SGB Update Apparel
Blacks Leisure to Close 89 Stores
Blacks Leisure, the U.K. outdoor chain, announced plans to close 89 stores across the group that have not “traded profitably for years”. The firm, which operates Millets, Blacks and O'Neill shops, also said it plans to lay off 50 employees at its Nor
Modell’s Revises Logo in Rebranding Effort, Opening New Prototype in Pelham, NY
Modell's Sporting Goods is revising its logo as part of a new rebranding effort It also is opening up a new prototype store in Pelham, N.Y. as part of its “Rebirth” initiative…
Marketing Director Exits Zoot Sports
Elisette Carlston, Zoot Sports director of marketing, is leaving the company for personal reasons. Founder and CEO Brian Enge will assume a greater role over marketing…
Interbike’s Overall Attendance Down Slightly, Store Attendees Up
According to preliminary figures, total attendance at the just-concluded Interbike trade show reached more than 22,500, slightly down due to fewer exhibitor personnel. But the number of unique stores represented increased to more than 4,000 and the number
Nautilus to Divest Commercial Assets, Focus on Consumer Through Direct and Retail
Fitness company Nautilus, Inc. said in the future, it will focus its resources on its branded consumer businesses. Accordingly, the company is actively seeking buyers for substantially all of the assets, liabilities and ongoing operations of its commercia
Nautilus to Divest its Commercial Business
Nautilus, Inc. said it is actively seeking buyers for substantially all of the assets, liabilities and ongoing operations of its commercial business. The fitness company said the move will enable it to focus its resources solely on its branded consumer bu
California Firearms Groups Protest Anti-Gun Bills
The California Association of Firearms Retailers (CAFR) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) issued a statement advising legislators to veto three anti-gun bills in the state. The groups said lost retail sales in California are estimated at
OIA Endorses Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Date Shift
The Outdoor Industry Association's Board of Directors announced their endorsement and recommendation of a shift of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market (ORSM) dates from the third week of July to the first week of August in 2010 and beyond…
Sporting Goods Sees 2009 as Year of the Margin
Tough times call for prudent inventory management at retail. But is the industry overdoing it? As retailers work to keep inventories lean this year and focus on bottom-line profitability instead of just top-line growth, some are starting to get concerned
The Finish Line Sees Weak Traffic Offset Running Strength in Fiscal Q2
The Finish Line sees running footwear remaining strong, while apparel is “getting healthier” and its e-commerce business “continues to grow profitability.” Like many other retailers, comparable store sales also turned positive in September but anemic traf
Blacks Leisure Puts Sandcity Unit into Administration
Blacks Leisure Group placed its Sandcity boardwear stores in administration after its bank Tuesday gave it a month to come up with a restructuring plan for its loss-making stores…
Brooks Adds Rock ‘n Roll to Roster
Brooks Sports reached an exclusive and multi-year agreement to become the official footwear and apparel partner for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series while its sister brand, Moving Comfort, will be the official sports bra for the series…
Vail Resorts Fiscal Year Profit Cut on Lower Skier Visits
Vail Resorts saw a very difficult year with declining sales and their net income was cut in half for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009. However, the ski resort holding company was easily able to stay profitable in spite of serious challenges in the hosp
OIA: Tariff Uncertainty Could Demand Adjustments for Footwear Makers
According to the OIA, the possibility that Congress won’t extend temporary duty relief on dozens of types of outdoor footwear featuring water resistant textile and synthetic uppers has manufacturers re-evaluating product design and production schedu
Dorel Looks to Capitalize on Growing Cycling Market
At Scotia Capital’s annual Back-to-School Conference, held in Toronto this year, Dorel Industries pointed out several growth strategies they will be implementing in the coming year – particularly around their bike business. Martin Schwartz, Dorel In
