Rising Costs, Growing Scrutiny Drive ‘SKU Productivity’ at Sierra Designs
As commodity and other input costs rise sharply, lead times grow and retailers order more conservatively, determining how much product to make is getting more difficult for outdoor brands. With that in mind, The B.O.S.S. Report decided to visit with Sierr
REI Names New VP of Information Technology
Recreational Equipment, Inc. named Bill Baumann vice president of information technology (IT). He was most recently the VP of IT with Musician's Friend/Guitar Center in Medford, OR. That company sells more than $600 million a year via its web site, w
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
Warrior Files $30 Million Lawsuit Against NCAA
Warrior Lacrosse, based in Lansing, MI, and Athlete's Connection Inc., a retailer based in Lansing, MI, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking damages of more than $30 million they say will be caused under new men's lacrosse equipment rule
Winmark Hires CFO
Winmark Corp, the parent of Play it Again Sports, announced the appointment of Tony Ishaug as the chief financial officer. Ishaug was recently chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the Department 56 division of Lenox Group, Inc. He has se
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
GoldToeMoretz Names Pres and COO
GoldToeMoretz LLC named Stephen Lineberger as its president and chief operating officer. Lineberger, a senior vice president and general manager for Hanesbrands' international unit, will begin his duties in mid-September…
Billabong Adds Dakine to Action Sports Empire
Billabong International Ltd. added to its impressive stable of brands, by announcing the acquisition of surf accessories maker DaKine Hawaii Inc.
Bob’s Stores Sold to Private Equity Groups
TJX Cos. Inc. is selling Bob’s Stores to a pair of private equity firms, Philadelphia-based Versa Capital Management and Boston-based Crystal Capital.
Sorensen Looks to Bring Gargoyles Back to Life
FGX International named Scott Sorensen as director of its Quantum Lifestyle/Sun Brands division, where he will be responsible for the Anarchy, Angel and Gargoyles fashion and action sports brands, as well as several of FGXI’s licenses…
Vibram to Open New China Facility
In April 2009, Vibram will celebrate the grand opening of its $12 million facility, the Vibram China Tech Center…
Action Sports Retail Gets a Fresh Look
Dick’s Sporting Goods’ entry into California may open up broader expansion opportunities for action sports lifestyle brands.
Taiwan Bicycle Exports Soar in North America
Taiwan's unit exports of bicycles to North America during the first six months of 2008 rose by 19% to 386,671 bikes from 325,745 bikes in the same period a year earlier, according to statistics from the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association. By
Energy Costs Squeezing Michigan Retailers
Retailers are feeling a double squeeze from rising fuel prices as their own shipping and receiving costs rise even as they try to hold – or even lower – prices to lure consumers with less discretionary income…
Werner Paddles Adds Website Features
Werner Paddles has launched a completely redesigned web site to better support its dealers and consumers.
The paddles remain the emphasis of the site, but improvements have been made to navigation functions and with the introduction of WernerTV Product Vi