Industry Tightens its Belt for Year Ahead
Industry companies hit the road last week in hopes of drumming up some new investment dollars during a time of difficult trading conditions. The two big conferences for the active sports lifestyle market were the ICR Xchange Conference in Dana Point, CA a
OIF: Participation Up, But Youth Interest Dropping
In the 2008 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, the Outdoor Foundation found that while overall participation in outdoor recreation among Americans is increasing, the connection to nature among youth is declining…
Deckers, Wolverine Address Guidance
Deckers Outdoor re-affirmed guidance of 52% growth in sales and 40% EPS expansion and is on target to reach its goal of $1 billion in sales by 2012, said CFO Tom Hillebrandt during the ICR conference last week. The company also re-affirmed its previously
Woolrich Sues Eddie Bauer Over Trademark
Woolrich Inc. has sued Eddie Bauer Inc. for infringing on its trademark, “The Original Outdoor Clothing Co.” In the lawsuit, Woolrich said it has used the slogan since 1997 on more than $500 million worth of garments plus catalogs and advertisements…
Growth Brands Manage Against Market Trends
Volcom management reported that for the year-to-date through the end of the third quarter, net sales had grown 33% to $265 million. Sales in the U.S. accounted for about 69% of Volcom’s business, with Europe about 23% and Electric is about 8%…
Congress Moves on Trade Action
Congress has been back in session for little more than a week and already trade issues are taking center stage. Last week, Reps. Charles Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Sander Levin, Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee
Retailers Also Tighten Inventory
Big 5 Sporting Goods management presented at the ICR conference touting their value-based business model as one that will see particular success with the new value-conscious consumer. Chairman, president and CEO Steve Miller noted that Big 5 average $213
Black Diamond Opens Global DC
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. has opened a new global distribution center near its Zhuhai, China headquarters. Located in a Free Trade Zone in the Guangdong province, the center will assist Black Diamond in locating the storage of inventory closer to vario
Specialty Takes it Day-by-Day While Mass Retail Strategies Get Bullish
Genesco Inc. said same-store sales for the quarter-to-date period ended January 10, were down 4%. Among the divisions, comps at Journeys Group for the quarter-to-date are down 1% and Hat World Group is down 4%. Additionally, Underground Station comped d
Buffalo Communications Promotes Tom Williams to VP
Buffalo Communications, a division of Billy Casper Golf, has promoted Tom Williams to VP. In his new position, Williams will help direct corporate strategy while overseeing the company's golf and lifestyle products division. He will also manage Buffa
Other Industry Companies Update Guidance
West 49 Inc., Canada's action sport retailer, reported fourth quarter-to-date sales were down 0.5% to CN$54.8 million ($44.7 mm)…
Yakima Acquires RACKandRoll
Yakima Products Inc. has acquired RACKandROLL, LLC, a manufacturer of high performance multi-sport trailers based in Frederick, MD. John Koch, former CEO of RACKandROLL, will stay involved and remain available to facilitate a seamless transfer of goods an
Fleet Feet Sports Holds National Franchise Conference
Fleet Feet said sales passed $86 million in 2008 on a 12% comp store gain. A stern eye looks to the future though at Fleet Feet's annual Winter Franchise Conference held in Dallas this week, as President Jeff Phillips commented, “While we celebrate o
Backcountry.com Launches Road Bike Focused ODAT Site
Backcountry.com has launched Bonktown.com —a road bike-focused, one-deal-at-a-time (ODAT) store. Dropping just one select item at a time at ridiculously marked-down prices (50% to 80% below retail), Bonktown.com delivers deals on category-leading, name br
NRF Study: Holiday Sales Dropped 2.8% in 2008
A deep recession, severe winter weather and five fewer shopping days combined to create the most challenging sales environment in years for the nation’s retailers…
