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VOLUME 46 / ISSUE 7

JULY 2013

D T N A 13 A E 20 B RC T SG U KE 8 E SO R 2 SE NE MA 60 5 E M SO ER H # O T C R M M OT O U O SP S B R O

1 JULY 2013

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ID System Volume 46 / Issue 7

July 2013 Publisher & Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302

Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan tryan@sportsonesource.com Contributing Editors Aaron H. Bible Fernando J. Delgado Charlie Lunan Matt Powell Editorial & Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com Senior Graphic Designer Camila Amortegui camila@sportsonesource.com

Chief Information Officer Mark Fine mark@sportsonesource.com 561.615.0240 (x224)

VP Business Development / West Barry Schrimsher bschrimsher@sportsonesource.com 503.784.6267

Advertising Sales Account Managers

VP New Business Development Dave Hoskinson davehoski@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302

Buz Keenan buz@sportsonesource.com 201.887.5112 Katie O'Donohue katieo@sportsonesource.com 828.244.3043

VP Market and Consumer Insights Neil Schwartz neil@sportsonesource.com 561.692.6722

Circulation & Subscriptions subs@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450 (x7106)

Director Business Operations Jennifer Soulé jsoule@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302

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ON THE COVER: Nathan Vapor Wrap, a 2L hydration race vest. Photo courtesy Nathan / Ken Etzel

SGB, Copyright 2013 is a trademark of SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by the authors and contributors to SGB are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. SGB is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB many not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB, Volume 46, Issue 7, (USPS 457-390; ISSN 1548-7407) is published monthly plus a special December Issue by SportsOneSource, LLC., 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Subscription rates: one year $79 (U.S. funds) in the U.S. and its possessions; Canada and Mexico $119 (U.S. funds); all other foreign delivery $199 (U.S. funds). Printed in the U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to SGB, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450.

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JULY 2013

Making News 8 Implus Acquires Shoe Care Assets from Penguin Brands 10 VF Targets $17 Billion in Revenue by 2017 14 Boulder Running Group Snaps up Boulder Running Company 18 Coolcore Goes for Chemical-Free Cool 62 Industry Calendar 64 I Amâ&#x20AC;ŚSGB Bob Puccini, president, Mizuno, USA, Inc. Giving Back 22 Hanesbrands to Donate Land for Wellness Park Events 24 40Under40 - Honoring the best and brightest! Features 28 The Deal Makers The leading financial advisors who have played an important role shaping, reshaping and consolidating the U.S. sporting goods industry. 34 It's A Runner's World Technology and fit drive innovation in running apparel for 2014. 44 The New Minimalism Minimalism will be back for spring, but this time in overall weights, while midsoles get a bump up. 50 Hydration For A New Generation A new generation of hydration systems is making a big splash. 56 Sandals Show Resilience Against Normal Spring New trends and innovations for sandals in 2014.

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Implus Acquires Shoe Care Assets from Penguin Brands By Thomas J. Ryan

mplus, manufacturer of Sof Sole, acquired the shoe care, insole and shoelace assets from Penguin Brands, Inc. As a result of the deal, Nathan, the running accessories specialist, becomes a standalone company under its current ownership and leadership team. Terms were not disclosed. For Implus, this acquisition strengthens its position in the shoe care industry as a whole by broadening distribution capabilities, accelerating product innovation and better serving customers. “The purchase of select Penguin Brands’ assets underscores our commitment to the growth of the shoe care category,” said Todd Vore, president of Implus. “With the combination of quality and innovation that both companies are known for, the acquisition complements the strength of Implus’ footwear accessories portfolio.” Nathan, another Penguin brand and a leader in purposefully designed hydration, visibility, and other running accessories, is not part of this sale and is now a stand-alone company. Current Penguin Brands CEO Bridgit Lombard will remain with Nathan as CEO of the independent brand. Lombard told SGB that Penguin Brands wasn’t looking for a buyer for Penguin assets, but Implus came along at the right time. “When Implus initially contacted us with their interest, we thought long and Todd Vore, president of Implus hard about it,” said Lombard. “Having loyally served our customers for nearly four decades, it was important to us to feel comfortable that this would be a win for them. After careful consideration and getting to know Seth, Todd, and the team at Implus, we

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were certain that Implus was the best place for the Penguin products to live on. We also saw the opportunity to focus our time and resources on accelerating growth in the Nathan brand, a business that has grown an average of 40 percent a year for nine years and is already up 35 percent in 2013.” Lombard added, “Taking the strengths of both companies and combining them in this way is a win for our retail customers and the consumers who shop with them.” Jon Reichlin, Penguin Brands’ founder and current chairman of the board, has made a significant investment in Implus, and will serve as an advisor for the company for the next several years. Implus' brand family includes Sof Sole, Yaktrax, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Perfect Fitness and IceTrekkers.

“We are thrilled that Penguin will live and grow with a team that will not just uphold, but enhance, the standards we have set over the years. Implus’ unparalleled distribution platform and customer service, combined with the innovation and breadth of Penguin shoe care products, will take the shoe care industry to unprecedented heights.” - Jon Reichlin

Vore told SGB that Implus already knew their brands quite well. He added that Jon Reichlin, Penguin Brands’ founder and current Penguin has key retail distribution pieces chairman of the board in their portfolio that will boost Implus’ presence in the marketplace. “As we have excelled in certain sectors of the industry, they have continued to excel in others, namely private label and FDM,” said Vore. “The acquisition helps to complete our shoe care portfolio while also expanding our expertise to more potential customers.”

Besides the FDM and private label business, Vore also sees “great potential” in the specialty market with brands such as Tectron. From a service standpoint, Implus will be able to streamline its product distribution to help provide more solutions for both current customers and those coming in with the acquisition. Said Vore, “Stores can expect to see more selection and a fast turnaround, which means less time spent on having to worry about the shoe care on their floor.” Implus will be bringing on two salespeople from Penguin, Ted Roberto and Rob Noble. Added Vore, “Long-term, we plan to add further support in the future. All terms are confidential.” The acquisition comes as Implus has been focusing on growing distribution and product innovation, as well as moving to create divisions within the company to help focus its attention on each. Footwear and FDM divisions are now based out of North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, an Outdoor division based out of Port Orchard, WA, and a Fitness division based out of Sausalito, CA. “With Penguin, we are first focusing on ensuring a steady transition of inventory and customer service,” said Vore. For Nathan, the acquisition enables its employees to exclusively focus their energy, resources, and intents on the running essentials brand for the first time in nearly 10 years. “We’ve had a mantra here and that is ‘simplify & focus,’” said Lombard. “The sale does exactly that for us, in that it allows us to simplify and enhance our operations, deepen our financial resources, and focus on one goal – the growth and sustainability of the brand. With the same leadership team and infrastructure still in place, and with rich resources dedicated specifically to one brand and one mission, our innovation and growth initiatives will accelerate at an even higher rate than before.” The 35 percent YTD gain has been boosted by 102 percent growth internationally, and overall has benefited from successful Bridgit Lombard CEO, Penguin innovations and color stories across its hyBrands dration, visibility and gear segments. “We sweat the details to ensure our products are delivering what athletes want and what retailers need,” said Lombard. But she also believes it has clearly benefitted by helping retailers expand across profitable accessory categories especially those with a tight focus that are making a strong statement around hydration’s benefit. “The beauty for our accounts is that they are not only seeing sales jump but we are helping them lift the entire category – and this is incremental growth – they are not just swapping out sales from one category to another,” said Lombard. Nathan’s “How do You Hydrate?” campaign has helped retailers engage with their customers and elevate awareness to position the category as a “performance necessity.” A focus on operational excellence has also helped support its retail partners.

Lombard also believes that hydration overall is gaining popularity, and has the opportunity to become a much larger category with increased awareness. Of the 50 million runners in the U.S., 20 million are core runners, meaning they run 100+ times per year. And events like half-marathons, and even ultra marathons, continue to grow and more people continue to enter the sport and these longer distances require better hydration options. “When you take all that into consideration, the market is very under-penetrated in terms of hydration users, giving us a tremendous opportunity to educate and drive awareness of the importance of proper hydration, and how our brand and its purposeful products help keep athletes running stronger and longer,” said Lombard. For Spring 2014, the focus across its hydration and visibility lines focuses on offering solutions for athletes that “surprise and delight because of their functional integrity and also through interesting form factors and colors,” according to Lombard. In active lighting, for example, while passive reflective vests are still selling well, athletes now want to integrate active LED into their gear and do so in a fun, fashionable and functional way. Nathan’s Run Longer LED series is seeing “explosive growth” in that category. Added Lombard, “We can say the same in hydration, music carriers, and other core essential lines that we’re featuring.” Overall, its vest category will expand next year. In hydration, the focus will be on helping runners “run longer and run stronger,” with details incorporated in its Spring 2014 lines including soft-touch, no-chafe binding as well as body mapping to allow for maximum mobility and breathability. Fit will also receive special emphasis, highlighted by an expansion of three new female-specific options that complement Nathan’s successful Intensity and VaporShape hydration vests. Nathan is also planning “first-to-market” innovations around insulated, hi-viz flasks and bottles with its successful Fire & Ice franchise expanding within the product mix. Long term, Nathan will continue to look for opportunities that complement its core business but still sees a lot of room to further expand existing ones. “We've done a great job at redefining ‘accessories’ into ‘essentials,’” said Lombard. “We believe that continued long-term profitable growth will come from focused efforts on all fronts, products, marketing and retail support that is centered on the importance of the running ‘essentials’ category. We know who we are - we are the trusted training partner that provides the ‘essentials’ that support athletes in running longer and running stronger.” ■

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NEWS I FINANCIALS

VF Targets $17 Billion In Revenue By 2017 By Thomas J. Ryan

10 JULY 2013

t its annual investor meeting, VF Corp. established a revenue goal of $17.3 billion by 2017, representing a five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent, with 8 percent organic growth and 2 percent growth anticipated from acquisitions. VF also announced its earnings per share target of $18 for 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 13 percent. Other Broader Targets in its Updated Forecast:

• Gross margin is expected to improve to

49.5 percent in 2017, a 300 basis point improvement over the 46.5 percent gross margin achieved in 2012, thanks to “exceptional growth in its highly profitable” Outdoor & Action Sports coalition, direct-to-consumer and international businesses; • Operating margin is expected to reach 16 percent, up 250 basis points from the 2012 operating margin of 13.5 percent; • Annual cash flow from operations, by 2017, is targeted at $2.4 billion, with a cumulative $9.5 billion in cash flow to be generated between 2013 and 2017. VF’s Outdoor & Action Sports coalition is expected to continue to be the growth engine, with revenues expected to reach $11.1 billion by 2017. The growth represents a five-year CAGR of 14 percent comprised of 11 percent organic growth and 3 percent growth coming from acquisitions. The Outdoor & Action Sports coalition is expected to reach 64 percent of VF’s total revenues by 2017, up from 54 percent in 2012. Among the Growth Drivers for the Outdoor & Action Sports coalition:

• The North Face brand is anticipated to VF Outdoor corporate headquarters located in Alameda, CA

grow at a 12 percent annual growth clip, with revenues reaching $3.3 billion by 2017 from $1.9 billion in 2012;

• Vans raised its average annual revenue

growth projection, initially provided in June of 2012, from 13 percent to 15 percent. The brand is now targeting total revenues of $2.9 billion by 2017, up from $1.5 billion in 2012; • Timberland, now in its second full year of VF ownership, continues to anticipate growing revenue at an annual CAGR of 10 percent over the next five years, increasing to $2.3 billion by 2017 from $1.5 billion in 2012. • Regionally, strong growth is anticipated for the coalition across all key regions: 12 percent in the Americas, 13 percent in EMEA and 24 percent in Asia-Pacific. At the meeting in New York City, Eric Wiseman, VF’s chairman, CEO and president, noted that the company originally laid out a five-year plan in spring 2011, a plan the company wound up “exceeding at such a big rate” that its goals were updated. The March 2011 forecast also came three months before VF Eric Wiseman, Chairman, reached an agreement CEO & president, VF Corp. to acquire Timberland. As a result, revenue goals benefited from the addition of Timberland and SmartWool, putting the company two-thirds on the way to its revenue target. EPS is also two-thirds along toward the planned goal, with gross margins also ahead of plan. Steve Rendle, group president of Outdoor & Action Sports America Outdoor & Action Sports coalition, said the most prior 5-year organic growth rate for this overall of Outdoor & Action Sports coalition was 12 percent. The new 14 percent target comes after the coalition has

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grown at a compounded growth rate of 15 percent over the last three years. “This growth will come from each of our global regions, each growing at double-digit rates,” said Rendle. “We're often asked the question about our individual brand growth opportunities, Steve Rendle, group president and I would tell you this, we're of Outdoor & Action Sports fairly immature in each of the America Outdoor & Action regions that we do business with, Sports coalition and there's a tremendous amount of headroom for us to grow in these years to come.” Rendle said all the coalitions’ brands “will be integral” to reaching his group’s target of $11 billion by 2017, but he is focused primarily on The North Face, Vans and Timberland. The three brands made up 45 percent of VF's total revenue, and are projected to grow to 52 percent of total sales. The coalition also includes Jansport, Kipling (International), SmartWool, Napapijri, Eastpak, Eagle Creek, Lucy and Reef. Exemplifying the growth potential of the Outdoor & Action Sports Coalition, he discussed market share data around the three largest brands. The North Face did $1.9 billion in sales in 2012, representing only 8 percent of the global marketplace in the outdoor business. Its share is much lower when including the Action Sports and Performance business the brand also competes in, with those two areas combining for a $74 billion market.

"...there's nobody in our space that will be able to out-innovate us when you think about the consumer insights that we have, the understanding from our athletes and the information we receive from our consumers,” - Steve Rendle

Vans, at $1.5 billion last year, had a 5 percent share in Action Sports but competes in other channels. Timberland held a 2 percent share in only footwear while carrying “an exciting apparel opportunity” that is just getting launched. Regarding The North Face, Rendle highlighted its overall Performance category, which has seen a compounded growth rate of 24 percent over the last three years. Inside Performance, Training is growing at a 44 percent pace “and we're getting great placement here in the U.S., in Europe and just beginning in some of our Asian markets.”

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He noted that The North Face is the number one apparel brand in ski specialty “and the ski market, or the action sports market for us, is a unique place for us to speak to a younger consumer.” Relatedly, its recent agreement to sponsor the U.S. Free Skiing Team will be the first time The North Face will be able to “participate and be seen on such a large global stage through just the massive media that these activities will be getting.” Around innovation, “significant investments” at The North Face have been made over the last few years into advanced products and its materials research teams. Focus has been around moisture management with launches such as Flash Dry in not only sportswear but also outerwear and footwear. Temperature control with advances such as Thermoball, launching Fall 2013, has also been a priority. Rendle pointed out that ”there's nobody in our space that will be able to out-innovate us when you think about the consumer insights that we have, the understanding from our athletes and the information we receive from our consumers,” as well as the ability to access the leverage of VF’s platform. Specifically on the footwear side, with outdoor activities trending “faster and mobility and performance are becoming very, very important,” The North Face can benefit by its positioning as an alternative to the many “big and bulky” offerings and lightweight, less-protective ones. Said Rendle, “There's an opportunity for The North Face to capitalize on our brand's points of difference, performance, superior performance and protection.” For Spring 2014, an Ultra Protection Series will launch in footwear spanning from hiking to multisport to trail running and training that promises “the perfect balance of lightweight, performance and superior protection” through a blend of new and old technologies. The North Face is expected to see double-digit growth across each of its regions. Outside the U.S., Europe is still seen as widely underpenetrated, particularly with the snow sports market in Europe being twice the size as the U.S. Said Rendle, “This is a great opportunity for our brand to build awareness and drive off the strengths that we have in the U.K. And we're focusing aggressively today about building our brand in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and really seeding our brand in France, Italy and Russia.” In the Asia-Pacific market, he considers The North Face in a “very unique position, an enviable position, of being able to start an outdoor conversation with the young, young consumer in China about what it means to get outdoors.” A large chunk of The North Face will stem from direct-to-consumer, expecting to expand from 20 percent of the total of The North Face revenues to 27 percent by 2017, with doors nearly doubling. DTC Sales will increase 18 percent with e-commerce growing faster than brick-and-mortar.

ans is expected to continue to grow at strong double-digit rates. It’s now VF’s second largest brand overall on a global basis, and recently became VF’s second largest brand in Europe. Said Rendle, “Great, great growth and a tremendous amount of opportunity yet ahead.” In the U.S., growth initially spawned outside of California to reach “up and down the West Coast into the Rocky Mountains” before being acquired by VF in 2004. Afterwards, it began growing in the southwest and Florida and shifted its focus in 2010 to the North to cities like New York through both key-partner stores and eventually its own stores. Added Rendle, “In the case of New York, we ring to this market with our stores. And as we did that, the awareness grew

and our wholesale business with our key partners grew. It's that strategy that as we think to the future, we're now heading into Boston, we're doubling back down to Atlanta and we'll be turning our sights West, deploying the same strategy.” In Europe, the U.K. is the most established market for Vans and the strategy in the near term is to reach deeper into Germany, France and Italy. Rendle said Vans likely has the “most digitally connected consumer across all of VF” and is being reached through action sports, art, music and street initiatives. Vans is also increasingly expanding into a four-season brand by becoming a bigger winter brand. Vans is leveraging VF’s knowledge from the snowboard boot market to marry outsole technologies with Vans classic styles. Vans apparel is similarly playing up warmth features to better sell in colder months while also enhancing weathering techniques as well as water repellency technologies to support its core spring/summer offerings. In DTC, Vans is expected to expand to 40 percent of its sales from 38 percent, with doors nearly doubling and a 16 percent growth rate in e-commerce.

“we are as confident as ever that Timberland will be the next powerful growth story for VF,” - Steve Rendle

Timberland apparel is being reintroduced into the U.S. market this fall in a select number of men's specialty retailers, Nordstrom and also its own stores. Apparel remains a “significant” business in Europe and Asia and those regions had been the primary focus on the apparel side in the past for the brand. The new apparel collection “speaks to the rugged and weather-ready focus of Timberland of its past” and also addresses the versatility asked for by consumers to work in both outdoor and urban settings. “We've been very clear that we have an expectation of adding $300 million to the apparel business within the overall Timberland, and the U.S. market will be a very important part of that, and we're going to be very thoughtful and very careful as we enter here,” said Rendle. D2C for Timberland will expand from 33 percent of its sales to 35 percent by 2017, and the brand’s direct business remains profitable. Other Goals Established as Part of its 2017 Plan:

imberland is projected to see “solid double-digit • The Jeanswear coalition is expected to reach revenues of $3.3 billion by growth” over the five-year period, both in the 2017, with a CAGR of 4 percent over the five-year period, bolstered by the Americas and in the Asia-Pacific region. Mid-singleAsia Pacific region; digit growth is projected for Europe where the brand is well • Imagewear, including the Red Kap, Bulwark and Majestic Athletic brands, is established in southern Europe and is a region facing the expected to deliver a CAGR of 4 percent, with revenues reaching $1.3 billion “strongest economic headwinds,” said Rendle. by 2017. Specifically on the sports licensing side, success has been found Overall, 22 months into the integration of Timberland, to bring more appealing looks and cuts to women with the Shimmer Top “we are as confident as ever that Timberland will be the next representing the number one selling women's item in the NFL; powerful growth story for VF,” said Rendle. Marketing and • Sportswear revenues are expected to grow at a CAGR of 8 percent over the product design has been refocused, distribution has been next five years, reaching $835 million, fueled by growth in both the Nautica rationalized, and two years of research is telling VF that conand Kipling (U.S.) businesses; sumers “love this brand. They love the quality, they love the • Contemporary Brands is expected to reach $645 million by 2017, repreauthenticity and they love the outdoor performance.” senting an 8 percent CAGR over the five years, led by 7 For All Mankind; Rendle added, “But what's even better, they want to see • Direct-To-Consumer (DTC), consisting of its owned retail stores and emore. They want to see more newness. They want to see commerce, is anticipated to grow to 25 percent of total revenues by 2017, more style. They want to see more head-to-toe looks and up from 21 percent in 2012. DTC revenues are expected to hit $4.4 billion more energy.” and expand at a 14 percent CAGR rate. E-commerce is expected to expand Toward that end, a new cupsole program calling back 25 percent annually. By region, DTC is anticipated to expand on a CAGR Timberland’s iconic yellow boot and celebrating the brand’s basis by 12 percent in the Americas, 21 percent in EMEA and 15 percent 40th anniversary, is coming in Fall 2013. Women’s will rein Asia-Pacific; ceive a particular focus with more stylish taking on ”tall • International revenues are expected to reach 43 percent of total revenues leather boots for what our brand is known for,” said Rendle. by 2017 compared with 37 percent in 2012. Revenues are projected to hit Research also shows that the Timberland Pro work $7.4 billion in 2017, with a CAGR of 13 percent over the five-year period. boot business is reinforcing the larger Timberland Pro CAGR growth of 17 percent is projected in Asia-Pacific, 15 percent in the business, and technologies such as new Ever-Guard highAmericas (non-U.S.) and 11 percent in EMEA; abrasion leather will continue to expand to the consumer side. Said Rendle, “What we learned here, we're able to Acquisitions: The focus for potential candidates will continue to be in the Outdoor bring into more functional scuff-resistant materials in our & Action Sports areas. Said Bob Shearer, CFO and SVP, “We've been pretty consistent core line.” with that. It's where we've been hunting, it's also where we've had great success.” ■

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N E W S I R E TA I L E R F O C U S

Photos courtesy of Boulder Running Company

Running Specialty Group Snaps Up Boulder Running Company By Aaron H. Bible

Running Specialty Group (RSG), the joint partnership between The Finish Line and Gart Capital Partners, in early June acquired one of the crown jewels of the U.S. run specialty channel, Boulder Running Company. Terms were not disclosed. In addition to the flagship location in Boulder, the acquisition includes the Littleton and Colorado Springs locations. The addition bring RSG’s store count to 38, located primarily in the Northeast, Virginia, Florida, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Texas and now, Colorado. The transaction also includes the e-commerce site at boulderrunningcompany.com. Opened in 1996 by co-owners and running legends Johnny Halberstadt and Mark Plaatjes, South African émigrés, the business is considered one of the top running specialty operations in the country. The flagship store on Pearl Street in Boulder, CO was the

14 JULY 2013

first store in the U.S. to implement free video gait analysis. Boulder Running Company is consistently ranked by local publications as the best running store in Denver and Boulder and has been repeatedly ranked among the top running stores in the U.S. by the Independent Running Retailers of America (IRRA), including the number-one ranking in 2006. Current plans call for Plaatjes to continue assisting with the management of Boulder Running Company while Halberstadt will stay through a transition period and then move into a consulting role. All other onsite staff will remain. RSG plans to add more Boulder Running Company locations in metro Denver and possibly other markets based on the broad appeal of the name and the store’s national reputation.

The scene at a recent Boulder Running Company Wednesday evening run.

“Teaming up with the proven expertise and resources offered by the Running Specialty Group will enable us to continue growing and thriving while concentrating even more on providing passionate customer service,” said Halberstadt. In Motion Rehabilitation, the physical therapy facilities located in the Boulder and Littleton stores, is not part of the acquisition. The facilities are owned and operated by Plaatjes, a world-renowned physical therapist. “This is a great opportunity for me to continue working with our wonderful staff in the stores that I love,” said Plaatjes. The new owners have prioritized keeping Boulder Running Company “local” and connected to the community through personalized service and support of special events. Weekly runs and walking groups are offered at all three locations with local sponsors and refreshments to build camaraderie and connections among local runners. “We have great respect for the history and heritage of Boulder Running Company because we understand the heart, the energy, the risk, and the commitment it takes to build and maintain running stores of this caliber,” said Ken Gart of Gart Capital Partners. “We have admired these stores and Halberstadt’s and Plaatjes’ philosophy for so many years that we are honored to have it as part of the RSG group.” In an interview with SGB, Chris Brown, principal at Gart Capital Partners, said one clear benefit for RSG from the acquisition was Boulder Running’s proximity to Gart’s and RSG’s Denver headquarters. Said Brown, “It’s right in our backyard. So we can use it as a lab to test things and have our people frequent the store to understand at the ground level what’s working in the business. That’s a huge win for us.” He also indicated the timing was right, with Halberstadt “getting a little older” and looking to cut back his hours in the business while Plaatjes wanted to dedicate more energy around building In Motion Rehabilitation. But the Gart team had been talking to the principals at

Boulder Running for three years -well before forming RSG with The Finish Line in March 2012 - in first exploring the opportunity in the run specialty channel, long admiring the concept. “Johnny and Mark both had a lot of success as runners and then they brought a lot of innovation to different aspects of run specialty when they launched Boulder Running,” said Brown. “They Chris Brown, principal at Gart built one of the top specialty doors Capital Partners across the entire landscape.” Brown said RSG clearly sees the opportunity to bring the Boulder Running Company name to the Denver area, which officials see as not fully penetrated. But the Boulder Running Company name overall has an “active outdoor connotation” that could work in other states, especially Western ones that likewise embrace an active lifestyle, he added. Overall, RSG’s strategy calls for not only finding well-established store nameplates but helping them expand further, particularly locally. The Boulder Running Company merger follows quickly on the May 23rd announcement of the acquisition of the six-unit BlueMile running store chain, close to Finish Line’s Indianapolis, IN headquarters. RSG made its first acquisition after being formed with the October 2012 acquisition of the five-unit, Dallas-based Run On! chain, and that chain has already expanded to eight stores. In late December 2012, it acquired the Road Runner store in Richmond, VA. Under the partnership, RSG’s headquarters were relocated to Denver, where GCP manages all day-to-day operations as well as merchandising and acquisitions. Finish Line assists with direct logistics, marketing and IT support along with digital expertise, which has included the launch of run.com. In forming Specialty Sports Venture, GCP’s team has experience rolling up a specialty channel. The business bought up 140 ski and snowboard shops before being sold to Vail Resorts in 2010. In March on its fourth-quarter conference call, Finish Line officials predicted that RSG’s sales would range between $45 million to $55 million in its current fiscal year ended April 2014, driven by a combination of comp store sales growth, plus the acquiring and opening of approximately 30 new stores. RSG sales in its 2013 fiscal year were $27.6 million, with comps increasing in the low teens.

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16 JULY 2013

The goal of the RSG partnership is to create the nation’s single largest operator within the specialty running business. The chain lags behind Fleet Feet, Inc., the franchisor that just opened its 100th store and did $130 million in revenues in 2012. Road Runner Sports operates 31 stores but its burgeoning online business appears to put it firmly in second place. Brown said the running specialty channel overall has been largely receptive in general to conversations with RSG about possible mergers. “The beautiful part of running and other specialty niche businesses is that they’re passion-driven categories and you tend to have people who are super friendly and nice and there’s not a lot of hostile competition,” said Brown. “It’s a networking game and that’s something I love to do. And at the end of the day, if someone wants to sell their business, that’s a big decision and carries a lot of risk. It’s all about first developing relationships with people.” The potential buyers often break down demographically, with younger or newbie owners early in the game more reluctant to sell while “some of the older guard who have been around a long time are wondering, ‘What can I try next?’,” or looking to retire. Brown added, “There’s not a lot of options there if you’re exploring selling. And we maintain that heritage and culture they built their business on. Gart has a long history of doing that. There’s no shortage of opportunities out there beyond the ones we’ve already done.” For stores, quick benefits are more around “basic disciplines” for operating a specialty business efficiently with Gart’s team as well as running stores they’ve acquired sharing best practices with each other. Operating systems will eventually be consolidated across stores, as well as areas such as accounts payable. Leveraging RSG’s size, stores gain greater access to product and collective buying power. With many not even having e-commerce, they also can tap run.com as a platform to help fill out-of-stocks. One aspect RSG is committed to not changing is the local community approach of each location. To secure that, Lucy Diaz was hired as RSG’s VP of marketing. Diaz was formerly director of advertising for Competitor Group, which operates 55 events around the world, including the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, TriRock Triathlon Series and Columbia Muddy Buddy Series. Said Brown, “She is very attuned to the importance of connecting on the local level.” RSG also insists that even though buys can be coordinated at the corporate level, vendor reps continue to call on individual stores because it supports the local approach. “We have taken it very seriously as we acquire these local operators that we can maintain that local community involvement and community presence. Keeping that brand name relevant in the local market is so important,” Brown continued. Preserving that community activism has been a chief concern expressed by vendors. But conversations with the vendor community have also been positive, especially as they turn to ways both sides can collectively grow the channel. “We obviously have a lot of business experience and having a strong partnership with The Finish Line provides a comfort factor,” said Brown. “But they’re excited to work with our resources and our people, and in being able to look at the future and say, ‘How can we grow the pie?’ And ultimately that comes down to, ‘How do we get more people off the couch?’ Because for everyone to grow, we need to provide access to more people to the sport of running.” ■

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NEWS I VENDOR FOCUS

Coolcore Goes For ChemicalFree Cool By Thomas J. Ryan

t a recent event in New York City, Reggie Bush unveiled the new Mission Athletecare sports towel as part of the brand’s new EnduraCool Instant Cooling Gear apparel range. It also marked the first highpublicity debut of Coolcore, which is to be the industry’s first chemical-free cooling material for the textile market. Beyond eventually working with brands outside Mission Athletecare, whose EnduraCool product line is powered by the start-up’s fabric cooling technology, Coolcore will be introducing Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go wraps this fall and a Coolcore performance cooling apparel collection for Spring 2014.

Reggie Bush, NFL line backer for the Detroit Lions wearing the new Mission

18 Athletecare JULY 2013sports towel. Photo courtesy Mission Athletecare

The fabric is the invention of Dennis Ackroyd - who was part of the team at Malden Mills that developed Polarfleece. Switching gears, Ackroyd directed his expertise in fabric technology to keeping people cool, rather than warm. In an interview with SGB, Ryan Drew, Coolcore’s chief marketing officer, said traditional performance fabric works by absorbing perspiration away from the skin but without a noticeable cooling effect. Coolcore fabric absorbs moisture from the skin and disperses the moisture throughout the fabric’s hollow fiber filaments. Air circulates around the hollow fiber core, activating the cooling technology. Fibers then regulate evaporation, creating a prolonged cooling effect. The fabric cools to approximately 30 degrees below the average body temperature in under a minute, and the cooling effects – easily reactivated by re-wetting the fabric (with water or sweat) and re-introducing airflow – last for hours. “The industry has said that ‘dry is cool,’ but we disagree and the testing has supported that position,” said Drew, who worked for Under Armour and And1 before joining Coolcore. “Rather than a simple wicking function, our moisture-activated cooling technology makes sweat work for athletes and on-the-go consumers.” In addition to the cooling benefits, the material is significantly drier due to its non-cling, non-saturated nature. Also, because it is chemical-free, the cooling benefit doesn’t wash out. Most other cooling fabrics on the market use polymers or other additives, whether at the fabric or yarn level, that lose their potency with each washing. “They all talk about the life of the garment but the life of the garment is determined by the number of washes and all those polymers and other additives will wash out,” according to Drew. “Even if it washes out a little , you’re just not getting the same level of performance that you get the first time you put it on.” Coolcore, headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, recently became the first U.S. company to obtain the Hohenstein Quality Label “Innovative Technology” for the textile sector. This testing utilized Hohenstein’s new cooling test, the “WATson,” that has been submitted to the universal standard testing authorities as the first

Reggie Bush took members of the media through aggressive workouts to showcase EnduraCool’s ability to solve the problem of overheating. Photo courtesy Mission Athletecare

test that measures a fabric’s ability to not only manage moisture, but also measure the cooling power of a fabric. In late April, Coolcore received patent protection for three functions of its chemical-free material design - wicking, moisture circulation and regulated evaporation. “The cooling category is exploding right now and we’re excited to be in a leadership position,” asserts Justin Cupps, president at Coolcore. “While we’ve seen an increase in competition recently, there’s no other product in the marketplace that offers these three distinct functions and provides them chemical-free.” Although Coolcore’s fabric technology had also been used in the past with brands such as Grabber, it was on full display at Mission Athletecare’s event. Co-founded in 2009 by a group of elite athletes including Serena Williams, David Wright and Mia Hamm, Mission Athletecare was first known for Court Grip, which improves court traction and lateral quickness, and Power Grip, which eliminates sweaty palms with a no-mess gel. The company is now coming out with a full EnduraCool Instant Cooling Gear apparel range, including cooling hoodies, cooling sleeves, cooling skull caps, cooling helmet liners and cooling headwear.

“These products make you feel cooler, stay cooler, and keep you from being weighed down by equipment that is soaking wet.” - Reggie Bush

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Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go wraps Photo courtesy Coolcore

Mission Athletecare’s Founder and President Josh Shaw said that in conversations with athletes, coaches and trainers, the company found that alongside concussion and hydration, overheating is at the top of the list of preventable sports injuries facing athletes at every level of play. He added, “We know that optimal performance is achieved when athletes can maintain a safe, consistent temperature.” Reggie Bush, NFL running back who last year signed with the Detriot Lions, took members of the media through aggressive workouts to showcase EnduraCool’s ability to solve the problem of overheating. As part of a demonstration, the crowd was shown how the inner technology is activated by an athlete simply wetting it, wringing it out, and allowing air to circulate into the fabric. Ryan Tannehill and Dwyane Wade have also signed on as Mission Athletecare sponsors and they all played an integral role in the EnduraCool product testing. The Instant Cooling helmet liner and Instant Cooling hoodie were engineered with input from Bush and Tannehill. The Cooling helmet liner offers under-helmet cooling, while the Cooling Hoodie can be tucked into jerseys or pads, for cooling relief around the head, neck and shoulders when resting on the sidelines. “These products make you feel cooler, stay cooler, and keep you from being weighed down by equipment that is soaking wet,” said Bush. The EnduraCool collection is available at sporting goods’ retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, The Finish Line, Modell’s, Hibbett and Sport Chalet. Cupps, who formerly worked for Adidas and And1, has been hired to spur the fabric’s expansion, including extending the technology to brands beyond Mission Athletecare. Coolcore has also added Nick Skally as director of marketing and Kelly Glowik as business unit manager, who both join Drew and founder Ackroyd, who is chief technology officer. Key investors for Coolcore include Founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital, J. Christopher Burch, who co-founded and invested in consumer

20 JULY 2013

brands such as C. Wonder, Jawbone, Powermat, Voss Water and Tory Burch; and Mark Stebbins, owner of Pro-Con, Inc., a New England construction management company, and developer and operator of Marriott and Hilton hotel properties, as well as a real estate portfolio through Stebbins Commercial Properties. Both have provided resources and guidance to support the upcoming product launches and international expansion. Next up for Coolcore will be the September launch of Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go wraps, which promises athletes to keep participating in their sport as they recovery from sprains and other injuries that require icing. Drew said while its competitors in the wraps space are largely focused on providing solutions to the hardcore athlete, Dr. Cool is going after any active athlete looking for ways to avoid injury and speed rehab time while still enjoying their favorite activity. For 2014, an apparel line under the Coolcore name is set to debut, much like GoreTex has come out with its own apparel lines to support its branding messages. Drew believes that while some brands were first to come to market, Coolcore’s breakthrough will resonate further. “If you look at Apple, there were people in the MP3 Game before the iPod came out and they just did it better,” said Drew. “We’re not worried about the competition. We’re just worried about our business and telling great stories because that’s the one thing we’ll do. We will tell a fantastic story about why this delivers that performance benefit to the end-user in any capacity.” ■

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GIVING BACK

HanesBrands to Donate Land for Wellness Park By Thomas J. Ryan

22 JULY 2013

"We aim to change lives by meeting the basic needs of the communities in which we live and work, and the new wellness park is another tool that will allow us to enhance lives." - Chris Fox, vice president of corporate social responsibility, HanesBrands

HanesBrands, the parent of Hanes, Champion and Gear for Sports, announced plans to donate 5.3 acres of land from HanesBrands to build a wellness park at the Fulton Family YMCA in Winston-Salem, NC. Fulton Family YMCA, located at 385 West Hanes Mill Road, is one mile from Hanes’ headquarters. The property was donated as part of the sale of its former Weeks Hosiery and R &D facility, located at 401 West Hanes Mill Road. Fulton Family YMCA will convert the donated land into an athletic complex that will include two multi-purpose fields, a walking track, outdoor exercise elements and a pavilion. The complex will also provide space to expand the YMCA summer day camp to serve more children in the local community. The YMCA will begin construction on the athletic complex this summer. "HanesBrands and its employees strongly believe in being great community partners, and it is only fitting that we collaborate with a local organization that shares our commitment of strengthening communities," said Chris Fox, HanesBrands vice president of corporate social responsibility. "We aim to change lives by meeting the basic needs of the communities in which we live and work, and the new wellness park is another tool that will allow us to enhance lives." The project has gained support from the community. Winston-Salem Lacrosse is one of the first donors to support the field construction and plans to practice and play games on the fields. "We are grateful to HanesBrands for demonstrating with this donation how much they value our community's health and well-being in a way that will benefit Winston-Salem residents for years to come," said Curt Hazelbaker, president and CEO of YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. "The planned athletic complex will provide outdoor recreation opportunities unlike any in the immediate Hanes Mill Road area, as well as much-needed green space." "This is not only an addition to the Fulton Family YMCA facility – it’s a contribution that will benefit both Y members and the local community," added Richard Daniels, executive director of the Fulton Family YMCA. "Our goal is to be playing sports on these fields and enjoying the complex by fall this year." The Fulton Family YMCA manages an on-site fitness center at Hanes headquarters on East Hanes Mill Road. Through its annual United Way donations, Hanes is also a financial contributor to the YMCA's annual giving campaign, which provides program funding and financial assistance to ensure no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay. ■

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SGB EVENTS

The 40Under40 Class of 2013 By Thomas J, Ryan

Attending this year's event from left to right: Carey Platto, Bridgit Lombard, Charles Murray, Marisa Nicholson, Dan Near, Kyle Orme, Marc Misiewicz, Salym Hunter, Jules Lambert, Melissa Valentine, Antonio Grey, Aimee Arana, Laura St. George, Janica Lane, Eric Tung, TJ Ciaravino, Joe Suboticki, Scott Daley, Ian Pund, Dani Reiss, Matt DiLorenzo, and Ze'ev Fieg.

n late June, the sixth class of the annual SGB 40 Under 40 Awards was honored at an invitation-only event sponsored by SGB and The SportsOneSource Group in Huntington Beach, CA. Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of SGB magazine, The SportsOneSource Group introduced the 40 Under 40 Awards in 2008 as a way to recognize the best and brightest of the next generation of sporting goods industry leaders. The awards also call out the value of the sporting goods industry as a career for young professionals and the continued need for new talent and fresh ideas to keep the industry moving forward. This year’s forty honorees were selected by a panel of SportsOneSource analysts, editors and industry executives from more than 400 nominations received from around the industry. The 2013 class again contained individuals from all corners of the sporting goods industry who are recog-

24 JULY 2013

nized as leaders making a difference in their businesses and the market. Among the list were 13 women, the most in any year. It also included the first sibling pairing, with Ian Pund, global account manager, field sales W.L. Gore & Associates, joining his brother, Nate Pund, 2009 honoree and managing director, investment banking, at D.A. Davidson & Co. The event also drew past nominees, including Brian Moore, VP, global footwear, The North Face (2009 Honoree); Jake Brandman, Sanük brand president, Deckers Outdoor Corporation (2012 Honoree); Jared Briskin, VP/DMM footwear and equipment divisions, Hibbett Sports (2008 Honoree); Brent Lamm, outdoor industry consultant/contractor, product line & product development management (2010 Honoree); Dan Sheridan, GM North America sales, Brooks Sports (2009 Honoree); Troy Sicotte, director of sales, The North Face (2012 Honoree); Damian McCusker, running specialty sales manager, Asics America (2012 Honoree). A terrace reception on Friday night created terrific networking opportunities and helped new friendships develop rising to a crescendo on Saturday night as the 2013 award recipients were toasted with dinner and dancing. ■

Honoree Antonio Grey

Honoree Ze'ev Fieg with his wife Hadas and their sons.

James Hartford, president & CEO, SportsOneSource (left) and Honoree Joseph Suboticki.

Honoree Melissa Valentine received her award from Peter Goehrig, president, Franklin Retail Solutions.

Honoree Laura St. George received her award from her Mom, Sharon Dodd (left).

Matt Donnelly, Asics America, gave his good friend T.J. Ciaravino his award.

Honoree Marisa Nicholson (center) with co-workers from Outdoor Retailer and Kenji Haroutunian (far right) who presented her with her award.

Honoree Dani Reiss received his award from Kevin Spreekmeester, senior VP marketing, Canada Goose (left).

Honoree Jules Lambert with his wife Sara.

Honoree Kyle Orme

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Honoree Dan Near with his wife Lori.

Honoree Matt DiLorenzo

Darlene Rudkin, sales director, Hurley (right), honored Aimee Arana.

Honoree Marc Misiewicz

Honoree Scott Daley with James Hartford , president & CEO, SportsOneSource (left).

Honoree Eric Tung Honoree Charles Murray with his with Elizabeth.

Honoree Janica Lane

2012 Honoree Damien McCusker with his wife Lauren. Honoree Carey Platto

Honoree Salym Hunter

Honoree Bridget Lombard

26 JULY 2013

SportsOneSource

Congratulates

the 40 Under 40

2013 Award Honorees

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The Deal Makers By Charlie Lunan

hen it comes to the history and evolution of the modern sporting goods industry, there are few people who know as much as Joe Pellegrini and Andrew Martin. Pellegrini, since retiring as an NFL offensive lineman in 1989 to go to work for Robertson Stephens, and Martin, since dedicating his career to the industry after a long stint crafting deals for Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers, have probably helped more U.S. sporting goods companies raise capital, acquire other companies or be acquired than anyone. In early 1994, Pellegrini helped bankrupt Odyssey Holdings, Inc. find buyers for The North Face, Sierra Designs and Marmot. Six years later he advised VF Corp. on its acquisition of Vans. In the 2000s, Martin and Pellegrini formed the partnership that survives today, working on transactions such as the IPOs for Under Armour and Zumiez and, in 2012, they advised Wolverine Worldwide on its acquisition

28 JULY 2013

of the Sperry, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds brands from Collective Brands. The partners are among a small group of bankers who have dedicated their practice to the burgeoning active lifestyle and sporting goods space. Typically, these specialists work both the sell and buy side. In the span of a year, they might help a $50 milliona-year company issue convertible bonds to finance expansion, broker a sale between two private equity funds and help a strategic buyer snap up a brand at a bankruptcy auction. They travel the globe to find buyers and sellers and can be seen prowling the aisles of Outdoor Retailer, ISPO Munich and the SHOT Show for the latest innovations, brands and consumer trends. They are the deal makers. While the transactions they enable do not always pan out, they have played an important role shaping, reshaping and consolidating the U.S. sporting goods industry to help it lower costs, fund innovation and grow faster than it might have otherwise. In doing so they have helped build American Recreational

Products, Cabela’s, Inc., Deckers Outdoor Corp., Easton-Bell Sports, Jarden Corp, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and VF Corp. into global players capable of growing the industry not just at home and in Europe but in Asia, Russia and Latin America. “When I grew up you went to a fishing shop to buy a fishing rod, you did not go to a mass merchant,” recalled Jim D’Aquila, managing partner with Imperial Capital, who helped Dick and Jim Cabela raise their first round of outside capital. “You can now go buy for $40 a beautiful rod and reel combo from Shakespeare that cost $150 when I was a kid and did not have the same quality. These big box retailers have made outdoor recreation more accessible and more top of mind.”

The Early Days

Pellegrini was awoken to the potential of the sporting goods industry in the early 1990s, while working as a member of the Consumer and Retail practice for Robertson Stephens. In 1993, he was assigned the task of helping Odyssey Holdings, Inc. sell off some of its more than 30 outdoor brands as part of a court-supervised bankruptcy proceeding. By the time the liquidation was completed, he had sold Sierra Designs to American Recreation Products, Marmot to a management led buyout group and The North Face to a group backed by J.H. Whitney. Over the next four years, Pellegrini helped Pacific Sunwear of California, Cannondale Corp. and Rockshox, Inc. raise millions of dollars through IPOs, while also helping Oakley and other rapidly growing companies raise capital, acquire companies or sell themselves to larger corporate buyers or private equity firms. Still, deal flow was sporadic. “In 1995 there were five or six relevant transactions a year,” said Pellegrini.

R.W. BAIRD

Joe Pellegrini Managing Director Robert W. Baird & Co.

Andy Martin Managing Director Robert W. Baird & Co.

Baird is an employee-owned, full-service investment bank that provides a wide range of services to middle market companies, including M&A advisory, equity financing and corporate restructuring. Andy Martin and Joe Pellegrini teamed up at Wachovia from 2003 to 2006 and have been together ever since. Pellegrini is widely considered the dean of the industry for his long tenure and involvement in several seminal deals. A Harvard graduate who earned his M.B.A. at Columbia University while playing offensive lineman for the New York Jets, he began his career in investment banking in 1989. He worked at Robertson Stephens, Lehman Brothers and Wachovia, before helping open Baird’s Charlotte, NC office in 2008. His specialties include branded apparel, footwear and fitness. After earning an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University, Martin began his career with Merrill Lynch in New York. He worked at Lehman in London, joined Wachovia in 2003 and Baird in 2009.

Recent deals IN 2012 • • •

• • •

Advise Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan’s acquisition of Plano Molding Company, Inc.; Advise LNK Partners’ minority investment in Beachbody, LLC; Advise Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on its acquisition of Collective Brands’ Performance + Lifestyle Group; Advise Helly Hansen Group AS on its sale to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan; Advise Filson Holdings, Inc. on its sale to Bedrock Manufacturing Co.; Advise Quad-C Management Inc. on its sale of August Sportswear Group’s sale to Kelso & Co.

“I used to go to the Outdoor Retailer Show when it was one or two moderate size conference halls. At that time, it was still a small industry dominated by Columbia and Patagonia, which were themselves a fraction of their current sizes and The North Face was under $100 million in sales. There were not enough sizable transactions to generate a profitable investment banking career. Since, the industry has exploded and expanded into multiple, sizable, and rapidly growing categories. Today, my partner (Managing Director, Andy Martin) and our team sometimes struggle to keep up, and there are 3 to 6 transactions in a category each month.” D’Aquila recalls his pivotal deal coming in the early 1990s when he helped raise some of the original outside capital for Dick and Jim Cabela. That experience taught him that the modern logistics and outsourcing Walmart had used to drive down costs was going to spread to the sporting goods industry. As Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority grew, he figured they would demand better pricing from vendors. To meet this demand and to satisfy retailers’ desire to work with fewer vendors, sporting goods’ wholesalers and manufacturers would have to consolidate and achieve the scale needed to profitably meet the pricing demands of the key sporting goods retailers. “I came to this industry because I loved it,” said D’Aquila, an avid paddler and cyclist who created Mercanti Group in 2001 to focus on the opportunity. “I started calling on companies whose brands I used, like K2, after it occurred to me that consolidation on the retail side was going to cause consolidation on the vendor side.“ One of D’Aquila’s first calls was Dick Heckmann, then chairman and CEO of Seattle-based K2. Heckmann was already well known for his $8 billion sale of U.S. Filter, a company he had built

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IMPERIAL CAPITAL

through 260 acquisitions. D’Aquila argued K2’s underutilized two millionsquare-foot Chinese factory put it in a unique position to begin consolidating the industry. Over the next five and a half years, D’Aquila helped Heckmann acquire Rawlings Sporting Goods Company and five of the 26 other companies Heckmann bought before selling K2 to Jarden Corp. for $1.2 billion.

Consolidation Accelerates

Nathan Pund, now a managing director and group head at D.A. Davidson & Co., recognized the consolidation trend while working at RBC Capital Markets in 2003, when he found himself advising Mountain Hardwear on its sale to Columbia Sportswear. “From the success of that transaction I realized that the outdoor space was poised for growth and consolidation,” said Pund, noting that from 2001 to 2003 three of the industry’s marquee names – Arc’teryx, Mountain Hardwear and Marmot – had all been sold to strategic buyers. “I thought ‘Oh my goodness,’ this industry is really changing. That was a watershed moment when the floodgates opened. I tried to convince my boss to open a practice and he disagreed, so I quit and formed Silver Steep Partners in 2005.” At Silver Steep, Pund was joined by Robert Farinholt and Sally McCoy, a former CEO of Sierra Designs and vice president of sales for The North Face who left the firm in 2008 to serve as CEO of CamelBak. During Silver Steep’s existence, from 2005 to 2010, the team closed 18 transactions. Since 2003, Pund has advised on 27 closed deals in the space. In 2003, after three years at Lehman Brothers, Pellegrini moved to Charlotte, NC to lead Wachovia Corp.’s Retail and Soft Goods investment banking practice. There he teamed up with Martin, who had

30 JULY 2013

Jim D’Aquila Managing Director, Imperial Capital, LLC

Christy Lowe Managing Director Imperial Capital, LLC

Imperial Capital is a full-service investment bank providing wide range of services to management and boards of middle market companies and private equity funds, including M&A advisory services. Christy Lowe joined Imperial in 2007 when it acquired USBX, Inc., an M&A advisory firm she co-founded after stints at Goldman Sachs and a private equity firm. Her specialties include action sports such as surf, skate and snow. She is currently working on her sixth transaction involving Billabong. She holds an M.B.A. from Stanford Business School and a B.S. in Finance from the Wharton School of Business. Jim D’Aquila helped the Cabela brothers raise their first $30 million in outside capital in 1996. In 2001, he founded the M&A advisory firm, The Mercanti Group, to focus predominantly on the sporting goods and active lifestyle space. There he played a key role helping Richard Heckmann build K2 through acquisitions leading up to K2's 2007 acquisition by Jarden Corp. He sold Mercanti to Imperial in 2009. Recent Deals • •

• • • •

2013, advise Gold Tip, LLC. on sale to Bushnell Outdoor Products; 2012, advise Nixon management and Trilantic Capital Partners on purchase 51.5 percent stake in Nixon from owner Billabong; 2011, advise Astro Gaming in sale to Skullcandy; 2010, advise Aerobed in sale to Jarden Corp.; 2009 advise Skullcandy on a minority equity raise of $30 million from Goode Partners. 2008, advise Billabong in their acquisition of Dakine, and advised Electric Visual Evolution in their sale to Volcom;

brought relationships cultivated at Lehman’s European corporate finance practice in London. Together the duo took on a variety of high-profile assignments, including helping Under Armor, Volcom and Zumiez go public, advising VF Corp. on its acquisition of Vans and advising SmartWool, Easton Sporting Goods, Brooks Sports, Pearl Izumi and Reef on their sales to Timberland, RiddellBell, Russell Corp. (now Fruit of the Loom), Shimano and VF Corp., respectively. The partners attribute their success to being able to quickly assess whether a brand has the potential to sustain growth. “We have a really good sniff test and ask some pretty probing questions to figure out the merits and quality of an opportunity,” Pellegrini said. “We identify why a particular brand story can generate sustainability and profitable growth. We also know the global strategic buyer universe and PE equity buyers and can match sellers and buyers to achieve exceptional outcomes. We can save people enormous amounts of time without making mistakes. We can help them find that needle in the hay stack.”

The Financial Crisis

Deal flow slowed in 2007 as the credit cycle peaked and banks tightened or completely stopped lending to private equity firms, retailers and small businesses. Almost overnight, private equity firms found they could no longer get banks to finance 60 percent of the costs of a deal. By the time Lehman Brothers filed bankruptcy in September, 2008 many PE firms had already shifted their focus from growing companies to stabilizing cash flow. Banks became much more reluctant to finance inventory for retailers because the

outlook for consumer spending was so uncertain, making it difficult for vendors to forecast demand. PE firms that had jumped on the active lifestyle bandwagon in the go-go days leading up to the Great Recession retreated from the space. “A lot of investors perceived a lot of success, specifically in the outdoor world,” said Steve Moore, a partner at Brentwood Associates, a Los Angeles private equity firm that has focused on consumer brands since the early 1970s. “There was a sense among some investors that you could do no wrong and it was going to grow no matter what. The 2008/2009 timeframe helped everyone understand whether they had a brand that was important to the consumer.” As valuations dropped, taking on a private equity partner or going public became much less attractive for founders and entrepreneurs. Deal flow suffered. “For us, the challenge was finding good quality businesses,” said Moore. “It was clear those entrepreneurs were not interested in selling their business when people were out looking for a bargain.” In 2008, Pellegrini left Wachovia Corp. to help Robert W. Baird & Co. open its Charlotte investment banking office. Martin joined in 2009 after Wells Fargo acquired Wachovia. In their four years at Baird, Martin and Pellegrini have increased their dedication to the space and, as a result, their deal activity. Notable deals include the sale of Augusta Sportswear to Kelso, the sale of CamelBak to Compass Diversified Trust, the sale of Helly Hansen to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, the sale of Peter Millar to Richemont and the sale of Implus Corporation to Trilantic Capital Partners, just to name a few.

D.A. Davidson

Nathan Pund, Managing Director, Group Head Outdoor, Active Lifestyle, & Tactical Investment Banking Group, D.A. Davidson & Co.

D.A. Davidson, or DADCO, is a leading fullservice middle market investment bank that advised on more than 250 M&A deals from 2007 to 2012. Nathan Pund co-founded Silver Steep Partners in 2005 to provide M&A advisory services to the outdoor, active lifestyle and tactical industries. After the firm closed 18 deals, Pund sold it to D.A. Davidson & Co in 2010, where he now heads a five-member team dedicated to following the Outdoor & Tactical industries.

Recent deals • •

• • • •

2012, advises Garmont USA on acquisition by Scott Sports; 2012, advises High Sierra Sport Company on acquisition by Samsonite International; 2009, advises Chaco on its sale to Wolverine World Wide, Inc.; 2008, advises Black Diamond Equipment on its sale to Clarus Corp.; 2006, advises Eagle Creek on its sale to VF Corp.; 2003, advises Mountain Hardwear on its sale to Columbia Sportswear.

“Deal activity clearly softened during the downturn, but the consumer actually held up pretty well as it related to recreational activities,” said Martin. “Once the economy started to recover, that buoyancy in the sector - particularly among the stronger brands - allowed for a quick return to deal activity, often at valuations similar or even superior to prior to the downturn.” It did not hurt that Congress was debating whether to restore the 20 percent tax rate on capital gains, said Pund. The debate prompted a flurry of deals as sellers sought to close deals before a widely anticipated December 31, 2012 deadline. That tailwind, however, became a headwind January 1, 2013, when the tax rate on capital gains increased from 15 to 20 percent. In an era of cheap money, some owners are now simply opting to postpone equity sales. “There were several companies we expected to come to market in the last few quarters who have instead leveraged up, paid themselves a dividend and decided they will come back later to take another bite at the apple,” said D’Aquila of Imperial Capital. “They may be experiencing growth and like their valuation, but they may be thinking ‘I don’t think performance or value will go down, so I’ll leverage up, take out 50 percent of what I'd get if I sold and still own the business.’” Christy Lowe, an Imperial Capital Managing Partner based in Los Angeles, expects more deals as retailers battered by two disappointing winters and Amazon.com gauge whether to raise more capital or fold. “It has become more difficult to succeed in brickand-mortar retailing given the growth in both mobile e-commerce and online retailers, led by Amazon,” she said. “If you are a multi-branded online retailer, you are competing on price with Amazon, which is an uphill battle. Brick-and-mortar retailers need to connect with their consumers and create a compelling in-store environment in order to survive. Otherwise, their stores are serving as showrooms for cheaper online alternatives.”

Strategic Investors Look to Move the Needle

Strategic buyers who fueled much of the deal flow in the 2000s, meanwhile, are keeping their powder dry for acquisitions large enough to affect their

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Achieve Your Goals

Brentwood Associates

William Barnum Partner, Brentwood Associates

Steven Moore Partner, Brentwood Associates

Based in Los Angeles, Brentwood Associates is a private equity fund that focuses on supporting management to accelerate growth via recapitalizations, management buyouts and growth equity investments in middle-market consumerfocused companies. William Barnum serves as a director for Zumiez and Quiksilver, Inc. and has served as a director of Ariat International and Filson Holdings and a trustee at his alma mater Stanford University, where he earned his bachelor’s, law and M.B.A. degrees. Steven Moore has served as a director of Filson Holdings and Zumiez and was an active observer of Ariat. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Michigan, where he received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

Breadth of Data. Depth of Data. Timeliness of Data As the broadest, deepest and most timely data available for the U.S. Sports and Outdoor Active Lifestyle Market, SportScanInfo is the weekly retail point-of-sale data reporting solution. To learn more about how we can help your business, call 704.987.3450 or email sportscan@sportsonesource.com.

SportScanInfo.com A Service The SportsOneSource Group 32 JULYof2013

Recent Deals •

• • •

•

Currently controls Spectrum Club, a high-end Southern California fitness center chain acquired for $49 million in 1999; 2012, sells interest in Ariat International, acquired in 2006 in partnership with LNK Partners; 2012, sells interest in Filson Holdings, Inc., acquired in partnership with management in 2005; 2005-06, sells 41 percent stake in Zumiez through IPO and secondary offerings, more than quintupling 2002 investment of $25.3 million; 2000, sells interest it acquired in Bell Sports.

bottom line. This focus on “moving the needle” was illustrated in 2012 by VF Corp.’s $2 billion acquisition of Timberland and the more recent bid for Billabong assets and Wolverine Worldwide, Inc.’s $1.23 billion acquisition of the Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds brands from Collective Brands. Jarden Corp. has not acquired a sporting goods company since 2007 and sees few investments to rival its own stock. “We're not very good at auctions and so the best M&A opportunities we've seen so far have been buying back our own equity,” Jarden Corp. CEO Jim Lillie told analysts in early 2013. He noted that Jarden may be more inclined to make acquisitions abroad rather than repatriate it’s roughly $300 million in European profits at current U.S. tax rates. “Given their scale now, there is much more of a culture of wanting to see $100 to $150 million in sales,” said Brentwood’s Moore. “A $50 million business needs a lot more attention to stepping up globally. They want to take something from $200 million to $800 million.” North Castle Partners, a small cap private equity firm that focuses on active and sustainable lifestyles, is bullish. It expects $350 billion in unallocated private equity, strategic buyers’ bulging corporate cash reserves and historically low interest rates to fuel strong deal flow and valuations in the next two to three years. “Global giants across different categories have demonstrated that they are willing to pay premium multiples for strong, high growth brands, both small and large,” said Managing Director Alison Minter, noting that deal flow reached record levels at North Castle in 2012. “Our internal data on the transaction history suggests that since 2006, the average multiple of LTM EBITDA paid by strategic acquirers in this space averages 12 times.”

North Castle Partners

Alison Minter Managing Director North Castle Partners

Dennis “DJ” Jenson Operating Executive North Castle Partners

North Castle is a small cap private equity firm focused on health, wellness and active living sectors that currently owns majority stakes in several sporting goods brands. Alison Minter joined NCP in 2001 and serves on the boards of Ignite USA, LLC., Ibex Outdoor Clothing, LLC., and Octane Fitness. Dennis Jenson worked as SVP of marketing and president of Burton from 1990 to 2003 and held senior management positions at The Timberland Co. and Black Diamond Equipment, Inc. before joining NCP. He serves on the boards of Ibex Outdoor Clothing, LLC., Ignite USA, LLC., New Belgium Brewing, and 1% for the Planet.

Recent Deals • •

• • •

2013, invests in Ignite USA, LLC., owner of the Contigo and Avex container brands; 2012, sells interest in 2007 acquisition Cascade Helmets Holdings, Inc. to Bauer Performance Sports, Ltd.; 2010, invests in Ibex, maker of merino wool performance apparel; 2007, invests in retailer Performance Bicycle; 2005, invests in Octane Fitness, maker of elliptical machines.

Innovation + Passion = Valuable Brands

Moreover, other strategic buyers have emerged, including Compass Diversified Holdings, Inc. A publicly traded equity fund, Compass Diversified became familiar with the sporting goods business from 2004 to 2007, when it owned Crosman Corporation, a maker of recreational air guns and paintball products. Through that experience, Compass Diversified came to appreciate how sporting goods companies could feed off their customers passion for an activity to create a culture of innovation, said CEO Alan Offenberg, who has since helped acquire Fox Factory, Inc. in 2008, Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. and Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. in 2010 and Camelbak Products, LLC in 2011. “We’ve been so impressed with many companies in this space and their ability to innovate,” said Offenberg. “What’s great is they resonate first and foremost with true enthusiasts - the thought leaders in these areas - and have gone on to become aspirational brands for people who are not as hardcore enthusiasts, but simply want the best of the best.” Compass, which had all $290 million of its revolving loan facility available for acquisitions as of mid-2012, is looking to add to its Consumer Brands portfolio, which now generates approximately $550 million in annual sales. “There are a lot of companies that have really good products, but are hard to differentiate,” Offenberg said. “Where we want to be is serving the consumer who says this is a great product and it’s better than anything else out there and I want it. We call it “the reason to exist test.” If a company were to go away, does anyone care? If they were to disappear would there really be a void in the industry?” ■

Compass Diversified Holdings, Inc.

Alan Offenberg CEO and Director Compass Diversified Holdings, Inc.

Based in Westport, Conn., this publicly traded company acquires controlling interests in and actively manages U.S. companies with positive and stable cash flow and strong management teams. Alan Offenberg plays a major role in sizing up acquisitions at CODI, which has emerged as an important strategic buyer for middle market companies in the sporting goods and active lifestyle space. He serves as chairman of CamelBak Products, LLC, as a director for The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc., Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc., as well as four other CODI subsidiaries. A graduate of Tulane University and the Northeastern University Graduate School of Business, he was named CODI’s CEO in February, 2011.

Recent Deals • •

• •

2011, acquires majority stake in Camelbak Products, LLC; 2010, acquires majority stakes in Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc., and Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc.; 2008, acquires majority stake in Fox Factory, Inc.; 2007, flips Crosman Acquisition Corp. for net gain of $36 million months after acquiring it with proceeds from its IPO.

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It’s A

Runner’s Technology and fit continue to drive innovation in running apparel next year. By Aaron H. Bible

World

Adidas Energy Enhance Support Bra

Doesn’t running in nice gear make all the difference? Not only looking good, which of course makes you faster, but wearing clothes that breathe and move with the body really does make a mountain of difference. These clothes are really put to the test in humid climates; but UV protection, layering ability, and warmth-to-weight are also paramount. Overall trends for next spring include prints, colors, details, reflectivity and lighter weights. Let’s take a jog around the run specialty block and see what’s new for Spring/Summer 2014.

34 JULY 2013

didas has some exciting innovations in running apparel for Spring 2014. Climachill is a unique fabric that keeps athletes cooler as their body heats up (available in both men’s and women’s). Supernova is a reflective technology touted as the brightest in the industry and keeps runners safe while wearing products that transition into lifestyle (also in both men’s and women’s).

And Adidas is introducing the new adidas Energy Enhance support bra, MSRP $55, featuring adjustability with maximum support in a revamped sports bra line, sized from XS-XL, A-DD cups. Adidas has been working on this project with wear testers for a long time and they believe it is dialed now for retail. The company is on trend marketing key pieces that are go-to favorites for runners on a daily basis. “Innovation is part of our heritage and is always important in order to be fresh and relevant in the marketplace. In Spring/ Summer 2014 we have a strong soulful color palette that focuses on colors from the Amazon to help celebrate the World Cup in Brazil. We also are incorporating bright colors like Solar Blue and Glow Orange - they are extremely relevant in fashion and will translate beautifully for running in Spring/Summer 2014. Prints are key and we have them directly inspired from Carnival in Spring/Summer 2014. They look fresh and playful with rhythm and movement at the center of each,” said Kristin Jones, merchandise manager adidas Running U.S. “We want to provide products that are relevant to the high school kid and the young urban runner. We want to ensure we are giving the runner the best of adidas innovation when it comes to running apparel. It’s about listening to runners and understanding their needs and delivering game-changing products. We are always striving to give the runner the best experience every time they run.”

rooks Running Company is introducing its new PureProject apparel collection - mindfully designed performance apparel that embraces the simplicity of the run. “Many runners are looking for a different way to dress for their workout,” said Michelle Ave, director of apparel merchandising for Brooks. “They want gear that is 100 percent runnable, but with a more versatile look that is less traditionally athletic. The PureProject apparel collection uses smart design to showcase a sophisticated, minimal aesthetic that helps runners dress for wherever the run takes them before, after and in between.” The collection includes a jacket, shorts, pants, a women’s seamless bra and various tops for both men and women. Deliberate design features are subtle and useful. Understated details go unnoticed until needed, such as reflective

Brooks women's Pure Project Longsleeve

Brooks men's Pure Project Jacket

yarns woven into the fabrics, wind and water repellency, thermal-dynamic benefits and hidden storage features. Additionally, the collection features all-new dynamic adaptive textiles - proprietary “DNA” fabric adapts to a runner’s body, stretching, recovering and cooling “better than standard spandex.” Seamless construction provides a smooth and customized fit. The PureProject apparel collection, PureCadence 3 and PureConnect 3 will be available at retail starting December 1, 2013. PureFlow 3 will hit stores January 2014. The Women's PureProject Jacket, MSRP $135, has reflective thread woven into the fabric for 360° retro-reflectivity; wind- and water-resistance with breathability; a stretch woven, cropped hem that fits snug; two front vertical zip pockets and one back zip pocket and an oversized hood. The Women’s PureProject Longsleeve, MSRP $70, features moisture-wicking yarn, Brooks DNA fabric on the shoulders and sleeves, side vertical drawcords and thumbholes. The Women’s Seamless Capri, MSRP $75, also features Brooks DNA stretch fabric, a seamless compressive fit, texture down the side of the legs, three pockets in the waistband, and an 18-inch inseam.

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The Men’s PureProject Jacket, MSRP $160, has reflective thread woven into the fabric for 360° reflectivity, features wind- and water-resistance with breathability, a tailored fit, an articulated three-panel hood with drawcord, two hand pockets and one left chest pocket. The Men’s PureProject 9” Woven Short, MSRP $75, and PureProject Speed SS, MSRP $60, both feature Brooks DNA Adaptable Fabric optimized for stretch and recovery as well as reflective hits. Shorts feature four-way stretch woven shell fabric while the Shirt has seamless construction with body mapped design. Founded 1914, Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, headquartered in Seattle, WA, designing and marketing running-specific performance footwear, apparel and accessories in more than 60 countries.

ew tops as part of the Craft Run Collection feature the Craft Stay Cool fabric, which lowers skin surface temperature by about six degrees Fahrenheit after one hour of exercise. Multi-channel fibers draw sweat away from the body creating an evaporative cooling effect. Craft Stay Cool fabric is also quick drying and odor resistant. In Spring/Summer 2014, an icon indicating that the product has the supercooling effect will be placed on all Craft items featuring the fabric. The company will also roll out a Stay Cool Guarantee! campaign. The Cool Mesh Superlight Singlet with a big-hole design for ventilation/cooling is made from polyester and Elastane. A lightweight mesh structure uses Hexachannel fibers for ventilation, and air-cooling keeps Craft Cool Concept Cooling Top Craft cool mesh singlet users comfortable during exercise, MSRP $40. The Cool Concept Cooling Top with Moving Wing Technology for freedom of movement is constructed from Polyester and Elastane. Cooling fabric is soft and comfortable against the skin and keeps runners fresh during exercise, MSRP $45. The PR Light Tee is soft, lightweight and cooling with mesh back and ergonomic fit. Hexachannel fibers provide ventilation and cooling. The Tee uses soft cooling Tetra channel fabric to enable moisture management and it’s lightweight and elastic for comfort and fit. MSRP $50. The Hybrid Shorts 2-In-1 are lightweight shorts with inner tights, ergonomic fit and four energy pockets, made from Polyester and Elastane. Tight, lightweight woven fabric creates a wind- and water-blocking fabric with built-in mechanical stretch to support body movement and give a comfortable fit. Elastic and soft Lycra Sport fabric has the lightweight and cooling properties of a woven fabric but the mix with Elastane gives it stretch for freedom of movement. Soft comfort and moisture management is optimized in the mesh fabric featuring squares that open up the weave for cooling airflow and next-to-skin comfort, MSRP $80.

36 JULY 2013

ider is bringing its running apparel to the U.S. for the first time next year with the Momentum Collection. The jackets, tops and bottoms in the collection are technical in construction but have a discerning style, as evidenced by the following key pieces. The Target Knit Jacket is a minimalist shell featuring Gore-Tex Active Knit Cloudy: three-layer protection with a heathered look and four-way stretch (that only Adidas and Eider have been granted use of) that gives this jacket a unique aesthetic while providing lightweight protection. Breathability has a 28,000mm rating and all seams are sealed with 13mm tape. It has a slim/athletic cut and integrated hood with Lycra binding and elastic drawcord. Other features include a chest pocket with waterproof zip and thumbholes at sleeve cuff and an elastic hem. Available for Men, MSRP $249, and Women, MSRP $229, and in a variety of colors. The Benz Aero TS, MSRP $79, is a quick drying crew neck tee for when the body is in high heat-emission mode. Lightweight and breathable, it features two synthetic fabrics Eider Target Knit Jacket in panel construction to maximize wicking. The Benz features Drycore Aero Bi-Face on the body with Polygiene treatment; Drycore Aero Mesh in venting areas; a slim/athletic cut; flatlock seams and is UV protectant. The Tao Tank W, MSRP $54, is a lightweight, synthetic stylish shirt for active sports. Eider Benz Aero TS Design elements like a cap sleeve, key hole collar, fitted drop waist and shaded flat lock stitching set it apart from typical technical apparel. The Tao features four-way stretch Drycore Soft Skin Light, a key-zip pocket, UV protection and is Polygiene treated. The Move Skirt, MSRP $59, is performance based without sacrificing femininity. Abrasion resistant, diagonal flatlock stitching, and contrasting heather gray shorts beneath exposed via asymmetrical side slit, the Move is a stylish approach to running. It features shorts with integrated stretch

olë’s goal is to nurture the urban female runner with fun, feminine and beautifully designed activewear stylish enough to transition from the studio to the street. Collections reflect a modern lifestyle and hope to turn consumption into investment by offering long-lasting, versatile clothing with real value. The cami Betty top, MSRP $60, features a printed front and mesh back with reflective tape at bottom, made from Second Skin Pop fabric. It’s a tank top with front gathers, back in second skin jacquard, and three back patch pockets with reflective tape and reflective logo. The short sleeve Kerin Top, MSRP $80, follows the same concept with a half-zip in front, crop sleeves and mesh in back, and features a pocket for water or gels.The Talitha Cover-up Jacket, MSRP $120, is a long sleeve cardigan style with a back of solid mesh. Features Second Skin Pop fabric, full-zip with mock neck, gathers at front bust, three back patch pockets with reflective tape, thumbholes at sleeves, reflective logo, length 28 inches. The Speed Running Skirt, MSRP $60, is more like a skort/tennis skirt with fun cuts and color blocking. It’s made with recycled stretch momentum fabric, features a zip pocket at side, reflective tape and logo at front, 13 inches in length. The Run Capri, MSRP $75, is available as a layering system with Balance Shorts, MSRP $50, or Lively Shorts, MSRP $60, on top of printed running capris. Mesh inserts provide breathability; features a zip pocket at back of waistband, lined gusset at crotch, flat seams for comfort, shaped fit with mid-rise and reflective logo. Lively shorts feature Second Skin Motion Heavy fabric lined with mesh for better support, a secret pocket at waistband, flat seams, reflective logo, and a regular fit with high-rise and seven-inch inseam. Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday.

M Isis Pronto Top and Curva Run Skort

mesh, four-way stretch Drycover Woven Fast; elastic waist with drawstring tie; key zipped pocket; and UV protection.

ew from women's-focused Isis is the Pronto Top and Curva Run Skort, both well on trend for Spring/Summer 2014. The Pronto Top is made of a heathered PulseDri fabric body (92 percent polyester/8 percent elastane) for moisture management and strategically placed 94 percent polyester/6 percent elastane stretch mesh for extra ventilation. Scalloped cap sleeves and ruching along the sides adds style and a flattering fit. The Curva Run Skort is a skirt on the outside with built-in shorts, blending performance and style. Wayfarer fabric features four-way stretch and light wind and water protection. A 94 percent polyester/6 percent elastane stretch mesh boy-short liner adds breathability for long runs. A hidden pocket is included for personal items.

oving Comfort is taking a saturated, celebratory, high-def approach to color for Spring 2014. For materials, stylized mesh that reduces weight and enhances breathability is the winner, such as DriLayer Lace with its distinctive lace-like pattern. The Switch It Up Collection features a lightweight, reversible fabric in fun prints (Swirl and Splash) backed with saturated solids. Reversibility offers customers value, spontaneity and versatility in workout gear. They are also introducing DriLayer Adapt - a new fabric with stretch and recovery that hugs the body without restriction in waistbands, bra bands and straps, eliminating the need for hardware.

Moving Comfort Switch It Up Racer

Moving Comfort Dash Sleeveless

The Switch It Up Capri, MSRP $60, is reversible from a print to a solid, features chafe-free flatlock seams, wide Powermesh waistband, hidden pocket and ruching at side hem. The Dash Sleeveless, MSRP $42, is a lightweight tank and layers well over any sports bra. An open silhouette enhances performance with freedom of movement and ontrend styling. DriLayer Lace insets are embedded with sustainable, bamboo-derived charcoal for odor control and moisture management. For Spring, Moving Comfort is changing the way they talk about sports bras. Gone are low, medium and high impact - think Secure, Stabilize, and Control. Each of the new collections captures a more holistic sports bra experience. Three new bra styles in the Secure Collection combine the familiarity of time-tested design with a fashion-forward style, featuring ease of fit and hardware-free Moving Comfort Switch It Up Capri engineering. Highlights from the new Secure Collection include the Switch It Up Racer, MSRP $36, reversible, and JustRight Racer, MSRP $48, both offer DriLayer fabrics.

New Balance Hi Viz Beacon Jacket

light source the jacket will fully charge and glow. The HiViz Beacon jacket is also wind and water resistant with welded front zip pockets. The Hi-Viz Beacon Jacket ties back to the glow-in-thedark new green gecko and fiery coral colorways in the Impact Tight, MSRP $65, and women’s Capri, MSRP $55. New Balance is headquartered in Boston, MA, and employs more than 4,000 associates worldwide.

iselle running for women will debut its first seamless collection next Spring. “In development, we focused on researching the pros and cons of seamless garments - and feedback from women runners. On the pro side, they loved the chafe-free construction,

he New Balance Ice collection is carrying forward to Spring 2014, featuring cooling technology designed to lower the skin’s temperature as an athlete heats up during a workout. The Hi Viz Beacon Collection is new for Fall 2013 and will also be carried into Spring 2014. The Hi-Viz Beacon Jacket, MSRP $175, integrates three elements for improved visibility during low-light conditions. The first is high-visibility color, such as the men’s green gecko and women’s fiery coral. The second is using reflectivity in key areas so light from outside sources such as a car or streetlight is utilized. The third is a one-of-a-kind, glow-in-the-dark luminance - in about 10 minutes under any

38 JULY 2013 Oiselle Fly Tank

however, on the cons, most styles were seen as too heavy and too snug, and did not stay put during exercise,” the company said. With a new “lightweight blend of nylon and poly,” the Oiselle Flyte Collection will offer rich heathering and engineered graphics; plus durability and a knit that moves sweat to the surface of the fabric. Subtle ribbing at the waist helps the garments retain their shape without being clingy or tight. The new collection will be offered in a tank and a long sleeve, including thumbholes and a flat ribbed collar.

pring 2014 Trail Running from Patagonia was developed with input from some of the best athletes in the world to include technical tops, bottoms and outerwear in an effort to address a trail runner's apparel needs from training to race day. According to the company, they’ll be introducing new, more environmentally friendly fabrics that support lighter, faster drying, and more comfortable garments. New designs are engineered for “comfort and performance in a wide range of conditions,” and bright colors in subtle patterns bring Patagonia style to the trail. In materials, 100 percent of the trail running collection is accepted for recycling, 58 percent is made from e-fiber fabrics and 25 percent with Bluesign approved fabrics for Spring 2014. “Trail Running is important to Patagonia for a lot of reasons. At its core, running is universal and provides a common link between athletes and outdoor enthusiasts the world over. We feel that it's an easy and accessible way for people to get into the outdoors. People are increasingly moving to more done-in-a-day activities, taking themselves on long adventure runs instead of more traditional hiking or backpacking trips. Group runs and shorter trail races are also growing in popularity. Similarly, experienced runners and elite ultra marathoners are also moving towards more unsupported activities, choosing to chase fastest-known-times on remote trails as well as participating in organized races,” explained Patagonia's Product Line Manager for Trail Run Bryhn Ireson. “Our DNA is from the mountains, so we're perfectly positioned to answer and support these trends. Our new fabrics are higher performing and more environmentally friendly, our new designs are versatile, extremely functional and well-featured, and our outdoor-inspired palette and esthetics are at home from the front door to the peaks, with function being our guiding design principle.” New products for men include the Outpacer Shirt, MSRP $59, Long Sleeve Outpacer Shirt, MSRP $69, Strider Pro Shorts revised, MSRP $59, and Nine Trail Knicker Pants, MSRP $75. New products for women include the Outpacer Shirt, MSRP $59, LS Outpacer Shirt, MSRP $69, Strider Skirt, MSRP $49, and Velocity

Race Shorts, MSRP $45. New accessories include a Duckbill Cap, MSRP $29, and Duckbill Bucket Hat, MSRP $39.

rom Boulder, CO’s Pearl Izumi comes a number of spring introductions for men and women. The new Flash Short, MSRP $50, makes five-inch inseam run shorts new-school with comfort and a waistband designed to sit flat instead of gathering. Coming in at the “perfect length,” these shorts are constructed of Transfer Dry fabric that provides moisture transfer and stretch with a soft hand and includes a zippered back pocket. The Flash Short Over Tight, MSRP $90, combo streamlines layering with one less waistband and a looser shell. Transfer Dry fabric provides compression and moisture transfer. A zippered back pocket, ankle zippers for easy on/ off, internal brief for support and a nine-inch shell inseam round out the design. For women, the W Flash Short, MSRP $55, is where performance meets Pearl

Pearl Izumi Flash Short

Pearl Izumi Flash Short Over Tight

fashion, with lightweight four-way stretch, Transfer Dry technology, and a wide gathered waistband to flatter curves. Transfer Dry fabric and liner stretch and breath with a soft hand. The W Flash Singlet, MSRP $40, is a high-performance tank with signature lace mesh. Transfer Dry fabric pulls sweat away from skin and the racerback design allows for maximum shoulder movement. The W Flash Jacket, MSRP $100, is said to be highly wind and water resistant with built-in finger warmers and Transfer Dry fabric on the side and underarm for breathability. Asymmetrical front zipper snaps to the side so it won’t smack and a zippered sleeve pocket stores essentials. The W Flash Longsleeve, MSRP $60, is designed for those in-between weather days - the combination of long sleeves with the lace mesh helps maintain body temperature. Thumbholes help keep sleeves down; internal fist mitts keep fingers warm during warm up; and lace-inspired mesh breathes. The W Flash 2-in-1 Short, MSRP $50, is an

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aggressive performance piece featuring a boy short with comfort and large pockets on the front and back and two smaller gel pockets moisture-wicking mesh lace and Transfer Dry with a bit of carry essentials on the trail. Reflective branding on the front and back adds safety and ClimaUV 50+ provides sun protection. compression with a zippered back pocket for essentials. The Sky Tee, MSRP $75, for men and women is for mountain trail runners his season Puma running apparel follows the design and is specifically designed to pair with a Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin Hydro philosophy of “engineered minimalism.” And accord- 12 Set pack. It features 3D fabric on shoulders for reduced chafing under pack ing to Puma’s Michelle Perrault, the overall theme for straps and actiLite Pro stretch mesh on the back and front for ventilation. “This the company’s Spring/Sum- is a first for a tee and a pack to be designed to work in unison for better comfort, mer 2014 collection is "The fit and breathability,” the company said. It features stitchless technology for comfort, a half-zip with stay-down puller and reflective print. Nature of Believing." The Park WP Jacket for “Specifically for our Running and Training category men, MSRP $175, and women, Puma is focusing a lot on MSRP $160, is designed as a technical and design innova- versatile urban daily training tion. For Puma performance jacket. As a part of Salomon’s this season our products are Citytrail line, this Climapro bold and innovative, contem- jacket is light, breathable and porary in design and joyful in waterproof and includes an earphone hole in the chest pocket. spirit.” They are introducing the rom run specialist Saucony PR Pure NightCat Jacket comes a number of new - everything you need but Puma NightCat Jacket styles and products for nothing you don't for both day and night as the company the female athlete. “For Spring recognizes the importance of 2014, the runner, as always, was visibility in running. Features our focus. We want to deliver include: laser cut ventilation products that perform for the that adds breathability but not runner but also delight them extra material; anatomically with finishing details that shaped collar that follows the makes the experience better. hairline to reduce friction; and Many of our seams have gone reflective threads integrated away from stitching and are into the woven jacket for now welded. That reduces 360-degree reflectivity. Similar irritation and makes the piece to the NightCat jacket, the PR more comfortable. We have Puma NightCat Short Pure NightCat Short includes also worked on the softness of reflective threads woven into the fabric for total visibility. our fabrics. Our updated Revel fabric is soft and moves with Minimal and breathable fabric is used to achieve comfort. the runner,” said Pat O’Malley, alomon introduces a full line of run gear for Spring senior VP of global product. 2014, carrying forward some of its highest per- “On top of that, we have added forming innovations. The EXO S-Lab Men’s Zip some great prints and fades that Tee, MSRP $110, provides postural support to the chest bring a great blend of technical and upper body with a reflective branding on the front performance and style to our and back for security on early morning and evening runs. line.” First is the Packable Fade Made from actiLite 3D Stretch and actiLite Stretch Mesh Cocona, it includes a half-zip with stay down puller, flat- Vest, MSRP $65, with its hooded zip front and ombre lock seams, and a breathable skin fit. The S-Lab Men’s Sense Short, MSRP $150, are minimalist fade colorways. It features a running shorts with an inner brief “so light and comfortable vented back and drop tail, you won’t feel them.” The actiLite Pro fabric provides is water resistant and packs

Saucony Packable Fade Vest, Daybreak Long Sleeve and Scoot LX Capri

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SmartWool PhD 2-in-1 Run Short

Saucony Transition Hoody and Bullet Tight Short SmartWool Run Short Sleeve V-Neck

into its own pocket. The Daybreak Long Sleeve, MSRP $48, is made from super soft burnout fabric, is breathable and features a long, lean fit. The Scoot LX Capri, MSRP $50, is new in PowerKnit EX for maximum support and has a wide waistband and hidden front pocket. The Transition Hoody, MSRP $50, is made from highly breathable Radius tech mesh and features ruching at the waist and top of hood, a back zippered storage pocket, and shaped sleeve openings with thumbholes.

The Bullet Tight Short, MSRP $48, feature “cool, smooth Power luxe fabric, a wide flattering waistband” and zippered back storage pocket and side cargo pockets.

ur goal with the Spring 2014 Run line was to make apparel that helps runners forget about what they're wearing so that they focus on the trail. The tops and shorts’ liners are seamlessly knit for softness and comfort. The fabric is the perfect blend of merino and nylon - which means it manages sweat, helps keep your core temperature stable, and as an added bonus, doesn't smell at the end of a run. We also thought a lot about fit - making sure it is body enhancing, and that it's totally distraction-free and ultra-comfortable,” said Sara Yoder,

product line manager for SmartWool women’s performance clothing. “Last, and maybe most importantly, we wanted to make sure that we remained true to the sport of running. We started out as an outdoor brand, but we are passionate about running, too. This means running specific colors, lightweight shell fabrics for shorts and skirts, 360 degree reflectivity, runningspecific fits and storage solutions for keys, gels and credit cards.” Continued Yoder: “For Spring 2014 compared to Spring 2013, we took

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Zoot Women’s Ultra Icefil Singlet

Isis Pronto top

even more feedback from runners and improved most of the styles by placing a greater emphasis on thermal body mapping. Basically, that means we put lighter weight knit types in high heat and sweat zones." The Women’s PhD Seamless Bikini, MSRP $32, features a form fitting, knit-in graphics, mid-rise and seamless construction with a wide, covered elastic waistband for a feminine, flattering fit. Varied knit textures promote ventilation and body-enhancing fit; made from 79 percent Merino wool, 15 percent Nylon and 6 percent Elastane. The Women’s PhD Run Short Sleeve V-Neck, MSRP $85, features a semi-form fit, UPF 30, and seamless construction - strategically designed raglan sleeves remove underarm seams and flatlock seam construction is found throughout. Varied knit textures in body-mapped heat and sweat zones provide extra ventilation and 360-degree reflectivity aids visibility. Made from 85 percent Merino wool, 15 percent Nylon. The Men’s PhD 2-in-1 Run Short, MSRP $90, features a woven outer short with Merino interior short tight to provide support with the “4Degree elite fit system,” seamlessly constructed with knit-in ventilation in high heat and sweat zones. Back zip pocket features a semi-auto locking zipper pull and 360-degree reflectivity helps runners be seen. Outer short is made from 100 percent recycled polyester; inner short is 79 percent Merino/18 percent Nylon/3 percent Elastane. The new Men’s PhD Run Long Sleeve Crew, MSRP $95, features a semi-form fit, UPF 30, and seamless construction and body mapping. Made from 85 percent Merino wool and 15 percent Nylon.

or the Spring 2014 season, Zoot Sports will be focusing on its Icefil technology to keep runners cool during the hottest months of the year. Icefil is a multi-

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functional, “intelligent,” moisture-sensitive fabric designed to keep athletes cool and dry, and is also UPF 50. Utilizing three specific technologies, Icefil is a true solution for hot and humid locales. First, Xylitol Yarn “converts sweat to refrigerant” in reacting to a body’s moisture, creating an additional 1.8-degree Fahrenheit reduction in skin temperature. This technology is especially effective in high humidity. Thermal Radiation Blocking Technology reduces infrared rays and keeps runners cooler. Icefil reflects and disperses the infrared rays lending about four degrees of temperature shade. Lastly, Micro Denier Polyester Yarn features microfilaments “superior to conventional fabrics,” due to properties such as lightweight, durability, breathability and drapeability. The micro denier polyester yarns with Icefil actively wick moisture while also providing sun protection. There are 14 styles in the Zoot Ultra Run Icefil line, including: Women’s Ultra Icefil Singlet, MSRP $38, and Ultra Run Icefil 3” Short, MSRP $45; Men’s Ultra Icefil Tee, MSRP $45, and Ultra Run Icefil 6” Short, MSRP $40. Other styles include the Women’s Ultra Icefil Tank, Ultra Icefil Tee, Ultra Run Icefil 2” Short and Ultra Run Icefil 2-1 3” Short; and Men’s Ultra Icefil Singlet, Ultra Icefil Sleeveless Tee, Ultra Icefil Mesh Tee, Ultra Run Icefil 3” Short, Ultra Run Icefil 2-1 3” Short and Ultra Run Icefil 8” Short. ■

Zoot Ultra Run Icefil 3” Short

Zoot Men’s Ultra Icefil Tee

Zoot Ultra Run Icefil 6” Short

The Independent Retailer’s Buying Group

Spring Show • September 16-19, 2013 • Reno, NV

what real

Contact Judy Cyphers, Director of Member Relations, to find out how you can become a member of our vibrant and growing buying group.

877-894-9934 judyc@wdi-wdi.com www.wdi-wdi.com

The New Minimalism Minimalism will be back for Spring, but this time in overall weights, while midsoles get a bump up. By Thomas J. Ryan

With many runners reportedly finding barefoot extreme to be too ‘extreme’ for them, more cushioning and support is being added to ultra-lightweight run models for Spring 2014. “I think consumers are realizing that minimal or natural footwear is not a silver bullet or the across-the-board solution for all runners,” said Mike Thompson, Pearl Izumi’s product line manager, run footwear. He noted that despite all the minimal discussion, nine out of 10 shoes purchased at specialty run are 'traditional' run footwear, with stability still making up almost half that market. At the same time, Thompson noted, “the days of 12 or 13 ounce stability shoes are dying quickly” in an ongoing push away from gadgets and overbuilt cushioning technologies in midsoles. “High quality EVA foams are replacing the air bags, gels and wave plates of the past,” said Thompson. “Heavy weight synthetics in the uppers are now being replaced by lighter weight TPU films. Heavy,

stiff TPU shanks found in the mid-foot of the midsole are now being removed and replaced by EVA that is flush to the ground. Simplifying footwear is a great thing for the consumer and the retailer.” The challenge, said Mikal Peveto, director of running at Adidas, is getting lighter without sacrificing performance, comfort or even aesthetics. He added, “Running understands that and strives to meet not just a singular need within a shoe, but to make truly holistic products that perform at the highest level in all aspects.” That leaves many footwear vendors pursuing their unique “sweet spot” largely around neutral and light stability. Still, an ongoing benefit of the minimalist craze has been that runners are more open to new options and even alternative running experiences. “Being able to run in a shoe that is 'barely there' has been an eyeopening moment for a lot of runners over the last few years,” said Rod Foley, Mizuno’s director of product, running. “The experience can be

New Balance 860v4

44 JULY 2013

very liberating and energizing, and can also, unfortunately, be very jarring and uncomfortable in a lot of cases if they are not running in the right shoe. We believe runners are seeking gear that allows them to forget about the shoes on their feet and enjoy the experience, the emotion, and the euphoria of running.” Tom Carleo, VP of running at New Balance, in the same way believes more than ever, runners are looking for product advancement and fresh new experiences. “This market is seeking more than just new midsole stories, but holistic improvements to the entire product,” said Carleo. “Elements like midsole ‘dropheights,’ natural lasts and new upper construction like Fantom-Fit are all critical in making better running shoes. With this new approach and innovative thinking, New Balance also recognizes that there are significant parts of the running market that look for evolution with more cautious updates. This balancing act has been exciting at New Balance with growth in both sectors. Authentic, end-user driven technology has become so much more important to the running marketplace.”

ASICS For Spring 2014, Asics is focusing on its Natural33 collection, which is designed to deliver an altogether different running experience from traditional trainers. “Our goal was to create a collection of products that runners can use and alternate with traditional trainers,” said Brice Newton, product manager, Asics. “We feel this will be the new precedent for natural running products. It's no longer about having one shoe to wear for all your training, but rather having a collection of shoes offering a variety of weights, cushioning, heel drops, and protection. This diversification allows the runner to have a completely different running experience based on an assortment of shoes.” Neutral runners wearing the GEL-Nimbus or GEL-Cumulus can transition to the GEL-Excel33 3 or the GEL-Lyte33 3 for a more lightweight, natural ride. The third generation of the GEL-Excel33 series, the GEL-Excel33 3, MSRP $120, weighs in nearly an ounce lighter while boasting underfoot comfort from the new FluidRide midsole and Ortholite Lasting. The ergonomically shaped upper is constructed with engineered mesh, seamless construction, and a lightweight heel clutching system. Fans of the GEL-Kayano or GT-2000 series will enjoy the new GEL-Electro33 and GEL-Super J33. Powered by FluidAxis, the GEL-Super J33, MSRP $100, is designed to meet the specific needs and foot geometry of mild to moderate overpronators. It has a 6mm drop combined with GEL Cushioning and Solyte midsole. For the mild to moderate over-pronator, GEL-Electro33, MSRP $110, offers support combined with engineered mesh and seamless construction. Asics GEL-Excel33 3

Asics GEL-Electro33 Asics GEL-Super J33

BROOKS SPORTS Continuing to work both its Float and Feel sides, Brooks Sports will continue to improve fit and ride with updates to the PureProject collection, Adrenaline GTS 14 and Ravenna 5. Each of the three original PureProject Road Shoes – PureConnect 3, MSRP $100, the PureFlow 3 and the PureCadence 3 – are being updated with a more rounded 360° Ideal Heel which brings contact points closer to your joint center. A sculpted medial arch integrates with the upper for a closer fit while a repositioned Toe Flex allows the first two toes to work as a functional unit. Changes to the upper wrap allow it to pull from the medial side for a more conforming fit. With the Ravenna 5, MSRP $110, the BioMoGo DNA now graces the entire midsole for cushioning and stability. It also has an extended Caterpillar Crash Pad for full ground contact, and an adjustable saddle wrapping from the heel and midfoot. Kira Harrison, footwear merchandising associate at Brooks Sports Brooks Ravenna 5 Footwear, said the marketplace is clearly seeing a swing back to cushioning. “Lightweight is still relevant in the market, but the conversation is changing,” said Harrison. “It isn’t about one ‘right’ way to run or all about minimal footwear. It is about each individual’s running experience and choosing what’s best for you.” Upper trends include using new materials and techniques that are conformable, flexible and add integrity to the upper without weight and stitching, she added. Two examples of this are the TPU film (thin, no sew overlays) in the Ravenna 5 and the 3D Fit Print (screen printing technique that adds layers of a highly viscous liquid polymer) on the Adrenaline GTS 14.

SAUCONY

At Saucony, the Guide 7, MSRP $120, gains a redesigned medial sole unit with added carbon rubber pods that improves support while creating a smooth transition to midfoot. A flared outsole/midsole forefoot design adds support and acts as a propulsion platform during toe-off, allowing the runner to spring forward efficiently and powerfully. “The Guide 7 was designed to fit dynamically, adapting and moving with the runner’s foot throughout the entire stride thanks to strategically placed materials that also move with the foot,” says Pat O’Malley, SVP of global product for Saucony. In Saucony’s Natural category, the Mirage 4, MSRP $110, features a redesigned upper using FlexFilm and minimal overlays

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Guide 7

Mirage 4

in order to create more volume in the forefoot. Added O’Malley, “We replaced ProGrid with the lighter and more durable PowerGrid in the heel, offering the runner a truly responsive and lightweight ride from heel to toe.” Other updates for Saucony include the Hurricane 16, Triumph 11, Peregrine 4 and Virrata 2.

MIZUNO Mizuno, Wave Rider 17, MSRP $115, gains a notable addition with its new U4ic (pronounced euphoric) midsole technology extending across its Spring 2014 line. “It has enabled all shoes in our portfolio to move down in weight considerably, yet maintain the cushion, support and durability needed,” said Foley of the U4ic. Combined with Wave technology and sculpted rubber outsole, the Wave Rider 17 weighs 8.8 ounces. “To us, lightweight isn't a trend and we chuckle when we hear it referred to as one,” said Foley. “This is an enduring fundamental for the industry and how gear is designed that runners want to run in. The trick is figuring out how to make our shoes lighter without sacrificing the features runners trust us to provide - protection, durability, comfort. This has been, and always will be, a focus of our innovation efforts.”    Promising the world's first Super/Natural running experience, the Wave Prophecy 3, MSRP $210, features an entirely new full length infinity wave tuned for maximum cushioned comfort as well as lighter u4ic midsole for increased flexibility. From more of an aesthetics view, Foley noted how the form a running shoe can take has completely transformed. “Not being held to the traditional rules of stitched overlays has allowed for some innovative looking products from a lot of Wave Prophecy 3 manufacturers,” he said. He also said one of the big trends Mizuno has identified for Spring/Summer 2014 is the re-emergence of white. Added Foley, “Does that mean color is dead? Certainly not. There will be a place for color, but you will also see fresh approaches to using white.”

NEW BALANCE

New Balance will be introducing the 860v4, MSRP $115, an update to the awardwinning 860v3. For maximum shock absorption throughout the gait cycle, the 860v4 features an extended Abzorb crash pad, running heel through the forefoot, and interfaces this larger shock absorbing foam with an ActevaLite midsole to create a cushioned ride. Engineered with the newly- designed PL-12 last, the 860v4 has an improved toe box that maintains the same 12mm offset, but adds more toe spring. Carleo believes the New Balance 870v3, a mild stability model, is benefiting from an overall healthy trend towards “mild stability” models, driven in part by New Balance midsole geometries becoming inherently more stable. He added, “With that said, the more traditional stability market is still very healthy and very important to the running specialty channel, as well many international markets.”

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Around its Minimus Zero push, New Balance will introduce the Minimus Zerov2, MSRP $110, an update to its Minimus Zero collection. With the same innovative technologies as the 00v1 Road, the 00v2 Road gets a redesigned ultra-thin Fantom Fit upper that reduces the weight by about half an ounce while providing support in key areas such as the heel, lateral forefoot, and medial midfoot. By concentrating on these areas only, material usage is kept to a minimum while traditional overlays are avoided to keep flexibility and natural foot motion a priority. “We will also continue Minimus Zerov2 to develop innovative, lightweight and low profile models within our RevLite collection,” said Carleo. “The success of these franchises has been very good for our business and brand in the U.S., but even more critical in our other global markets.”

REEBOK For Spring 2014, Reebok will build off the fall 2013 launch of the its new Reebok One Series with the Reebok One Lite, MSRP $105, a neutral running shoe; and the Reebok One Max Cushion, MSRP $129, a premium cushioning model. Debuting with the Reebok One Cushion and the Reebok One Guide, the One platform features “Zoned” technology that mimics the way the foot moves, meeting the demands of the runner through each phase of the Gait Cycle. Three distinct zones complement the runner’s needs at each phase of their gait. Zone 1 is the Contact Zone – featuring a soft foam compound that provides shock attenuation with every stride. Zone 2 is the Midstance Zone – engineered to provide a smooth mid-foot transition. Zone 3 is the Propulsive Zone - featuring an ultra-responsive, high-rebound foam compound to help propel the runner forward during toe-off. Reebok’s head of running, Bill McInnis, said the brand looked at the foot in motion to build a footwear solution that addressed the gait cycle from front to back that started with mapping the foot in motion and building a new performance last to address fit. “The One Series is not the traditional component layered approach to cushioning and support, but a smoother, more fluid approach fusing three unique foams together in the bottom and three One Lite unique textiles in the upper,”

said McInnis. “We removed traditional seams, cements, and layers and provided only what the runner needs in a unique visual form.” He believes One’s innovative approach is a good example of what will drive growth for Reebok running and the category as a whole. “Lightweight and minimal won’t go away, but in a crowded environment layering additional function and solutions will win over the consumer. Lightweight or minimal is not a story anymore unto itself.”

Fluid3 Fulcrum Steady3 Fulcrum

SKECHERS Building on the success of the GOrun Ride 2, featuring enhanced Resalyte cushioning and engineered mesh, Skechers will deliver a third generation in the Ride series, Skechers GOrun Ride 3, MSRP $80, with an updated outsole construction for a sleeker, faster look. “We’re also excited about our new maximalist running concept, Skechers GOrun Ultra,” said Rick Higgins, VP global merchandising/marketing Skechers Performance Division. The shoe features GOimpulse sensors that provide sensory feedback and 360-degree flexibility. Like the GOrun Ride, the GOrun Ultra, MSRP $80, features a lightweight Resalyte midsole with memory retention; independent GOrun Ride 2 circular sensors on the sole deliver feedback for an interactive running experience; and M-strike technology engineered to promote a mid-foot strike, can help transform impact into reusable energy.

ADIDAS Adistar Boost

Adidas has benefited from this year’s launch of the Energy Boost platform, heralded as the brand’s most successful running launch. Supernova Glide Boost Beyond the energy return from Boost, the Adistar Boost, MSRP $170, coming Spring 2014, features a Techfit upper to hold the foot securely in place and provide support. The updated Supernova Glide Boost, MSRP $130, is lighter, faster and features Boost technology for energy return. Peveto said that from Adipure to Adizero to Boost, Adidas has something for every consumer - in all three of its footwear silos - neutral comfort, stable comfort, and natural comfort - in a lightweight package. “All of these products will be brought to life via our amazing Spring/Summer 2014 color story that will tie back to the energy and beauty of the Brazil World Cup,” said Peveto. “From the expansion of the Boost platform to the continued launch of Springblade, expect 2014 to be a watershed year for Adidas running.”

KARHU For Spring 2014, Karhu, the Finnish-brand featuring patented “fulcrum” technology designed to transfer the footstrike into forward momentum, is launching the Fluid3 Fulcrum, (Neutral, MSRP $125), and Steady3 Fulcrum (Stability, MSRP $125). “We created these models with the guidance of an industry dealer council and sought to create the ‘everyday trainer of the future,’” said Meagan Nedlo, Karhu’s run

sales manager. “These models utilize an open, clean air mesh and synthetic suede welds to create a very breathable and flexible upper. The body of the shoe combines an injectionmolded midsole with a compression-molded fulcrum unit - our trademark technology designed to promote efficiency - to create the perfect blend of responsiveness and protection with a comfortable 8mm drop.” Overall, Nedlo believes the rapid decline in extremely lightweight, low- or zero-drop shoes is indicative of how that option simply isn’t feasible for everyone all the time. But many of minimalism’s principles - a focus on improved running form and efficiency, flexible and breathable uppers, lightweight materials, lower than the traditional 12mm drop - are product evolutions that can benefit most runners when applied to a shoe than can be worn every day. “Similarly, the minimalist movement also seemed to usher in (or at least coincide with) brighter and bolder colors especially with midsoles,” added Nedlo. “This bold aesthetic is now becoming the norm, and more runners are seeking more vibrant, ‘fun’ options - no more stark white footwear walls.”

PEARL IZUMI Pearl Izumi is introducing the EM Road N, MSRP $100, its most minimal road style that Thompson describes as a “true racing flat that is perfect for the 5k to half-marathon distance. A barely-there seamless upper and a smooth E:Motion midsole make it feel slipper-like, light and flexible. The outsole combines outsole-grade EVA with blown rubber in the forefoot for traction and durability. The EM Road M2, MSRP $110, features blown rubber in the forefoot and carbon rubber in the crash pad combined for cushioning and abrasion resistance. A high-density post at the medial mid-foot is engiEM Road N neered for pronation control. Pearl Izumi’s E:Motion line features a dynamic offset midsole, meaning that the height offset between the heel and the ball from landing through toe-off feeds a smooth transition. EM Road M2

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Thompson believes the pendulum has swung back from the barefoot extreme of a few years ago to a healthier space. He added, “Cushioning between the ground and the runner is a good thing and you are starting to see footwear that was barefoot inspired originally have more cushioning in the midsole to appeal to a larger running audience.“ Thompson also sees bright colors still trending in 2014, but the winning colors have to look fast and fun, yet sophisticated. “Being purposeful with color is key and appeals to a greater variety of consumers,” said Thompson. “Using the materials and textures of the materials and how they react to each other to inform the design language of the shoe will be key in 2014.”

MERRELL Merrell is introducing the AllOut Collection that includes the AllOut Fuse, a hybrid running shoe built to transition from road to trail; as well as models specifically for the trail and hike. The collection features a flexible underfoot wrap that mobilizes the arch. The design activates the body’s natural form by creating continuous ground contact for increased mobility and efficiency. In addition to arch activation, other key design features include the UniFly Impact Protection of ultra-resilient, strategically placed foam pads that provide a soft landing by dispersing impact and allowing for stable takeoff, ample ground feel and protection to go further, faster and longer. Shaun Bohnsack, category business manager, Merrell Outside Athletic, sees consumers seeking natural motion options that offer more protection underfoot without inhibiting movement. “In general we see consumers AllOut Fuse wanting under-complicated solutions that allow them to connect to the terrain in a natural and efficient manner,” said Bohnsack. “We continue to focus on finding the right balance of cushioning and protection without reducing the stability and ground feel that our runners want. Our design approach is simple – create the strongest connection between the ground and the runner improving the body’s ability to stabilize itself, align posture and increase performance.”

SKORA Skora is unveiling the Skora Fit, MSRP $95, a lightweight, zerodrop training shoe with 16mm stack height, a curved outsole that mimics the shape of the foot and allows for natural movement and stride with protection and cushioning. A 3D-printed upper provides structural support while asymmetrical lacing relieves pressure across the top of the foot for a customizable fit. David Sypniewski, CEO, Skora, said the Fit is built on the same Skora Fit platform as the original Form and Base, but has added a couple millimeters of cushion, for a better balance of comfort and performance. Sypniewski sees minimal design techniques veering towards Skora’s philosophies around cushioning, ground-feel and foot neutrality. “Technical running shoe innovation is thriving thanks to advancements in materials and outsole technologies that provide a more anatomical fit and more natural ride, resulting in increased comfort and connection to the running surface,” said Sypniewski. “The future of running shoes will compliment and enhance a runner's natural running style and signal a realistic return to natural running with real world runners, built with respect for the body."

PUMA

Puma is looking to build on its launch earlier this year of its Adaptive Running platform with the introduction of its Mobium Elite shoe. For 2014, the Mobium Elite v2, MSRP $110, adapts to the foot as it moves, expanding and contracting as the foot naturally does in stride. Four advanced proprietary technologies - Expansion Pods, the Mobium Last, the Windlass Chassis and the Mobium Band - operate as a system to move the foot through the entire gait cycle. A key feature is the elasticized Mobium band, which expands Mobium Elite v2 and contracts along the foot while giving the runner extra bounce and lightweight stability. Puma will also introduce the VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS Faas 300 v3, MSRP $90, now in a more technical but sleek, modern package. It features a 8mm HTD, FaasFoam+ one piece midVibram FiveFingers will introduce the Bikila sole and EverRide+ forefoot blow rubber. EVO, MSRP $120, a medium- distance roadrunner offering the benefits of going ON RUNNING barefoot with slightly more cushioning. The Bikila EVO toe shoe features zero drop construction with an 8.5 mm sole to aid in transitioning Swiss-based On Running, whose shoes feature pods underneath from a traditional running shoe. MegaGrip rubber pods offer grip while an that attenuate shock and set up the foot for toe-off, is introducing The Cloud, MSRP $119. At seven ounces, the lightweight EVA midsole reduces weight.

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performance running shoe blends cushioning with lightness and flexibility. Ted Goodlake, On running director of sales, North America, said runners are increasingly looking for shoes that put them back into control instead of constraining them. And The Cloud while the natural running movement started this movement, it couldn’t deliver for the average runner who does not want to change his running in a long and potentially painful process. “What we need are light, flexible shoes that promote an active running movement yet still provide the cushioning and protection that you need to absorb impact and to prevent injury,” said Goodlake. “This is the very essence of On’s patented CloudTec sole.” On the aesthetic side, On’s Cloudracer 2014 competition model combines the lightness of a thin mesh and re-enforces it at critical spots. Added Goodlake, “The idea is taken from the taping of athlete’s feet. Trouble spots are enforced without constraining the full foot. The result is a very functional upper that is unique in its design.” On updates the Cloudracer, MSRP $130, the ISPO Gold Award Winner as the best performance shoe for 2013, with a new taping system woven into its ultra light upper. Goodlake sees the natural trend fading out, but believes it accelerated positive change. Added Goodlake, “Runners deserve shoes that combine minimum weight with maximum performance.”

K-SWISS K-Swiss, which was recently acquired by South Korean ap parel conglomerate E-Land, plans to introduce an ultra lightweight, high-mileage stability running shoe in the Kwicky Blade Light Stable, MSRP $150. GuideGlide dual-density midsole construction combined with Blade-Light Technology for progressive cushioning enhances the ride. A Medial Integrated Kwicky Blade Light Stable Lacing system provides mid-foot lockdown and fit, complemented by a firmer density medial post to discourage over-pronation. Its partner is the Kwicky Blade Light NeuKwicky Blade Light Neutral tral, MSRP $145, featuring a seam free upper and a new outsole drainage to expel moisture build-up from inside the shoe.

SCOTT At Scott, the Race Rocker 2.0 features a low-profile platform that promotes a quick heel or midfoot to toe-off transition. Updated for 2014, the Race Rocker 2.0 features a lightweight and breathable upper with a slightly tighter-fitting forefoot. Fast and responsive, it is ideal for Race Rocker 2.0 races up to a half marathon, fast training sessions or minimal concept workouts. The T2 Palani, a versatile, high performance, neutral trainer and racing shoe, it is Scott’s lightest race shoe with enough support to be used as a trainer. The same trademark eRide technology is found throughout Scott’s shoe line to promote T2 Palani a faster and more efficient transition for those who require less support and crave speed over long miles.

HOKA ONE ONE Hoka One One, which was recently acquired by Deckers Outdoor Corp, is introducing the Conquest, ideal for runners looking for a fast, highly responsive, and performance cushion shoe. Features a unique Rmat Midsole material providing state of the art weight to resilience ratio with the signature Hoka One One maximal cushioning protection. An early stage Meta-Rocker promotes accurate foot roll through the gait cycle. A highly breathable layered, no-sew upper construction provides a seamless and secure fit compliments the uniquely engineered water drainage system.

ECCO Ecco, the Danish giant, is unveiling the Biom Evo Racer Pro, MSRP $130, a lightweight, minimalist shoe with direct-injection technology and seamless uppers for a snug fit. Breathable and low-to-the-ground with a 5mm drop. The Biom Evo Trainer Pro, MSRP $150, is a natural motion shoe with rubber/PU sole for comfort and wear resistance and a seamless upper for snug fit. Flexible and lightweight with a bio-mimicking foot-bed and 7mm heel-to-toe drop. Erik Walcott, Ecco's general manager of performance, said Ecco is seeing consumers starting to move away from bright, neon, multi-colored shoes and shifting towards more subtle, tonal color pops. Seamless, welded and more modern looking uppers also continue to hold appeal. But Walcott said stability always had a base of supporters even with all the attention to minimalism. "Lots of people gave it a shot when it was at its peak, some embraced it, others have gone back to more traditional styles," said Walcott. "However, the thought process and design philosophy has changed within the design community and that is evident in the evolution of platforms and constructions. I think we will see more hybrid styles that incorporate features of both minimalism and stability." ■

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H ydration for a N e w G eneration While the old plastic waterbottles we loved and used for decades have been slowly going away, a new generation of ever-improving hydration systems have been making a big splash. By Aaron H. Bible

50 JULY 2013 Photo Courtesy Nathan / Ken Etzel

In human beings, more than 65 percent of our bodies are comprised of water. Without it, we can't live. And unlike food-energy, it's impossible for our bodies to store it. Almost as soon as we take it in, we push it out though sweating, crying, urinating and even breathing. And since we don't have camel-like adaptations to survive such droughts in our water sources, we’ve had the ingenuity to create products to carry our rehydrating fluids with us. Whether it's a bladder to stick in your pack or a water bottle that clips onto your hand or belt, hydration technology has come a long way from the days of bulky and BPA-laden water bottles. So whether you prefer to carry your fluids on your back, hip or in hand, these companies have it dialed in to your needs.

POC POC - recognized leader in snow and bike outerwear and protection - has created a new dual-purpose mountain bike hydration pack. The VPD 2.0 Spine Pack contains both an integrated hydration system and a shock absorbent spine protector - tested according to the highest level of the 1621-2 motorcycle standard (all POC products are certified for motor cross). The 25 Liter, MSRP $200, and 16 Liter, MSRP $175, packs feature a bi-directional water tube exit, heavy duty elastic waist band, an easy-access pocket for phone or camera, a helmet pouch which fits a full face helmet, height-adjustable sternum strap and POC VPD 2.0 Spine Pack ergonomically cut shoulder straps. The heat molded back and front of the pack feature mud-shedding top fabric and inside you’ll find separate compartments for the removable back protector and hydration pouch.

Deuter Since before the turn of the 20th century, Deuter has been manufacturing premium outdoor packs and they were one of the first on the hydration system bandwagon. To amp up their already popular classic all-round backpack, Deuter added an elastic spring steel frame and an Aircomfort FlexLite System to create their new Compact Air EXP. Airflow is superb not only through the new ventilated back system, but also with features such as mesh shoulder straps and mesh hip fins with two zipped mesh pockets. For water storage, the Compact Air contains a separate compartment for a hydration system of up to three liters, secured by an autolocking zipper, a velcro-sealed tube opening and tube line. The pack has a reinforced back panel to avoid pressure points, an internal organizer and mesh pockets, 3M reflectors on the hip wings, a zipped front pocket, side compression straps that are also equipped to store protective pads, and a stow-away helmet flap and rain cover. The Race EXP Air, MSRP $129, features the AirComDeuter VPD 2.0 Spine Pack fort FlexLite System, a flexible frame and three-liter

reservoir compatibility. Mesh hip fins help make for a secure fitting, and users can expand the pack's volume when needed. This lightweight pack has three-sided ventilation, an adjustable chest strap, foldaway helmet flap, front pocket and zipped valuables pocket, a wet compartment and side pockets, 3M reflectors and a rain cover. The Hydro lite 3.0, MSRP $79, is a thermal-lined, lightweight pack that includes the threeDeuter Hydro lite 3.0 liter BPA-free bladder. Mesh shoulder straps and the Airstripes back system create a comprehensive ventilation system. The zip tabs, secured by press studs, allow the bladder tube to exit directly from the main compartment for easy access. The pack also features a safety blink loop, 3M reflectors all around, a zip front pocket and a waist strap.

Cascade Designs-Platypus In an effort to fulfill Platypus' plan to meet the increasingly specialized needs of today's riders, the company’s 2014 collection will feature three new packs, all including magnetic hose retention and reservoir attachment. Two are designed specifically for women. In 2012, Platypus hired a pack designer who specialized in women's fit and began testing with a team of in-house female riders. The Siouxon combines a full set of all-mountain features with a suspension designed for women with a 2.0L Big Zip LP reservoir, ventilated suspension, carry system for full-face helmet and pads, pump sleeve and tool pocket, magnetic hose retention and reservoir hang hooks. The Duthie comes with all the features of an allmountain pack in a streamlined design. It can carry a full-face helmet and pads on the uphill and offers quick access to the bars and hydration. It features a 3.0L Big Zip LP Reservoir, a pump sleeve and tool pockets, an Platypus eyewear pocket, ventilated Sprinter XT25 suspension, magnetic hose retention and reservoir hang hooks. The B-Line is built for female cross-country riders combining a ventilated female-tailored suspension with cross-country features like gel pockets, pump sleeve and tool pockets, external stuff pocket, magnetic hose retention and reservoir hang hooks. The B-Line includes a 2 Liter Big Zip LP Reservoir.

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DaKine From snowboard and luggage leader DaKine comes a new hydration system in the Amp and Drafter Series. “Dakine has been making hydration packs for well over a decade,” said Dakine Men’s Sales Manager Tim Weisser. “We primarily serve the bike and winter markets, but some people have also been using our Heli Pro and Amp models for day hikes and other adventures.” Continued Weisser, “Dakine got involved in hydration through feedback from our athletes. They needed hydration solutions for the sports they were doing, like freeride mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding, and they also needed rugged packs with features specific to their sports. Over the years we have worked closely with top athletes to make sure the packs live up to their expectations. With Dakine hydration and hydration compatible packs you can rely on a functioning system with the quality, durability and fit that all of our packs are known for.” New for Spring/Summer, 2014, the Amp 24L, MSRP $125, and Amp 18L, MSRP $135, are made from 630D and 70D nylon and come with a deployable helmet carry and rain cover. The 20x12x9 inch and 19x10.5x8 inch packs feature mesh side pocket, internal organizer pockets and fleece-lined sunglasses and phone pockets, plus integrated rescue whistles on the sterDakine Amp 24L num straps. Air mesh suspended back panels sit off the back to maximize comfort and ventilation. The Amp 24L does not include a reservoir, while the Amp 18L comes with a three-liter Shape-Loc bladder. The Drafter 12-liter pack features a three-liter shapeLoc hydration reservoir, Air Mesh suspended back panel, full-face or cross-country helmet carry, armor carry straps, fleece-lined and padded phone and sunglasses pockets and internal organizer pockets. The rugged 18x7.5x5 inch Drafter also has the integrated rescue whistle and sternum strap.

High Sierra Founded in 1978, High Sierra is known worldwide for creating reliable, affordable adventure gear. Acquired by Samsonite International SA in 2012, High Sierra’s growing collection of value-driven designs range from trail friendly hydration packs to multi-day backpacks. The packs in High Sierra's new Tech Series are no exception. Lightweight, feature rich and functional, these new hydration systems have a wide opening, BPA-free antimicrobial reservoirs with insulated hose covers, and Airflow back panels.

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High Sierra Piranha 10

High Sierra Marlin 18

High Sierra Riptide 25

The Piranha 10, MSRP $100, comes with a BPAfree, antimicrobial, two-liter bladder with a wideopening reservoir. The insulated hose cover prevents water from freezing. It has a front-load main compartment for larger items, organizer pockets for keys, bicycle tools and accessories, a mesh front pocket for external storage and a tuck-away mesh sport flap that holds a helmet. Side compression straps stabilize loads and the reflective loop holds an LED blinker. A removable waist belt and Add-A-Bag attachment loops allow users to attach the Piranha10 to a luggage bag. High Sierra's mid-sized pack, the Marlin 18, MSRP $140, also includes bladder and insulated hose with elastic loops. It has a front load main compartment, organizer pockets, mesh front pocket and a tuckaway mesh sport flap. Airflow back panel channels keep moisture away from the body. The Riptide 25, MSRP $80, is a full-featured pack featuring a sport flap on the front in addition to the main, front-load compartment. There’s a front-pocket organizer, a zippered accessory pocket and a padded waist belt with dial zippered pockets. Riptide allows the wearer to stabilize the load with side compression straps with webbing keepers. An insulated hose cover prevents water from freezing in the tube, and elastic loops position the hose for convenient access.

Osprey

Osprey’s new Rev Series will carry essentials for the efficient traveler who prefers not to stop, and is especially suited for trail runners and endurance racers. Combined with the new Hydraulics LT reservoir with built-in baffles to reduce barreling and sloshing, these packs keep the load balanced without bouncing, rubbing or chafing. Osprey's new Biostretch body wrap harness and belt are designed to move with the athlete and the Reverse Spacer Mesh Backpanel helps cool. The Rev Series consists of five packs and one belt, the Rev Solo, MSRP $40. All packs share these common features: hydration pocket with Hydraulics LT Reservoir, reflective graphics, stabilization wings, stash pocket, removable stretch mesh pocket, a front panel bungee, and a weather-protective, drop-down DigiFlip media pocket for quick access to touch screen devices. The Rev 24, MSRP $130, and Rev 18, MSRP $120, also contain stretch mesh side pockets - one of them zippered - dual stretch mesh harness pockets and zippered stretch mesh bodybelt pockets. The Biostretch Body Belt Harness is made with mesh-covered, perforated foam and uses a modified straight ErgoPull hipbelt closure. The Rev 12, MSRP $110, and Rev 6, MSRP $100, feature dual stretch mesh harness pockets, stretch mesh side pockets and shoulder harness pockets with a zippered expansion water bottle sleeve. The Rev 12 also has the Biostretch Body Belt Harness. Rev 1.5, MSRP $70, has side pockets and dual power mesh harness pockets.

Photo courtesy Nathan

Ultimate Direction Following on the heels of the game-changing Scott Jurek-designed hydration line and SJ Ultra Vest, the Ultimate Direction Jenny Ultra Vesta, MSRP $124, is a next-generation hydration solution designed by Scott’s wife Jenny Jurek and a collective of notable female ultra-runners. Twin 10-ounce water bottles are strategically placed up front for comfort and convenience while a four-liter main compartment provides room for clothing, food, water and other trail essentials. Front pockets keep gels and small items accessible on the fly. For long Ultimate Direction runs, the Jenny’s wide, breathJenny Ultra Vesta able shoulder straps eliminate hot spots and dries quickly. It disperses weight efficiently for nobounce performance. Weighs 11 ounces with bottles. “The Jurek Collection is what people are looking for – high tech design and materials in a product that looks great and performs seamlessly,” said Scott. “The bright colors are intended to match the current trend in shoe color. This is something that people really appreciate.”

Nathan “The overarching trend we’re seeing is that fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes alike are increasingly looking for personalized performance offerings, especially in the hydration category,” said Jim Frazier, VP of Product for Nathan. “Options for carrying, ease of use, price point and color combinations that can reflect a consumer’s personality are all drivers for athletes when seeking out individualized hydration products.”

Specific trends driving the company’s Spring 2014 line include: products shaped and designed for the way the body moves, engineered materials, visual aesthetics/color and insulation. “We are seeing an increase of insulation, specifically in performance hydration,” continued Frazier. “We are launching the first-to-market insulated Flask this coming Fall (2013), featuring our unique ‘Fire & Ice’ technology. Nathan’s ‘Fire & Ice’ technology signifies that the bottle is both double-wall insulated and 360-degree reflective – both great for hydration and visibility.” New in Hydration Handhelds is the SpeedDraw Plus Insulated, MSRP $35, with Ergological shaped SpeedDraw Flask with Fire & Ice technology allowing for a natural grip and easy-squeeze access to fluids. This 18 oz., 535ml double-wall insulated and hi-viz reflective SpeedDraw Flask with Race Cap offers quick bursts of fluid and keeps liquids cooler longer. Includes a fully adjustable hand strap with thumbhole for grip-free running. Large expandable zippered pocket carries phone, keys, ID and other running essentials. New in Hydration Belts is the Mercury 2, 20oz., 600ml, MSRP $40, and Mercury 3, 30 oz., 900 ml, MSRP $45. The bounce-free 2-bottle Mercury is an ideal road running companion. Ergological neoprene and monofilament belt design offers soft, multi-directional stretch; perforated neoprene in center offers breathability, comfort and includes two 10oz., 300ml flasks with push-pull caps. Includes iPhone compatible stretch mesh zip pocket. In Waist Packs is the new, lightweight Horizon, MSRP $45, that carries the SpeedDraw Flask in the horizontal, insulated, patented XTS Cradle. The Peak, MSRP $40, has similar features including extended side panels that hug the body, and zippered stretch pocket and external shock cord system for extra storage. In Race Vests, look for the feature-rich VaporShadow and Zeal (both 2L for women), and the VapurCloud and Zealot (both 2L).

Polar Bottle After months of product development, Product Architects, Inc. - the company behind the popular Polar Bottle insulated water bottle - launched its first line of hydration packs and recyclable hydration system on the market: The Cenote. This high-quality, low-cost alternative to the traditional hydration pack is sold as an entire system that includes a two-liter or three-liter reservoir as well as hosing and a bite valve. Replacement components are sold separately on the Cenote Hydration website. The Cenote reservoir is designed to be simple to recycle as

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the system’s original box can be folded into a returnable package that includes free shipping back to the Cenote office where it will be recycled. Product Architects wanted to create a system with a reservoir that could be washed and reused but was also recyclable and easy to replace. The Cenote Hydration System includes a twoor three-liter reservoir, hosing and bite valve. “We kept hearing from customers that they were throwing away their non-recyclable reservoirs after only Polar Bottle The Cenote a few uses because they would get so dirty and were hard to clean,” said Polar Bottle President Judy Amabile. “It made sense that someone should introduce a more eco-friendly alternative that gave consumers the freedom to easily replace their bladder without feeling guilty about wasting money or hurting the environment.”

Vapur California-based Vapur, Inc. is on a mission to make hydration incomparably portable with their Anti-Bottles: reusable, handheld, collapsible hydration products. Vapur has taken their mission further with the new Explorer Series MicroFilter, MSRP $70. Weighing 2.7-ounces, the filter and bottle set allows users to filter water in a one-liter Anti-Bottle directly from the stream or lake. The filter is a chemicalfree, hollow fibre membrane system with an absolute pore size of 0.2 microns, said to safely remove 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria and 99.9 percent of protozoa. The system meets U.S. EPA standards and exceeds CDC recommendations for water purity. Each MicroFilter is capable of purifying hundreds of liters of water from lakes, rivers, streams and tap water over its lifespan. It includes a stop feature so users know it has maxed out its usage when water completely stops flowing through the spout. The Anti-Bottle is manufactured in the USA, is BPAfree, freezable and dishwasher safe.

Geigerrig Hydration innovator Geigerrig continues to expand its offerings and at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will introduce two new products. From the company that brought pressurization, in-line filtration, and reversible-dishwasher safe reservoirs to the market now comes Nano Technology. Nano technology changes the way water is transferred from a hydration pack to the mouth with an elasta-tube that stretches and has about the same diameter as head phone cords. Due to the Geigerrig pressurized system, water can be delivered through a tiny drink tube that can be easily routed through clothing and equipment and clipped where it’s most convenient and remain out of the way. Also being introduced this summer is the Geigerrig plug-n-play Virus Filter for on-thego filtration of water found virtually anywhere. Photo courtesy Geigerrig’s pressurized hydration reservoir Geigerrig pushes water through a virus filter snapped

54 JULY 2013

in-line with the drink tube. The construction of the filter enables the water to flow out of the reservoir, through the filter to the mouth for on-the-go use of water found in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.

CamelBak From hydration originator CamelBak comes a number of key innovations and redesigns. The Ultra LR Run Vest (LR indicates it has the 2L/70 oz. Antidote Lumbar Reservoir) allows users to carry the water weight around their waist. Not only does the waist belt tighten for a secure fit, but the reservoir compression routs separate from the waist belt and inside the fabric of the pack so as you drink, you can compress the reservoir to keep a stable secure fit no matter how long your run is or how empty the reservoir gets. An adjustable harness allows any sized user to get the front vest pockets and lumbar reservoir perfectly situated for a custom fit. Tube includes a safety whistle and the harness has been updated with a sweat-free pocket for salt tabs. Features stretch overflow storage, Air Mesh Back Panel and Dual Tube Trap for Drink Tube management. ($110, Available January 2014) CamelBak also re-engineered the Fourteener and Aventura alpine CamelBak Ultra LR Run Vest packs to feature the innovative NV Back Panel system for maximum ventilation and load stability. The NV Back Panel features two horizontal pods that move in sync with the back while a third lumbar pod acts to transfer the weight of the pack from the shoulders to the hips. Designed for done-in-a-day adventures, they are available in two sizes: Fourteener 24 and 20, Aventura 22 and 18. As the company continues to battle disposable hydration, CamelBak introduces its first travel mug, the Forge. Forge offers a category-first, self-sealing lid and lock-open button combination, creating a one-handed, leak-proof drinking experience and the option to vent and cool hot beverages. The technology is housed externally on the cap for easy cleaning. Forge can easily slip on a finger or attach with a carabineer with its carry handle and has an impact cap that prevents damage to the double-wall vacuum insulation if dropped. (16 oz. $30; 12 oz. $29). ■

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Sandals Show Resilience Against Normal Spring Lots of new trends and innovations are clicking in the sandals category this spring, except the weather, but manufacturers are already looking ahead to 2014. By Thomas J. Ryan

56 JULY 2013

ales of flips, thongs, slides and sandals’ overall were helped in Spring 2011 and 2012 by the early arrival of warm weather. But this past season a more normal, and in many cases colder and wetter, spring held back consumer purchases in the category. But unlike winter shoe manufacturers, sandal producers expect a more minimal impact than their winter counterparts that faced inventory backups two seasons in a row. “The sandal category is not quite as weather dependent,” said Jeff Dill, Keen’s outdoor business unit director. “When it doesn’t get cold, they might hang on to their winter boots and wait for next season. Sandals are more of an every-season purchase. The purchase just gets delayed.” With inventory levels expected to abate in coming months, vendors have a myriad of fresh takes to entice consumers for Spring 2014. Versatility continues to be an overall strong trend with consumers looking for styles they can wear for multiple purposes. Staples such as rich leathers continue to be a draw and the need for comfort remains at the heart of every sandal.

"Comfort seems to be intensified as the key ingredient to a successful sandal,” said Simon Bonham, U.S. CEO, Hi-Tec Sports. “Of course, weather and price also play important parts in the general sales of sandals." Many approaches are increasingly borrowing from athletic styles, including lighter weight and brighter colors. Michelle Montanano, Teva’s product line manager, sport style, said sandals are a staple within all categories of footwear, from fashion to performance function. But the lines between these categories are starting to blur in 2014, especially for women. “As outdoor sandals evolve, we’re seeing styling simplify and fashion tones being played up through on-trend color and detailing, including vibrant colors, metallic detailing and prints,” said Montanano.

Teva Original Universal

Teva Original Sandal

Teva Tevasphere Alterra

Reef Reef has focused a lot of attention on its key performance styles in its performance categories with athletic styling, bright pops of color and comfort features. The Phoenix, MSRP $34, is a feminine silhouette with a soft synthetic upper with jersey lining. It also features a lightweight molded outsole and anatomical arch support. Also for women, the Movement, MSRP $46, comes in bright neon, hot pink and aqua and is part of the Reef Redemption program, which uses a 51 percent post-industrial recycled triple density EVA footbed with anatomical arch support and 25 percent recycled rubber outsole. Reef Phoenix For men, the Phantom Player, MSRP $48, also part of its Reef Redemption program, Reef Phantom plays up the comfort Player story with a full 360 degree heel cushion technology reducing weight and allowing for correct balance. The style features a built in church key to open the preferred beverage of your choice. Reef “The latest trend we see driving the sandal market is lots of Movement color,” said Kelley Bruemmer, director of product management. “Staple colors like black and brown will always drive volume, but the retailers and consumers are getting more adventurous with color. It enhances rack appeal and feels relevant to where fashion is headed.” Breaking down genders, Bruemmer added women are looking for great styling, on-trend colors, silhouettes and embellishments. “Men are looking for great styling, a mix of easy, low profile sandals to wear everyday, as well as more substantial styles with a performance/athletic styling that screams comfort,” said Bruemmer. ”Again, the men’s consumer expects that instant comfort from Reef, so a lot of effort is put into making every component of the sandal, the outsole, the midsole, the footbed, the interior of the strap the most comfortable that they can be.”

Teva Tevasphere Versa

2014. Honoring Teva’s iconic sandal, the Original Universal, MSRP $40, features classic webbing and original outsole/ topsole designs from 1984. The Original Sandal, MSRP $40, represents the original Teva sports sandal designed as a “flip-flop with an ankle strap,” also with an infusion of color and heritage webbings. “We have 30 years of proven technology and design experience and have tapped into this as we’ve built a spring collection that celebrates our heritage by refining, revising and invigorating our iconic silhouette,” said Montanano. Its Tevaphere collection, which uses a spherical heel and support pods to improve the stride, reduce impact and promote stability, is being expanded into a sandal silhouette with the men’s Tevasphere Alterra and the women’s Tevasphere Versa, MSRP for both, $70. “The sandal consumer wants comfort, stability and versatility,” said Montanano. “The Tevasphere platform was refined for a sandal application and provides all of this without sacrificing style for the trails to the bars.”

Hi-Tec At Hi-Tec, the Rio Adventure Crossover Sandal, MSRP $80, provides instantly wearable comfort, with splashes of color and lightweight materials providing the user both fit and function. Features include a compression molded EVA, Vibram rubber outsole, Ortholite sockliner and a highperformance, synthetic mesh upper. Hi-Tec Aurora Adventure Sandal

Teva While classics and nostalgia are said to be a strong theme overall, it’s going to be particularly out front for Teva, which is celebrating its 30 anniversary in

Hi-Tec Rio Adventure Crossover Sandal

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With the women’s specific fit, Hi-Tec’s Aurora Adventure Sandal, MSRP $70, provides the fit and function necessary to help women navigate off road and poolside while meeting summer’s fashion and comfort needs. Features include a neoprene lining for all day comfort, media stability bar for additional foot support, moisturewicking lining, and Vibram rubber outsole. Keen Class 5 Sandal

Keen

Part of Keen’s Waterfront collection, the Class 6 Sandal, MSRP $90, features a PU upper constructed in a 360-degree cage at just 8.5 ounces. An EVA footbed features an adjustable heel fit, bungee lace system, and moisture-wicking miKeen Gallatin crofiber tongue that dries quickly for moving in CNX and out of the water. A soft rubber outsole with beefy lugs provides added traction on wet and dry surfaces. Ideal for raft guides and water recreation professionals, the Class 5 Sandal, MSRP $80, uses a soft, wicking and quick-drying microfiber upper, helping bring it down to a mere 7.6 ounces. A PU midsole offers longwearing durability and underfoot protection. Bringing “a little more Keen” coverage to the CNX collection, the Gallatin CNX, MSRP $110, features a washable polyester webbing upper and secure fit lace capture system with a two-millimeter bungee to provide a dependable fit, even in swift-moving rivers and streams. The ultra-light proprietary PU midsole is combined with multidirectional grooves and razor siping on the outsole. Dill said the Gallatin works as a complement to the popular CNX Clearwater. He elaborated, “If you want a very minimal, lightweight profile sandal, you can use the Clearwater. If you want more coverage and protection, you have the Gallatin.”

Columbia Sportswear With its Vent concept, Columbia Sportswear is taking its Drainmaker collection beyond a water story to one around comfort with ventilation. Each of the core three styles features airflow and water drainable midsole ports for improved comfort and versatility. The women’s Suntech Vent Flip PFG, MSRP $35, features air-flow and water drainable midsole ports, quick drying synthetic leather, a Techlite midsole, and Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber. The women’s Sunvent Boat PFG, MSRP $80, offers a streetwear twist with a canvas and leather upper and canvas lining. The men’s Bonehead Vent PFG, $80, combines a canvas and leather upper. Columbia Suntech Vent Flip PFG

Columbia Sunvent Boat PFG

58 JULY 2013

Columbia Bonehead Vent PFG

Birki's by Birkenstock Birki's by Birkenstock, which found success with its launch of a renewed outdoor focus last summer, is seeing consumers being drawn to slip-on easy off, patterns and neon/ bright colors, as well as continued appreciation for Birki's comfort technology. For Spring 2014, new camouflage and water groups are being introduced, and the popular Elastics group has been expanded. Birki's Belau Camo A highlight is Belau Camo, MSRP $90, which features a textile elastic upper on the signature Birkenstock cork footbed. Elastics Curacao Birki's Elastics Curacao Mint Mint for women, MSRP $90, is an extension of the popular Elastics sandal group and features an upper strap on Birki's Haiti Watercolor Lilac Birkenstock's cork footbed. Part of the new water sandals group, the Haiti Watercolor Lilac for women, MSRP $80, features a polyurethane outsole for additional traction and a smooth Birko-flor upper. On the technology side, Matt Hundley, marketing communications manager for Birki's by Birkenstock, is seeing increased demand for additional traction on outsoles, enhanced footbed comfort (e.g. Birki's by Birkenstock features a shock absorbing midsole layer of viscoelastic foam), GPS technology, enhanced fit, and enhanced durability. But comfort is still king. “Women are seeking comfort now more than ever,” said Hundley. “While comfort is still important to men - lightweight, versatile and convenient features and styles are more top of mind for men.”

Chaco At Chaco, Spring 2014 features versatile crossover performance shoes, colorful custom flips, premium leather sandals, and an expansion of both its Active Adventure light hiking and minimalist NearGround collections. Colin Butts, marketing manager, Chaco, said consumers are generally looking for prodChaco OutCross ucts that do more for them Web and can be used and worn in more places. “For instance, Chaco fans continue to use their classic

performance “Z” sandals in many applications – but have asked for increased toe and foot protection on rivers or rocky hikes,” said Butts. “Additionally, these fans (affectionately called Chaconians) sometimes have to shed their sandals at work or other situations where toe coverage is required.” Addressing the call for versatility, Chaco’s new OutCross collection features amphibious trail capable shoes built for adventures scouting the river, guiding the rapids, or hiking the mountain. The OutCross Web for women, MSRP $120, is built with breathable uppers, Chaco’s LUVseat footbed for long lasting support and comfort, and an aggressive Vibram performance outsole. Said Butts, “They say you can Chaco Jacy Flip do it all in the same day, in the same shoe!” Chaco also sees an increasing demand for lightweight footwear and continChaco ReversiFlip ues to grow its NearGround collection of minimal designs that don’t compromise on the brands support or comfort. More sophisticated look and hand-crafted appeal are also in demand. Chaco continues to expand this portion of their line by adding rich flips with a variety of embossed and printed leathers featuring special hardware for an artisanal look and feel. An example is the Jacy Flip, MSRP $80, a clean classic women’s sandal with richly colored pebbled leather straps, webbed toe post and wildflower embossed footbed. Finally, Chaco is drawing on the popularity of its MyChacos custom sandal service with the launch the ReversiFlip, which offers consumers a way to customize their flips with an interchangeable strap system. The easily removable upper on the ReversiFlip sandal for women, MSRP $60, allows for quick-change updates to multiple patterned and solid-colored straps. A pack of straps cost an extra $20.

OluKai At OluKai, one highlight in the women’s category is the Paniolo Hibiscus, MSRP $85, an upcountry inspired sandal that means Hawaiian Cowgirl in Hawaiian. The full-grain leather is carefully worked with a Hibiscus hue in homage to Hawaiian western riding sandals. For men, the Holomua, MSRP $90 is a performance sandal featuring adjustable Olukai Paniolo Hibiscus straps, an injected TPU plate, segmented outsole, and molded footbed. With innovative details such as the

lightweight injected TPU performance chassis and a soft molded anatomical ICEVA footbed with wet tractions surface design.

Crocs With the successful launch in 2013 of the Beach Line Boat shoes, Crocs will be introducing a Beach Line Flip, MSRP $30, in Spring 2014. Crocs will also debut new colors in its Huarache Flip-Flop line, MSRP $40. “One trend we're seeing is the juxtaposition of active colors with fashion

pops,” said Dale Bathum, Crocs’ chief product officer. “For instance we'll be pairing colors such as Neon Green, Cosmic Orange and Electric Blue with more neutral fashion colors like Espresso, Tumbleweed and Smoke. We also feel our Huarache styles will continue to do well because of their flexible uppers, moveable straps and croslite with a special TPU material.”

Birkenstock

Birkenstock Granada SFB Zinfandel

Birkenstock Turin Habana

For women, Birkenstock is introducing the Granada SFB Zinfandel, MSRP $130, featuring an upper with thick yet supple leather without added dyes to keep the leather breathable, durable and comfortable. Also features a foam layer inserted between the cork and suede liner of the original Birkenstock footbed for extra cushioning. For men, one highlight is the oiled-leather Turin Habana, MSRP $120.

Rider Sandals Rider Sandals is evolving past favorites, including the Massage, Dunas, Brazil, Insight and Tempo from 2013, but overall bringing in more of a nautical inspiration for Spring 2014. Comfort also remains a priority. “Our 2014 collection offers more comfort features without sacrificing style,” said Brad Gruber, national sales manager, Rider Sandals. “The new line offers consumers more value for the price with technology to promote comfort but stylish designs with nautical inspired detailing. We are seeing prices slowly rising across the market. We’ve been able to hold the line and our 2014 collection will not be increasing so that we can offer both our dealRider Sandals Gulf ers and consumers the best value possible.” With inspiration from its best selling 2013 design, Rider Sandals’ Men’s Gulf, MSRP $30, is a flexible, water-friendly sandal with Rider’s exclusive Flexpand

Olukai Holomua

SPORTSONESOURCE.COM

Rider Sandals Dunas V

technology. A new twist on an old favorite, the Women’s Dunas V cross-strap sandal, MSRP $35, has a MemoryPlus insole and a Dura-flex outsole for support.

OOFOS Still very young in the sandal’s market, OOFOS will be extending its color options across styles including the Women’s OOriginal Thong in Aqua, MSRP $40, and Men’s OOriginal Thong in Mocha, MSRP $40. With the mantra ‘Make YOO Feel Better,’ the brand addresses the emerging recovery category with the unique impact absorption properties of its OOfoam technology.

Jambu Beach Terra Marine

Jambu Pathfinder Air Vent 360

Jambu

At Jambu, the focus for Spring 2014 is sporty casual. The brand believes details such as contrast stitching and material keep it a step ahead of competitors in creating an outdoor fashion feel. All Jambu shoes feature a memory foam footbed and All Terra Traction outsoles. The Pathfinder Air Vent 360, MSRP $99, is designed to regulate air-flow and wick away moisture. The Beach Terra Marine, MSRP $69, is part of Jambu’s Terra Marine collection designed with built-in drainage dual mesh ports throughout the insole/outsole to allow water to escape.

Sperry Top-Sider

OOFOS OOriginal Thong

“The breakthrough level of impact absorption combined with the patented footbed design provides arch support that accommodates the needs of your foot and gives the active community a new product that helps them rejuvenate after activity,” said Duncan Finigan, director of marketing. “OOFOS introduces innovation at valued price points providing consumers with products that make them feel better.”

Timberland Timberland is raising the style quotient with an extended line of premium full-grain and nubuck leathers from an LWG Silver-rated tannery. The Men’s Earthkeepers Harbor Point Slide, MSRP $90, features a leather-wrapped latex rubber footbed for comfort, a lightweight leather-wrapped EVA midsole, and durable, textured rubber outsole (15 percent recycled) for traction. Timberland Earthkeepers Harbor Point Slide

Continuing to branch out from its boat shoe roots, Sperry Top-Sider is introducing the SON-R Pulse Thong, MSRP $60. Featuring the brand’s Son-R technology that enhances proprioception by enabling the body to gain improved awareness of what is happening beneath your feet, the sandal is designed to help users traverse wet, rocky shores or the deck of a boat more comfortably. Sperry Top-Sider SON-R Pulse Thong

New Balance is expanding last year’s popular Revitalign collection with various fabrications and brighter colors such as the Men's New Balance Revitalign RX Triumph Slide, MSRP $70, and Women's New Balance Revitalign RX Sustain Thong, MSRP $60. The Revitalign slide New Balance Revitalign RX works like a custom orthotic by promoting Triumph Slide arch support and alignment. New Balance is also introducing The Nantucket Collection, featuring beach and pastel colors with various footbeds and extending New Balance Revitalign RX Sustain Thong its Rev Plush20 line, featuring a memory foam midsole that is two times more water resistant than standard memory foam, to brighter colors, including the Women's New Balance Plush20 Thong, MSRP $30. “We are seeing an overall trend across the board in sandals where your basic sandals are being built with more technology in terms of arch support, water resistant memory foam and more durable straps,” said Carey Langley, director of product at Klonelab, LLC., New Balance’s U.S. licensing partner for sandals and slides. “All-day comfort technology as opposed to a purely flat sandal with no support is quickly becoming the norm in the category. In terms of color and materials, it's still all about jewel tones for women, but with a toned-down vibrancy.” New Balance PLUSH20 Thong

60 JULY 2013

New Balance

Patagonia Footwear Patagonia Footwear’s surf collection features two new flips with rich, smooth “Better Leathers” from Leather Working Group-approved tanneries. The Stringer Flip, MSRP $80, uses a full grain leather upper with soft pigskin leather lining. A secure three-point toe post holds the foot in place while an anatomically lasted molded EVA footbed provides arch support for all day comfort. The nonmarking and no-skid gum rubber sole grips both wet and dry surfaces. The Stringer Slide, MSRP $85, forgoes the toe post in favor of crossed, soft, pigskinlined, full-grain leather straps. In Patagonia Footwear’s women’s casual segment, the Poli Thong, MSRP $90, and Poli Knotty, MSRP $100, sandals are comfortable and casual summer staples with full Patagonia Stringer Flip grain leather uppers, soft pigskin linings and air cushion technology. Both styles feature unique strap detailing and partially recycled soles. Patagonia Poli Thong

Sazzi

Sazzi, founded in 2010 by Teva inventor Mark Thatcher, is building on its threestyle initial launch from last season with 10 styles for Spring 2014. What makes Sazzi unique is its four-toe post upper construction that naturally connects the wearer to the footbed with no need to clinch their toes. Brett Ritter, Sazzi’s CEO, said the wearer Sazzi UNA Sport gets all the benefits of the supportive, athletic footbed and outsole providing arch support, heel cup, protection and comfort. “It’s like wearing a high quality, comfortable shoe or boot, but with an open air sandal feel,” said Ritter. “Posture, alignment, agility and general foot heath all benefit.” For Spring 2014, Sazzi’s UNA Sport, MSRP $90, is an all-purpose, performance sport sandal designed to fit and Sazzi UNA function specifically for women. The lightweight, fast drying upper with adjustable ankle strap is built on a women’s specific last. Also available in a men’s. version. UNA, MSRP $65, is an all terrain women’s specific, amphibious open heel performance sandal built on the new Uni platform for women. The lightweight upper is quick dry and closed cell to defeat microbial growth for use in and out of the water.

Quiksilver

Quiksilver Port

For Spring 2014, Quiksilver's trending stories for men’s sandals are pop colors, water friendly materials, texture pieces, and immediate comfort.

Quiksilver Haleiwa

One highlight is the Port, MSRP $50, featuring a full grain nubuck upper and footbed as well as a multi-durometer midsole for advanced cushioning. The Haleiwa, MSRP $20, features a molded TPE footbed with anatomically correct arch support and heel cup.

Speedo Speedo’s sandals collection will expand considerably for 2014. Hydrophobic and ultra-lightweight, the Exsqueeze Me sandal line features an Injection Molded EVA construction for performance and flexibility. Rubber pods in the forefoot and heel strike provide maximum traction, and FluidFlow technology promotes water flow and drainage. The collection’s range includes a flip, a slide, a flow (a retro, throwback sandal); as well as a Z9 (a fashionable and minimal sandal silhouette) for women. Suggested prices range from $25 to $36. Another highlight from Speedo is the Blaze line that includes a clog, MSRP $46, thong, MSRP $45, and slide, MSRP $44. The fully ventilated and lightweight injection molded EVA design makes the “go anywhere” shoe breathable and quick drying. The 100 percent recyclable PLUSfoam

Speedo Clog Speedo Thong

Speedo Slide

soles provide comfort with minimal eco-impact. “We are excited and tuned into dual density/dual injection EVA footwear and components for their comfort, lightweight, shoe-like feel with soft uppers and outsole grade EVA's,” said Barry McGeough, Speedo’s VP of hardgoods. McGeough said athletic colors and overall styling continue to work their way into sandals although strappier sports sandals are standing out for women. Said McGeough, “She wants to get after it but look great while doing it, and not look like her boyfriend.” ■

SPORTSONESOURCE.COM

For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events

JULY

SEPTEMBER

9-10

TAG Summer Show St. Charles, MO

Surf Expo Board Demo Day Orlando, FL

10-12

BCA International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo Friedrichshafen, Germany

6-8

Surf Expo Orlando, FL

11-14

European Outdoor Trade Fair Friedrichshafen, Germany

18-19

Health & Fitness Business Expo Las Vegas, NV

12-14

A.D.A. Spring Show Milwaukee, WI

8-10

NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market Fort Worth, TX

16-18

ASI Chicago Chicago, IL

18-20

Interbike International Trade Expo Las Vegas, NV

17-19

NBS Specialty Outdoor Market Fort Worth, TX

18-19

NBS Summer Athletic Specialty Market Fort Worth, TX

25-28 Bike Expo 2013 Munich, Germany 31

Outdoor Retailer Open Air Demo Salt Lake City, UT

AUGUST

25-26 Sports & Fitness Industry Assoc. Industry Leaders Summit Baltimore, MD 26-28 30-2

Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Ft Worth, TX OIA Rendezvous San Diego, CA

OCTOBER 7-8

The Retailing Summit Dallas, TX

1-3

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Salt Lake City, UT

15-17 SGB Sports & Technology Convergence Palo Alto, CA

4-6

Imprinted Sportswear Show Las Vegas, NV

NOVEMBER

5-7 FFANY New York, NY

1-3

NBS Fall Athletic Market Austin, TX

7-9

WSA Show Las Vegas, NV

5-7

TAG Fall/Winter Show St. Louis, MO

8-10

Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Denver, CO

15-17

A.D.A. Fall Show San Antonio, TX

17-19

Altanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA

24-26 Sports, Inc. Athletic Show Las Vegas, NV

20-23 MAGIC Las Vegas, NV 19-21

PGA Expo Las Vegas, NV

62 JULY 2013

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS

CALENDAR

Athletic Dealers of America 1395 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 t 321.254.0091 f 321.242.7419 athleticdealersofamerica.com National Shooting Sports Foundation Flintlock Ridge Office Center 11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470 t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087 nssf.org National Sporting Goods Association 1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 t 847.296.6742 f 847.391.9827 nsga.org Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Sports 4216 Hahn Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX 76117 t 817.788.0034 f 817.788.8542 nbs.com Outdoor Industry Association 4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301 t 303.444.3353 f 303.444.3284 outdoorindustry.org Sports & Fitness Industry Association 8505 Fenton St., Suite 211 Silver Spring, MD 20910 t 301.495.6321 f 301.495.6322 sfia.org Snow Sports Industries America 8377-B Greensboro Drive McLean, VA 22102 t 703.556.9020 f 703.821.8276 snowsports.org Sports, Inc. 333 2nd Avenue North Lewistown, MT 59457 t 406.538.3496 f 406.538.2801 sportsinc.com Sports Specialists Ltd. 590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110 Victor, NY 14564 t 585.742.1010 f 585.742.2645 sportsspecialistsltd.com Team Athletic Goods 629 Cepi Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 t 636.530.3710 f 636.530.3711 tag1.com Worldwide 8211 South 194th Kent, WA 98032 t 253.872.8746 f 253.872.7603 wdi-wdi.com

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I AM... sgb

Bob Puccini President, Mizuno USA, Inc. Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd. Director, Mizuno Corporation

ob Puccini's passion for sports and competition has transcended across his professional career. He joined Mizuno USA in 1995 as vice president and general manager of Mizuno’s diamond, athletic footwear/apparel and South American businesses and in 1996, Puccini was appointed President of Mizuno USA to oversee all operations in both the U.S. and South America. In 2006, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Mizuno Corporation, Mizuno USA’s publicly traded parent company based in Osaka, Japan.

My father was a multisport athlete and became a golf (teaching) professional and life member of the PGA. My parents encouraged my brother and me at an early age to engage in sports because of the core values it would teach us, keep us “out of trouble,” as well the hope that we would both earn college scholarships since we would need financial aid. Both of us did exactly that.

What first drove you to get active in sports?

What was your proudest athletic moment? Receiving a scholarship to Fordham University. Fordham’s coach was Gil MacDougald, Yankee star of the 1950s.

Was there one person who served as your mentor for your

In addition to my father, my high school baseball coach Mr. Dom Cecere. He instilled so many core values that we thought were about baseball and sports, but later, realized were about life. Discipline, hard work, dedication, teamwork, character and being a class act both on and off the field are values that drive me today.

career?

Most significantly, my personal values and convictions and those of Mizuno Corporation are tightly aligned: integrity, honor, discipline, hard work and attention to detail. A focus on quality and doing things right and “doing the right thing” are also critical values we share.

What do you love about working at Mizuno USA?

What are you trying to change? While we will never sacrifice our values, it’s important to adapt our “what, how, why, where and when” we execute to remain relevant, compelling and aligned with our evolving consumer and customer behavior. I have initiated a major project to ensure we are prepared to carry the brand to the next level of success and are positioned for long-term sustainability. What is your advice to someone looking to work or grow

I was recruited by a very smart Harvard MBA, ex-General Foods marketeer and GM at Spalding, Chuck Yash. He gave me an opportunity to work as the product manager for the Golf Club business. Back then (1983), Spalding was still a major force in the golf business and I felt I could learn a lot from Chuck and the team while living a dream of combining my vocation with my avocation.

How did you get started in the sporting goods business?

64 JULY 2013

their career in the sporting goods industry? Learn the funda-

mentals of professionalism, business management and leadership, including best practice methods and ideologies. Then, realize that these can be applied to and are transferable to most any business. Importantly, work in a culture and environment where you can make a difference, and pursue what you love - you’ll never work a day again!

Summer Market JULY 31-AUGUST 3, 2013

Open Air Demo JULY 30, 2013

UR S YO AR K D R A EN M L CA

Winter Market JANUARY 22-25, 2014

All Mountain Demo JANUARY 21, 2014

WWW.OUTDOORRETAILER.COM

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66 JULY 2013