SGB Update Apparel

Suunto Partners with Runner’s World

Suunto is planning a series of grassroots events at running specialty stores through a new partnership with Runner’s World Magazine. The program targets seven key regions – Texas, California, New York City Metro, Atlanta Metro, Seattle, Chicago and Florid

K-Swiss Steps Into Customized Footwear

In a nod to both versatility and performance, K-Swiss is now launching miSOUL, a customizable and interchangeable modular insole/midsole system. The technology will first be offered in performance tennis shoes in January 2009, and in performance running s

Aruba Sponsors Hansons Distance Project

Aruba Sport Eyewear has agreed to sponsor the Hansons Distance Project (HDP) through 2012. The Hansons Distance Project is a training facility for elite athletes who aspire to become the best in their fields…

ASICS Sues Steven Madden for Infringing its Trademark

ASICS Corporation and its U.S. subsidiary sued Steven Madden for infringing on its stripe design trademark in U.S. District Court in California last week in violation of a confidential agreement reached in 2006. The suit alleges that several of Madden&#03

SGMA Survey: Americans Delusional Over Their Health…

Despite widespread concerns over obesity, diabetes and other health issues, most Americans believe they are in better-than-average health for their age. According to the SGMA’s “2008 State of the Industry Consumer Survey,” the industry faces an uphill bat

Golfsmith’s Thompson to Steer Performance, Inc.

Bicycle retailer Performance, Inc. has named Jim Thompson—who previously guided Golfsmith International Holdings Inc. through its IPO—as CEO. Performance’s annual sales are an estimated $225 million, and Thompson sees substantial growth ahead for the mult

Horny Toad Acquires Nau Assets

Lifestyle apparel maker Horny Toad has acquired the Nau outdoor brand, including its trademark, URL, and all intellectual property such as product designs. In addition, the company acquired the physical assets of Nau’s design offices for an undisclosed su

Timberland Sells GoLite to Former Exec

On June 13, New England Footwear LLC closed a deal to acquire the GoLite footwear business from Timberland. Douglas Clark, who was previously VP of Timberland’s Invention Factory, formed Portsmouth, NH-based New England Footwear two weeks prior to the dea

Lands’ End Exec Named Under Armour President

David McCreight, most recently president of Lands’ End, was named president of Under Armour Inc. He is expected to join Under Armour in September and will be responsible for developing and executing long-term growth strategy, implementing new practices to

Brine Relocates to Warrior Facilities

New Balance is closing its Brine operations in Milford, MA, to help consolidate operations and better utilize resources within its two lacrosse divisions…

The Secrets of Experienced Shoe Fit Experts

Ten Tips for offering top-notch service to footwear consumers.
One of the great forces driving footwear retailing right now is the customer’s quest for comfort. Many people, especially Baby Boomers, are no longer willing to wear shoes that they find uncom

Pre-registration 12% Ahead for Health+Fitness Expo

Health+Fitness Business (HFB), a division of Nielsen Business Media, announced that preliminary figures for its mid July fitness trade show indicate individual store pre-registration is ahead by 12 percent compared to the same time as last year. In additi

Yue Yuen Reports Second Quarter Revenues Jump 23.5%…

Yue Yuen Industrial Ltd. reported second quarter sales jumped 23.5% to $1.66 billion from $944.5 million a year ago. For the period ended March 31, athletic footwear sales, its largest category, climbed 23% to $668.1 million. Also seeing strong growth wa

Finish Line Starts New Year with Better Than Expected Results…

After a tough year maligned by the botched acquisition of Genesco Inc. as well as sluggish footwear sales, The Finish Line finally delivered some good news last week with better than expected results for its fiscal first quarter ended May 31. A surge in