SGB Update

Big Agnes Names New Sales Reps

Big Agnes Inc., the maker of sleeping bags, pads and tents, hired Sasso Vertical Sales Inc to handle Big Agnes’ sales in Western Canada. Additionally, outdoor industry veteran Rose Alford was recently hired for in-house dealer services…

Former Patagonia Buyer Joins Rab

Rab, the British manufacturer of technical mountaineering garments, gear and accessories, said Jeannie Wall will be directing the company’s brand-new Backcountry collection. Wall was most recently with Patagonia, Inc., from 1991 to 2007. Most relevant to

Vans Exec Joins Taryn Rose International

Taryn Rose International, the luxury footwear brand, appointed Donald Petersen to vice president of operations, effective immediately. Petersen managed operations for Reebok International in the United States and Europe, oversaw logistics for multiple bra

RECALL: Giant Bicycles

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of the 2009 TCR Advanced SL and SL (ISP) Bicycles and Frames. The density of the steerer tubes can cause the forks to crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the consumer. Giant

Zoot Acquired by K2 Sports

Zoot Sports, the manufacturer of apparel, footwear and wetsuits, has been acquired by K2 Sports. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The triathlon-apparel firm will continue to be based in Southern California under its existing leadership team, l

ForeFront Group Names Director Of Marketing

ForeFront Group, Inc. has named Scott Harris as its new director of marketing. In his new position, Harris will be responsible for overseeing all marketing and branding initiatives for the Datrek, Burton, Devant and Miller Golf brands…

Pacific Sunwear Continues USA Surf Team Sponsorship

Surfing America, the National Governing Body for surfing in the USA, announced that Pacific Sunwear has renewed its title sponsorship of the USA Surf Team for 2009, marking a fourth year of support…

Forzani Sees Flat Holiday Sales

The Forzani Group Ltd. reported total sales for the ten weeks ended Jan. 11 were flat to the prior year. On a same store basis, total retail system sales were down 1.8%, although sales were stronger in the week before and the week after Christmas. Corpora

Fleet Feet Comps Rise 12% in FY08

Fleet Feet said sales reached more than $86 million in 2008 on a 12% comp store gain. At Fleet Feet's annual Winter Franchise Conference held in Dallas this week, President Jeff Phillips commented, “In 2009 we will focus efforts on the fundamentals t

Seattle Sports Hires New Sales Manager

Seattle Sports, the outdoor gear manufacturer, has hired Steve Cole as its director of sales. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Cole has worked extensively in the outdoor and bicycle industries and brings over 20 years of combined experience working in sales,

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. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for December (which excl

VF Corp Cuts Q4 Outlook Again, Warns Of Slight 2009 Revenue Drop

VF Corp. announced “aggressive” cost cuts as it lowered fourth-quarter expectations a second time as it also projected 2009 sales below analysts' estimates amid the stronger dollar and weaker consumer spending. At a presentation at an investor confer

Scott USA Promotes Ratliffe

SCOTT USA announced the addition of Brittany Ratliffe to its Customer Service Department. Ratliffe moves to her new position from the Motocross Division, where she worked in the Racer Support Department…

JD Sports to Exceed Expectations

JD Sports Fashion Plc, the U.K.’s third-largest sporting-goods retailer, reported sales rose 2.8% in the five weeks ended Jan. 3. Pretax profit will be “marginally” above estimates, helped by a strategy of delaying marking down merchandise until Dec. 26.

Insight Names New Marketing Director

Insight Tech-Gear, a developer and manufacturer of illumination, laser aiming and imaging solutions for the federal, law enforcement and commercial markets, has named Paul Erhardt its new Marketing Director…