Billabong Sees 14% Increase in Earnings; Sales Climb 8%
Billabong reported a 14% rise in net profit after tax to $87 million for the year-to-date. The result was struck on reported Australian dollar sales of $675 million, an 8% increase on the prior year. Sales growth in local currencies was 21%, demonstrating
Essential Gear Launches New Branding Initiative
Essential Gear has launched a new branding initiative designed to build awareness. The new brand will be called "eGear" and made its debut at the Outdoor Retailer Show. In addition to the new eGear brand, the company unveiled a newly designed l
Rip Curl USA Appoints Quinn National Sales Manager
Rip Curl has appointed Dean Quinn to the position of National Sales Manager for Rip Curl USA. Dean joins the Rip Curl sales force with 20-plus years of surf industry experience, living his early years as a professional surfer then transitioning into in-ho
NFHS: HS Athletics Participation Sets Records
Based on figures from 50 state high school athletic/activity associations, plus the District of Columbia, athletics participation for the 2003-04 school year rose by 58,456 students to 6.9 million, according to a survey conducted by the National Federatio
LaCrosse to Exit PVC Boot Business, Close Plant
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. has sold certain assets of its PVC boot line to Onguard Industries, LLC. As a result, LaCrosse will end its manufacture and sales of PVC boots and close its Claremont, NH facility. The Company will continue to accept orders and sh
Footstar Sells Gaffney Distribution Center
Footstar, Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its distribution center in Gaffney, SC for approximately $15.1 million. The facility will be acquired by Automated Distribution Systems, L.P., a leading third party distribution and logistics solutions
Quiksilver Names New Roxy Merchandising Chief
Roxy, a division of Quiksilver, has named Mary Kwan as Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Design. The accomplished executive will be responsible for supervision of product development, leading the identification and allocation of human and operati
Airwalk Parent Inks Licensing Deal Down Under…
Collective Licensing International, LLC, owner of the Airwalk brand, has entered into a Master Licensing Agreement with Brand Direct to license the Airwalk brand. Brand Direct International Pty. Ltd. will be responsible for all Airwalk branded product in
Gander Mountain Looks for Good Mo’ Moving into Back Half of Year…
Gander Mountain saw the elimination of most of its vendor proof-of-performance rebates impact second quarter earnings to the tune of $1.5 million this year, resulting in a 6.3% increase in the net loss for the period when measured on a pro forma basis. On
Forzani Group Adds Two New Brands to Portfolio…
The Forzani group has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Canadian business of Nevada Bob’s International including trade marks and licensing agreements, contingent upon due diligence, legalities, and regulatory approval…
Famous Footwear Sees Athletic Segment Growing; Has Tough Q2…
Famous Footwear was the only division at Brown Shoe Company that did not post a revenue decline in the second quarter, but a shift in tax-free holiday weekends in some states and a later Back-to-School period conspired to push comp store sales lower. Whi
Notes From the Open Air Demo…
The Summer Market’s Open Air Demo was a resounding success for most of the vendors BOSS spoke with. The lake at Little Dell Reservoir was crowded with canoes, kayaks, wind-surfers, and even sailboats. The two largest booths, Thule and Watermark, were draw
Bob’s Falls Short of TJX Q2 Plan…
TJX, parent of the TJ Maxx and Marshall’s discount chains, among others, is still clearly in the learning phase with the Bob’s Stores chain they acquired in December 2003. Their merchants are attempting to find the right formula for the stores that will
Gander Mountain Looks for Momentum Moving into Back Half of Year…
Gander Mountain saw the elimination of most of its vendor proof-of-performance rebates impact second quarter earnings to the tune of $1.5 million this year, resulting in a 6.3% increase in the net loss for the period when measured on a pro forma basis. On
Dick’s Moving Fast on Galyans Integration; Raises Guidance…
Dick's Sporting Goods does not appear to be as affected by the licensed apparel or fitness equipment issues that have caused other sporting goods retailers to reduce their expectations for the second quarter. That fact, coupled with the retailer’s i