SGBW 1409 by SportsOneSource

ISSUE 1409 MARCH 3, 2014

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry

Teflon Brand. The Element of Protection. ®

Products that carry the DuPont Teflon fabric protector brand not only stand up to the environment, but can use less energy, less natural resources and reduce your carbon footprint.* ™

With Teflon fabric protector, textiles require less washing and lower wash- and dry-temperatures, which extend the life of the clothing and reduce the impact on the environment.** ®

Teflon fabric protector—now more sustainable than ever. ®

teflon.com/sgb

*Carbon footprint claim based on testing which demonstrates that treated products require lower wash temperatures and 40% less drying time. **Capstone repellents for Teflon fabric protector utilize short-chain molecules that cannot break down to PFOA in the environment. Capstone repellents meet the goals of the U.S. EPA 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program. ®

Group Publisher Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302

ISSUE 1409 MARCH 3, 2014

Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan tryan@sportsonesource.com 917.375.4699 Contributing Editors Bill Kendy, Charlie Lunan, Matt Powell Editorial & Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com Senior Graphic Designer Camila Amortegui camila@sportsonesource.com Advertising Sales Account Managers Buz Keenan buz@sportsonesource.com 201.887.5112 Katie O'Donohue katieo@sportsonesource.com 828.244.3043

MAKING NEWS 4 Movers & Shakers Adidas Rolls Out Next-Generation Store 5 SFIA Endorses USA Football’s Heads Up Football Program Under ArmourExtends Partnership with U.S. Speedskating By The Numbers 15 Industry Calendar

MADE IN THE USA

Circulation & Subscriptions subs@sportsonesource.com

SportsOneSource Publications Print Magazines: SGB, SGB Performance Digital Magazine: SGB Weekly Newsletters: The B.O.S.S. Report Sports Executive Weekly News Updates: SGB, Footwear Business, Outdoor Business, Sportsman’s Business, TEAM Business

6 Lisa Tomlin

FEATURES 8 Fall Packs and Bags 12 Vasque An nounces Official 2014 Thru-Hike Syndicate

T&C PICK 14 Travel & Adventure The Overnight Bag

SportsOneSource Research SportScanInfo, OIA VantagePoint, SOS Research

Copyright 2014 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

2151 Hawkins St. • Suite 200 • Charlotte • NC • 28203 t. 704.987.3450 • f. 704.987.3455 SportsOneSource.com

Lisa Tomlin master engraver of firearms COVER PHOTO: courtesy Mamrmot

MARCH 3, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com

NEWS

MOVERS & SHAKERS Darby Communications has expanded its team of PR specialists with the addition of Account Executive, Shelly Schmidt, and Account Representative and Sponsorship Coordinator, Julie Hansell. Fox Factory promoted Mario Galasso to president, a newly created position. John Boulton becomes SVP of strategic business development, a newly created department; and Bill Katherman was promoted to SVP, global operations. Ironclad Performance Wear named Bryan Griggs its EVP, sales and marketing. Most recently Griggs served as division president at Propper International, a leading company in tactical and military apparel. Puma is close to a deal to sign Jadeveon Clowney, the number one defensive player in the upcoming draft and a possible number one draft pick, to an endorsement contract, according to ESPN. Puma appointed Lars Soerensen to global director business processes and intelligence, a new position, while Jürgen Wormser becomes global director footwear sourcing and development. Spyder Active Sports appointed Greg Bardin as director of sales, resort and essentials. Baltimore-based STX, LLC announced a one-year deal with Major League Lacrosse pro athlete Ben Hunt.

4 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 3, 2014

Photo courtesy Adidas

ADIDAS

ROLLS OUT NEXT-GENERATION STORE Adidas announced plans to open a new global retail concept, HomeCourt, premiering in the brand's largest store, the Adidas Brand Centre in Beijing/China. HomeCourt will be implemented in 25 stores globally over the course of 2014. “Our new retail concept HomeCourt offers a consumer experience unlike any that Adidas fans have enjoyed before. We have created a store where our consumers are at the very heart of the Adidas brand,” said Michael Stanier, chief sales officer consumer direct. “At the Beijing Adidas Brand Centre we have kicked off the next generation of retail concepts which I am very excited about. We look forward to bringing this concept to Adidas fans around the world this year.” A key feature of the new Adidas HomeCourt concept is the Arena Façade, creating a bold, distinctive new look for Adidas. Like an entrance gate, the Tunnel Entry draws consumers into the big game and welcomes every visitor with a “sound shower” of cheering fans in a stadium. One of the highlights is the Team Room, the large fitting area and social space of the store that allows shoppers to try on products whilst being able to interact with the brand. Premiering in the Adidas HomeCourt store will also be the Shoebase at Centrefield, the heart of the store. It creates a central spot that brings to life the focused energy of game day. Shoebase also features a range of interactive elements that provide consumers with a special retail experience. One prominent example is the shoe bar, an interactive table with two large touchscreens designed to help customers find the right product or provide them with more information. The shoe bar also features a shoe finder and will be connected to the Adidas online shop Adidas.com. “HomeCourt gives consumers the opportunity to experience the entire breadth and depth of the Adidas brand,” added Ted Mager, Head of Retail Environment. “We reference sport in every element in the store from the materials selected to the inspirations of the designs to the tools we use for storytelling.” To further strengthen its position as a leading retailer globally, Adidas will expand its retail activities across continents. In April 2014, Adidas will open its first South American HomeCourt store in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), followed by Europe, debuting in the UK at Bluewater in Kent and Harrods in London. In addition, the world’s first Adidas Originals “Neighborhood” concept store is due to open in Berlin in March 2014. Also, the Adidas NEO Label will expand its presence in Europe. In addition to further store openings in Germany in 2014, Adidas NEO Label stores will be introduced to the Czech Republic and Poland. The first Adidas NEO Label store in Poland opened its doors on February 20 in Warsaw, with additional stores to follow over the year.

SFIA ENDORSES USA FOOTBALL’S HEADS UP FOOTBALL PROGRAM The Sport and Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Football Council, comprised of leading football products companies, has endorsed USA Football’s Heads Up Football program. Heads Up Football establishes important standards rooted in education for a safer and better game and represents the first youth sport player safety program to be endorsed by the SFIA or one of its councils in the organization’s 108-year history. The SFIA Football Council’s 13 member organizations will support Heads Up Football through customer outreach and a customized microsite accessible from members’ websites and promotional materials. The Council and USA Football also will create a joint logo, which will be announced later this spring with additional initiatives. Nearly 2,800 youth leagues across the United States registered for Heads Up Football in 2013, accounting for more than 25 percent of the youth football community. In addition, 35 high schools in 10 states piloted Heads Up Football during the 2013 season. USA Football will offer its Heads Up Football program to all youth leagues and high schools in 2014. The SFIA Football Council joins experts in medicine, child advocacy and sport in endorsing Heads Up Football. “Parents of young athletes are well served when coaching education, clear and consistent direction from medical experts on player safety and a strong focus on teaching the fundamentals are the heart of their child’s youth sports program,” SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove said. This is the foundation of Heads Up Football.” Other organizations that support USA Football and its Heads Up Football program include the American College of Sports Medicine; National Athletic Trainers Association; Korey Stringer Institute; Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society; National PTA; National Federation of State High School Associations; Pop Warner Little Scholars; National Police Athletic League; AAU Football; American Football Coaches Association; Atlantic Coast Conference; the Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences; the NFL and NFL Foundation; and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

UNDER ARMOUR EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. SPEEDSKATING Under Armour and U.S. Speedskating announced an eight-year extension of their initial partnership, which had been set to expire this year. Under Armour will remain as the national team’s exclusive competition suit provider through December 31, 2022. The agreement comes amid controversy last week as some athletes and observers suspected that Under Armour’s new Mach 39 suit, designed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, was the reason for the U.S. team’s poor showing in speedskating at the Sochi Winter Games. By mid-week, the team switched to an older Under Armour version worn during the recent World Cup season, but they still were not winning. On Friday, the U.S. team won Silver in the 5,000-meter relay, ending the drought. The medal helped the Americans avoid a shutout for the first time since 1998 in Nagano. With the new deal in place, Chairman and CEO Kevin Plank spent Friday hitting the talk show circuit with stops at CBS "This Morning" show, CNBC, Bloomberg Television and other media outlets defending the suits and the brand. He told USA Today the suit has become the “witch” in “a little bit of a witch hunt.” With the new deal, Plank said Under Armour would continue to invest in the suit’s technology in preparation for 2018’s South Korean games. "We're doubling down," said Plank. "We will not stick our heads in the sand. We want people to know that when we get knocked down, we get back up bigger, better and stronger." Said Mike Plant, President, U.S. Speedskating in a statement, “The length and scope of this agreement sends a strong signal about Under Armour’s commitment to our athletes and will best position them to skate with confidence and a competitive edge well into the future.” In addition to outfitting U.S. Speedskating, Under Armour currently has uniform-exclusivity agreements with three National Governing Bodies, including U.S.A. Bobsled and Skeleton, U.S.A. Gymnastics and Canada Snowboard.

BY THE NUMBERS

-0.5%

Big 5 Sporting Goods reported same-store sales dipped 0.5 percent in its fourth quarter due to its cycling against the surge of firearm and ammunition sales last year, as well as the lack of winter weather across its western markets. It also warned that it expects same-store sales to decline in the high singledigits in the current quarter as it comps against last year's surge in gun and ammo sales and contends with the impact of the California drought.

+18.5%

Nautilus, Inc. reported sales for the fourth quarter rose 18.5 percent to $77.1 million, boosted by a 4 percent gain in its Direct segment and a 47 percent hike in its Retail segment. The Retail business was aided by healthy acceptance of a new lineup of model-year 2013 Schwinn cardio products. The 2012 fourth quarter was impacted by some Retail customers accelerating a portion of their purchases earlier in the year in anticipation of the price increases implemented in the second half of last year.

+5.7%

Rocky Brands, Inc. reported sales grew 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter, to $61.6 million, thanks to cold, snowy conditions that supported both its work and hunting shoe businesses. With fall 2014 orders ahead in the range of 8 to 9 percent, Rocky Brands expects sales growth in its core business – excluding its recent acquisitions of Creative Recreation – in the range of mid- to high-singledigits throughout the current year.

MARCH 3, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com

MADE IN THE USA

Tomlin takes hammer and chisel to the metal of her latest project. Ogwood flowers on a personalized trigger guard.

Engraver's detail work

Lisa Tomlin with a Parker A-1 Special she engraved for a client

LISA TOMLIN EVINGTON, VIRGINIA MASTER GUN ENGRAVER Obsessed with drawing animals as a child, Lisa Tomlin, is consider by many to be one of the finest gun engravers in the world. Living on a former Virginia Blue Ridge horse farm Lisa has quietly assumed the status of one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost artisans and internationally known custom shotgun and rifle engravers working in a medium more closely associated with Europe and the custom workshops of the great American arms manufacturers of the Northeast. With no formal art training and no college degree, Tomlin uses the classic hammer and chisel method to engrave about five guns a year learning her craft from Ken Hurst, who worked as a Master Engraver for Colt. Booked years in advance and with an all-star client list including President George H. W. Bush, Tomlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent cannot be overstated. 6 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 3, 2014

More sales at every turn with PayPal . tm

Consumer offers like 6 months financing.* More than 140 million active accounts worldwide. Clear, simple, flat-rate merchant pricing.

It’s time to look into PayPal.

Call us today at 855 477 5680 www.paypal.com/SGB

Are you overpaying for online payment processing? Call for a statement review by April 11th, 2014 and get a $25 eBay gift card.**

*Applicable for qualifying purchases of $99 or more if paid in full within 6 months. Customers check out with PayPal and use Bill Me Later®. Bill Me Later is subject to consumer credit approval, as determined by the lender, Comenity Capital Bank. **Terms: $25 eBay gift card only provided with submission of the previous three months online processing statements and will be awarded within four weeks of offer end. Offer ends 4/11/14. PayPal reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify part or this entire Offer at any time without notice, for any reason at their sole discretion. © 2014 PayPal, Inc. All rights reserved. PayPal and the PayPal logo are registered trademarks of PayPal, Inc. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.

FALL PACKS AND BAGS

Getting A Piece of the Day Pack Action By Aaron H. Bible Day packs are never too much of a good thing for retailers, whether they take the form of back-to-school packs and bags, urban commuter style bags and systems, true technical backpacks, classic messenger bags, or functional urban and adventure travel bags, all continue to be great sellers and are capturing the interest of consumers, manufacturers and investors. Day packs are the bread and butter of the backpack market. They play on all things function and fashion and benefit from the trickle down technologies that come from larger, more technical packs. While integrated batteries were all the rage last season, for Fall, manufacturers seem to be steering away from the fear of outdated technology. However, electronics integration is still at the forefront of design. From heritage inspired styles, native prints, to paramilitary styling, runway, outdoor industry color trends, department store fashion cycles all influence day packs.

8 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 3, 2014

Located just minutes from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Granite Gear is ramping up its back-to-school collection this Spring with the release of progressively designed student packs. “We see a tremendous opportunity within the back-toschool market to provide a technical bag that meets the loading and comfort needs of today’s students and at a very competitive price,” said Granite Gear VP of Sales Rob Coughlin. Each bag within the back-to-school collection features an angular shape and taller frame, providing better load carry and equal distribution of weight. The bags feature barrier water-repellence using durable Repelweave fabrics, water-repellent zippers and abrasion/water resistant Tarpaulite fabric. The bags also offer Gear-Tec technology to protect laptops, tablets and electronics. Color combinations include Neo/ Flint/Chromiumb and Tamarillo/Blood Orange.

The Superior is the largest in the collection and includes ventilated load-absorbing shoulder straps, sternum strap, load lifters, side pockets, waist belt and loops for $80. From snow and action sports leader Dakine comes a slew of new styles for Fall 2014. »»

»» »»

»»

The Men's Mod, $80, is a 23L volume, 600D polyester and PU suede daypack with a padded laptop sleeve that fits most 15" machines. It also features a modular, removable accessory pouch, quick access pocket and adjustable sternum strap. The Men's Trek, $65, is a similar pack with 26L. The Women's Dover, $55, is an 18L daypack with both padded 15” laptop sleeve and padded iPad sleeve. It has roll top closure, exterior pockets, rope pulls, adjustable web shoulder straps and metal hardware. The Women's Willow, $40, is another new pack of the same size and materials with zippered closure and toggle detailing.

Denali but can also be carried alone. The Verte can stuff into its top pocket to be carried very small or stuffed in a bigger pack. The frame sheet and waist belt webbing Gregory Mountain Products Denali 25 and Verte 25 are removable, for the pack to become even more streamlined. The Verte can comfortably carry 20 pounds and is available in Basalt Black and Alpine Gold. Marmot is celebrating 40 years of technical equipment design by introducing several new packs for 2014. The Backcountry 32 is a ski pack, $149, made from 420d, 100 percent Nylon and weighing 2lbs 11oz (1220g) with 32 liters of volume. It features: »» »» »» »» »»

Dakine Mod

molded back panel with main compartment access; A-Frame and Diagonal Ski Carry System plus Vertical Board Carry System; shovel and probe pocket; padded, ergonomically designed shoulder harness; waist belt with pockets; DriClime lined goggle pocket and hydration sleeve.

The new Draft 20 Day Pack, $89, is made from 300d Robic Nylon/Poly (Weight 1lbs 13oz., Volume 20L) It features:

Dakine Trek

»» »» »» »» »» Marmot Draft 20 Day Pack

»» »» »»

Dakine Dover

Dakine Willow

Gregory Mountain Products, industry leader in day packs, backpacks and adventure travel gear, completely redesigned its Denali pack and will reintroduce it for Fall 2014 in all-new 100 and 75 liter volumes. By utilizing time-tested technologies Gregory has created perhaps the most reliable and comfortable expedition bags. Gregory is also launching the Verte series - versatile, lightweight packs primarily designed for a summit push. Available in 25 and 15-liter sizes and retailing for $99 and $59 respectively, the Verte pack is designed as a small portable pack that compliments the

Marmot Backcountry 32

Marmot Lightening Carry On

a rain cover; padded, ergonomically designed shoulder harness; breathable foam and mesh backpanel; hydration sleeve with reservior clip; external water bottle pocket; tool/trekking pole attachment; clipping points with reflective tape; and removable webbing waist belt.

The Lightening Carry On, $249, is made from N400d Nylon/T340d Nylon Dual Sided PU reinforceed with embossed TPU. It weighs 6lbs 9oz (2980g) with a volume of 40 liters. It features: »» »» »» »»

an anodized aluminum retractable handle; zip-away internal organization; exterior pockets and wheels; A molded tub/half body to create a durable shell.

MARCH 3, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com

Timbuk2 is a San Francisco original, founded 25 years ago by bike messenger Rob Honeycutt in a garage in the city’s Mission District. Since 1989 they’ve had a “relentless drive to inspire urban mobility, enable individuality and promote responsibility…informed by the company’s longstanding cycling roots and vibrant city landscape.” The company introduces new backpacks, a messenger bag and sophisticated fabrics to its Core Collection for Fall 2014. “Core Collection” is the name of its bread-and-butter messenger bags and daypacks, meeting the needs of the college student, professional and urban commuter. “Throughout our 25th anniversary year we’ve embraced Timbuk2’s heritage as the original messenger bag company while forging our path toward the future,” said Timbuk2 CEO Mike Wallenfels. “Our revamped Core Collection is built for versatility and efficiency with legendary durability, and embodies our mission moving forward: to create products attuned to modern city life that retain the spirit of freedom from which Timbuk2 was born.” New additions to Timbuk2’s Fall 2014 Core Collection include: »» »» »» »»

For the coming back-to-school season Converse is introducing an all-new selection of packs and bags. Converse is an American shoe company with a production output that primarily consists of shoes, lifestyle fashion and athletic apparel. The company has been in existence since the early 20th century and a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. since 2003. Made from durable 600D Polyester, the All In II Backpack, $35, is perfect for back-toschool essentials with a simple and clean design. The backpack comes in 12 colors including solids and prints. This 26-liter bag is 35 percent larger for Fall/Winger 2014. Features include dual water bottle pockets with elastic binding, interior organizer compartments, reverse coil zippers for easy use, and a padded back panel. The new All In Large Backpack is ready to take on a larger load with 29 liters (also made from 600D Polyester). The backpack, $45, comes in nine colors including solids and prints and features include: »» »» »» »» »»

a padded laptop sleeve that fits most 15” laptops; two main zip compartments; dual exterior slip pockets; interior organizers; and reverse coil zippers and a padded back panel.

The classic Legacy Duffel is made from 10-ounce cotton canvas with 31 liters of carrying capacity in a simple Command Backpack, $129, a dressed up TSA-compli- design with coil zipper and adjustable strap. It’s available ant backpack for road warriors; in nine solid colors at $30. Moby Backpack, $55, a no-nonsense pack to carry on The North Face is only introducing one new day pack Converse All In II Backpack campus; for Fall 2014, and it’s a trendy daily work horse called the Dashboard Messenger, $99 S, $109 M, a low-profile mes- Base Camp Kaban, $99. It pairs with a Joey T55 battery pack for urban commuters and busy senger fit with a removable laptop sleeve, and the; and students that want a functional, affordable and stylish day pack. Features include: Parkside Backpack, $69, a sleek backpack with smart pocketing. »» side- and top-access neoprene laptop sleeve; »» 360-degree reflective front logo, »» bike-light loop and shoulder straps; and »» a thick, supportive back panel. The Kaban stands up on its own for easy loading and unloading and is made from a durable water-repellent body fabric so it can travel by bike or train. The 24/Seven series by Osprey offers organization, comfortable carry and outdoorinspired design. The packs have everything you need for urban life and also transition easily into a daypack for outdoor adventures. Osprey 24/7 packs have well thought out organization pockets to store and quickly access small accessories as well as laptop and tablet sleeves. Women-specific packs are sized to fit a women’s frame and feature a narrower harness. All packs have these shared features: »»

Timbuk2 Command Backpack

Timbuk2 Moby Backpack

»» »» »» »» »» »»

heat embossed stash pocket; side stretch mesh pockets; front panel organizational pocket; blinker light attachment; top grab handle; removable 20mm webbing hipbelt; and laptop sleeve.

Two new styles in the line include the Nebula (unisex – 34L), Nova (women’s – 33L), $110, and the Pulsar (unisex – 30L), $80. The Nebula and Nova include a TSA airport security-approved padded laptop sleeve that unzips to lay completely flat on the x-ray belt providing maximum convenience for frequent fliers, padded tablet sleeve, front panel stretch and mesh pocket. ■ Timbuk2 Dashboard Messenger

10 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 3, 2014

Plantar Fasciitis OrthOtic insOle •

Helps alleviate pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis

•

Fits any shoe type

•

30-day money-back performance guarantee

Plantar Relief Bridge provides sturdy support to painful arches

Heel cup provides motion control and stability

Durable nylon composite plate

Gel in heel relieves pain from heel spurs

MADE IN THE USA

Photo courtesy Vasque

Vasque Announces Official 2014 Thru-Hike Syndicate In early May, 12 intrepid hikers will begin their attempt to complete the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail footpath as part of the inaugural ThruHike Syndicate. The program was started by Vasque, which quickly recruited several other leading outdoor brands - Osprey Packs, Nemo Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles and Darn Tough - to support the effort. Members of the Thru-Hike Syndicate will receive product support from Vasque and partner brands for their upcoming thru-hike attempts. In addition, they’ll receive VIP treatments along the trail, such as access to the Syndicate VIP Lounge – featuring free massages, food, drinks, music and more - at Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, VA. Vasque was inspired to create the program after many years attending Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus. “Hiking is our backbone and the pillar of our brand and we wanted to find a way to do two things,” said Vasque Director of Sales Chris Miller in an interview at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. “One is to partner with that true hiker but also quite honestly find a way to make 12 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 3, 2014

hiking cool again. I have a six-year-old son so my goal is to get him to want to go hiking rather than watch TV. So how do I get him to want to have an Osprey Pack on his Christmas list rather than a Lego set?”

Chris Miller, Director of Sales, Vasque

The social opportunity became evident at Damascus. Vasque employees regularly heard thru-hikers talking about their gear, what brands they felt were the best or worst in the industry, and sometimes which retailer was best for returns. “These guys and girls were just coming off the

trail for four or five days and the first thing they’d do was look for places where they could power back up their iPads and their iPhones and then they’d immediately start blogging and updating their Facebook accounts,” said Miller. “So it became obvious how significant the social media engine is that’s driven on the trail. So the dots started connecting, and we began plotting how to get these many stories on the trail out there to not necessarily sell more product but to tell that story and create a vibe of life on the trail that will get people engaged and living vicariously through these hikers as they go through the ultimate quest on the Appalachian Trail.” Finally, Vasque recognized that in conversations with thru-hikers, the outdoors’s premier brands were not getting the representation they needed on the trail. Beyond further supporting the hikers, the collaboration gives the brands an authentic and informative voice on the trail while also helping spread the program’s reach. “We’re one brand in a sea of multiple brands and our voice is relatively quiet so we felt if we could create a chorus of brands that

are all singing together in harmony, we could create an even bigger story and a bigger movement towards supporting a handful of trail thru-hikers,” said Miller. The other brands jumped on the idea “instantaneously” with the “synergy happening so quickly. We were constantly surprised by it but even more about how the program’s potential has unfolded as we launched it.“ Scores of applications for the program were received through mid-December with the final candidates revealed in mid-January just before Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The inaugural Thru-Hike Syndicate consists of a group men and women from all over the U.S., ranging from 20 to 46 years of age. For 2014, the members are Ryan Davies, Anthony ‘Earl’ Earl, Brittany ‘Butterball’ Bendel, Whitney ‘Falls A Lot’ Silberblatt, Adam Joseph, Allison ‘Beyonce’ Kieley, Michael ‘Blueberry’ Boegh, Steven Snyder, William Houlette, Peter ‘Dependable Pete’ Mangan and Marty Robinson. Syndicate bios and pictures will be posted to Vasque’s new website, findoutwhatswithin.com, which recently went live. Vasque will consistently update the Find Out What’s Within site and the brand’s social media sites with photos, videos and stories from the Syndicate as they make their way along the trail.

Brands are holding educational sessions with the thru-hikers to ensure they are on brand message when speaking about the brand on the trail and can answer questions from other thruhikers about the products. Partners also began working with the thru-hikers in February to ensure that they receive the proper gear for their journey along the Appalachian Trail. The journey from Springer Mountain, GA to Mt. Kathadin, ME takes five and seven months to complete. “They’ll be some ‘trail magic’ that we’ll create but some good positive reinforcement,” said Miller of the thru-hikers’ journey. “Although they’re set up somewhat as a team, they’ll all be hiking individually so we’re looking forward to some good experiences for them that they can hopefully share with everybody. Again, the hope is not just to promote our brands but to promote the adventure and promote the thru-hike of the AT as a whole.” In an effort to expand the program, the brands involved hope to include thru-hikers attempting other long distance trails in the coming years. “Although it’s the Appalachian Trail now, we want to expand it much larger than that,” said Miller. “So we’ll look at the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail and the whole Triple Crown experience. But we also want to look at individuals that are doing thru-hikes on their own that could be across the U.S. or outside the country. We feel this is a template we could unfold in other places in other ways.” ■

MARCH 3, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com

T& C P I C K

MOORE & GILES - BENEDICT WEEKEND BAG An heirloom-worthy choice, the Benedict has an expandable, full zipper closure for easy packing and easy access. Two interior pockets, detachable, adjustable strap, and leather handles all offer comfortable carrying. mooreandgiles.com

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

OVERNIGHT BAG Making your adventures easier is what an Overnight Bag is all about. They must be well-designed, of high-quality that can transition seamlessly from situation to situation for business or a casual weekend away. But choosing the right bag that captures who you are and what you love as well as functions as a great bag for your trips can be daunting. These classic, durable bags marry function and style that will age beautifully and hold the stories of your adventures.

BARBOUR - HARBOUR TOTE BAG Barbour lifestyle meets ‘carry-all’ travel bag in Barbour’s robust waxed cotton with leather trim. Generous outer pocket features stud-fastened strap, and includes a zipped inner pocket. barbour.com

14 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 3, 2014

JACK SPADE - WAXWEAR BACKPACK Designed to improve with age, the Waxwear Backpack is durable, strong, with padded ergonomic straps. Details include custom diecast hardware, leather top handle, and rain flaps. jackspade.com

BILLYKIRK - NO. 165 MEDIUM CARRYALL The bag borrows its shape from tool bags used by tradesmen for over a century. Perfect as a day/briefcase bag. Leather shoulder strap and trim, interior and exterior pockets, two buckle closure. billykirk.com

For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events

MARCH

AUGUST

5-9

ASA-ICAST Fred Hall Shows Long Beach, CA

6-9

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Salt Lake City, UT

14-16

ASA-ICAST Saltwater Fishing Expo Somerset, NJ

14-16

Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Nashville, TN

14-16

Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Atlantic City, NJ

SEPTEMBER

25-27

ASI Long Beach Long Beach, CA

3-8

NBS Fall Semi - Annual Market Fort Worth, Texas

27-30

ASA-ICAST Fred Hall Shows San Diego, CA

4-6

Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Orlando, FL

10-12

Interbike International Trade Expo Las Vegas, NV

APRIL 7-8 SFIA Litigation & Risk Management Summit Phoenix, AZ 27-30

N.S.G.A. Mgmt. Conference Indian Wells, CA

OCTOBER 7-9

OIA Rendezvous Asheville, North Carolina

JUNE 11-12

Altanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA

17-19

Licensing International Expo Las Vegas, NV

26-28

Sports Inc. Athletic Show Denver, CO

JULY 8-11

NBS Summer Market Austin, TX

10-13

European Outdoor Trade Fair Friedrichshafen, Germany

15-17

ASI Chicago Chicago, IL

18-20

A.D.A. Spring Show Reno, Nevada

NOVEMBER 15-16

A.D.A. Fall Show Palm Springs, California

23-25

Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Las Vegas, NV

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

MARCH 3, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com

WE’RE ROLLING OUT YOUR NEXT GROWTH CATEGORY Taking tape to a new level in one cohesive presentation

ELITE ATHLETIC TAPE

ELITE STRETCH TAPE

SHOCKDOCTOR.COM

KINESIOLOGY TAPE

HYBRID ATHLETIC TAPE