SGB Sports & Fitness

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

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”…

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