ISSUE 1434 AUGUST 25, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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Group Publisher Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302
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ISSUE 1434 AUGUST 25, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
Contributing Editors Scott Boulbol, Fernando J. Delgado, Bill Kendy, Charlie Lunan Editorial & Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com Senior Graphic Designer Camila Amortegui camila@sportsonesource.com
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Girls On The Run Partners With Famous Footwear
MAKING NEWS 4 By The Numbers David Beckerman and Bill Jackson Elected to the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame 6 Movers & Shakers Dick's Sporting Goods Q2 Net Drops After Golf Restructuring Charges 8 Vestis Retail Group Completes Sport Chalet Acquisition
GIVING BACK 10 Famous Footwear Partners with Girls On The Run
PRODUCT REVIEW 14 FITS Socks, Under Armour, Hi Tec
SGB PROFILE 20 Jim Baugh, Founder, PHIT America On The Cover photo courtesy Puma. For full story turn to page 13.
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12 Puma Introduces Forever Faster 22 Calendar AUGUST 25, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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BY THE NUMBERS
DAVID BECKERMAN AND BILL JACKSON ELECTED TO THE SPORTING GOODS
(0.5 percent)
The Buckle, Inc. reported earnings reached $24.5 million, or 51 cents a share, in the second quarter, slightly down from $25.1 million, or 53 cents, a year ago. Same-store sales eased 0.5 percent.
+15%
Performance Sports Group, Ltd., the parent of Bauer and Maverick Lacrosse, reported revenues in the fiscal fourth quarter ended May 31 increased 30 percent to $112.9 million. Organic sales, or sales excluding recently acquired Easton Baseball/ Softball and Combat Sports, were up 15 percent due to very strong growth in ice hockey equipment and lacrosse sales.
+18%
Black Diamond, Inc. reported sales from continuing operations increased 18 percent to $34.4 million compared to $29.2 million in the same year-ago quarter. The growth, which excludes results at Gregory Mountain Products, was primarily due to strong growth in Black Diamond hard goods and apparel, as well as the launch of POC's first road biking helmet. Gross margins declined as the ratio of sales to international distributors increased.
($1.62M)
Perry Ellis International, which owns numerous golf apparel brands as well as Nike Swim, widened its loss in the second quarter ended August 2 to $1.62 million, or 11 cents a share, from $2.83 million, or 19 cents, a year ago. On an adjusted basis, earnings were 2 cents better than guidance.
+90M
Yue Yuen Industrial Limited reported a loss for the first half of the year after setting aside $90 million to provide social insurance and housing to settle a massive strike at one its factories in China. The company, which is the largest producer of athletic footwear in the world, reported revenues rose 6.8 percent to approximately $3.95 billion for the six months ended June 30, compared with the first half of 2013.
4 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee elected David Beckerman, the founder and CEO of Starter, and the late Bill Jackson of Bill Jackson’s Shop For Adventure in Pinellas Park, FL to the 2015 Class of its Hall of Fame. The inductees will officially be enshrined at the 51st Annual NSGA Management Conference & 16th Annual Team Dealer Summit next May. Beckerman founded Starter in 1971, pioneering the fusion of sports clothing and popular culture by forging partnerships with the major pro teams. Under his leadership, Starter grew to beDavid Beckerman come the world’s largest licensed apparel company, hitting a high of $700 million in sales, and was a member of the New York Stock Exchange. Beckerman also served on the administrative licensing boards of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, and the National Hockey League. He was also a member of the Board of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA). Beckerman is currently the chairman of the board of Acorn Group, a corporate real estate management and development company he founded. He has also been a successful basketball coach for more than 45 years at the high school and collegiate levels and has won three Florida high school boys state championships since 2008 at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Bill Jackson Bill Jackson’s Shop For Adventure got its start in 1946 when Bill Jackson, returning from service in World War II, attended an Army surplus auction and bought tents, sleeping bags, and other goods to sell out of his garage. Later in 1946 he married Harriet Rogers and they founded Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure. In 1952, Jackson made a revolutionary decision for the future of his business when he started teaching scuba diving. There were no books, no formal training programs, and much of the equipment was jerry-rigged; but Jackson firmly believed it was important to teach what he sold. Scuba diving began as a military operation, but Jackson was instrumental in turning it into a sport with a focus on safety first and then fun. The couple would eventually move from their garage and the store would grow to a 38,000-squarefoot facility that includes an indoor pool for scuba diving and kayak instruction, a classroom, a shooting range, and a revolving snow skiing deck. “David Beckerman and Bill Jackson embody exactly what members of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame should – integrity, values, a will to succeed, and an innovative spirit upon which our industry has been built,” said Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee Chairman, Cathy Pryor. “Both David and Bill had amazing paths to success in different segments of our Industry. On behalf of the committee, I’d like to congratulate David and Bill’s family on this outstanding honor, and I look forward to officially inducting them next May at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.” Founded by the National Sporting Goods Association in 1955, the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame will include 161 of the industry’s pioneers and leaders with the addition of Beckerman and Jackson. Beckerman and Jackson’s family will be honored at the Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, an event which has regularly been generously sponsored by Mizuno and W.L. Gore, to be held the evening of Tuesday, May 5 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, TX.
AUGUST 25, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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MOVERS & SHAKERS BRG Sports, Inc., formerly Easton-Bell Sports, promoted Dan Arment to EVP of BRG Sports. In addition, Arment has also been named president of Bell Cycling Products and joined BRG Sports board of directors. He will also continue to serve as president of Riddell Sports. Crocs, Inc. appointed footwear industry and product merchant leader Michelle Poole as its SVP of global merchandising. Prior to joining Crocs, Poole spent five years at Sperry Top-Sider where she was most recently the company's SVP of product. Dr. Martens, recently acquired by Permira Funds, appointed Steve Murray, former president of VF Action Sports Coalition and president of Vans, as CEO. Murray will replace David Suddens, who has been chief executive of Dr. Martens for 12 years and is to become non-executive chairman of the company. Fanatics, the world’s leading online retailer of officially licensed sports merchandise, announced Matt Madrigal has joined the company as chief technology and product officer. He was most recently SVP of e-commerce & marketing for WilliamsSonoma. Nike, Inc. promoted Heidi O’Neill to the newly created role of VP and general manager of Nike stores and is responsible for all aspects of Nike’s retail presence worldwide including oversight of Nike-branded partner stores. Amy Montagne takes over O’Neill’s former post as VP and GM of Nike women’s. Orage appointed Cedric Morisset as VP of sales. Morisset joins Eric D’Anjou, founder and president of Mtn Dewds Distribution, alongside Mike Nick, VP of marketing, to round out its senior management team. Respect Your Universe, the MMA apparel brand, named Manfred Vollmer as its COO. Manfred's past roles include stops at Lululemon Athletica, 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Wal-Mart, and IKEA. Seirus Innovation named Don Maneth as sales manager in its snow sports division. Maneth's past sales positions include roles with Isis, Ocean Minded, and Specialty Sports Ventures. Skins, the maker of gradient compression sportswear, hired David I as its new sales director. He has over 20 years of experience working with brands such as Arnette, Briko, 180s, and most recently with Seirus Innovation. Timberland promoted Matt Allen to VP of U.S. sales. Allen moves into this new role following two years as senior sales director of national accounts. 6 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
DICK'S SPORTING GOODS Q2 NET DROPS AFTER GOLF RESTRUCTURING CHARGES Dick's Sporting Goods reported second-quarter earnings slid 17.5 percent but reached the high-end of its guidance. The quarter included pre-tax charges totaling $20.4 million related to the restructuring of its golf business. Consolidated same-store sales increased 3.2 percent. The retailer maintained its guidance for the year. The company reported consolidated non-GAAP net income for the second quarter ended August 2 of $81.7 million, or 67 cents per share, excluding golf restructuring charges, compared to the company's expectations provided on May 20 of 62 to 67 cents per diluted share. Net sales for the second quarter of 2014 increased 10.3 percent to approximately $1.7 billion. Consolidated same-store sales increased 3.2 percent compared to the company's guidance of an approximate one to three percent increase. Same-store sales for the Dick's Sporting Goods chain increased 4.1 percent while Golf Galaxy decreased 9.3 percent. Second quarter 2013 consolidated same-store sales decreased 0.4 percent, adjusted for the shifted retail calendar due to the 53rd week in 2012. "Our second quarter results came in at the high end of our expectations," said Edward W. Stack, chairman and CEO. "As anticipated, the golf and hunting businesses continued to experience negative comps; however, excluding these two categories, the remainder of the business delivered a 7.8 percent same-store sales increase. We saw significant strength in several areas including categories that have received more space within our stores such as women's and youth athletic apparel." Stack continued, "The headwinds in our hunting business continued in the second quarter; however, as we look at the entirety of our outdoor business, strength in other outdoor categories offset the declines in hunting, and our total outdoor comps were flat for the quarter. This gives us confidence and enthusiasm for the outdoor business as we continue to grow our Field & Stream and Dick's stores." For the second half of 2014, the company, however, said it is “cautiously optimistic” although it does expect, due to the cautious consumer, an increase in promotional activity with margins and advertising expense continuing to be under pressure and impacting earnings-per-diluted share by approximately 4 cents a share. As a result, the company continues to anticipate reporting consolidated non-GAAP earnings per-diluted-share of approximately $2.70 to $2.85, excluding a gain on the sale of an asset and golf restructuring charges. For the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014, the company reported consolidated earnings per- diluted-share of $2.69. Consolidated same-store sales for the year are currently expected to increase approximately one to three percent, compared to a 1.9 percent increase in fiscal 2013.
AUGUST 25, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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VESTIS RETAIL GROUP COMPLETES SPORT CHALET ACQUISITION Vestis Retail Group, owned by funds advised by Versa Capital Management and the owner of Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), completed the acquisition of Sport Chalet, the full-service specialty sporting goods retailer with 50 stores in the Western United States. Sport Chalet, which formerly traded on NASDAQ, becomes privately held. As part of the acquisition, Versa made a substantial equity investment in Vestis and has received financing in the form of a $180 million revolving line of credit with ample undrawn availability to fund ongoing working capital needs. The combination of Sport Chalet with Vestis' East Coast-based retailers Bob's and EMS creates one of the country's largest outdoor-focused retail groups with more than 150 stores and $800 million in annual sales. Bob's, an off-price retailer of casual fashion, denim, activewear, team wear, and work wear brands, operates 32 stores, while EMS, the second largest outdoor specialty chain after REI, has 67. Vestis, through its three distinct brands and a national footprint, said it now offers an impressive assortment of branded technical, performance, and lifestyle merchandise, and customer and specialty services combined with a unique and scalable online presence. "We are very excited to add Sport Chalet to the Vestis portfolio. Sport Chalet strengthens our position in the active lifestyle and outdoor
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categories, provides scale from which to grow, and diversifies our geographic footprint," stated Mark Walsh, Vestis CEO. "We believe that Sport Chalet will benefit greatly from its addition to Vestis. With the talent and resources that already exist within the Vestis family, we envision a multitude of programs that will leverage the knowledge, talent, and relationships of our three retail brands to the benefit of customers and vendors alike." Craig L. Levra will remain in his position as CEO at Sport Chalet and continue to run that business out of the present Los Angeles-area office, reporting to Walsh. Vestis' corporate headquarters will remain in Meriden, CT. Vestis does not anticipate any Sport Chalet store closings as a result of this transaction. Sport Chalet, Bob's, and EMS will each continue to operate under their respective brands. "We look forward to working with our new colleagues at Vestis, a company that understands our customers, our market, and our vendors, and has the financial resources to help us grow the business," said Levra. Gregory L. Segall, Chairman of Vestis and CEO of Versa Capital Management, said the acquisition of Sport Chalet broadens Vestis' geographic scale and technological capabilities. "We believe the combination of Vestis' well-recognized brands will generate significant operational enhancements and enable each brand to continue to deliver great products and service to its customers," said Segall.
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G I V I N G B AC K
M&A BLOTTER Barmer Enterprises has acquired Bike America, which owns seven bike stores in Palm Beach and Broward counties in South Florida. The family owner of Bogner, the Germany-based maker of winter jackets and skiwear, has appointed Goldman Sachs to seek a buyer. Cannondale will become part owner, title sponsor and technical bicycle sponsor for the U.S-based Sliptream Sports, LLC's professional cycling team in 2015. Slipstream will manage team operations. Garmin, a key partner of Slipstream Sports since 2008, will remain a significant sponsor of the team in 2015. Goal Zero, the maker of solar charged battery packs and mobile generators, has been acquired by NRG Energy one of the country’s largest independent power producers. Puma intends to take a direct stake in Borussia Dortmund KGaA, having sponsored the football club since 2012. By potentially acquiring up to 5 percent of its capital stock through the planned capital increase announced by Borussia Dortmund, Puma seeks to underpin its long-term, strategic partnership, and to intensify the cooperation with one of Germany's top clubs. Shock Doctor has acquired XO Athletic, best known for its athletic cups. The strategic acquisition provides access to patented technologies owned by XO along with retail distribution efficiencies that will benefit both brands. Shock Doctor intends to maintain the XO Athletic brand.
10 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
FAMOUS FOOTWEAR PARTNERS WITH GIRLS ON THE RUN Sharing a commitment to inspire girls everywhere to achieve their limitless potential, Girls on the Run and Famous Footwear announced a national partnership. Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons that creatively integrate running. During the ten-week afterschool program, girls sharpen their independent thinking skills, celebrate their unique strengths and realize their power to make a difference in the world. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k run - an experience that unleashes their confidence and establishes a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. "We look forward to helping girls across the country as they achieve their goals through the Girls on the Run program," said Will Smith, chief marketing officer of Brown Shoe Company Retail. "At Famous Footwear, we know the right shoe is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, so having the opportunity to support Girls on the Run is a victory for all." In connection with its Victory Is Yours campaign, Famous Footwear will partner with Girls on the Run to showcase moments of victory from participants, volunteers, and parents. Throughout the year, these stories will be featured digitally and via social media channels to promote healthy choices. The partnership will also bring a variety of benefits to local Girls on the Run councils and participants nationwide including increased exposure for the program, encouraging new participant sign-ups, and discounts on footwear for upcoming races for existing members and coaches. "Through this partnership, Famous Footwear underscores its commitment to inspiring girls to lead healthy, active lives . . . feet first," said Elizabeth Kunz, chief executive officer of Girls on the Run International. Famous Footwear, a division of Brown Shoe Company, operates nearly 1,100 stores in the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit girlsontherun.org
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12 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
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PRODUCT REVIEW
FITS SOCKS With A Fit Like No Other
F
or spring 2015 FITS, the premium sock brand manufactured at Crescent Sock Company, is extending its popular Pro Trail - “the do-everything, go-anywhere sock” - to a crew height. Serious hikers will appreciate the performance and full contact fit of the Pro Trail Crew, $20, as well as the top-of-foot ventilation and complete coverage of the ankle and lower shin. The Medium Hiker Crew, $21, is finally available in a swirl of bright new colors – literally. The five new styles shatter conventional hiking attire with earth tone camouflage patterns for men and cool/warm color combinations for women. With knee-high men’s athletic socks making a comeback, the Light Active Tech, $18, arrives built with the latest synthetic blended textiles and FITS patented Full Contact Fit technology. For the bike-to-work commuter, the Men’s Center City Crew, $19, combines FITS performance qualities in an urban-inspired sock. Features include super-fine merino wool, patented Full-Contact-FIT system, and the promise of an American-made classic. 14 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
FITS Pro Trail Crew, Light Active Tech and Center City Crew
PRODUCT REVIEW
Under Armour last week introduced its first uniforms as the official athletics supplier of Notre Dame.
UNDER ARMOUR
HI-TEC
Passionate About Footwear
Empowering Athletes Everywhere Under Armour last week introduced its first uniforms as the official athletics supplier of Notre Dame. As expected, the 2014 home and away uniforms stuck largely to the traditional navy and gold theme that came last year from Adidas, Notre Dame’s former long-time sponsor. Led by Under Armour senior designer Adam Clement, the more daring approach was taken with the Shamrock jersey series, which the team will wear only in its September 13 game against Perdue. For the first time in the school’s history, Notre Dame will have an interlocking “ND” on its helmet, but what drew the most attention was how the jerseys and especially the helmet pay homage to the University's iconic Golden Dome atop its main building on its campus. Designs from the main building also appear as a sublimated design on the shoulder of the jersey and gloves. On the hem of each jersey is the embroidered phrase “God, Country, Notre Dame,” the University mantra. The cleats are blue and gold and mesh well with the jerseys while the Under Armour logo is featured on both the shirt and the pants. The two parties in January announced a 10-year deal that is believed to be worth $90 million in cash and merchandise, and Under Armour took over outfitting the Irish on July 1. The uniforms went on sale last week for an asking price of $199; which ESPN said it was the highest price of any jersey selling at retail this season. HI-Tec is looking to place an easy, healthy, safe, and economical spin on the resurging walking category. The big difference in Hi-Tec’s walking range is the RollinGait System, the result of Hi-Tec’s partnership with Vibram outsoles. RollinGait supports the natural roll of the foot and optimizes energy output for a smooth, efficient stride, especially downhill. The design of the RollinGait System also helps stop lactic acid buildup so you can walk further, be fitter, and see more along the way. The collection includes the V-Lite Walk-Lite Witton, $100. Mimicking 16 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
brown shoe styling with a comfortable leather and suede upper, the V-Lite Walk-Lite Witton crosses easily from sport to casual shoe, and will convince even the most reluctant walker of the benefits of getting out. Besides the Vibram RollinGait System, the model features V-Lite design, leather and suede uppers, mesh inserts and tongue for breathability, an adjustable lacing system, and a compression molded EVA midsole for impact absorption.
HI-Tec V-Lite Walk-Lite Witton and V-Lite Rio Quest
Perfect for everything from the boat dock to city streets to urban trails, the V-Lite Rio Quest, $80, is built with lightweight V-Lite materials, i-shield technology that repels water and dirt, and a nylon fork shank that provides flexible support. It’s ideal for both the adventurous businessman and the adventurer. ■
SGB PROFILE
JIM BAUGH Founder, PHIT America
P
HIT America, the national campaign launched in January 2013, has quickly lined up more than 150 top companies and organizations – largely in the sporting goods industry – as sponsors to share the importance of regular physical activity. The non-profit education and advocacy organization also corralled an impressive team of 25 elite athletes, coaches, and sports personalities as PHIT America ambassadors including NFL Hall of Fame member Herschel Walker, fitness expert Denise Austin, and golfing legend Gary Player. With a goal of overcoming the inactivity pandemic and obesity crisis in America by creating a ‘Movement for a Fit & Healthy America,’ PHIT America is the baby of Jim Baugh, best known as the former long-term president of Wilson Sporting Goods, where he helped increase the company’s market share from 14 to 52 percent. PHIT stands for Personal Health Investment Today. Throughout his illustrious professional career, Baugh has taken pride in a commitment to growing the game. When tennis saw participation numbers dwindle in the late 1990s, Baugh – then head of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) – launched several new 18 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
programs to recruit players to tennis. In just over a decade, the sport grew participation by 36 percent. “I’ve always been careful to focus on the bigger picture; working to improve not only my company’s business but also the tennis and sports industries as a whole,” said Baugh. “This meant being an advocate for staying active by creating new and innovative programs to get people hooked on the game.” This mindset inspired him to create PHIT America 19 months ago. Encouraged by its strong launch, PHIT America is now reaching out to companies outside of the sports and fitness industry to help take its message and programs to America. Recently, Baugh discussed the status of PHIT America, its accomplishments, its current goals, recent disappointments, and future plans. How have things progressed in the first 18 months of PHIT America? Wow, what a start. We have received great initial support from the sports and fitness industry as 150 companies and organizations joined our cause in 2013. And, just recently, the IRS has approved our status as a 501(C) 3 organization;
Jim Baugh Founder, PHIT America
which makes PHIT America a more attractive financial option for America since we are now a tax-deductible organization. We have done a fabulous job establishing a great website for Americans (PHITAmerica.org), creating strong social media platforms, and distributing great news articles to our network of sponsors, partners, and supporters. We are very proud of the
progress we have made in sustaining the PEP Program and pushing along the PHIT Act in Congress. I think the PHIT Act will pass in the next year or two. We have also established the Mayors Fitness Challenge - a free program for cities to use to jumpstart sports and fitness activities in their communities. And, our staff has been great. They are so extremely dedicated to the mission of reversing America’s ‘inactivity pandemic’ and being active themselves. Our staff talks the talk and walks the walk…and is busy inspiring others to do the same. How severe is America’s ‘inactivity pandemic?’ It is a real threat to the sports industry. The biggest issue is the increasing inactivity of our youth, which is the heart and soul of the sports industry. Some companies are fooled into thinking things aren’t that bad since they cater to the serious, hard-core athletes. But, there is no doubt that total participation in sports is declining. I was just looking at the NSGA CPI or Consumer Price Index for sporting goods and I saw that our index is down for 16 straight months. The drop in sports participation is a definite influence on this. And, when you look at the total participation rates of all sports and fitness activities, including the ‘hot’ activities like running, our industry is losing share. We must invest to rebuild the value of sports and fitness in America. We are losing out to social media, television time, computers, other sedentary attractions, and to other lifestyle pressures. Are you satisfied with the results of PHIT America? Yes and no. I am proud of our accomplishments that I talked about earlier, but we are not getting enough ‘push’ from our partners. While we have had good financial support from the sports and fitness industry, we need to get more visibility and traction with average Americans. I have made a major proposal to an industry group to increase its investment to grow participation. It is time to rebuild the foundation of our industry. But, it will take time and an investment. The ‘inactivity pandemic’ will not turn around on its own. What have been your biggest accomplishments with PHIT America? There is no question we have raised the level of awareness of the ‘inactivity pandemic’ for many executives in the sports and fitness industry. People are starting to think about it, but we have a long way to go. There are some other areas of our organization that we are proud of as well. We have established a network of ambassadors and celebrity ambassadors who have agreed to receive our monthly news’ articles and share them with other people via Twitter, email, and Facebook. We are also re-launching a section of our website called GetActiveNow which links interested sports participants with opportunities to play the sport of their choice in their local area. GetActiveNow is the ‘online yellow pages’ of local places to play or get started in sport or fitness activities. We have also assembled a group of medical doctors who all believe that one of the best prescriptions, which they can give to their patients, is advice to exercise. These medical doctors are members of Doctors for a PHIT America. The relationships we have been able to establish with governmental agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, the general public, and all levels of organized athletics have been gratifying. Through our work,
we have uncovered some success stories which makes our work that much more gratifying. For instance, there’s the Morning Mile in Gainesville, FL which provides children a chance to exercise before they begin class each day, and the Urban Dove Academy in Brooklyn, NY which is using a three-hour PE program every day that kicks off the school day before the students start learning the core subjects. What has been your major disappointment? The sports and fitness industry in the U.S. is too short-term oriented. I was disappointed that some initial companies/sponsors did not renew their support in 2014. They were looking for instant results or wanted the PHIT Act to be passed now. And, while we have had 150 companies support us, many sit on the sideline. Everyone needs to ’get into this game’ of creating activity. This ‘inactivity pandemic’ was years in the making. It will not be turned around overnight. It takes work and investment. We at PHIT America are doing the right things, but it takes time and patience. If we don’t shore up the participation numbers, the sports-playing population in the U.S. will be limited to fans inside the stadiums or arenas and those who play sports on a computer with a mouse. You can’t sweat on the Internet. We need to remember that inactive people are not regular consumers of sports, fitness, and exercise products. What are you looking for in a major sponsor? Our mission has always been to change the behavior of millions of Americans. I have realized our industry can only take us so far. So, the PHIT America Board of Directors has approved looking for a major sponsor, potentially a title or presenting sponsor, which believes in our mission and wants to help us spread the ‘pro-activity’ message and our grassroots support approach to America. I know there are big companies that are aligned with our vision. We have to go find them. Are there certain types of companies that are more appealing? There are a large number of companies focused on healthy living, but our point of difference is that we know activity and fitness are the keys to total health – for the body, mind and spirit. Also, many companies are only focused on healthy eating to reduce obesity and increased health. This leaves us with a real opportunity for food and beverage companies, especially health food companies. There are also some strong synergies with the insurance and health care industry. We are the ideal cause with which to be aligned. We have established a great infrastructure and platform. We just need someone to help us take our campaign to America. They can ‘win.’ We can ‘win’ with the right partner. Can people in the sports industry help? Definitely. I am sure many in our industry know top people at some of the major corporations. Help us by making an introduction. PHIT America is the perfect cause to be aligned with to ‘Get America Moving.’ ■ AUGUST 25, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS
CALENDAR For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/eventsa
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 Nation’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
Rickie Fowler Photo courtesy Puma
AUGUST
10-12
Interbike International Trade Expo Las Vegas, NV SFIA Industry Leaders Summit Chicogo, IL
23-25
Atlanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA
16-17
24
Tennis Industry Association The Tennis Show New York, NY
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER 3
Surf Expo Board Demo Day Orlando, FL
3-8
NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market Fort Worth, TX
4-6
Surf Expo Orlando, FL
4-6
Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Orlando, FL
10-11
Health & Fitness Business Expo Las Vegas, NV
20 SGBWeekly.com | AUGUST 25, 2014
7-9
OIA Rendezvous Asheville, NC
NOVEMBER 3-5
NBS Fall Athletic Market Ft Worth, TX
14-16
ADA Fall Show Palm Springs, CA
23-25
Sports, Inc. Fall Team Dealer Show Las Vegas, NV
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 Tennis Industry Association 1 Corpus Christi Place, Suite 117 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 t. 843.686.3036 f. 843.686.3078 tennisIndustry.org Worldwide 8211 South 194th Kent, WA 98032 t 253.872.8746 f 253.872.7603 wdi-wdi.com
“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by tr ying to do hard things well.� - JEFF BEZOS
Brand
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Report 2014
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Comprehensive Nationwide Survey Brand Strength Index Listing In-Depth Consumer Behavior Analysis Detailed Individual Brand Analysis Customizable Format
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