Peter Mangione to Step Down as President of FDRA
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) announced that Peter Mangione will be stepping down as president of the association. According to a statement, Mangione, president of the organization since 1981, will assist the organization in re
Brand Strength Measured in Team Sports Sector
Over time, Nike and adidas have been shown to be two of the strongest brands in the active sports lifestyle market. Though that statement is hardly earth shattering, what is surprising is their dominance across consumer groups, from action sports to fitne
Ahnu Expands Retail Footprint with Eddie Bauer, The Walking Company Doors
Ahnu Footwear has formed two new retail partnerships that will send the brand past the 800-retailer milestone in spring 2009. Both The Walking Company and Eddie Bauer will begin carrying Ahnu men’s and women’s designs…
Arena Football League Cancels 2009 Season
The Arena Football League has canceled its 2009 season, but the indoor football league, which has struggled financially for several years, said it plans to resume play the following year. The AFL said its board of directors voted on Sunday night to suspen
Riddell Helmet Lawsuit Sparks Heated Schutt Response
Riddell, Inc. last week filed a lawsuit against Schutt Sports, Inc, claiming Schutt has infringed on three different patents arising from Riddell’s helmet and faceguard technologies. The suit, which demands a jury trial, was filed Dec. 10, 2008 in the U.
Sullivan Named Cloudveil Prez
Cloudveil named Co-Founder Stephen Sullivan President of the company following the resignation of Co-Founder and President Brian Cousins. Cousins leaves Cloudveil after helping to complete its integration with parent company Spyder Active Sports to pursue
REI Partners with Zumobi to Provide Instant Ski Resort Conditions
REI has teamed with mobile software company Zumobi to launch the REI Snow Report, an application for iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile that gives users instant information on ski conditions at resorts in the U.S. and Canada…
Gildan Sees Taxes Put Damper on Strong Q3
Gildan Activewear reported net sales jumped more than 20% for the fourth quarter fiscal 2008, but net income fell by just as much due to a one-time tax assessment because of the company’s restructuring of its international wholesale business and the relat
The Program Moves to Burton HQ
Burton has begun transitioning The Program, which includes snowboard brands Forum, Special Blend and Foursquare, from its Irvine, CA offices to Burton’s Burlington, VT headquarters. The company said the transition will be complete by early February and wi
Puma to Sponsor Women’s Pro Soccer League
Puma signed a deal to sponsor the Women's Pro Soccer League, which is being launched in April. The three-year deal calls for Puma to pay roughly $10 million to become the official equipment supplier to WPS. Puma will have its name and logo on the lea
OIA: Pace of Outdoor Sales Growth Continued in October
According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, October retail sales rose 8% in dollars compared to October 2007. All four major product categories – equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear – grew in October…
Rab Moves Operations to Boulder
Rab has moved its sales and marketing operations to Boulder, CO. Owner and President Matt Gower made the decision to move to Boulder based on his commitment to grow the Rab brand in the North American market…
Adidas Cancels German Swimming Contract
Adidas canceled its contract with the Germany swimming federation after athletes complained that its suits were not competitive. Several swimmers wearing Speedo's LZR Racer suit have broken world records…
G-III Lowers Guidance on Expected Discounting
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. said net sales for the third quarter increased 29.6% to $351.6 million from $271.2 million in the comp quarter last year. Net income for the three months was $28.8 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, compared to $23.8 million, o
Lafuma America Ends FY08 Up
Lafuma America Inc ended its fiscal year on Sept. 30th 2008 up 24% compared to 2007. The Outdoor division of the Lafuma brand experienced a strong 26% increase over the year, said the company…
