OR Summer Market: Footwear Blends Outdoor and Action Sports…
The recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was bigger than ever, and generated a positive buzz among most attendees. Although there was no single product or trend that was hailed as “the next big thing,” there were a few overarching themes that trickled—an
The New Green Consumer…
With sustainable manufacturing and materials coming to the forefront of the outdoor industry over the past few show seasons, it is becoming more apparent that “green” design is much more than a passing fad. While many trends in outdoor and snowsports are
O’Neill Becomes Official Partner of Project BLUE
Project BLUE, has added O’Neill as an official partner. As a project BLUE partner, O’Neill joins Billabong, Dakine, Electric, Nixon and Reef in their quest to support the international efforts of the Surfrider Foundation by creating special edition produc
Ruff Wear Expands Team
Ruff Wear is expanding its marketing team and sales force in North America to meet the needs of customers in both the outdoor retail and specialty pet markets. To help drive this expansion, Ruff Wear tapped Gary Fleshman, director of sales, to also overse
The Finish Line and Genseco See Merger Deal Pass FTC Muster…
The Finish Line, Inc. and Genesco Inc. announced last week that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, in connection with the companies' pending merger. The deal, which is exp
Payless ShoeSource Closes on Stride Rite Acquisition…
Payless ShoeSource, Inc. has completed the acquisition of The Stride Rite Corporation, including the Stride Rite, Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Tmmy Hilfiger Footwear, and Saucony brands, and has officially changed its name to Collective Brands, Inc.
REI launches new ‘Eco-Sensitive’ Labeling…
While many vendor companies and OIA are meeting to discuss standards for eco-sensitive labeling, REI has already rolled out a plan to implement a similar program into its REI brand products. The new eco-sensitive label will designate items manufactured wi
USGA Names Director of New Media
The United States Golf Association has named Alex Withers as the organization’s director of new media, a newly created position. The appointment will see Withers take responsibility for the overall online and new media efforts of the USGA, with the goal o
Acushnet Parent to See Changes at the Top
Fortune Brands, Inc. will see its current president and COO, Bruce Carbonari, succeed Norm Wesley as CEO effective January 1, 2008. Wesley will continue as chairman of the board. He will have served as CEO for eight years at the time of the transition. C
Phoenix Footwear Sees Discontinued Biz Cut Into Bottom Line
Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. saw net sales from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 decrease 11.3% to $25.2 million, compared to $28.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2006. For the quarter, the company reported a net loss
Finish Line – Genesco Acquisition Clears Anti-Trust Hurdle
The Finish Line, Inc. and Genesco Inc. announced that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, in connection with the companies' pendi
Bob’s Stores Q2 Sales and Comps Jump 10%
The TJX Companies, Inc. reported second quarter net sales from continuing increased 9% to $4.3 billion, and consolidated comparable store sales increased 5% over last year. Income from continuing operations for the second quarter was $59 million, and dilu
Hibbett Cuts Guidance Due to Weak Consumer Environment
Hibbett Sports, Inc. expects to report a fiscal second quarter comparable store sales increase of 2.6% on a fiscal basis compared with last year and a decrease of 5.6% on a comparable store, comparable week basis. Earnings per diluted share for the fiscal
Nike Promotes Two Apparel VP’s
Nike, Inc. promoted Mary Kate Buckley and Jill Stanton to new leadership positions heading the Nike brand's two largest regional apparel businesses, representing approximately 76% of Nike's almost $4.6 billion in global apparel revenues. Mary Ka
Sporting Goods Outpace General Market in July; Canvas, LFA Drive Footwear Sales…
July kept with the flow of the past couple months at retail as comparable store sales grew in the low-singles for the third month running, this time slightly ahead of the pace. Same store sales grew 2.6% for the month of July, based on a preliminary tally
