SGB Update

Ups and Downs in Nike’s Europe…

Spain’s Supreme Court ruled in 1999 that the Nike brand name did not in fact belong to Nike, Inc., at least if the company wanted to market apparel in Spain. Cidesport, a company that had been a licensee of the Nike name was said to be the lawful owner o

Aldila Gets Leaner and Meaner

Aldila reported that fourth quarter net sales rose 6.6% from $9.1 million in 2002 to $9.8 million in the final quarter of 2003. The company managed to reduce their net loss for the quarter as well, down 28.3% from ($1.7 million) in 2002 to ($1.3 million)

Acushnet Pays up to Protect Titleist…

Acushnet and Nitro Leisure Products have settled a suit out of court. Nitro refurbishes used Titleist golf balls and re-sells them for half to a third of the original retail price. At issue is Nitro’s actions that involved collecting used balls and subs

Commerce Dept. Confirms Strong Retail Numbers for January…

Retail sales results released by the U.S. Commerce Department show that total retail sales excluding motor vehicles rose 0.9% seasonally adjusted for the January 2004 period versus December 2003 and increased a healthy 6.8% unadjusted year-over-year for J

New Toolbox for the Outdoor Industry…

The Outdoor Industry Association has taken a very important first step toward growing human powered outdoor participation by completing the most exhaustive research study of consumer trends conducted to-date. This research does not specifically solve any

All In the Family at Johnson Outdoors?

Samuel C. Johnson, majority shareholder and director of Johnson Outdoors, and his daughter, Helen Johnson-Leipold, chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors, have made an offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Johnson Outdoors and take it private. Accordi

Stuck in the Middle with You…

In an exciting and provocative new book entitled Trading Up, Boston Consulting Group members Neil Fiske and Michael Silverman help to explain the seeming disappearance of the middle class shopper. In recent years we have seen the growing strength of the

Velo Enterprise Expands Team Sponsorships

In an ongoing effort to intensify it’s brand communications Velo Enterprise is has identified and signed several teams and athletes for 2004…

Billabong Posts 12.3% Net Profit Gain on 27% US Sales Increase

Billabong International Limited announced a strong result for the first six months of 2003-04, with a sharp rise in offshore revenue and improved operating margins. Net profit after tax lifted 12.3% to $40.6 million. After currency conversion, total group

Joyce Out, Fields In, as Germans Make adidas America Changes

adidas America has announced that Joe Fields will join adidas America as Senior Vice President of Sales and Retail. He will report to Erich Stamminger, the Executive Baord Member that now heads the Portland unit. Tim Joyce, who has held the SVP role since

Phoenix Footwear May File Secondary Offering

Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. announced that it may file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the end of the second quarter of 2004 for a proposed follow-on offering that the Company anticipates will include newly issued

O’Neill Clothing Posts 28% Sales Increase in 2003

O'Neill Clothing has announced record sales for the year ending Dec. 31, 2003. Junior's and accessories sales were up 35% and 93% respectively, while the company enjoyed an overall sales increase of 28%. Since 1997, O'Neill Clothing has p

SGMA: U.S. Sporting Goods Exports Resume Growth

When it comes to “Made in the USA” sports products, overseas markets are most interested in golf gear, exercise machines, gymnastics equipment, athletic footwear and fishing tackle. Those are the finding of SGMA International’s most recent exports study.

Rock and Ice Singles Out Bouldering

Rock and Ice magazine will expand its reach and coverage of climbing's fastest growing category with its new Bouldering Issue. “Just five years ago, bouldering was a subsport and only a handful of companies made products specific for it,” says Rock a

Schutt to Distribute Impact’s Shoulder Pads

Schutt Sports will serve as the exclusive sales representative for Impact Protective Equipment's new football shoulder pad. The shoulder pad, worn last season by leading NFL athletes, will be marketed by Schutt to high school and college teams…