SGB Update Outdoor

L.L. Bean To Tap Blockchain Technology To Help Track Its Products

L.L. Bean says it will start sewing in sensors inside its products to track how customers use the items in a pilot test, according to the Wall Street Journal. This information would be fed into a blockchain and then anonymized for later use.

Alterra Mountain Appoints CEO

Alterra Mountain Company, the owners of Steamboat, Deer Valley, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley and several other resorts, announced the appointment of Rusty Gregory as chief executive officer.

Amer Sports Sees 4 Percent Q4 Revenue Growth

Amer Sports reported operating earnings in the fourth quarter before special items rose 13.9 percent as revenues grew 9.0 percent on a currency-neutral basis. The gains were led by the Fitness segment, up 12 percent, and Outdoor, 11 percent. Ball Sports inched up 1 percent.

New Balance Launches “Fearlessly Independent Since 1906” Campaign

New Balance announced the launch of Fearlessly Independent Since 1906 – its new inspirational global brand communication platform that reflects the heritage and non-conventional values of the global sports company. New Balance ambassadors including Francisco Lindor, Rose Lavelle, Paul Rabil, Jurgen Klopp, Brenda Martinez and PJ Ladd are in the campaign.

Vans Appoints Executive Creative Director

Vans hired Erwin Federizo, most recently at Wieden + Kennedy New York, as global executive creative director. Joyce Ha will oversee global men’s apparel and accessories merchandising as well as Vans’ Active merchandising and design.

Toad&Co Appoints VP Of Product And Merchandising

Toad&Co, the lifestyle company inspired by the outdoors, announced the addition of Kyle Boettcher, formerly from Abercrombie & Fitch, to its senior leadership team as vice president of product and merchandising.

Hayter Communications Makes Hires

Hayter Communications, a Williams-Helde company, has expanded its service offerings with the addition of two new hires in its Seattle office. Andy Cochrane joins as content strategy director for the agency’s burgeoning video, photo and storytelling client base; and Matt Glass is leading a new Overlanding/Powersports division.

Businesses Unite To Defend West Coast Against Offshore Drilling

One month after the Trump administration released a proposal to open 90 percent of U.S. waters to oil and gas drilling, over 1000 West Coast companies from a range of industries are launching the Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast (BAPPC).

Pritamo Ahrendt Appointed As WSL Head Judge

The World Surf League (WSL) announced the appointment of Pritamo Ahrendt as WSL head judge. Ahrendt will take over the position previously held by Rich Porta, who will transition into a new role for the League.