Zumiez Q2 Sales Increase Despite Apparel Struggle
During the Wachovia Consumer Growth Conference on Oct. 15, Zumiez President and CEO Rick Brooks stressed that the company is on track, despite the tough economic times, to reach its goal of 800 stores…
Intrawest Hedge Fund Parent Seeks to Refinance Debt
Fortress Investment Group, a publicly traded hedge fund, is seeking to refinance $1.68 billion in debt due next week by Intrawest, the Canadian based ski resort company that owns Whistler Blackcomb, London Financial Times reported…
Hawk Buys a Birdhouse
Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk has acquired all interest in the Birdhouse Skateboards brand from Blitz Distribution, Inc. after an agreement with business partner of 15 years Per Welinder, a former professional skateboarder with Powell Skateboards…
Mammut Sports Sees YTD Sales Grow
Mammut Sports Group’s sales grew 9.2% to CHF 111.9 ($98.9 million) in the first eight months of the year, over the same period in 2007, the company’s Swiss parent Conzzeta Group reported. Mammut achieved clear growth in all its major markets, Conzzeta rep
Johnson Outdoors Modifies Credit Agreements
Johnson Outdoors Inc. has entered into a short-term, interim agreement which modifies provisions of the company's existing debt agreements dated Oct. 7, 2005 and Feb. 12, 2008…
JJB Sports Sells 5% Stake to Sports Direct
JJB Sports, the second-largest U.K. sporting-goods retailer, raised £3.4 million ($5.9 million) by selling a 5% stake in the company to Sports Direct International. Proceeds from the sale of 11.9 million new shares will be used “for general working capit
Bushnell to Acquire Ultroptic S.A.
Bushnell signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ultroptic S.A of Barcelona, Spain via the Bushnell wholly-owned subsidiary Bushnell Outdoor Products SAS. Ultroptics is currently a Bushnell distributor and handles the full line of Bollé and Serengeti eye
Wolverine Bolsters Patagonia Footwear Team
Wolverine World Wide’s Outdoor Group promoted Craig Throne from GM of its Patagonia Footwear brand to VP of global marketing and replaced him with Bill Dodge, who oversaw Timberland's former GoLite Footwear venture. Dodge will oversee all business op
Nike Golf Partners with Canadian PGA
The Canadian PGA partnered with Nike Golf Canada as the association's first major sponsor in the Canadian PGA National Education Program. Nike Golf becomes the presenting sponsor of the Instructor Beginner course in the Canadian PGA Teaching and Coac
Bushnell to Acquire Ultroptic S.A.
Bushnell signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ultroptic S.A of Barcelona, Spain via the Bushnell wholly-owned subsidiary Bushnell Outdoor Products SAS. Ultroptics is currently a Bushnell distributor and handles the full line of Bollé and Serengeti eye
VF Corp. Q3 Net Climbs 11.8%; Slashes Q4 Guidance
VF Corp. saw an 11.8% gain in third quarter earnings on a 6% revenue gain. However, due to a “significant deepening of the global financial crisis and worsening economic conditions taking a heavy toll on consumer confidence and spending in many markets ar
Gear 2000, Rawlings Reach Patent Infringement Agreement
Gear 2000 has reached an agreement to settle its patent infringement lawsuit against Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The settlement provides for the dismissal of the pending patent litigation without prejudice…
OIA Eco Working Group Begins Development of Eco Index
Fifty members of the OIA Eco Working Group (EWG) met in Boston last week to begin the hard work of hammering out the process for developing the outdoor industry's first Eco Index. The meeting’s objectives were to develop a shared vision and understan
Play It Again Sports Parent Sees 14.8% Q3 Sales Gain
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play it Again Sports, reported net income rose 3% in the third quarter ended September 27, to $1.35 million, or 24 cents a share, from $1.13 million, or 20 cents, in 2007. Revenues climbed 14.8% to $9.12 million from $7.95 mil
OBIT: Deer Valley Founder Edgar Stern
Deer Valley Resort Founder Edgar B. Stern Jr. passed away Oct. 12, 2008, in Seattle, WA at the age of 86. “The operation of Deer Valley will remain unchanged,” said President and GM Bob Wheaton. “With the assistance of his son Lessing who took over as Cha
