NRF Ups Forecast on Surprising September at Retail
After a difficult first half of 2003, retailers saw a pronounced jump in third quarter sales, according to the National Retail Federation. Sales gains stemming from a solid back-to-school season, pent-up demand for apparel, more seasonable weather, and st
Kelty Taps Ross as Backpack Product Manager
Kelty this week tapped Gail Ross as their new Backpack Product Manager. Ross joins Kelty from her post as Director of Development for Mountainsmith and 105 Meridien, and brings nearly 20 years of relevant experience to the position. In her new role, Ross
Bell Hires New Production Manager
Bell Canoe Works recently announced construction of its
new plant. However, there are other significant developments in Bell production. The big news is Bell’s new production manager, Chris Gibbs…
Cannondale Makes Some Pre-InterBike Changes To Management
Cannondale is heading into the Interbike trade show and the 2004 season with a renewed dedication and focus on the marketplace that are reflected in organizational changes to its senior management team. The new team includes previously announced hires Jo
The AAC Calls For Nominations
The American Alpine Club is seeking nominations for members to serve on the AAC Board of Directors. We are looking for nominees with strong business or non-profit backgrounds who enjoy climbing and want to make a difference for the climbing community…
Ashworth Opens First Resort Concept Shop
Ashworth is opening its first Resort concept shop at Parisian Riverchase Galleria on October 18th. The shop will feature the latest in multimedia and interactive technology as well as a full selection of Ashworth apparel and Callaway Golf apparel includin
Decathlon Stores Are On Their Way Out
Big crowds of shoppers are expected at selected Decathlon Sports stores beginning Wednesday, October 8, as consumers take advantage of store closing sales in several locations in New England. As announced earlier, Decathlon Stores is closing the stores as
GBMI Named to Inc. 500 List
Inc. Magazine today released its 23rd annual Inc. 500 ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. Fashion design company, Global Brand Marketing, Inc. (GBMI), ranks #84 on the list, with five-year sales growth of 1,708%. Also in the s
Phoenix Expands Stable in Royal Robbins Acquisition Deal…
Phoenix Footwear has signed an agreement to acquire Royal Robbins. The deal includes $6.5 million due at closing with an additional contingent purchase value of around $5 million based on a two-year earn-out formula. The initial payment will consist of $6
Columbia Makes No Bones About Brand Positioning…
Columbia made a clear point at the recent investor conferences that the company sees itself in the value end of the business for the Columbia brand. Company CFO Bryan Timm and Director of Investor Relations David Kaiser presented at the recent Wells Farg
Salomon Looks to Grow Apparel…
Salomon president Jean-Luc Diard said during his presentation last week that his division, which includes Mavic in Cycling, Arc’teryx in Outdoor, Bonfire in Snowboard and Cliché as their European Skateboard line, saw sales “pretty much” double since 1997.
With a Little Help From My Friends…
The on again, off again saga of the Malden Mills bankruptcy appears to be winding down this week, with a new exit date set for the middle of the month. Company chairman Aaron Feuerstein has another window of opportunity to close on a deal that will enable
It Pays to be Flexible These Days…
Deuter has only been around in the U.S. for a little over two years, but they have been giving many entrenched pack companies a run for their money. This may be because Deuter has been around for so long in Europe, and they have built in production effici
INTERBIKE is THE Place To Be This Weekend…
The InterBike Tradeshow is shaping up to be a record-breaking event on just about every level. Preliminary attendance levels are the highest they have been since 1998 with 14,000 retailers from 3,300 bike shops pre-registered. The show has seen a 43% gro
Reebok Taps Sonny Vaccaro to Run Grassroots Basketball
Reebok International and sports marketing legend Sonny Vaccaro have entered into an agreement to create a comprehensive grassroots basketball platform designed to further connect the sports and fitness brand to the youth basketball market. Vaccaro will b
