SGB Update Outdoor
Brown Shoe Takes it on the Chin in Q2; Famous Footwear Waits for BTS…
Brown Shoe Company, Inc. has made a number of moves to strengthen both their retail and wholesale operations, including initiatives to strengthen the children’s and Bass businesses, upgrading the Naturalizer platform with a new brand strategy, and integra
Fleet Feet Second Quarter Highlights Strength of Running Category…
The move to technical running was in full swing at the specialty level in second quarter as Fleet Feet, Inc. issued a report indicating that comparable store sales at the company’s franchise stores jumped 18.4% versus the year-ago period. Total sales for
Genesco Looks to Have the Right Retail Formats as Athletic Trends Shift…
Genesco Inc. said that second quarter results exceed expectations due in large part to strong comps in all retail divisions. While the company certainly sees the consumer buying closer to need these days, the consumer is obviously finding more of what th
Bushnell Picks up Investment to Fund Acquisition, Growth…
American Capital is becoming more and more involved in the Outdoor world with several relatively large investments in different brands. Now, the firm is making another investment. This one is designed to fund Bushnell Performance Optics’ acquisition of Mi
Delta Apparel Takes Hit on Short Q4, Tough Spring for Soffe…
Delta Apparel, Inc. posted solid results for the fiscal year ended July 2, but the company took a big step back in the fourth quarter as sales at both the Delta and Soffe divisions declined for the period. Total fourth quarter sales were down more than 9
No Worries Over Profit Decline, Globe’s Been Investing…
Globe International saw sales for the fiscal year increase 10% over last year, but income dropped nearly 95%. This decrease, however, was not unexpected as Globe management pointed to an increased ad spend with eyes focused on the long term and not on qu
China Embargoes Shake up Industry…
Trade negotiations between the U.S. and China over the past three months have never been more important to the Outdoor and Snow Sports industries. In late June, the Department of Commerce placed quotas on apparel imports from China. Those quotas, which w
GoLite Makes Two Internal Promotions
GoLite announced the promotion of two long-time employees, tapping Kevin Volz to spearhead GoLite’s international and domestic sales efforts and Jessica Jaret to lead GoLite’s public relations efforts. Both Volz and Jaret are valued long-time GoLite emplo
Spalding Promotes Shaw to VP and GM of AAI
Mark Shaw has been promoted to vice president and general manager of American Athletic, Inc. effectively immediately. He is replacing Jeff Bramble who has left the company. Shaw will remain based at AAI’s headquarters in Jefferson, Iowa and will report
Wilson Lauches Women’s Specific Racquet Line
Wilson Racquet Sports is launching the first-ever comprehensive line of high performance rackets engineered and designed specifically for women. The W line combines Wilson’s industry-leading nCode technology with a new racket construction and distinct cos
OR Summer Market: Innovation Continues to Drive the Climbing Market…
Each year, climbing gear manufacturers shave grams and ounces off of their designs, but rarely is there a true innovation that changes the way people think about gear. Last year at Summer Market, many companies introduced extendable range cams, making it
OR’s Open Air Demo Draws a Crowd…
The reaction from vendors and retailers alike was unanimous. Moving the Open Air Demo to Willard Bay changed the event from a good day on the water — if you can ignore the mud — into an event that buyers and vendors cannot – and should not — miss. The
New USFS Recreation Estimates Lack Credibility…
In a recent Government report titled GDP Effects of Forest Service Resource Use Activities, the USFS stated that recreation on National Forest lands only contributed $11 billion to the GDP in 2002, compared to a 1997 estimate of $111 billion. While
Unifi to Close NC Nylon Plant
Unifi is taking a number of actions to improve the efficiency of its Nylon business unit, located in Rockingham County, North Carolina. The Company will close Plant one in Mayodan, North Carolina and move its operations and offices to Plant three in nearb
Advanstar Acquires POOL Trade Show
Advanstar Communications has acquired POOL, a boutique lifestyle trade show showcasing fashion-forward designers, accessories and music that targets the directional boutique market. Launched in 2001 with 205 exhibitors, POOL quickly found success and has