JANUARY 2, 2012
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
ISSUE 1201 JANUARY 2, 2012
Bill Garrels
Group Publisher bgarrels@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302
Editor In Chief James Hartford (704.987.3450 x104) james@sportsonesource.com
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan (917.375.4699) tryan@sportsonesource.com Contributing Editor Fernando J. Delgado
Page
Creative Director Teresa Hartford
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Graphic Designer Camila Amortegui Advertising Sales Account Manager Casey Vandenover (303-997-7302) caseyv@sportsonesource.com Katie O’Donohue (704.987.3450 x110) katieo@sportsonesource.com Circulation & Subscriptions subs@sportsonesource.com Technology Chief Information Officer, Mark Fine VP Research & Development, Gerry Axelrod Manager Database Operations, Cathy Badalamenti
SportsOneSource Publications Photo courtesy of FFANY
SGB TEAM Business Sportsman’s Business The B.O.S.S. Report Sports Executive Weekly SGB Update Footwear Business Update Outdoor Business Update Sportsman’s Business Update Team Business Update SGB Weekly
SportsOneSource Research SportScanInfo OIA VantagePoint SOS Research
NEWS 4 “IS IT LEGAL?” WILSON Launches Irreverent Racquet Marketing Campaign 5 6
GIVING BACK
7 GENESCO Hosts 22nd Annual Cold Feet Warm Shoes Program
FEATURES
10 COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR Not Done Innovating 14 FFANY Fall 2012 Footwear Trends
DEPARTMENTS
2151 Hawkins Street • Suite 200 • Charlotte • NC • 28203 t. 704-987-3450 • f. 704-987-3455 www.SportsOneSource.com
K2 Ski Boot Launch Scheduled For Fall/Winter 2013-14 MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS SPONSORSHIPS – Asics, Xenith, and Timberland MOVERS & SHAKERS
18 JOB CLASSIFIEDS
Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and 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
WEEK 1201 | SGBweekly.com
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NEWS
"IS IT LEGAL?"
WILSON LAUNCHES IRREVERENT RACQUET MARKETING CAMPAIGN
▲ Wilson Racquet Sports, a division of Wilson Sporting Goods, is breaking from its traditional product launches by asking the question, "Is It Legal?" in reference to its new racket technology launching in January. A fictional International Tennis Court is the setting for a mock trial, investigation and examination of evidence where tennis players and ball boys argue the legality of its new rackets, the Juice and the Steam. The campaign, which debuted on WilsonTennisCourt.com, utilizes Wilson's key tour players including Petra Kvitova, Feliciano Lopez and Kei Nishikori. The four-phase "Tennis Court" campaign extends through 2012, supporting all major Grand Slam events, and ends in September 2012 with the final verdict. The campaign is live on Wilson’s Facebook page and WilsonTennisCourt.com and will be supported by advertising, including TV, print, digital and in-store components. Print ads debut in the January/February issue of Tennis magazine, while TV ads will launch on the Tennis Channel in the first quarter of 2012. Specifically, the effort includes: tongue-in-cheek player “endorsements” of the new racket technology with reporters vying for the inside scoop; a film showing the “trial” in progress; a Facebook 4
SGB WEEKLY JANUARY 2, 2012
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE EVIDENCE
page and a mobile site where consumers can vote on the evidence; print ads, posters and banners; life-size mockups for POP featuring Wilson tour players; and playful hangtags warning consumers to use caution when playing with the new rackets. In the print portion of the campaign, Wilson athletes who play with Wilson's new Juice and Steam rackets are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Their identities have been hidden by the fictional International Tennis Court. “Behind the black bands, there’s an unmistakable sense of humor,” said Mike Steck, global marketing director for Wilson Racquet Sports. “Players often refer to their racket as a weapon. What if a racket is so good, it was considered illegal?” Steck expects the campaign will give retailers a strong sales tool to support the debut of these rackets. Added Steck, "This campaign is a comprehensive effort that not only gives retailers online tools, but also compelling in-store visuals. As this is a new generation of Wilson rackets, unlike anything Wilson has previously introduced, we needed a marketing approach that would differentiate our products. This is a departure for Wilson, and we intend to have some fun with it. "
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Accell Group of The Netherlands, the largest bicycling company in Europe, agreed to acquire all shares of Currie Technologies, a Chatsworth, CA company that has pioneered e-bikes in the U.S. Under the agreement, Accell will invest in marketing and technology in order to support the growth of Currie, which will remain under the leadership of its president Larry Pizzi. Pizzi told SGB Weekly that Accell’s backing will allow Currie to dramatically increase dealer education and training in the U.S., particularly in the IBD channel which has been reluctant to embrace e-bikes. Li & Fung has made an offer to buy iconic surf apparel brand Hang Ten for approximately Hong Kong $2.7 billion ($350 million), according to the Hong Kong Standard. Li & Fung hopes the deal will not only help its retail arm enter the growing segment of casual fashion apparel, but also boost its presence in several key Asian markets including China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
K2 SKI BOOT LAUNCH SCHEDULED FOR FALL/WINTER 2013-14 K2 confirmed it is developing its first line of ski boots, which will be launched for the 2013-14 winter season. The comprehensive 2013/14 K2 Ski Boot collection will be unveiled to the media and dealers at special launch events and the SIA and ISPO tradeshows in late 2012 and January 2013. It will be available at retail later that year. K2 Skis celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012, but has been making snowboarding boots for more than 25 years. It also makes Madshus cross country and Nordic boots, K2 inline skates and Zoot Sports triathlon footwear. Its sister brand, Full Tilt, makes three-piece ski boots. “Our success is based on consistently providing innovative product that makes skiing more fun and approachable for a wider variety of participants. It all starts with the comfort and performance of ski boots,” said Anthony De Rocco, president and CEO of K2 Sports, which is a unit of Jarden Corp.’s Outdoor Solutions segment.
American Golf has been sold to the U.S. private equity firm Sun Capital Partners, with private equity investor LDC selling its majority stake in the Warrington, U.K.-based retailer to Sun subsidiary Sun European Partners for an undisclosed sum. American Golf currently has 88 stores in the UK and Ireland. Garmin, Ltd. has acquired Centro GPS, the distributor of Garmin’s automotive, outdoor recreation, fitness and marine products in Chile. Centro GPS will be renamed Garmin Chile and will continue operations at its current facilities located in Santiago, which employs approximately 25 associates. The Outdoor Recreation Group, a maker of hunting apparel, has acquired Timber Hawk, a backpack start-up out of Salt Lake City, UT. Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd. has acquired 75 percent of Sporting Life, which operates four stores in Ontario, from its founders, Dr. Brian McGrath, and Patti and David Russell. Sporting Life will continue to be run under the leadership of Dr. McGrath and the Russells. WEEK 1201 | SGBweekly.com
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SPONSORSHIPS
MOVERS & SHAKERS
ASICS AMERICA announced its partnership with the Honda LA Marathon as the official apparel and footwear sponsor. This will be Asics’ first sponsorship of the iconic "Stadium to the Sea" race that will take place Sunday, March 18, 2012.
XENITH has been named the official helmet of the Semper Fidelis AllAmerican Bowl, which will feature one hundred of the nation's most elite high school football players divided into East vs. West teams. The game will take place at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ on January 3, 2012
TIMBERLAND will return as the Official Footwear and Outerwear Sponsor of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, taking place January 19-29, 2012 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, UT, as part of its "Fade to Green" film festival program. 6
SGB WEEKLY JANUARY 2, 2012
Igloo Product Corp. announced that Jeffrey Cartwright will be its new president and COO. He will report to Igloo Chairman and CEO, Gary Kiedaisch. Bjorn Gulden, president and CEO of the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoes in the U.S. as well as managing director of their parent Deichmann Group, has been appointed CEO of Danish jewelry maker Pandora. Paul McAdam has joined Quiksilver as its new president of retail, according to Women's Wear Daily. He was formerly CEO of the AllSaints and led the Londonbased AllSaints’ push into the U.S. He was also formerly president of Ben Sherman North America. High Sierra Sport Company appointed Kyle Kilcherman as director of sales for its Sporting Goods Division. Eastman Outdoors, which makes cookware for the outdoors, named Rob Eastman as chairman and chief executive officer and Erik Eastman as vice president. Jetboil, the manufacturer of portable outdoor stoves and accessories, promoted Steven Brooks to the post of chief operating officer and John Peretti to the position of director of research and development. Under Armour inked a multiyear partnership with Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. Mizu, the water bottle specialist, announced that long time action sports entrepreneur, Tim Pogue, has joined the company as CEO and president. Project 7 has named Scott Patt as its chief creative officer, effective January 2, 2012. Most recently, Patt was vice president of art for Hurley and had worked for Nike, Inc. for 14 years. Sport Obermeyer appointed Lisa Skelton as a sales representative, responsible for the Great Lakes East territory. Ecco has hired MaryBeth Cobia as territory manager for the Ecco USA Golf Division. Spyder awarded husband and wife rep group Bill Ehmke and Jane Ehmke with Rep of the Year honors.
Jim Estepa, president and CEO of Genesco's Retail Group, which includes Journeys, Journeys kidz, Shi by Journeys, Underground Station, and most recently acquired UK-based Schuh, was among the 100 Genesco volunteers that participated in the event.
Genesco employees, including Bryan Derrick (front), ensured that nearly 700 children had properly fitting, warm shoes this holiday season.
Mandy Fegan, with Genesco's Journeys Kidz division, works the inventory room as part of the company's signature community outreach program.
GENESCO HOSTS 22ND ANNUAL COLD FEET WARM SHOES PROGRAM On December 13, more than 100 Genesco volunteers came together at a Nashville, TN elementary school to properly fit 700 children with a brand new pair of shoes and a warm hat for the holiday season as part of its 22nd Annual Cold Feet Warm Shoes Program. For the seventh consecutive year, David Thornton, a former linebacker with the Tennessee Titans, and now on staff with the University of North Carolina, assisted in the effort
that took place in the gymnasium at Park Avenue Elementary. Genesco volunteers set up a mock shoe store in the school gym to provide a fun and empowering experience for the children as they selected their own shoes, providing them with the power of choice and the same great service found at one of Genesco’s 2,300 retail locations. The kids also received a pair of Crocs, a DC branded t-shirt, and holiday cheer as part of the event. WEEK 1201 | SGBweekly.com
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OLUMBIA PORTSWEAR
NOT DONE INNOVATING Taking a cue from the intelligent heating and cooling systems in the human body and strategically combining technologies in a zonal approach, Columbia takes thermal regulation to new heights. Comfort amplified. Warmth redefined. By Thomas J. Ryan
A
After ridiculing the outdoor industry for the past two years over its lack of differentiation, Columbia Sportswear now acknowledges that some of its competitors have awaken to the call for innovation. But the outerwear giant has no plans to lose its newfound edge. “We have delivered on what we have promised and with a roadmap of innovation through 2015, we are very excited about what the future holds for Columbia,” said Dan Hanson, Columbia’s VP of marketing, at a press tour last week introducing its Fall 2012 apparel and footwear collections in Park City, UT. “We're also very excited that a number of our peers in the industry have taken up the banner and are beginning to bang the gong of innovation. Because we feel, as we have stated, it’s nothing but good for the industry to continue to innovate and bring choices to consumers and effectively obsolete the closets of the active outdoor user.” Columbia fully expects to continue to lead the industry in driving innovation through the cutting-edge technologies it has amassed over the last three years as a result of its recommitment. That recommitment has led to ten consecutive seasons of innovation, led by a strong consumer acceptance of technologies such as Omni-Heat and Omni-Wick EVAP, as well as its purchase of OutDry Technologies in October 2010. Management believes it’s being just as innovative in bringing color to the often-muted palettes in the outdoor apparel space as well as on the marketing side. For example, Wim Hof, known for his bizarre feats in frigid temperatures, was hired as the “anti-spokesman” for Columbia's Fall 2011 campaign supporting Omni-Heat Electric. “We're not just the loud guy in the room without any substance,” said Hanson. “I think on top of the product innovation, which continues to get better, the design aesthetic, the eye, the color that's being added – both in apparel but also in footwear - is creating a nice balance. Consumers are looking for innovation. They’re looking for performance. And I don’t think those words are buzzwords or trite. They want more for their money but at the same time they want to look good and feel good. We’re delivering on that. I'm super excited about the trajectory that we're on and the convergence of the aesthetic with the innovation.” Much of the presentation centered on Columbia’s proprietary technologies that management claims gives it a decided advantage. Woody Blackford, Columbia's vice president of innovation, said Columbia is “really about being in the weather business and making it a place that isn’t uncomfortable to go.” Four words – warm, dry, cool and protected – drive its search for solutions to coping with the outdoors, he said. He believes the outdoor industry over the years reached outside to provide such consumer benefits to the detriment of driving innovation - not unlike other industries. For instance, Blackford noted how laptop providers, whether Dell, Compaq, Hewlett Packard or Toshiba, have all turned to Microsoft
TRITECA SOFTSHELL (MEN'S)
EXTREME FLEECE HALF ZIP (MEN'S)
BUGABOOT ORIGINAL (MEN'S)
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POWERFLY DOWN JACKET (MEN'S)
EXTREME FLEECE TIGHTS (WOMEN'S) ULTRACHANGE JACKET (WOMEN'S)
to drive their operating systems. As a result, the consumer’s experience has become relatively similar across PC brands. And as a result of ensuing commoditization, pricing pressures occur and “what happens next is there's no money to innovate and do the research to make better products,” said Blackford. For Fall 2012, Columbia will be introducing a new technology, Omni-Wind Block. Blackford believes Columbia has created “an ultra-breathable, windproof technology that’s also feather-light and waterproof” and he demonstrated its properties with a wind tunnel experiment at the session. He said much like Columbia's other recent introductions, the primary effort will be educating the consumer. Said Blackford, "There's a lot of different products in the segment that can protect them from the wind chill and even though it's been done, it hasn't been explained to the consumer in terms of what the potential benefit is and where they can find it because it is somewhat of an invisible technology." Many of the advancements coming for Fall 2012 stem from further utilizing the technologies Columbia has developed over the last three years. Sue Parham, VP, global apparel, accessories and equipment, said while it's also supporting its Winter apparel offerings, the capabilities of melding Columbia’s range of technologies are even more apparent in Trail. She noted that several Trail pieces for Fall 2012 share Omni-Dry, Omni-Wick EVAP and Omni-Heat all in the same piece. “On the trail, of course, there are so many different conditions that you have to be out in, whether it’s a short trek or a really long one. There are so many things to be prepared for,” she said. Internally, Columbia terms this method of combining technolo12
SGB WEEKLY JANUARY 2, 2012
EOLUS GLOVES (MEN'S)
RAVENOUS II OUTDRY (WOMEN'S)
gies “multiply to amplify” to provide benefits tailored to the athlete's needs. Parham said, “The body obviously doesn't need heat everywhere. It doesn’t sweat from every pour of the body. There are zones in our body that perform different functions and by taking our technologies and weaving them all together we can enhance the bodies’ ability to perform as it was made to perform. That’s something we can do alone that no other brand can do because we have our own proprietary technologies.” At the same time, Parham believes Columbia is also pushing the envelope on color to provide another lever to excite consumers to try something new. Said Parham, "We're not afraid of innovation. We want to be bold. And were not afraid of color because we think color should be as innovative as the product it is on." In footwear, Columbia will focus on bringing the benefits of OmniHeat Electric, Omni-Heat reflective, and Omni-Heat Out-Dry to feet. Said Eric Groff, senior footwear product line manager, “We are going
to put the specialty back into the outdoor specialty arena with ingredients that are all ours.” Tapping those technologies, the updated Bugaboot promises to be “more lighter, more durable, and more protective” than at any time in the iconic item's nearly 20-year history. A particular benefit is extending OutDry, which promises to drastically reduce weight versus the standard bootie construction by eliminating water and dirt retention, to boots. Omni-Heat Reflective is also being extended to the trail because trail running is a 12-month activity. On the marketing front, Columbia will be bringing the message of “undeniably cold” in Fall 2012 by taking consumers to Siberia and the city of Yakutsk, the coldest city in the world with average annual temperatures of minus 27 degrees Fahrenheit. That promises to build on this year's extreme-cold campaign around “The Iceman,” Wim Hof, as well as its initial push to expose consumers to the cold in Fall 2010. The campaign will again focus on Omni-Heat Reflective. Said Hanson, “The silver dot lining has become a very big deal. It's visible. It's believable. It's in more product and more categories. It's strategically done and it's combined with a number of our other proprietary properties that help us fulfill the promise of delivering end-use consumer benefits." Columbia also expects to capitalize on its team of athletes, including Alex Bilodeau, who became the first Canadian to win Olympic gold on home soil in Vancouver. Its new role as the official outerwear provider to the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team was showcased as part of the press tour with a visit to Utah Olympic Park to watch a training session by the U.S. aerial ski team and meet two-time Olympic medalist Shannon Bahrke. The presentation ended with a short, poignant video featuring Gert Boyle, chairwoman, and Tim Boyle, CEO, that underscored the family businesses' roots in innovation. It detailed the dire straits the company faced after Neal Boyle, Gert's husband and former head of Columbia, died of a heart attack in 1970. On the brink of bankruptcy, Tim Boyle said the company decided its only option was to sell the business but the only offer they received was for $1,400 with the Boyle's still being responsible for paying back a $150,000 small business loan. Remarked Gert Boyle in the video, "For $1,400 I said, 'You know what, I'll run it into the ground myself.'" Gert and Tim Boyle, then a senior at Oregon University, took over the company with a sense of urgency and ultimately came up with innovations such as the Bugaboo ski jacket in the early 1980s to take Columbia's business to the next level. The video dramatized Columbia's belief that it has embraced those principles yet again. Tim Boyle said in the video, "The world's changing. Our competitors are getting better. We need to make sure we out-try them." ■
ROFFE SKI JACKET (WOMEN'S)
TRIPLE TRAIL II (MEN'S)
PEAKFREAK OUTDRY (MEN'S)
MINX ELECTRIC WATERPROOF (WOMEN'S)
Photo courtesy of FFANY
Photo courtesy of FFANY
FFANY
FALL 2012 FOOTWEAR TRENDS SGB Weekly visited the recent FFANY footwear show in Manhattan to explore what's coming out for Fall/Winter 2012. By Thomas J. Ryan
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SGB WEEKLY JANUARY 2, 2012
CHACO
Timberland believes Fall 2012 will represent its most cohesive boot collection across the brand in five years. Brian Moore, VP, global men's footwear at Timberland, said the collection is inspired by the success of the Earthkeepers collection, which represents Timberland's highest green standards. Since its launch of Earthkeepers in Fall 2007, the brand has gradually extended those green standards across its lines. Fall 2012 will mark the first time all three of Timberland's core segments - Classics, Outdoor Performance and Casual - meet Earthkeeper standards. Timberland has also created functional platforms around key technologies – warm/cold, wet/dry or traction/grip - that run across its segments to address different user needs and price points. Three technologies – a compound called Gripstick rubber for "extra grippy" outsoles; TimberShield for water repellency; and TimberDry, for waterproof – will run through the collection. Moore feels Timberland does not get enough credit for its waterproof standards, noting their boots have to be waterproof up to 60 percent of their total height while other footwear brands only promise protection along the lasting margin. Aesthetically, the collection merges Outdoor Performance with Casual. For instance, the stylish Earthkeeper Front Country Winter boot was developed by Timberland's casual team but is a fullyfunctional outdoor winter boot that includes the brand’s performance
TIMBERLAND
EARTHKEEPERS HERITAGE ALPINE HIKER EARTHKEEPERS MENDON MID
EARTHKEEPERS MOUNT HOLLY
RIME RIDGE SHELL TOE EXPEDITION
MARA
UMA
TEDINHO
Rime Ridge outsole, green Gripstick rubber, Refleece (recycled Polartec fleece), SmartWool lining and its anti-fatigue footbed. Said Moore, "It’s fully kitted up functionally but has the look and feel that ties it back to Earthkeepers, which is a bridge we haven't built before." A new premium Earthkeepers Heritage rugged casual collection, as part of its Classics business, also addresses the vintage, wellworn trend and the cleaner looks seen by the success of Red Wing and Thousand Miles from Wolverine. Prices range from $180 to $215. That will be complemented by a focused collection of its classic hand-sewns in the $80 to $110 range. The Rime Ridge winter boot collection will be shown with a full, hard-shell toe. The superlightweight LiteTrace boot will be continued. In women's, the popular Mount Holly collection, which combines trend-right winter boot styling with functionality, will be updated and expanded with a tall faux fur boot. Moore believes the boot line offers a full range from super-casual, to casualized but more functional, and fully functional under a strong theme. Added Moore, "For the first time I think our line naturally sits together. It's not three separate lines under one roof anymore."
Chaco will look to continue to build on the inroads it's made in closed-toe footwear since being acquired by Wolverine World Wide in January 2009. A standout for Fall 2012 is Uma, stylish women's wool and suede, lace-up upper. The Darcy is a zippered ankle boot with WEEK 1201 | SGBweekly.com
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a waterproof full-grain leather upper. The Belle low-cut, suede boot comes after clamoring for a women's version of Chaco's men's Otis Nurl. All three styles are part of the Skinny collection, a more minimal lifestyle grouping featuring active yet streamlined silhouettes. On the men's side, Chaco is showing a number of fresh takes on the skateinspired sneaker as part of its Skinny collection. On the hiking side, Chaco's Active Adventuring collection features more athletic-inspired looks, such as women's Verona with a PU coated leather and canvas upper for multisport and multiuse. The popular Tedinho boot has been made waterproof to extend it to F/W use. On the open-toe front, the successful Updraft collection will continue for Fall 2012 and be updated with the Updraft 2 and Updraft X2 featuring toe straps and double webbing. Kids, which Chaco introduced three seasons ago, will also feature playful updates. All styles will continue to feature the LUVSEAT platform that cradles the foot to provide support, comfort and durability. For traction, the shoes either feature Vibram rubber or Eco-Tread, Chaco's own rubber compound made with 25 percent recycled materials.
PATAGONIA
SNOWDRIFTER 10
TIN SHED
At Ahnu, the Montara Boot remains a core driver of its winter collection and will be updated with new colors and full grain leathers for next fall, according to Jacqueline Van Dine, co-founder and brand manager. The Jackie canvas and leather low profile, A-line style is SNOWDRIFTER 7
AHNU
LAGUNA TIN SHED TALL
receiving good response for Spring 2012 and will be updated for fall to include reptile details and patent leather. Van Dine said the "big wow" at the FFANY show was the launch of Ahnu's first rain boots with "a nice little traction story on the bottom and fun colorways." In men's, the Coburn addresses calls for a men's version of the Montara boot and a new mountain-sneaker inspired casual-running collection is being launched. Van Dine said Ahnu's orders were up 70 percent for Spring 2012 and the brand was headed for double-digit growth in 2012. Patagonia Footwear, riding on its success in trail running, will be introducing a more rugged and weather-appropriate Forerunner RS for Fall 2012. It also plays into the minimalist trend with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop. A non Gore-Tex Drifter mid-hiking boot is 16
SGB WEEKLY JANUARY 2, 2012
also coming out with a friendlier price point while the Sneak Peak women's mountain sneaker addresses the athletic-outdoors trend. The Cragmaster Approach shoe is being introduced in a mid version. The successful Advocate surf slip-on program that plays on eco-friendly construction is being expanded and includes faux shearling touches. Patagonia is also bringing back its Advocate Weeks program for Fall. Under the initiative, Patagonia Footwear donates $10 to local conservation efforts for every pair of Patagonia shoes purchased over a two-week period. Mike Brown, regional sales manager at Patagonia Footwear said, "Our retailers are having a lot of fun with our Advocate programs. We're raising money for a good cause at the same time so it makes a lot of sense."
BEARPAW
CUSHE
SURF SLIPPER
HOUGHTON BOOTS FROM THE TAHOE COLLECTION
Bearpaw will be updating its classic women's business with three new colors – winterberry, winter blue and evergreen – that will be spread across the line, according to Randy McKinley, VP, sales and marketing. The new Metropolis collection will address the urban needs of its fans in cities such as New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago while still featuring shearling comfort. The Tahoe collection, designed for après ski and other cold conditions, is also being expanded. McKinley said the two areas of growth for Bearpaw are men's' and kids. Rather than just women's take-down versions, kids are being updated with more "snazzy looks and special features such as hearts and other cute add-ons." In men's, a key focus is the Larkin motorcycle-inspired boot while the Hudson loafer is being brought back. Said McKinley, "Business is good. We just opened Dick's and that's a big thing for us. But Macy's is happy. Dillard's is happy. Famous Footwear is happy. And if you got happy retailers, that's a good thing." Crocs is introducing the Rainflow rain boot collection of synthetic uppers, including some featuring its Croslite bottoms. Said Mike Martin, director of retail marketing, "I think we have a place on the wall for that." Another focus is on Iridescence across the line. The popular Cobbler lined clog collection is being updated with suedes and leathers. Mammoth is coming out with shearling touches. On
ALLPINE FERN
the men's side, the All-Cast boot represents Crocs' version of a duck boot and marries a sneaker-look with boot construction. Its sneaker collection on the men's side will feature more quilted looks. Cushe's emphasis will continue to be the Cushe Slipper that will be updated with materials such as wax canvas and new colors for fall. One version features bungee lace. Said Ken Taylor, Cushe's marketing manager, "It's a barefoot concept, super relaxed, super comfortable but also has a really cool stylish profile." A lower-priced version, Slipper Glow, that can hang at retail is also being introduced. The British lifestyle brand, owned by Wolverine World Wide, is significantly expanding its boot program. Highlights include the Furrytale Eskimo inspired boot and bootie that features Cushe's ultra-soft outsole technology. Taylor said Cushe's boots stand out because they bring "fashion and design forwardness" but still pack strong technical features such as scuff-proof, waterproof and thermal properties to keep feet "nice and toasty." The boots are also known for their distinctive bottoms. The Allpine collection's footbed, for instance, was based on a pine cone. The tongue-and-cheek names of the models, which also include Quilty Conscience and Baja Black Sheep, reflect the brand's British sensibility. Said Taylor, "We're a British-led brand so we have that quirky British vibe but we're cool at the same time." ■
CROCS
CROCS RAINFLOE
CROCS SUPER MOLDED PUFF BOOT
CROCS WELLY PATENT
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Job Classifieds TO READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CLICK ON JOB TITLE
Sales Professional Sport Supply Group Sport Supply Group/BSN Sports, the leading supplier of team sports apparel and equipment in the U.S., is seeking a high-energy, experienced sales professional, with a proven track record to join our team as a Sales Professional for the Albany, Binghamton & Syracuse markets of New York, Responsibilities include overachieving quarterly sales quotas by managing and developing a sales territory, calling on college and high school athletic directors…
Vice President – Leisure Sales Gear For Sports
Senior Shop-in-Shop Manager Adidas
Gear For Sports, a leader in custom decorated sportswear, has an immediate opening for Vice President - Leisure Sales reporting to the CO-GM of Sales, Brand & Creative Services. The VP will be responsible for the entire divisional sales organization developing strategies to grow leisure division sales and improve the overall effectiveness of the leisure sales organization. Key responsibilities include…
As our Senior Shop-in-Shop Manager you will be expected to drive the development of new retail fixturing concepts and the overall planning and installation of adidas branded Shop-in-Shop programs at wholesale with a focus on creating impactful adidas experiences at retail that reflect brand positioning and personality and are relevant, engaging and shopable for US consumers. Primary responsibilities include…
SAGRA Independent Sales Rep True Power
Key Account Marketing Mgr - Hunt/Fish Columbia Sportswear
Sporting Goods Retail Store Manager Sagra NW, LLC
True Power is looking for well-qualified Independent Sales Representatives/Agencies in several regions across the United States. We are currently expanding our line and looking for the right people to further grow the business. We are looking for dynamic individuals who can successfully develop accounts within their assigned territories to spread a rapidly growing brand. Ideal Candidates will have…
Reports directly to the Senior Manager for Key Account Marketing. Responsible for the development and implementation of key account marketing and communications plans for the Hunt/Fish channel. The position will manage Marketing Development Funds and in-store considerations for this channel. Position will be based at Columbia’s Headquarters in Portland, OR…
The position requires management of retail store, inside sales, outside presentations; knowledge of archery, guns, footwear, athletic wear, water sports, school sports and purchasing of all categories. Must be customer oriented, organized and self-motivated. Team oriented conductor with a high level of persuasiveness and promoter of self and products…
Materials Manager Outdoor Research, Inc.
Global Customs Specialist II Columbia Sportswear
National Accounts Sales Manager Peal Izumi
Primary focus of this position is to ensure the company’s global compliance with all customs regulations and other government agencies enforced by customs for all products developed and imported by Columbia Sportswear and its subsidiaries. Specific focus is on the customs regulations and compliance surrounding Apparel and Accessories developed and imported by Columbia Sportswear and its subsidiaries…
This position manages assigned key house accounts and contributes to the development and execution of sales strategies while maximizing sales and profitability for the company. Focus of position includes sales planning/strategies, sales analysis, developing marketing plans, promotional activity, product presentations, logistics, and directing the National Account DSR to ensure the corporate goals and success of our partners are achieved. This position works collaboratively…
As a key team member of the Product Development group, the Materials Manager will manage the technical and design direction of Outdoor Research material selection and commercialization. The Materials Manager brings a track record in managing a broad range of raw materials across multiple product types and manufacturers. The Materials Manager will be responsible for researching, sourcing, developing and managing raw materials across all of Outdoor Research's six diverse product categories. Responsibilities will also include…
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