SGB Update Footwear

The Walking Co. Racks up 9.6% Q3 Comp Gain

The Walking Co., which is part of Big Dog Holdings, reported third quarter revenues jumped 20% to $36.9 million from $30.7 million in Q3 last year, driven by a 9.6% comp increase and 26 net new stores versus last year. TWC opened six stores in the quarter

Princeton Ski Shop Files for Bankruptcy

Citing unseasonably warm weather and heightened competition, Princeton Ski Shop Inc. filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark. The company, based in Clifton, NJ, operates four stores in New York City ( 22n

Fluorochemicals in the Outdoor Industry, By Nick Brown, Nikwax

As a retailer, consumer, or gear manufacturer, how much responsibility do we have for avoiding the release into our environment of suspect materials? Should we leave everything to government legislation? In my opinion, the answer is no. Government can tak

SRAM Acquires Zipp

SRAM Corporation completed its acquisition of Compositetech Inc., which makes products under the Zipp name. The Zipp management team will remain intact and continue to report to Andy Ording, president of Zipp…

Birkenstock USA Sold to Birkenstock Family

Birkenstock Distribution USA, the employee-owned importer and distributor of Birkenstock footwear in the U.S., has been sold to members of the family that has produced the line since 1774. Birkenstock USA had been 100 percent owned by employees since Octo

Lou Spagna Takes Over as Man Alive President

The Finish Line appointed Lou Spagna as president of Man Alive. Mr. Spagna will report to Glenn Lyon, President of The Finish Line. Mr. Spagna brings over thirty years of experience in the apparel retail industry and a proven track record of leading retai

Johnson Outdoors Marine Acquires Geonav

Johnson Outdoors reached agreement to acquire Geonav, a leading marine electronics brand in Europe. The Geonav chartplotter and marine accessories brand and assets were acquired in a stock purchase from Nanionics of Viareggio, Italy…

SpringBoost Expands Sales Team

SpringBoost hired 12 new sales reps who will report to Kim Walsh, recently promoted from Regional Manager to the newly created position of manager of U.S. Sales. She reports to Donald W. Johnson, newly appointed vice president of sales…

Jarden Announces Stock Buyback Plan

Jarden Corporation, parent company of K2 and Volkl skis, announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new stock repurchase of up to $100 million of its common stock. As of October 29, the company had approximately 77.6 million shares of common s

Surfboards Load for Free on Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic announced that its passengers are allowed to take an item of sports equipment on their flights free of charge. The news followed a recent ban by British Airways (BA) on surfboards and similar items…

Shoe Carnival Expects Sharp EPS Decline on Weak Q3 Comps

Shoe Carnival, Inc. reported that sales for the thirteen-week period ended November 3 decreased 8.0% to $173.9 million, compared to sales of $189.1 million for the thirteen-week period ended October 28, 2006. Comparable store sales declined 5.0% for the

Kohl’s Will Pursue LEED Certification in 80 Stores

Kohl’s Department Stores will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for more than 80 locations. The certifications are being pursued through the US Green Building Council Portfolio Program and will appear in 28 states n

Saks Comps Surge 10.6%

Saks Incorporated reported comparable store sales increased 10.6% during October. Total sales reached $269.1 million versus $232.2 million, a 15.9% increase…