A Peek at the Financials of EMS, Sport Chalet and Bob’s Stores
This week, we got a glimpse of Vestis Retail Group LLC’s books for May 2016, as the owner of Bob’s Stores, Eastern Mountain Sports and Sport Chalet reported back to the court as part of its reorganization, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April.
Nike Predicts North America Bounce Back
Nike Inc. surprised some investors by reporting lower-than-expected sales for its fiscal fourth quarter, ended May 31, despite barely beating expectations on earnings, as it was impacted in North America by tough year-ago comparisons due to last year’s West Coast port slowdown as well as the need to clean up excess inventories in the marketplace.
Whitewater, Surf Parks Face Scrutiny In Wake Of Fatal Amoeba Infection
The future of man-made whitewater and surf parks became murkier last week when health officials concluded the turbidity of water at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC inhibited the ability of its treatment system to kill pathogens. The 1,100-acre, non-profit, outdoor adventure park’s man-made whitewater rafting and paddling course remained closed for a […]
Obama’s Outdoor Rec Legacy Tempered by Court Rulings
The Obama Administration has been on an outdoor recreation kick of late. We ask industry leaders to look back and grade his legacy, from protecting the environment to pushing forward trade deals.
Fleet Feet CEO on Specialty Run Glut, Omni-channel and 40 More Years
Since opening its first store in Sacramento in 1976, Fleet Feet has become one of the nation’s most successful retail franchisees, even ramping up its expansion efforts in recent years. We sat down with CEO Jeff Phillips to see what’s ahead.
Patagonia Opens New Front in Sustainability Arms Race
Patagonia said it will begin working with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), textile suppliers and appliance manufacturers to better understand the threat fleece and other synthetic apparel pose to the environment.
Finish Line to Launch New Store Design Next Month, While Closing Others
The Finish Line plans to remodel 50-60 Finish Line stores this year using a new store design that will debut in July, the CEO of its parent company said June 24.
Responsible Wool Standard Bans Mulesing
After intense pressure from apparel brands, Textile Exchange amended the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) to ban mulesing, a practice widely used in Australia to prevent infections of sheep that has been condemned by animal welfare advocates.
Incipio Expands Active-Lifestyle Reach with Skullcandy Acquisition
Incipio LLC, which makes everything from phone cases to smart plugs, is expanding its reach into the active-lifestyle market, reaching an agreement to acquire Skullcandy Inc., best known for its stylish and sporty headphones, in a cash deal worth $177 million.
Modell’s, Sports Direct Eyeing Bid for Bulk of Sports Authority’s Leases
Modell’s Sporting Goods and U.K.-based Sports Direct International PLC were identified by the Wall Street Journal Monday as the “bulk buyer” considering an 11th-hour bid for up to 200 Sport Authority store leases, intellectual property and e-commerce assets.
Golden Gate Capital On Course to Take Control of PacSun
With no additional bids for the business, Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc. (PacSun) cancelled its scheduled June 22 auction, paving the way for Golden Gate Capital to take ownership of the company.
Titleist, FootJoy Parent Bullish on Golf with IPO
While some retailers and vendors are reducing their exposure to the sport of golf, Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s IPO filing on June 20 delivered one of the most bullish recent assessments around the growth prospects for the sport.
Amid Bankruptcies, Brands Flock Toward Specialty at Grassroots Show
With an expected excess of inventory to hit the active-lifestyle market following several high-profile, big-box retail bankruptcies in the space, brands at the Spring Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Show in Albuquerque, NM (June 13-17) were doubling down on their partnerships with these smaller, but more influential group of retailers.
Analyst Reviews Cabela’s Strategic Options
Of all the rumors swirling around Cabela’s Inc., D.A. Davidson & Company analyst Andrew Burns tells us which ones make the most sense.
De Facto DTC: Manufacturer Buying Specialty Fitness Retailers
Want to grow your business through direct-to-consumer and the omni-channel marketplace, but worry about alienating your independent specialty retailers? Here’s a solution — buy out the specialty retailers.
