NSGA: Exercise Walking Remains No. 1 Fitness Activity
Exercise walking, which experienced 2.7% growth in 2007, remains the No. 1 participation activity surveyed by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), a position it has held since 1990. Data contained in NSGA’s annual “Sports Participation – Series
Sports Belle Recovering After Fire…
Sports Belle Inc., the sports uniform supplier based in Knoxville, Tenn., is recovering after a fire on March 16 destroyed its headquarters and main factory in Knoxville. The facility employed 50 people…
The Walking Co. Posts Loss on Expense Growth…
Net sales at The Walking Co. increased 19.5% for the year ended Dec. 31, to $162.1 million from $135.7 million last year. The chain, which is part of Big Dog Holdings, reported that $10 million of the increase related to an 8.1% increase in comparable sto
REI Re-Elects Three Directors…
Members of Recreational Equipment Inc. elected a consultant, the CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the former CEO of Land’s End Inc. to new terms on their board of directors…
White Sierra Seeks Retailers in China
White Sierra will push into China's domestic market this year with its outdoor and sports apparel, packs, bags and footwear. The company said a successful showing at ispo China and a shift to a two-day weekend in China bode well for the outdoor indus
Play It Again Sports Celebrates Brand’s 25th Anniversary
Play It Again Sports will be holding events this April and throughout the year in celebration of the brand's 25th anniversary this year. the chain now has nearly 400 locations nationwide…
Canada’s Dorel To Stop Reporting to SEC
Dorel Industries Inc., which owns the Cannondale and Sugoi cycling brands, will no longer disclose financial information, including it annual report, with the Securities & Exchange Commission. As a TSX-listed reporting issuer, Dorel will continue to file
Heelys Opens European Office
Heelys, Inc. announced the opening of its European office, Heeling Sports EMEA (SPRL). The new company, based in Brussels, Belgium, will serve as the company's European headquarters and extends Heelys' brand and business development in Western,
Orange 21 Misses 10K Deadline
Action sports company Orange 21 said it won't be able to file its annual report on form 10K in time due to material weaknesses in its accounting processes. Annual reports generally must be filed within 60 to 90 days of the closing of a company's
Teko’s Founder Leaves, Anatom Ltd. Takes Control
Jim Heiden, Teko’s CEO and founder, has left the company as Anatom Ltd.—Teko’s new UK-based distributor—acquires a majority stake. Teko’s VP of operations, Owen Hammond, has been named GM in a move to ensure “a smooth ownership transition”…
Riding a New Wave
Confluence’s Sue Rechner discusses the state of the buinsess…
Into the Wild
Fall ’08 trail running multi-sport shoes offer versatility and performance…
Stand Out From the Crowd
According to management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, strong retail brands result in more frequent consumer visits, higher per-customer spending, and the ability to charge premium prices.
What makes a great brand? Great brands stand for something..
Outdoor Industry MandA Market Heats Up Again…
The M&A market heated up in the outdoor industry again last week as three industry brands changed hands. Gregory Outdoor Products, Teko socks and Native Eyewear all welcomed new ownership, with the first going independent for the first time since its ince
Gregory Strikes Out On Its Own for First Time in 25 Years…
In a deal that may make evoke whines from some outdoor insiders, three Fortune 500 veterans bought Gregory Outdoor Products. The all-cash deal marks the first time the company has been independent since its founder Wayne Gregory sold the business 25 years