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
Quiksilver Finally Sees Light at End of Rossignol Tunnel
Quiksilver, it would appear, has finally found its way out from under the misguided deal it entered into in 2005 to acquire the Rossignol business that also included Cleveland Golf. After making a deal to sell off Cleveland to the parent company of Srixo
Genesco Raises Outlook After Strong Top Line Performance in Second Quarter
Genesco, Inc. had a strong net sales performance in the second quarter as its Journeys concept continues to dominate the fashion athletic footwear category in the mall. The specialty retailer also got a boost from a jump in sales at Hat World and from com
DSW Second Quarter Profit Soars on Improved Merchandise Margins
With tight inventory controls feeding a 44.4% merchandise margin – a 600 basis points improvement over the prior year, DSW Inc. reported Q2 earnings jumped 69%. The margin gain made up for a 6% drop in same-store sales. Occupancy expenses deleveraged 110
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
ASICS America Expands Corporate Headquarters
ASICS America is moving its corporate headquarters to a larger space in Irvine, CA. The new headquarters is just a few miles east of its current location and will add an additional 11,000 square feet of space. The move is scheduled for September 19, 2008.
Athlete and Spokesman Buys Stake in Winterstick Snowboards
Winterstick Snowboards rider athlete and spokesman Tom Burt has taken an equity position in the company and will provide input into designing the hand-built boards. Winterstick, which shifted manufacturing to Telluride, CO-based Wagner Custom last season,
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
