January 31, 2011
A Weekly Web Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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Group Publisher / Editor–in–Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com
January 31, 2011 Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan (917.375.4699) tryan@sportsonesource.com Associate Editor Kyle J. Conrad (704.987.3450 x111) kconrad@sportsonesource.com
A Weekly Web Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
Creative Director Teresa Hartford Graphic Designer Camila Amortegui VP Business Development Bill Bratton (409.392.5029) bill@sportsonesource.com VP/GM Specialty Businesses Paul Gagner (720.272.9787) pgagner@sportsonesource.com VP Business Development Barry Gauthier (774.553.5312) barry@sportsonesource.com Business Development Manager Katie O’Donohue (704.987.3450 x110) katieo@sportsonesource.com Senior Ad Sales Manager Susan Tauster (630.858.1558) stauster@sportsonesource.com Circulation & Subscriptions subs@sportsonesource.com Technology Chief Information Officer, Mark Fine VP Research & Development, Gerry Axelrod Manager Database Operations, Cathy Badalamenti
FEATURE page
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Photo courtesy of Outdoor Retailer
NEWS SportsOneSource Publications SGB TEAM Business Sportsman’s Business The B.O.S.S. Report Sports Executive Weekly SGB Update Footwear Business Update PSR Update
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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR'S Momentum Grows In Q4 UNDER ARMOUR Breaks Billion Dollar Barrier For 2010 CALLAWAY Turns In A Disappointing Q4 ADVERTISERS Key On Super Bowl To Boost Brand Awareness UNDER ARMOUR Expanding Baltimore Campus FILA Acquires Master Licensee For Emea Region FLEET FEET Launches Vendor Partner Grant Program NEWS SHORTS
Sportsman’s Business Update Team Business Update SGB Weekly Team Business Weekly Sportsman’s Busness Weekly Footwear Business Weekly Outdoor Business Weekly
FEATURES 8 16
SUN SHINING AGAIN ON OUTDOOR CATEGORIES Shot Show And Outdoor Retailer Paint A Promising Picture For 2011 FAST, LIGHT AND MINIMAL DEFINE BOOTS FOR FALL 2011 Extensions Of The “Ugg” Look Give New Life To Fashion Boots
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22 WHAT CEO'S ARE READING Cover photography courtesy of Outdoor Retailer
Copyright 2011 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers & contributors to SGB WEEKLY are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB WEEKLY is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB WEEKLY may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB WEEKLY is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB WEEKLY, 2151 HAWKINS STREET, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE, NC 28203; 704.987.3450.
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NEWS
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR'S MOMENTUM GROWS IN Q4 Capping off a comeback year, Columbia Sportswear reported revenues surged 27.6% in the fourth quarter to $457.3 million. Earnings rose 13.4% to $26.2 million, or 77 cents a share. The 19.2% full-year revenue gain to a record $1.48 billion followed three straight years of declines. In the quarter, double digit growth was achieved in every product category, every region and in each of its three major brands. The growth primarily reflected the previously-announced increase in Fall 2010 advance orders, combined with a timing shift of shipments due to delayed production. Also supporting the growth were earlier shipments of Spring 2011 advance orders to international distributors and U.S. wholesale customers made possible by more timely Spring 2011 production. Stronger than expected global direct-to-consumer sales, partly benefiting from favorable fall weather, contributed over 40% of the growth in the quarter. On a conference call, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, attributed
the gains to a renewed emphasis on product innovation, enhanced styling, improved retail presentation, and integrated marketing. "I believe we have more innovative products across our brand portfolio than at any time in the company's history," said Boyle. "We intend to keep fueling our product engines and delivering innovations that benefit outdoor consumers and challenge our competitors to keep up." Sales of the Columbia brand grew 22.2% to $365.0 million with a significant portion of the growth coming from its direct-to-consumer channel. Omni‐Heat products produced "superior sell-through in every channel in key markets globally." Sorel's sales jumped 74.1% to $50.5 million, including a 4 percentage point negative effect from changes in currency exchange rates. Mountain Hardwear's sales advanced 37.7% to $39.8 million, including a 1 percentage point benefit from currency exchange rates. The fourth quarter comparison for both Sorel and Mountain Hardwear were impacted by a timing shift of shipments of Fall 2010 advance orders into the fourth quarter due to delayed production.
UNDER ARMOUR BREAKS BILLION DOLLAR BARRIER FOR 2010 Under Armour, Inc. made history in 2010, breaking the billion dollar mark for the first time in the company's history as it continues develop its product lines and build its endorsement portfolio. Total sales for the year ended Dec. 31 were $1.1 billion, up nearly a quarter from sales of $856.4 million in fiscal 2009. The company’s bottom line improved by about half to $68.5 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, from $46.8 million, or 92 cents per share, in the year ago period. For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, total revenues increased 36% to $301.2 million from $222.2 million in the year ago quarter. Growth came from strength in all major categories, including apparel, which improved 32.2% to $254.0 million from $192.1 million a year ago. Management said growth was driven by “sustained momentum” across the Men’s, Women’s and Youth businesses. Footwear, which benefitted from the aforementioned fall basketball launch and growth in baseball cleats, more than doubled to $21.9 million from $8.7 million a year ago while Accessories jumped 28.0% to $14.8 million from $11.5 million a year ago. The licensing business, which represents about 3% of overall business, increased 6.3% to $10.5 million. Direct-to-consumer sales, which represented about 33% of total net revenues, jumped 56%. Net income increased to $22.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared with $15.2 million in the prior year's period. Perhaps the most noteworthy news is the company’s launch of its first cotton line, originally hinted at more than a year ago during a conference call with analysts. Under Armour is diving into the cotton business headfirst with its February shipment of Under Armour Charged Cotton, a “technology-based” product the company said takes “standard cotton fabric and infuse(s) it with performance material.” 4
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CALLAWAY TURNS IN A DISAPPOINTING Q4 Callaway turned in a disappointing fourth quarter as the Carlasbad, CA-based golf manufacturer reported net sales of $185.5 million, essentially flat with a year-ago period that was still in the midst of a stagnant golf market. The company recorded a net loss of $32.3 million, or 54 cents per diluted share, for the quarter, compared with a loss of $15.6 million, or 29 cents per diluted share, in the prior-year period. The near-doubling of last year’s net loss was attributed largely to charges (7 cents per share) related to the company’s struggling Top-Flite brand along with charges related to global operation investments (7 cents per share), including the company relocating its Carlsbad, CA club assembly operation and a portion of its Chicopee, MA operation to a new facility in Monterey, Mexico. Gross margins for the quarter were 29.9% of sales, down 140 basis points from 31.3% in Q4 2009. Management said Top-Flite, a value-oriented golf ball brand sold primarily through big box retailers and mass market retailers like Walmart, has ceded sales to premiumbranded balls over the last two years. For the year, Callaway’s top line edged up 1.8% to $967.7 million from $950.8 million a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $18.8 million, or 46 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $15.3 million, or 33 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
ADVERTISERS KEY ON SUPER BOWL TO BOOST BRAND AWARENESS
The flagship game of the country’s most popular sport is also one of the best opportunities for advertisers to connect with consumers, according to a recent survey by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association. The average consumer is expected to spend $59.33 on game-related merchandise, apparel and snacks, up from $52.63 last year. Total Super Bowl spending is expected to reach $10.1 billion. This represents a valuable opportunity for brands and retailers to launch key advertising campaigns. Sketchers, for example, will unveil a 30 second commercial for its Shape-Ups collection featuring reality TV star Kim Kardashian. Grocery, apparel, electronic, sporting goods and home furnishing stores can expect to see their share of Super Bowl related spending as sports fans head out to buy food and beverage (69.5%), team apparel or accessories (7.3%), decorations (6.0%), and furniture or a new entertainment center (2.0%). Of the millions of people planning to tune in on Feb. 6, nearly half (47.0%) say the game itself is the most important part. Over one-quarter (25.8%) watch for the commercials, 19.5% enjoy getting together with friends, and 7.7% say the half time performances are most important. Another company taking advantage of Super Bowl opportunities is Junk Food Clothing, which is opening a pop-up shop on site at the NFL Experience, a theme park located at Cowboys Stadium. Junk Food will sell limited-edition vintage NFL T-shirts on site.
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UNDER ARMOUR EXPANDING BALTIMORE CAMPUS Under Armour, Inc. reached a deal to acquire the Tide Point Business Park in South Baltimore for $60.5 million and plans to build out the site as a corporate campus. The move was seen as cementing Under Armour's future in the city of Baltimore. Under Armour established its corporate headquarters at Tide Point in 2002. The company is currently a major tenant leasing approximately 175,000 square feet within the 400,000 square foot office complex and anticipates taking additional square footage as its business expands. The complex is comprised of five adjoining buildings situated on 15 acres along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor waterfront. Under Armour also leases approximately 140,000 square feet of office and showroom space across the street from the Tide Point office complex. Beside seeking additional space to support its growth, it will also serve as a recruiting and sales tool. “Baltimore and the state of Maryland remain an important part of our heritage, history and success at Under Armour,” said Kevin Plank, founder and CEO. “We are excited to fortify “Our House” at the Tide Point headquarters in Baltimore, as we build a multi-billion dollar global brand." The transaction is expected to close in approximately 60 to 90 days, subject to satisfaction of various closing conditions.
LOGON SEARCH APPLY
FILA ACQUIRES MASTER LICENSEE FOR EMEA REGION Fila Luxembourg completed the purchase of Integrix Sports Group, Ltd., the master licensee of the Fila brand for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. George Napier, former CEO of Prince, was hired to lead the transition in the region. Ares Capital Europe, Ltd., the former majority owner, has retained a 25 percent interest in ISGL and will provide new financing to the business. Yoon Soo (Gene) Yoon, Chairman of Fila Korea, the parent company of Fila Luxembourg, says "Given the importance of this region, we made the decision to purchase ISGL and regain control of the brand in this territory. Ares fully recognizes the potential of the brand and we are delighted that they have decided to partner with us. We have engaged George Napier, former CEO of Prince and Benetton Sport System and former President of Wilson Sporting Goods, to help lead this transition."
FLEET FEET LAUNCHES VENDOR PARTNER GRANT PROGRAM
SPORTS JOB SOURCE .COM
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Fleet Feet, Inc. launched a Vendor Partner Grant Program. The company awarded $25,000 in grants to five stores on behalf of its vendor partners to support the stores charitable contributions at the local level. Most of the grants went to support running and fitness programs for the young and underprivileged. The stores and grant givers were Fleet Feet Sports Madison (Brooks Sports), Fleet Feet Sports Orlando (Saucony), Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento (Superfeet), Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse (New Balance) and Fleet Feet Sports Winston-Salem (Balega).
SHORTS PEYTON MANNING (NO. 1), SHAUN WHITE (NO. 2) and PHIL&TEDS USA, INC. of Fort Collins, CO, in cooperation TIGER WOODS (NO. 3) top the Bloomberg Businessweek.com with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health 2011 Power 100 ranking of the most powerful professional athletes. U.S. Football dominates the list with 27 players ranked in the top 100.
MICHAEL VICK, the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, signed a two-year deal with UNEQUAL TECHNOLOGIES, best known for its insoles, marking his first paid endorsement contract since returning to football two years ago. The Kennett Square, PA, firm also manufactures shock-absorbing sports equipment. Vick wore a vest designed by Unequal after his return from a rib injury earlier in the season and also wore shoulder pads and thigh pads made by Unequal. Unequal was first introduced to NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, with its Unequal Insoles. Little League Baseball announced a waiver, effective immediately, for several EASTON BASEBALL bats after placing a moratorium on all composite bats in September 2010. The Easton OMEN XLB -12 and OMEN XLB -10 will be allowed for all Little League Baseball play during the 2011 season.
Canada, is voluntarily recalling 22,000 of its branded jogging strollers in the U.S and 7,200 sold in Canada because they pose a risk of finger amputation. When folding and unfolding the stroller, a consumer's finger can become caught in the hinge mechanism, posing amputation and laceration hazards. Phil&Teds received three reports of incidents resulting in injuries to the adult users including a finger tip amputation and two reports of lacerations. The recall involves Sport V2 and Classic V1 model single-seat jogging strollers.
ATHLETA has signed on as the new title sponsor for Iron Girl. The women's series has 13 events nationwide, ranging from 10K/5K to half-marathon, duathlon and triathlon. The Athleta Iron Girl Series provides participants the opportunity to reach their personal fitness goals and event amenities such as a post-race catered Breakfast Cafe, shirts sized for women, personalized race bibs, custom finisher medals, post-race giveaways and more. ▲
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Photo courtesy of Outdoor Retailer
SUN SHINING AGAIN ON OUTDOOR CATEGORIES SHOT SHOW AND OUTDOOR RETAILER PAINT A PROMISING PICTURE FOR 2011 By the editors of SGB Weekly
The 2011 show season for the outdoor market officially kicked off last week as the two largest venues serving both ends of the outdoor market posted stellar results despite overlapping dates and the accompanying hassles for retailers, brands, reps, vendors and suppliers. The Las Vegas-to-Salt Lake City mid-week jet shuttle was packed with the outdoor crowd as many put time in at the first two days of the SHOT Show, which covers the hunting and shooting sports market, then flew to the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the key show for hiking, camping, backpacking, backcountry snow sports and running markets — and increasingly other general active lifestyle products. Both markets have had challenges in the last two years—SHOT retailers and vendors dealt with having to anniversary against very strong firearm sales in early 2009 following the elections that swept a Democratic administration into office. Outdoor Retailer (OR) had been challenged the last two years as specialty retailers took a hit from a reluctant consumer hurt by shrinking 401K portfolios and home equity. Both markets looked to be on a rebound this year with the two showing a clear reflection of the business each represents. While most in attendance did not see a complete return to healthier pre-recession days, there was certainly evidence that the outdoor market has started putting the tough times behind it. The U.S. consumer is still reluctant to dig deep and spend money squirreled away over the last two years, but there is evidence that this consumer is starting to move beyond functioning primarily on a “need” basis (wet feet = buy boots) to more “want” type purchasing over the last year as consumers -- at least those that are not in the near-20 percent underemployed column -- started to feel a bit more secure. WEEK 1105 | SGBweekly.com
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The 33rd edition of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) hosted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) wrapped up on Jan. 21 with plenty of storylines that emerged from the largest trade show for shooting sports professionals. The show set a record for buyer attendance at 31,769 and was the third largest show in overall attendance, (57,390), in the show’s history behind 2008 and 2010. "The importance of the SHOT Show to the firearms industry cannot be underestimated," said Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of NSSF, which owns the trade show. "The SHOT Show is simply the must-attend business event for all segments of our industry. Based on what we're hearing, the industry has every reason to believe that 2011 shows promise of being another strong year." A number of changes were made to exhibition halls to make navigating the huge show easier, including widened aisles, better signage and a new escalator. Those changes received widespread positive response. "There was much better traffic flow," said exhibitor George Trulock, whose choke tube company booth was set up on the lower floor. "The changes that were made worked." From the standpoint of SGB Weekly’s editors and staff who spent the week working more than 700,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space and 1,600 exhibitors within the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, the general disposition of attendees and exhibitors was optimistic-but-tempered. It’s certainly not realistic to expect the 10
SGB WEEKLY l JAN 31, 2011
state of the firearms and hunting industry to be near the same level during the 2008 and 2009 shows when the market was in the midst of an historic consumer gun-craze that filtered down to all facets of the sportsman’s industry and into the broader consumer market. For fiscal 2011, most manufacturers – especially those from the gun and ammunition category – have somewhat scaled back product launches as the market normalizes. This was completely expected, however, as even last year’s show saw buyers exhibiting more selectivity as the market returned to normalcy. A representative from one major gun and ammunition maker said the company had approached 2011 with “more innovation, less product” mindset, opting to focus on a few key launches to spark the interest of buyers. This is vastly different from the prior two shows, the rep added, when buyers were snapping up “black” guns amidst fears of an Obama-led crackdown on AR-style weapons. That never happened, the rep said, and now consumers have reverted back to standard “recessionary” behavior – recycling high-priced equipment from year-to-year while ramping up their purchases of complementary accessories. The guns that are selling, he said, are those at the entry-level price point – especially centerfire rifles in the $300$350 range. A rep at another major gun brand said long guns – rifles and shotguns – continue to be sluggish due in large part to high prices
Photo courtesy of Shot Show
and the propensity of gun owners to recycle their hunting equipment from year-to-year when discretionary income gets tight. At the 2009 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the outdoor industry seemed overwhelmed and full of dread following the recession in late 2008. Last year's show saw some recovery in the mood, but retailers still ordered almost fearfully after finding themselves caught with bloated inventories from the previous year. This year, the smiles came easily for friends rubbing elbows in the crowded aisles. A sigh of relief was evident as the industry appears to have recovered over last year and retailers and vendors appear more bullish. Most retailers and brands in the outdoor specialty channel – as well as run specialty - delivered solid to strong years in 2010, thanks to demand by consumers and heavy wintry weather going into the holidays. Buyers at the show also seemed to be back in a buying mood. Many attendees commented to SGB Weekly that the booths seemed to be bigger and glitzier, with more use of models. "The show has been stellar from the fresh entryway to the new products focus area in the grand ballroom," said Kenji Haroutunian, Group Show Director, Outdoor, Nielsen Expositions Sports Group. "Attendance is substantially up from 2010, trending overall 16 percent up. About 9 percent in stores and 10 percent in buyers." He said the estimates were consistent with registration trending and hotel reservations uptick.
INSIDE SHOT SHOW 2011
Photo courtesy of Outdoor Retailer
"The pulse of the show was absolutely fantastic," adds Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO at Outdoor Industry Association. "We're an industry on the rise and a trade show that's looking extremely healthy." Hugelmeyer said that the 2010 Winter Market saw some recovery but still reflected the "hangover" from 2009. "Now it's clear that our industry has fully rebounded and that our industry and lifestyle has made the cut for the American consumer and that we're an important part of the American lifestyle going forward," says Hugelmeyer. "We're in a position to gain market share as an industry.” Kim Walker, owner of Outdoor Divas in Boulder, felt the OR show had a "good vibe" despite delivery challenges. "It felt like the show was considerably busier than the previous couple years in winter," she said. "Most retailers I spoke with had good holiday seasons and strong fourth quarters." "The show feels very upbeat, exciting and optimistic," agreed Lisa Hollenbeck, co-owner of the Alpine Shop in St. Louis. "The snowy and cold weather this season has made us look smart, and we ran out of some key products. Our buying team is trying hard to remember that we may not be so lucky next Fall, so we have to be careful not to overbuy. We're formulating back-up plans that will make product available but will not over-commit us." Also supporting the better mood and healthier open-to-buy is a renewed confidence at outdoor specialty that accompanies the continued energy seen at run specialty. 12
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Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks Sports, Inc., one of the first running brands to showcase at the OR market, also felt the mood had clearly uplifted. "This is as good as I recall," said Weber. "Two years ago in 2009, it was like the world crashed. There's good energy here with a lot of people in the aisles. It's elbow-to-elbow. It's back and it's only up from here." Johnny Halberstadt, co-owner of the Boulder Running Company, one of the many running shops attending the show with the host of running brands now exhibiting, also noted an upbeat mood. "It's quite a change from two years ago," said Halberstadt. "Last year it picked up quite well but this year there's definitely a different vibe and it's very busy. We've seen so much more great product." Many traced part of the pickup to a renewed focus on innovation by many companies, partly driven by necessity as the customer demanded more excitement and must-have items in the downturn. In footwear, for instance, the barefoot trend continued to gain momentum with Merrell and New Balance showcasing their new partnerships with Vibram. While many footwear vendors scoffed at the barefoot movement and joked about the rise in visits to podiatrists as a result of the trend, nearly everyone raved about their minimalist offerings as part of the overall strength in lightweight offerings. Brands like Hoka One One and Tecnica brought out over-sized shoes that addressed the natural running hoopla. The influence of Sorel and Ugg could be seen across many of the snow boot brands.
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Photo courtesy of Outdoor Retailer
Photo courtesy of Outdoor Retailer
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In apparel, a vibrancy of colors across collections also signaled the upbeat mood. The best example of color driving traffic and energy was Adidas Outdoor, which debuted their U.S. line at the show. Vendors applauded the decision to move the All Mountain Demo to Solitude, another 30 minutes closer to Salt Lake City. “The demo was really good,” noted Scott Duer, North American sales manager for G3, who returned to the show after a one-year hiatus trying unsuccessfully to visit more dealers direct. “We were slammed.” "This is the busiest winter show I've seen in two years," said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva N.A. He said it started with a "great turnout" at the On Snow Demo. The footwear brand saw a steady crowd mulling around its booth. "It's a great show," said Lantz. "People are past the recession woes and fears. They realize how resilient the outdoor industry is with the recession instead of the paranoia we saw last year when people were worried about ordering anything." Kim Miller, CEO of SCARPA North America, likewise first saw the upbeat signs at the On Snow Demo. "I thought the move to Solitude was really positive," said Miller. "There may not have been more people there but it seemed denser to me and it seemed there was more activity. And it snowed; that's always important. There were also a lot of smiles. People were happy and that says a lot about the pulse of the consumer. Because a lot of those smiles weren’t just for that day but because business last year had been a lot better for a lot of people." ■
O N LY 10 D AYS L E F T TO N O M I N ATE! Do you know someone under 40 ready to become – or already is – a leader in the industry? Please nominate individual(s) you think deserve to be singled out for their achievements. Nominees must be a sporting goods industry professional born on or after January 1, 1971 who are actively working in the industry including footwear, apparel, outdoor, snow sports, hunting and fishing, action sports, tennis, golf and all retailers. Candidates can also hold positions as executives, buyers, store managers, sales reps, agency heads or work for vendors, distributors, wholesalers and trade associations.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE FEBRUARY 11, 2011 THREE WAYS TO NOMINATE! FAX - 704.987.3455 / EMAIL - UNDER40@SPORTSONESOURCE.COM / ONLINE - WWW.SGB40UNDER40.COM For more information please email under40@SportsOneSource.com or contact Katie O’Donohue 704.987.3450 (x110)
FAST, LIGHT AND MINIMAL DEFINE BOOTS FOR FALL 2011 EXTENSIONS OF THE “UGG” LOOK GIVE NEW LIFE TO FASHION BOOTS By Thomas J. Ryan
Photo courtesy of Salomon
O Ahnu The Tahoe
CHACO Arbora Wool Boot
utdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market was all around 'barefoot' and its close cousin 'minimalist.' So it may not be surprising that ever more lightweight models continue to work their way into the boot category. Based on retail point-of-sale data compiled by SportScanInfo for OIA VantagePoint, retail sales of product in the approach and outdoor crosstraining categories are up strong double-digits for the 51-week year-to-date period, while light hiking was up in high-single-digits and technical hiking in mid-single-digits. The trend to “fast and light” seen in packs and bags over the last few years, coupled with the trend to minimalism in many footwear categories, is creating new construction challenges and opportunities for brands. The lightweight trend is also continuing to be driven by consumers looking to use their footwear for multiple-purposes. While construction, fit, warmth and other performance features resonate with the core outdoor enthusiast, the strength in the light hiker category shows that people are looking to boots for more casual reasons that the traditionally bulky boot can't provide. With people going on less multi-day trips, the lighter hiker also works well for the core enthusiasts. Comfort is said to have become even more critical with boots becoming many people's everyday shoe. The look of the boot is also more important with men seeking more athletic looks in boots. For women, the red-hot trend is leather casual of all lengths as well as insulated or shearling-lined après boots. Many boot makers at the OR Show could be seen taking their own take on the UGG phenomenon and the more recent success of Sorel.
AHNU Tahoe winter boot for women boasts eVent waterproofing, 200g of
COLUMBIA The BugaBoot Max Electric
GARMONT The Momentum Ice Lock GTX
Thinsulate insulation, Vibram tooling and a ‘down feather’ nylon tongue for added comfort. MSRP $200 CHACO Women's Arbora Wool Boot marks its entry into the boot category featuring waterproof membrane construction, full grain leather/wool upper, wool lined shaft and resolable Vibram Burly outsole. MSRP $200 COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR'S BugaBoot Max Electric is fully equipped with Omni-Heat Electric to provide instant battery-powered warmth at the push of a button. Lightweight and sporty, the boot is designed for hardcore winter adventures. MSRP $425 Also featuring Omni-Heat technologies along with Omni-Shield advanced repellency, the Heather Canyon mid-calf for women is made of plush, water-resistant quilted textile and rich suede to suit the streets of Park City as well as the slopes of Aspen. MSRP $300 GARMONT Momentum Ice Lock GTX can handle sub-zero temperatures. 600g of Thinsulate and Gore-Tex Koala fleece lining. A new outsole provides traction in all conditions. MSRP $180
HI-TEC Capri 200 WP for men features a waterproof suede upper, 200g Thinsulate insulated construction, Comfort-Tec sockliner and MDT carbon rubber outsole. MSRP $100 Zermatt 200 HPi for women features a suede upper with faux fur lining, ion-mask protection, 200g Thinsulate insulated construction and a removable, contoured EVA sockliner. MSRP $125 KEEN Revel combines KEEN.WARM Trapolater underfoot insulation with 200g KEEN.WARM insulation for 360 degrees of warmth and a siped ice-traction outsole. Metal speed hook lacing and a gator hook is included to handle snowy trails. MSRP $140 Men’s and women’s Gypsum with nubuck leather boasts a wide, lugged, KEEN.ZORB and KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane with stability, comfort and moisture management. MSRP $130 LA SPORTIVA Glacier WLF mountain boot features heat resistant sole with Vibram rubber compound resistant to 300 degrees Celsius and specially formulated glue compound resistant to 100 degrees Celsius. A minimum 8 inch height meets federal standards for wildland firefighting. MSRP $275 LOWA Couloir GTX snow boot features split-leather, Nubuck and CORDURA upper with GORE-TEX Partalana fleece lining to keep the boot warm, waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and comfortable. Lowa’s new G3 sole with Monowrap PU injection midsole and frame offers stability and provides maximum grip on snow and ice. MSRP $270 MERRELL brought back its Wilderness Canyon hiking boot with electric blue laces in honor of its 30th Anniversary. The new version cuts back on the weight by 25 percent (to 2 lbs 2 oz) and incorporates earth-friendly materials such as 20 percent recycled midsole components. MSRP $200 The Wilderness Remix retro lace-up hiking boot features removable legwarmers made of 200g Merrell Opti-Warm insulation. MSRP $200 THE NORTH FACE Men's Chilkat II is a highly versatile, all-purpose winter boot with PrimaLoft Eco insulation, warmth to -25°F and a strong grip on frozen surfaces. MSRP $100 The North Face Men's Back-To-Berkeley 68 winter boot features HydroSeal waterproof protection and Ice Pick lugs with throwback styling. MSRP $120 Baffled, over the calf boots with convenient bungee lacing and cozy down fill insulation, the Gotham High-Rise provides lightweight warmth for the city streets or the après-ski deck. MSRP $120
HI-TEC The Capri 200 WP
KEEN Gypsum
LA SPORTIVA Glacier WLF
LOWA The Couloir GTX
MERRELL The Wilderness Remix
THE NORTH FACE Back-To-Berkeley
OBOZ Wind River full height backpacking boot features signature Oboz design including a three-dimensionally molded external heel counter and a triple-density footbed. Waterproof/breathable BDRY lines the Nubuck leather and textile upper. Oboz configured the midsole with dual density EVA, polyurethane, and nylon shank all atop an aggressive non-marking high friction outsole that sports a contour map of the Wind River range. MSRP $165 OBoz Yellowstone II hiking boot has a waterproof nubuck leather upper, with Oboz’ BDry waterproof/breathable membrane. Sawtooth outsole package has non-marking rubber with deep lugs, dual density EVA midsole and nylon midfoot shank. MSRP $145 PATAGONIA Das (for Dead Air Space) Men's Boot Pull On includes Tec-Tuff leather uppers for extra durability/protection and PrimaLoft Eco and Polartex 200g lining for warmth. MSRP $170 SCARPA'S Lech for women fuses fashion and function combining nylon and suede exterior construction, a Vibram sole, synthetic insulation and a shearling wool liner into a package that offers warmth and weather protection for any winter condition. MSRP $190 Building on its award-winning freeride boot, Scarpa's Hurricane Pro features a taller cuff, stiffer flex, alpine-style Intuition liner, an active power strap, and harmonized steel forefoot straps for precision forefoot closure. MSRP $740 TECNICA Cyclone Thermic GTX has an all leather upper, a nubuk rand, and a Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane. Tecnica’s TRS technology – featuring an oversized roll zone with approximately two-thirds in the rear that is flat and onethird in the front that is the rolling rocker – adds stability and grip. MSRP N/A Tecnica Vagabond from the W.E. Moon Boot Collection plays on the return of the Moon Boot from the seventies but adds an anatomical footbed, lefts and rights with a full size run and a slimmer profile. Italian designed and made with premium European shearling, the Vagabond features a premium 3D anatomical drop-in EVA footbed that provides comfort, insulation and support for all day walk-ability. MSRP $270 TIMBERLAND LiteTrace multi-sport boot features a single-layer waterproof upper (no membrane here, the boot is the membrane) using no-sew construction and minimal seam-sealing. Instead of the chunks of rubber on the base of a traditional hiker, the bottom features a thin TPU plate with rubber only on the traction areas. Its Green Rubber outsole features a lightweight Pebax foam heel insert. MSRP $155 20
SGB WEEKLY l JAN 31, 2011
OBOZ The Wind River
PATAGONIA The Das
SCARPA Lech
TECNICA The Cyclone Thermic GTX
TIMBERLAND The LiteTrace
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Photo courtesy of Obermeyer
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WHAT CEO'S ARE READING
DELIVERING HAPPINESS
A PATHPATH TO PROFITS, PASSION AND PURPOSE
GOOD BOSS, BAD BOSS HOW TO BE THE BEST...AND LEARN FROM THE WORST
By Tony Hsieh
By Robert I. Sutton
Zappos' focus on customer service is exemplary and I enjoyed reading about how a team of entrepreneurs found success while keeping their values-driven business alive through all the ups and downs of the e-commerce explosion. This is good reading for any business leader who wants to see how a strong mission and supporting values can inspire great results in a group of people. Tony loves his employees and loves his work--the results come from his focus on the process of pleasing his customers rather than the company's annual financial goals. It reminds me a lot of Yvon Chounard's business philosophies here at Patagonia. Casey Sheahan, CEO, Patagonia
I purchased the book because I read another book I liked by this author called, “The No Asshole Rule.” I decided to read his new book because I tend to work a lot by myself as a result of my position. This book helps keep me “in tune” when I am on the road. George Curleigh, Director of Sales North America, Arc'teryx MADE TO STICK
POSITIONING
By Chip and Dan Heath
WHY SOME IDEAS SURVIVE AND OTHERS DIE
I'm always looking for ways to make the See Jane By Al Reis and Jack Trout Run brand promise stick with customers. "Made A marketing classic. I recommend this book to anyone involved in product to Stick" uses humor, data and illuminating development, branding or sales. Fast paced, memorable and stocked with 'take examples to show you how. It's a quick, fun home value' on product differentiation. This book is as relevant today as it was read full of practical advice for connecting with 20 years ago. Doug Tibbetts, President and CEO, Boathouse Sports customers. Lori Shannon, Owner, See Jane Run THE BATTLE FOR YOUR MIND
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SGB WEEKLY l JAN 31, 2011
"I can't imagine having achieved the expanded retail space & growth of our business without regularly attending OR." – Marc Sherman, Outdoor Gear Exchange and GearX.com
201 1
2012
AUGUST 4-7, 2011 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
JANUARY 19-22, 2012 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Open Air Demo AUGUST 3, 2011 Jordanelle State Park, UT
All Mountain Demo JANUARY 18, 2012 Wasatch Range, UT
VISIT OUTDOORRETAILER.COM OR CALL 949/226-5722 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Mother Nature is full of surprises. Be prepared for all of them with the Zippo Outdoor Line. From a hand warmer to an emergency fire starter kit, this rugged, durable line is designed to keep outdoorsmen warm in any conditions that the great outdoors throws their way.
Enter to win the Zippo Outdoor Adventure Getaway to Jackson Hole, WY, at Shot Show Booth #14810. C: 28, M: 00, Y:55, K: 67