Zamberlan Hires North American Sales Manager
The Italian outdoor footwear brand hired Bill Johnson, formerly at Zappos.com, as North American sales manager. He spent the last 19 years as the Outdoor Footwear Buyer at Zappos.com
Ottolock Forms U.S. Distribution Partnership with BTI
The new U.S. distribution partnership with with Bicycle Technologies International comes as Ottolock recently added new products to its mobile security offering to pair with its original cinch lock.
Whyte’s International Sales Director to Retire
Ross Patterson has worked for 36 years, most of his professional career, at Whyte and its former entity, ATB Sales. Colleague Michelle Lee will succeed him.
Nike’s Mark Parker to Step Down from Walt Disney’s Board
Parker has been Chairman since April 3, 2023, and first elected to Disney’s Board in early 2016. The Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley, James P. Gorman, will succeed Parker.
Dick’s SG Opens Next-Gen Store in Selinsgrove, PA
Dick’s Sporting Goods opened a next-generation store, which is a larger store format than a regular Dick’s store, in the Monroe Marketplace in Selinsgrove, PA.
Cox Enterprises Acquires Loop Tackle
Loop Tackle owns and manages Atlantic salmon rivers and invests in conservation, science and education. Cox Enterprises acquisition is expected to better position Loop Tackle, in business for over 40 years, to expand its offerings of sustainable products.
Pajar Canada Acquires Cougar Shoes
Cougar Shoes Co-owner and President Steve Sedlbauer said that the company has experienced financial struggles in recent years due to disruption caused by the pandemic and milder winters in key regions.
REI Co-op Plans Lower Volume of Store Openings for 2025
REI Co-op plans to open six locations in 2025, with three new stores in California, as well as Amherst, NY; Durango, CO; and Lynnwood, WA. The openings mark a moderation in new store growth from the 10 stores scheduled to open in 2024.
Under Armour Retains Oberalp for Swiss Distribution
Since becoming its Italian distributor, Under Armour’s sales in Italy have expanded from €8 million to €50 million ($54 mm). Over the last years, the South Tyrolean group has been growing Under Armour’s business in the wholesale channel.
Dick’s SG Sets Store Opening in Houston Suburbs
Dick’s Sporting Goods announced plans to open a Dick’s store at Atascocita Commons in Humble, TX in early November. Humble is located in the Houston metro area.
Baffin Appoints Lead Designer
Austin Sedlbauer, most recently, was the lead designer at Cougar Shoes. He joins Baffin, a subsidiary of Canada Goose Holdings, effective immediately.
SFIA Elects Rawlings’ Mike Zlaket as Board Chairman
Zlaket is the CEO and member of the Board of Directors for Rawlings Sporting Goods. As chairman of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Board of Directors, his one-year term begins effective immediately.
Report: M&A Activity in Active Lifestyle Sector Seeing Strong Recovery
Houlihan Lokey’s “Active Lifestyle Market Update” for the second quarter shows M&A activity in the active lifestyle space has rebounded strongly from a “muted” 2023, “supported by increasing confidence, renewed financing market activity, and a return of mega deals.”
Bass Pro to Open Location in Corpus Christi
The announcement came during a news conference led by local Bass Pro officials and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo. The opening is planned for 2025 and will be the retailer’s 21st in the state.
EXEC: SoCal’s Mt. Waterman Ski Area Sold to Investor Group
Angeles Mountain Partners, LLC (AMP) has acquired Mt. Waterman Ski Lifts, LLC, assuming management and operations. The company described it as “Southern California’s closest and most iconic mountain resort,” located an hour from downtown Los Angeles.
