SGB Update

Rab Moves Operations to Boulder

Rab has moved its sales and marketing operations to Boulder, CO. Owner and President Matt Gowar made the decision to move to Boulder based on his commitment to grow the Rab brand in the North American market. The company has been selling into U.S. special

Survey: A Third of Major Retailers Cut Holiday Ad Spend

One-third (32%) of chief marketing officers (CMOs) at leading U.S. retailers state that their holiday marketing and advertising budgets have been reduced this season, according to a survey conducted in October by the accounting and consulting firm BDO Sei

NFL to Lay Off 14% of Staff

The National Football League will lay off almost 14% of its staff to cut costs, Reuters reported. The report follows an announcement by the NBA in mid-October that it was laying off 9% of its workforce due to a weakening economy and declining season ticke

GolfBuddy Launches Operations in Europe

GolfBuddy announces the launch of its operations in Europe, with the headquarters to be located in Dublin, Ireland. John Ennis, who has over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, will be the General Manager…

Rottefella To Sell NTN Bindings Via Boot Makers

Rottefella AS is shifting its North American distribution model to make it easier for retailers to buy an NTN telemark binding/boot system. Starting Jan. 1, 2009, the company will distribute NTN bindings through the three ski boot manufacturers/distribut

USFWS Ups Inspection Fees for Wildlife Imports/Exports

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is increasing inspection fees for import and export of wildlife, and wildlife products, in order to recover more of the costs of inspecting shipments from those who use these services…

Sport and Fitness Top Performing Retail Category Since Cyber Monday

ComScore reported that holiday retail e-commerce through Dec. 5 reached $14.92 billion, essentially the same level compared to the corresponding days last year. For the five days beginning with Dec. 1 (Cyber Monday), the kick-off to the heaviest part of t

Lafuma America Ends FY08 up 24%

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. The sleeping bags, backpacks and camping furniture categories

Season Pass Sales Soar, Bookings Dive at Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts, Inc reported its season pass sales were up 29% from the same time last year, but said advance bookings at its mountain resorts were off 23% and that if they did not improve it would have to lower its guidance for the current fiscal year…

NSGA: Larger Retailers Show Stronger Productivity

Larger full-line sporting goods retailers showed stronger key measures of productivity and profitability than did their smaller counterparts, according to data in the newly released NSGA Cost of Doing Business Survey. For the current study, larger full-li

Flip Skateboards Shifts Distribution Partner

Flip Skateboards, Inc. has finalized a buy-out deal from a long term distribution agreement with Blitz Distribution, Inc. Effective immediately, the company has relocated the sales and distribution of its brand to NHS, Inc., in Santa Cruz, CA…

Gander Mountain Swings to Third Quarter Profit

Gander Mountain Company reported sales of $269.9 million for the quarter ended Nov. 1, 2008, an increase of 4% over the prior year period. Comparable store sales decreased 6.5%. Net income for the third quarter was $770,000, or 3 cents per share, compared

Icebreaker Buys Second European Distributor

Icebreaker has acquired its distributor in Germany, Sweden and Norway – three of its most important markets in Europe. The acquisition marks Icebreakers second of the year in Europe, where its sales are growing at an annual rate of…