NRF Proposes Tax-Free Holidays

The National Retail Federation is asking President-elect Barack Obama to add a series of national sales tax holidays in the anticipated economic stimulus legislation. The federation says such holidays would be an important step toward rebuilding consumer

Metal Mulisha Hires Marketing Director

Metal Mulisha, which is part of La Jolla Group, promoted Ryan Hagy to the position of director of marketing. Hagy will report to Bill Gage, vice president of sales and marketing, and will be based out of the offices in Irvine, CA…

Christy Sports Introduces Ultimate Demo Ski Pass

Christy Sports debuted its Ultimate Demo Ski Pass that allows skiers guaranteed access to various types of this year’s top-of-the-line skis. The 10-day rental pass costs $250, the 20-day pass $350, and an unlimited pass (called the Season Pass) $450. The

Lifetime Acquires Jumping Jack Trailers

Lifetime Products, Inc. has acquired the assets of Jumping Jack Trailers, Inc., adding Tent/Trailer to Lifetime's own lineup of consumer products. All products previously produced by Jumping Jack will now be manufactured at Lifetime's 2.6 millio

VF Confirms Plans for Job Cuts

VF Corp. said that with economic weakness expected to continue in 2009, a modest number of jobs will be cut across its units. In a statement, the company declined to say how many jobs would be eliminated pending notification of affected employees, but ind

TaylorMade Cuts 170 jobs After Ashworth Acquisition

TaylorMade-Adidas Golf is cutting 170 jobs, or about 12% of its local work force, as it integrates its new Ashworth acquisition. TaylorMade acquired Ashworth Inc., also based Carlsbad, CA, for $73 million on Nov. 21. According to the North County Times in

Kohl’s Grabs Mervyns Locations

Kohl’s Corporation prevailed in a joint bid with Forever 21, Inc. in an auction of leaseholds held last week for Mervyns sites. Together, the retailers acquired 46 locations for approximately $6.25 million. Kohl’s will assume 31 of the locations while For

Pacific Sunwear Apparel Grows as Footwear is Eliminated

Pacific Sunwear VP of Investor Relations Gar Jackson clarified the circumstances surrounding Division President Thomas M. Kennedy’s recent resignation during the Pacific Sunwear presentation at the Wedbush Morgan Securities California Dreamin’ Management

JJB Sports Sees 7.5% Comps Decrease

JJB Sports reported that total group comparable store sales decreased 7.5% compared to last year for the period between July 28 and Dec. 7, 2008. This decrease consisted of a 6.7% increase in revenue for health clubs and an 8.9% decrease in retail sales.

SIA: Snow Sports Pre-Season Sales Up 9%

Just as snow sports reps began hitting the road to show lines and take orders for next winter, Snowsports Industries America reported industry retail sales rose 9% to $506.8 million in the August to October period.
However, reps would be well served to br

Investment Firm Acquires Three Ski Properties

CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust focused on lifestyle properties has acquired the privately held assets of three ski and mountain lifestyle properties: Vermont’s Okemo, Colorado’s Crested Butte and New Hampshire’s Mount Sunap

Sullivan Named Cloudveil Prez

Cloudveil named Co-Founder Stephen Sullivan President of the company following the resignation of Co-Founder and President Brian Cousins. Cousins leaves Cloudveil after helping to complete its integration with parent company Spyder Active Sports to pursue