how it is progressing after its acquisition of Oakley, Inc., which closed in November 2007. On the whole, the company expects to
Report: VF Corp. Closes Three Costa Rican Plants…
VF Corp plans to close three factories in Costa Rica by July 16 and dismiss about 400 workers there, according to published reports. The announcement comes as Costa Rica faces rising competition from nearby countries such as Guatemala and Nicaragua, whose
Interbike to Remain in Vegas…
After two years of collecting data from potential host cities and polling retailers, manufacturers and industry partners, Interbike management announced the trade show will remain in Las Vegas. Interbike said that they are currently finalizing an agreeme
Customs Retreats on First Sale Rule…
At a June 24 hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Ralph Basham said his agency is no longer trying to revoke the First Sale Rule…
Outdoor Market Acquisitions: Nau, Karhu and PTI…
The deal making heated up last week in the outdoor industry as Horny Toad swooped in to pluck talent and trademarks from the remains of nascent lifestyle apparel maker Nau Inc.; Finnish brand Karhu was acquired by its U.S. footwear licensee; and Dorel Ind
Nike’s Q4 U.S. Backlog, Profit Drop Worry Analysts…
Nike, Inc. posted its 27th consecutive quarter of company-wide sales growth, but less than stellar domestic results led Wall Street to sell off the stock with a 7.8% overnight decline after Wednesday’s close. NKE shares ended the week down 9.6% to close a
