
L.L.Bean Explores Blockchain Applications For Outerwear With LOOMIA Smart Textiles
The companies will explore how data from LOOMIA-enabled L.L. Bean apparel can assess the extended use and performance of the outdoor retailer’s products, and provide valuable insight on the use rate of products returned under L.L.Bean’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Chris Clawson Re-elected SFIA Chairman
New additions to the Board include: Mike Dowse (President; Wilson Sporting Goods), Jared Drinkwater (Chief Marketing Officer, BSN Sports), John Graham (President; Speedo USA), Fouzan Mansuri (Director and Category Leader for Sports & Fitness; Amazon), and Matt Stanton (Vice President; Global Public Policy; Under Armour, Inc.)

Finish Line Raises Guidance On Sales Uptick
While the selling climate remains highly promotional, Finish Line Inc. said an acceleration in sales in running and basketball helped support a lower-than-expected loss in the third quarter ended November 25, prompting the sneaker chain to raise its guidance for its fiscal year.

Nike’s Q2 Tops Street Targets Despite Continued North American Weakness
Nike Inc. reported earnings dropped in the second quarter but both earnings and sales topped Wall Street’s guidance. Sales rose 3 percent as double-digit growth in China and EMEA offset a 5 percent drop in the North America region.

Outdoor Retailer Releases Special Event Details For 2018 Winter Show
For the first time in the show’s history, the public is invited to the Fashion Show/concert and the Night of Stoke.

The North Face Files Lawsuit Over Gander Outdoors Trademark
The North Face has filed a lawsuit against Camping World Holdings, charging that its new Gander Outdoors logo infringes on its “Summit Series” design mark.

Tecnica Finds New Equity Partner
The Zanatta family and Italmobiliare have finalized the deal whereby Italmobiliare becomes a shareholder of Tecnica Group, the maker of outdoor footwear and ski equipment. The transaction, which is based on a €60 million financial commitment part regarding a capital increase and debenture loan for Tecnica and part related to the direct purchase of a stake from the Zanatta family, allows Italmobiliare to own 40 percent of Tecnica Group.
The Conservation Alliance Decries Arctic Refuge Drilling Bill
Said John Sterling, executive director of The Conservation Alliance, in a statement, “”Congress has once again ignored the will of the American people by voting to open our greatest national wildlife refuge to oil drilling.”
Macy’s Appoints Chief Product And Digital Revenue Officer
Most recently, Jill Ramsey was vice president, GM of Vertical Businesses at eBay and prior to that spent 15 years driving growth in various roles at Walmart.com.

International Surfing Association And World Surf League Reach Landmark Agreement On Olympic Qualification
The International Surfing Association (ISA) announced an agreement with the World Surf League (WSL) on the qualification principles for surfing in the Olympics Games in Tokyo 2020, ensuring the participation of the world’s best surfers from the WSL Championship Tour (CT) as well as promoting universal opportunities for surfers around the world.

SIA Participation Study Shows Solid Growth For 2016/17 Season
The 2017 SIA Participation Study shows that participation across the winter sports industry was up 5 percent overall in the 2016–17 season.

Hoka To Sponsor Big Sur International Marathon
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation announced Hoka One One as the new Official Athletic Footwear Partner of the iconic Big Sur International Marathon.

Columbia Sportswear Appoints Director Of Investor Relations
Columbia Sportswear Company announced that Christian Buss has joined the company as director of investor relations, reporting to senior vice president and chief financial officer, Jim Swanson.

Finish Line Sees First Comp Gain In Four Quarters
The Finish Line Inc. reported a steep loss in the third quarter ended November 25 but it was better than guidance as the flagship Finish Line chain delivered its first comp gain in four quarters.

Lululemon, Nike, REI And Adidas Land On Best Employers List
Lululemon was the highest-ranked retailer in Glassdoor’s “2018 Best Places to Work” survey for U.S. companies. Lululemon was ranked 6. Other companies in the active space making the top-100 list included Nike, ranked 53; REI, 61; and Adidas, 93.