NRF: Back-to-School Sales Expected to be Flat
According to NRF's 2011 Back-to-School survey conducted by BIGresearch, families with children in grades K-12 will spend an average of $603.63 on apparel, school supplies and electronics, within a few dollars of last year's $606.40 average. Tota
Fila USA Inks Accessories License
Fila Luxembourg, S.a.r.l entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Berkshire Fashions Incorporated for the design, manufacture and sale of Fila branded accessories for the US market. The line will launch in Fall 2011 and will feature a wide vari
$214M in Small Business Lending Funds Disbursed to Banks
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has distributed another $214 million from the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), which aims to spur small busines lending by banks holding less than $10 billion in assets. The faster the 17 banks lend out the money, th
Hat World Expands Warehouse Space
Hat World, Inc., which operates the Lids chain as well as the Lids Team Sports business, has added 150,000 square feet of warehouse space at its second facility in Indianapolis, doubling the square footage at that location. The retailer and manufacturer o
Lids Inks Deal for Fan Shops with Universities
Lids Sports Group recently partnered with a number of universities to operate their on-campus fan shops. The colleges include Indiana University, the University of Iowa and Texas Tech University…
Gerber Exec Takes Reins at Knife Advocacy Group
Bill Raczkowski, who manages the knives category for Gerber Legendary Blades, has been named president of the American Knives & Tool Institute (AKTI)…
Teko Hires Wasatch Reps
Teko Socks announced today the hire of Wasatch Reps for sales representation in the Extended Rocky Mountain region, which includes Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana…
Roanoke, VA. Continues Push for Outdoor Businesses
The Roanoke Region in Virginia compares favorably to such outdoor destinations as Asheville, NC; Chattanooga, TN and Boulder, CO when it comes to outdoor recreational amenities, according to a study released by the Roanoke Regional Partnership. The Roanok
LaCrosse Footwear’s Outdoor Sales Rose 18 Percent in Q2
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. reported sales grew 1.9 percent in the second quarter, to $27.1 million from $26.6 million a year ago. Sales to the Outdoor Market were up 18 percent, offsetting a 5 percent decline to the Work Market…
Outdoor Retailer Urges Buyers to Use Online Planner and Mobile App
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market reminds retailers to check out the online tools its provided to help them navigate the labyrinthine Salt Palace next month and get the most out of their show. Even if you've already made your appointments, you can enter
National Park Microsite Built in Vancover, Canada
Using a $100,000 grant from ING Direct as well as money from the local school board and parks and rec department and Parls Canada, volunteers built Canada's fourth natural playground at an elementary school in Vancouver Wednesday. The 10,000-square-f
Brunton Outdoor Introduces Retail Incentive Program
The Brunton Outdoor Group, comprised of the Brunton and Primus brands, introduced the 2012 “Summit Team” Outdoor Partner Program, providing retailers with discounts on outdoor gear and a variety of free in-store sales support tools…
Worldwide Distributors Adds Buyers
Two new buyers have joined Worldwide Distributors, the independent buying group, as of July 2011. Steve Apple is responsible for fishing tackle, marine/RV, hardware and pet supplies and Ryan Wells is the new footwear buyer…
Finish Line Authorizes 5 Million Share Repurchase Program
The Finish Line, Inc. announced that its board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program to buy back up to 5 million shares of the company’s Class A common shares, or approximately 9 percent of the aggregate Class A and Class B comm
RECALL: Swix Sport Ski Helmets
About 800 Uvex Funride ski helmets imported by Uvex Sports, of Cranston, RI and Swix Sport USA, of Haverhill, MA are being recalled. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the helmet provides insufficient shock absorption and resistance to penet
