Tony Armand, CEO, United Sports Brands
A leading consolidator in sporting goods sees opportunity in training and recovery space. In April 2015, Shock Doctor completed its biggest acquisition when it merged with McDavid, the specialist in knee and ankle braces. And in August of that year, Shock Doctor changed its name to United Sports Brands to signify its position as one […]
Ski Bum Business 101; Lessons From a Specialty Retailer
Brendan Madigan took over the legacy of specialty retailer Alpenglow Sports, proving a life in the field of run and Nordic can be better than any degree or resume job list. By Jahla Seppanen Since 1979, Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, CA, has grown to become the oldest, and arguably most knowledgeable backcountry shop in the […]
Editor’s Picks: Outdoor Poles & Camera Bags
Outfit your customers with support for their bodies and cameras (or drones) on their next trip outdoors with these latest products. By M.T. Elliot Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag This bag keeps cameras within reach, and can expand or collapse accordingly, thanks to its FlexFold dividers. The main body holds a full DSLR, three lenses and small […]
Capturing The Moment: Top Trends in Camera, Drone and Tech Bags
Outdoor photography is taking new forms with action cams, drones and other electronics, proving there’s still a market for versatile camera bags. By M.T. Elliott The days of lugging heavy and large DSLR cameras and lenses are dwindling among amateur photographers (among the pros, we see more gear than ever), and camera bag manufacturers are evolving […]
Poles Apart: Top Trends in Trekking and Ski Poles
Set aside the carbon and aluminum debate, most pole innovation is at the ends. By M.T. Elliott It might not come as a surprise that trekking and ski poles evolve slowly, but it’s also a category where a change by one manufacturer can spawn changes by its competitors. For the most part, new pole tech […]
Camping Gains Ground With Millennial and Minority Groups
Whatever the outdoor industry is doing to attract new participants, it’s working. Within the past year alone, camping has attracted more than 1 million new households, thanks in part to growing participation by minority and millennial groups, according to the 2016 North American Camping Report, an annual independent study supported by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. […]
One-On-One with Caveman Collective Photographer Andrew Bydlon
Helping define a brand beyond smart phone photos and stock imagery. By David Clucas In today’s digital era, images are king. Anyone who posts to social media can tell you that a strong image is what makes people stop, pay attention and click through. And yet, in an age when everyone with a smart phone […]
One-On-One with Hike It Baby Founder, Shanti Hodges
How a social networking platform is helping parents and kids experience the outdoors. By Courtney Holden For one thing, she had a child, which as any parent knows, throws your world into a tailspin. She also founded Hike it Baby, a social networking platform that revolves around helping parents and child caregivers get outside and […]
Movers & Shakers, Week of April 29
Boston Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino was appointed by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to act as Chairman of the Jimmy Fund. CEP Compression added Teton Gravity Research ski athletes, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and Hadley Hammer to the brand’s elite athlete team. Cliff Keen Athletic hired Emily Martin as its Sales Manager, to oversee and […]
Scoping New Gear at the Boston Marathon
By Thomas J. Ryan The Boston Marathon is more than just a race. It’s an annual gathering for the running industry and numerous brands debut new products at the expo. SGB was onsite to check out the new gear around visibility and recovery, as well as optimizing running mechanics and footwear. Here are some highlights. […]
SGB Editor Picks: Kids Outdoor Gear
Help Your Customers Get Their Kids Outdoors Early And Often With Gear Built Just For Them. By Courtney Holden Keen Encanto Rainboot 365 | $60 This lightweight alternative to heavier rubber boots features a flexible outsole to boost comfort and a waterproof membrane for warmth. The boot’s bungee drawstring replaces laces, so kids can remove without […]
Wild Child: Top Trends in Outdoor Gear For Tots
A push to get youth outside spurs investment in higher quality kids gear. By Courtney Holden Talk to nearly anyone who earns their keep in the outdoor industry and they’ll wax nostalgic about trips camping with their family, fishing with their fathers or playing hide-and-seek with their siblings out in the woods. Whether we call […]
Disneyland for the Outdoor Junkie
Trew offers brand experience through lodging. By Jahla Seppanen Splash Mountain is well and fun, but active lifestyle consumers will more often than not chose a hike and microbrew over Disneyland. And as today’s apparel, footwear and gear brands look to infiltrate deeper in to consumers’ lifestyles, we’re seeing creative marketing campaigns that lend experiences […]
Big City Mountaineers Builds Life Skills Through The Outdoors
‘Kids need to have multi-day expeditions to affect change.’ By David Clucas Think back to your earliest memories outdoors — they’re likely the foundation that brought you to the industry, shaped your respect for the environment and delivered a happier, more active lifestyle. Not every child and teenager gets those early outdoor opportunities. It’s especially […]
Going Ultra
Why elite outdoor brands are rushing to sponsor the most intense ultra races in the world, and whether this trend will last. By Jahla Seppanen Running has never been more popular. Marathon participation is growing, according to 2015 statistics from Running USA, along with half-marathons and their cool cousins including zombie, color and mud runs (non-traditional […]
