
Outerknown Partners with Keel Labs on Next-Gen Blanket Shirt
Outerknown released a limited-edition Blanket Shirt made with Kelsun, a seaweed-based fiber from Keel Labs. This is the first commercially available garment made with the product.

Thorogood Launches Work Boots for Women
With over 130 years of experience crafting American-made boots, Thorogood brings its craftsmanship, durability and style to its women’s-specific work boot collection.

Thor Industries Taking Cautious Look Ahead as Fiscal Year-End Backlog Falls $3.37B
The company may be taking some solace in an improvement in gross margin for the fiscal fourth quarter ended July 31 because there wasn’t much else to hang its hat of in a very difficult year for the RV market, or high-end discretionary purchases, in general.

EXEC: Leatt Partners with ZyroFisher in Distribution Deal for UK and Ireland
ZyroFisher will begin distributing Leatt products in the UK and Ireland in Spring 2025, with pre-orders starting November 2024, providing a larger portfolio of mountain bike-oriented protective products.

Gearhead Outfitters Converts Pinnacle Location to Patagonia Concept Shop
The retailer said the store will be exclusively focused on offering an expanded line of Patagonia products, along with other premium brands such as On, Hoka, Birkenstock, Altra, Danner, and Smartwool, curated to complement Patagonia’s offerings.

Thor x Harbinger Create E-Chassis Designed to Power Class A Motorhomes
“Electrification will play a central role in the future of mobility, including RVing. This first-of-its-kind hybrid platform and our ongoing collaboration with Harbinger are reinforcing Thor’s leadership in this segment.” —Bob Martin, President and CEO, Thor Industries

Dunlop Protective Footwear Gets New Majority Owner
The EQT Mid Market Europe fund has reportedly agreed to sell its majority stake in Dunlop Protective Footwear to Gilde Equity Management (GEM). Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Fjällräven is Latest Brand to Launch Resale Marketplace Site
The company launched Fjällräven Pre-Loved, a peer-to-peer resale marketplace where customers across the U.S. can buy and sell second hand Fjällräven apparel, bags and gear.

OIA Appoints Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs
Jaclyn Levy is reported to be a “seasoned public policy leader and brings a unique perspective and a strong track record of implementing innovative solutions across diverse industries into her new role.”

Alterra Names President of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Elias Ortner has been named President and COO of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing

Bicycle Transit Systems to Acquire BCycle from Trek
The acquisition, expected to close in October, will allow Bicycle Transit Systems to expand mobility options in cities nationwide with solutions for building, installing and managing docked e-bike share.

NBDA Elects Three New Board Members
Shirley Gonzalos of Pedal the Peaks, Chelsea Kulp of Shore Brake Cyclery and Paul Tobio of Ryder Bikes bring a wealth of experience and a passion for strengthening specialty bicycle retailers and the cycling industry.

BRP Expands Presence in Palm Bay, Inaugurates New Design & Innovation Center
The parent company of the Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Lynx power sports brands, has opened its Design & Innovation Center in Palm Bay, FL, continuing its regional expansion.

Wintersteiger Hires New Sales Agency for Great Lakes Region
Wintersteiger, Inc. hired Phenix Project sales agency to represent Wintersteiger Sports and Bootdoc Hotronic in the Great Lakes Territory, effective January 1, 2025, replacin longtime sales reps Bill Ehmke and Mason Rickert, who will continue to take orders through the end of 2024.

Cultural Shift: Lululemon’s Global Wellness Report Finds Wellbeing Burnout
Lululemon’s fourth annual 2024 Global Wellbeing Report underscores a move towards a more personalized approach to well-being amid a fast-paced digital lifestyle. For market stakeholders, understanding the nuanced needs of consumers is key for success in this evolving landscape.