ISSUE 1447 NOVEMBER 24, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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ISSUE 1447 NOVEMBER 24, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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8 Photo courtesy Nike
MAKING NEWS
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
4 Rossignol Partners with Sandbridge Capital to Launch Apparel Business RSG Acquires Gribble's Running Sports 5 Clif Bar's Decision to Drop B.A.S.E. Jumpers Spurs Debate Vibram Class Action Settlement Draws 154,927 Claims
10 Eagle Creek Introduces Spring 2015 EC Lync System Spenco Launches Chic Fall Footwear Line 11 STX and Schutt Partner on Lacrosse Helmet Market
FINANCIALS
12 Newton Running Achieves Certified B Corporation Status
GIVING BACK 6 Dick's Sporting Good's Hunt and Golf Woes Continue in Q3 Asics Revenues Climb in First Half
RETAILER FOCUS
FEATURE 14 Columbia Tackles Warmth and Breathability for Fall 2015
8 Nike Launches Its First Store Devoted To Women ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy Columbia
NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
3
ROSSIGNOL
RSG
PARTNERS WITH SANDBRIDGE CAPITAL TO
ACQUIRES GRIBBLE'S
LAUNCH APPAREL BUSINESS
RUNNING SPORTS
Sandbridge Capital has acquired a minority stake in Rossignol with the intent of helping the French ski equipment manufacturer launch an apparel subsidiary and become a global, sports-inspired fashion brand. The French ski equipment brand began exploring entering the apparel market last year after Rossignol President Bruno Cercley recruited new investors to finance the company's next phase of growth. Sandbridge Capital is taking a minority position alongside majority shareholder Altor, the Nordic investor with valuable experience in the outdoor sector and textile field. Other current shareholders include French investment company Weber Investment, the Boix-Vives family, the historic owners of the Rossignol Group from 1955 to 2005, and the management team, including its CEO Bruno Cercley. Headquarted in Moirans, France, Rossignol owns Rossignol and Dynastar Skis, Look Bindings, Lange Boots, Kerma Poles and Risport Figure Dkates. Sandbridge Capital, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, invests exclusively in the branded consumer retail and services sector, and was formed with backing from a group of retail and fashion industry icons. Among its senior advisors are former Gucci Group CEO Domenico De Sole, former Crocs CEO Ron Snyder, and Designer Tommy Hilfiger, who is an investor in the Sandbridge fund through his Star Branding Group. “Rossignol is a great heritage brand with tons of potential in the apparel sector,” said De Sole, who currently serves as chairman of Tom Ford. Cercley said Sandbridge provide valuable support on two key aspects. "First, its strong expertise will contribute to our efforts in developing lifestyle collections for all four seasons of the year, not only winter," Cercley explained. "Secondly, its deep retail industry network is a real asset especially in North America. Leveraging Rossignol’s steeped tradition, we intend to develop a leading fashion brand oriented around our longstanding ethos of high levels of innovation and design.” Sandbridge Managing Partner David Fife said Rossignol is well positioned to quickly emerge as a leading sportswear inspired lifestyle brand. "We are excited to work with Rossignol to provide the growth capital and partnership necessary to elevate the brand to its full potential and help play a role in bringing the iconic rooster back to the forefront of the global fashion community.”
The Running Specialty Group (RSG), the run specialty chain owned by The Finish Line, acquired Kansas City-based Garry Gribble’s Running Sports, which operates five locations and expands RSG’s national footprint to Kansas and Missouri. Garry Gribble’s Running Sports began as a single store in Kansas City in 1984. “Garry is a true legend in this Garry Gribble business and I have an immense amount of respect for him both as an ambassador and trailblazer of the specialty running industry,” said Bill Kirkendall, RSG’S president. “Garry’s business acumen of more than 30 years through his iconic banner is marked with much success. I look forward to the mutual impact this partnership can bring as we work to expand our network of running enthusiasts in communities throughout the country.” “We are so excited to bring this infusion of energy and resources to the GGRS family through RSG,” said Garry Gribble, founder and owner of his namesake running specialty retail shops. “Combined with our team of experts, this partnership will enable us to achieve a new level of operational excellence to enrich our customer service and overall experience in the communities we serve.” RSG is an operating segment of The Finish Line, Inc that operates 64 specialty running stores in 15 states and the District of Columbia under The Running Company, Run On!, Blue Mile, Boulder Running Company, Roncker’s Running Spot, Running Fit, VA Runner, Capital RunWalk, and Garry Gribble’s Running Sports banners.
4 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
CLIF BAR'S DECISION TO DROP B.A.S.E. JUMPERS
Clif Bar reinvigorated an industry debate about how brands should approach sponsoring athletes who participate in high-risk activities when Outside Magazine reported it dropped five climbers from its athlete roster because they appeared in a film participating in B.A.S.E. jumping and freesoloing. In a November 13 "Letter to the Climbing Community," Clif Bar posted on its web site after news of its decision set off a debate on line, Clif Bar also announced it would no longer sponsor climbers who are primarily recognized for free-soloing, B.A.S.E. jumping, and highlining. The company said it came to the decision after more than a year of internal discussions about its concerns about the activities. "We concluded that these forms of the sport are pushing boundaries and taking the element of risk to a place where we as a company are no longer willing to go," Clif Bar explained in the letter. "We understand that some climbers feel these forms of climbing are pushing the sport to new frontiers. But we no longer feel good about benefitting from the amount of risk certain athletes are taking in areas of the sport where there is no margin for error; where there is no safety net."
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
▲
SPURS DEBATE
The company said its decision ultimately came down to "a sense of responsibility to our own story, what we endorse, and the activities that we encourage – which is largely reflected in our sponsorship of athletes. This isn’t about drawing a line for the sport or limiting athletes from pursuing their passions. We’re drawing a line for ourselves. We understand that this is a grey area, but we felt a need to start somewhere and start now." The letter triggered hundreds of responses of support and condemnation on Clif Bar's Facebook page.
VIBRAM CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DRAWS 154,927 CLAIMS According to court documents reviewed by Runner’s World Newswire, 154,927 claims were received in the class action suit against Vibram USA, representing 279,570 pairs of Vibram FiveFingers. The lawsuit, filed two years ago and recently settled, alleged Vibram FiveFingers used unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of running in its FiveFingers shoes to increase its sales. As reported, Vibram settled the suit this past May for $3.75 million. The suit applied to anyone who purchased its FiveFingers shoes in the U.S. from March 21, 2009 to May 27, 2014. Of the $3.75 million settlement fund, class members will split $2,262,726, according to the Runner’s World Newswire report. Assuming valid claims for 268,570 pairs of shoes, each claimant will be reimbursed $8.44 per pair. About 4 to 5 percent of claims are expected to be rejected. Initially, the proposed settlement filed with the court noted that based on similar settlements, it was reasonable for class members to expect to receive between $20 and $50 per pair. Vibram denied any wrongdoing in the case but settled "to avoid substantial expense, burdens, and uncertainties associated with the continued litigation of these claims and cases," it said in court documents. NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
5
FINANCIALS
DICK'S SPORTING GOOD'S
ASICS
HUNT AND GOLF WOES CONTINUE IN Q3
REVENUES CLIMB IN FIRST HALF
Dick's Sporting Goods reported a slight decline in earnings in the third quarter, but results came in at the higher end of its adjusted guidance. More discouragingly, comps came in at the low-end of its guidance due to “continued pressure” in golf and hunting. The company kept its EPS guidance for the full year. It narrowed its range for expected comps for the year to between one and two percent, down from one to three percent previously. Total sales in the third quarter increased 9.0 percent to $1.52 billion. Consolidated same-store sales in the quarter increased 1.1 percent versus a plan calling for gains between one and three percent. In the 2013 third quarter, comps increased 3.3 percent. “The balance of our business, excluding golf and hunting, continued to perform well with comps increasing 4.6 percent,” said Ed Stack, chairman and CEO, on a conference call with analysts. Same-store sales for the Dick's Sporting Good’s chain increased 1.7 percent. The gain was driven by a 2.7 percent increase in sales per transaction that offset a one percent decrease in traffic. Stack said the chain saw continued growth in the categories that benefited from its space reallocation that was completed during the second quarter, which included a greater focus on women’s and youth categories. Added Stack, “Our stores now offer a broader, more compelling selection of athletic apparel supported by an elevated and differentiated product presentation.” The chain’s hunting business declined mid-single-digits in Q3, slightly below its revised expectations, “as hunting is not rebounding as quickly as we had anticipated,” Stack said. Hunting is expected to be approximately flat in the fourth quarter as year-over-year comparisons begin to ease. Golf Galaxy’s comps slumped 8.9 percent in the quarter with the golf category at Dick’s Sporting Goods down at a similar rate. Encouragingly, Stack predicted a golf pickup in the fourth quarter. He elaborated, ”We believe that our merchandising product offerings and advertising will make us a destination this holiday both in stores and online and drive our comp store sales growth.” E-commerce penetration increased to 7.3 percent of total sales, up from 6.5 percent last year. Gross margins gave back 74 basis points to 29.6 percent due primarily to a 53 basis point decrease in merchandising margin as well as occupancy deleverage and increased shipping expense as a percentage of sales due to e-commerce growth. SG&A expenses were reduced 40 basis points to 24.43 percent primarily due to lower administrative and payroll expenses as a percent of sales. Preopening expenses were $14.3 million, a $2.2 million increase primarily due to an increase in the number of Field & Stream stores opened in the quarter. Net income slid 1.5 percent to $49.2 million, or 42 cents as share, exceeding guidance provided in August calling for earnings between 38 cents to 42 cents. In the first quarter, the company significantly reduced its earnings guidance for the year due to stubborn weakness in its golf and hunt categories. For the fourth quarter, the company provided guidance that assumes a “competitive and promotional” holiday selling climate, according to Stack. EPS in the fourth is expected to range between $1.18 to $1.28 a share, up from $1.11 in the fourth quarter of 2013. Comps are expected to expand one to three percent as compared to a 7.3 percent increase in the fourth quarter of 2013.
With healthy performances in the Americas and Europe, Asics Corp. reported sales on an adjusted basis grew 22.1 percent in the half ended September 30 to ¥265.1 billion ($2.3 billion). On a currency-neutral (c-n) basis, revenues rose 13.8 percent. The better-than-expected performance prompted Asics to raise its outlook for the year. Adjusted results reflect Asics’ change in its fiscal year from March 31 to December 31. Because of the transitional period, net results in the latest half in the domestic group companies except Haglöfs Japan covered six months from April 1 to September 30, while overseas group companies including Haglöfs Japan covered nine months from January 1 to September 30. As a result, net sales in the six months rose 72.4 percent to ¥265.1 billion ($2.3 billion). Net income reached ¥24.5 billion ($212.4 mm), or ¥122.19, more than triple the ¥7.92 billion or ¥41.79 netted a year ago. Adjusted results replace the comparison period with the synchronized year-ago period to make the comparison under the same conditions with the current period. On an adjusted basis, net earnings still jumped a robust 42.2 percent in the six months to ¥24.5 billion ($212.4 mm) or ¥122.19. Operating earnings rose 24.2 percent to ¥33.0 billion ($286.4 mm). Gross margins were flat at 45 percent while SG&A increased slightly to 32.8 percent from 32.6 percent. In the Americas region, sales on an adjusted basis rose 27.6 percent in the half to ¥89.7 billion ($776.6 mm). On a c-n basis sales rose 17.9 percent led by gains in running shoes and running apparel. Adjusted operating income rose 33.2 percent to ¥10.9 billion ($94.2 mm) and improved 23.1 percent on a c-n basis. Breaking down categories in the Americas, Running Shoes rose 26.1 percent to ¥77.9 billion ($669.9 mm) and gained 16.5 percent on a c-n basis. Athletic Shoes jumped 25.7 percent to ¥7.11 billion ($61.1 mm) and gained 16.1 percent on a c-n basis. Onitsuka Tiber Shoes leapt 41.3 percent to ¥2.45 billion ($21.1 mm) and grew 30.5 percent on a c-n basis. Running Wear in the Americas region reached ¥3.7 billion ($31.8 mm) a gain of 78.7 percent overall and 65.1 percent on a c-n basis. Athletic Wear sales were ¥1.19 billion ($10.2 mm), a gain of 8.5 percent overall and 0.3 percent on a c-n basis. The company also saw better-than-expected gains in the EMEA region as well as in East Asia and Oceania/South East and South Asia. Japan was slightly below plan. Among categories on a global basis, Footwear sales grew 24.1 percent to ¥214.1 billion ($1.84 bn) and gained 15.2 percent on a c-n basis. Apparel revenues grew 16.8 percent to ¥38.6 billion ($332.0 mm) and advanced 10.2 percent on a c-n basis. Equipment sales rose 8.2 percent to ¥12.4 billion ($106.3 mm) and added 3.8 percent on a c-n basis. For the full year, Asics raised its forecast to ¥345.0 billion up from ¥335.0 billion previously. The forecast for the Americas region was raised to ¥113.9 million from ¥109.4 million previously with expected growth of 13 percent on a c-n basis. Operating earnings are forecasted to reach ¥29.0 billion against ¥27.5 billion previously.
6 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
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R E TA I L E R F O C U S
Photos courtesy Nike
NIKE LAUNCHES ITS FIRST STORE DEVOTED TO WOMEN Nike opened its first store for women. The 6,000-plus square-foot location in the Fashion Island lifestyle center of Newport Beach, CA also includes an in-store studio for group or personal fitness training sessions – the first in a U.S. Nike retail location. The studio will also enable customers to trial training and running footwear and apparel. Specialized services, weekly programming, and special events are designed to inspire and enable the community of active women in and around Newport Beach. In-store services include run analysis, bra fitting, footwear trials and pant hemming, and programming includes the Nike+ Run Club, Nike+ Training Club, and yoga classes. The product assortment includes premium women’s running, training and sportswear styles, along with key designer collaborations. “We connect with and inspire millions of women all over the world every day through our Nike+ Training Club and Nike+ Running apps,” said Amy Montagne, VP & GM of Nike Women. “Our women’s business has never been stronger and this new store is the ultimate expression of our commitment to women who run, train, and live the look of sport and fitness throughout their day.” To help celebrate the opening of Nike Fashion Island, U.S. figure skater Gracie Gold will preview her "Core Confidence" N+TC app workout launching in December and participate in a Q&A for customers with NTC Master Trainer Joselynne Boschen. Nike Fashion Island customers will also benefit from a new, unique technology that integrates a physical and digital shopping experience. Shoppers can purchase product not offered in the store from a nearly endless aisle at Nike.com in a single, mobile transaction. Product ordered from Nike.com in-store will ship for free anywhere in the U.S. in three to five days. This seamless technology is already in place in nearly all Nike stores and Nike Factory stores across the U.S. Customers can also make purchases with tap-to-pay technology in the store and take advantage of Apple Pay using an iPhone 6 with Touch ID. Following Fashion Island, Nike will open a second women’s-only store in Shanghai, China’s IAPM Mall on November 29. Athletes in the Southern California community can look forward to another new retail location on November 26 with the opening of Nike Running Pasadena. 8 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
P R O D U C T S H OWC A S E
EC Lync System
EAGLE CREEK INTRODUCES SPRING 2015 EC LYNC SYSTEM Eagle Creek has introduced the EC Lync System, which breaks down like a tent for easy storage, and also converts from a wheeled travel bag to an ultra light backpack less than half it’s size. Brightly colored, the EC Lync System features a completely removable frame that can be used as a wheeled travel bag, or a soft-sided bag without the wheels. At 4 lbs, 9 oz, the EC Lync System 22 is the lightest weight Max Carry On size convertible suitcase on the market. Overall, it’s available in four sizes (20, 22, 26 and 29), in three colors, and all sizes are under $300.
For retailers, the EC Lync System fixture utilizes four times less retail floor space than a traditional luggage display and allows retailers to fit 125 percent more inventory into a much smaller space. Designed to fully leverage the display space from top to bottom as well as within the footprint, the fixture tells the EC Lync story that catches and holds the attention of the consumer. “We realize that luggage takes up a lot of space on the retail floor and we wanted to help our retailers achieve higher productivity per square foot, and, ultimately, make more money,” said Tim McGuire, Sr. national sales manager at Eagle Creek.
SPENCO LAUNCHES CHIC FALL FOOTWEAR LINE
Rachel Clog
Timberjack
Heidi Slipper
10 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
Spenco has launched a fashionable new line of fall footwear with its Total Support arch technology retailing for $50 to $100. For the first time, the line includes more traditional, everyday styles for men and women. “Our customers have fallen in love with our casual shoe line, and many of them wanted a businesscasual option as well,” said Jeff Antonioli, Spenco’s VP of sales and marketing. “Whether you are an athlete trying to take better care of your feet, or an eight-to-five office worker, Spenco shoes are the perfect balance between stylish and practical.” Highlights include the Rachel Clog featuring a wedge platform, full grain leather upper, heel lift, simple instep strap, and a hookand-loop closure. For men the Timberjack leather slip-on with newly engineered platform and slight heel lift for increased cushioning and support in the forefoot and heel and detailed in oiled leather with stretch-mesh collar. For women the Heidi Slipper with its Mary Jane silhouette, synthetic wool detail, fleece lining and edelweiss embroidery. And the unisex slip-on Nomad Moc in whole and half sizes – a first for the Spenco’s shoe line.
Brand
Stallion 500 Lacrosse Helmet
Strength Report 2014
STX AND SCHUTT PARTNER ON LACROSSE HELMET MARKET STX, LLC has partnered with Schutt Sports on the Stallion 500 Lacrosse Helmet. Designed specifically to fit the performance needs of the elite lacrosse player, the STX Stallion 500 uses a combination of Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Cushioning and D3O technology for advanced protection. Schutt’s TPU Cushioning system, based on materials used by the U.S. military for fighter pilot and paratrooper helmets, is designed for better impact absorption and targets key areas in the front and crown of the helmet. The patented D3O technology allows the helmet interior to remain soft and flexible in its natural state. On impact, however, the molecules in D3O lock together to absorb and disperse impact energy for protection. “We looked at the helmet market and saw a glaring need for both competition and innovation,” said Jim Benton, director of product management at STX. “That’s what drove us to work with Schutt to create the new Stallion helmets. By combining Schutt’s proven protection technologies with STX’s knowledge of lacrosse, we’ve created a unique blend of style, protection, and performance.” The STX Stallion 500 is the only lacrosse helmet on the market that provides three ways to customize the fit: »» »»
»»
Multiple sizes instead of “one size fits most;” Schutt’s adjustable SUREFIT AiR Liner that allows lacrosse players to use a pump to inflate and deflate an air bladder so that the helmet can form to the contours of a player’s head; and An adjustable EVA jaw pad in various sizes.
“We have spent years collaborating with STX to create the next evolution in lacrosse helmets with the focus of the development directed towards performance and protection. The results are better skull protection and better impact absorption for the lacrosse player when compared to the competition,” noted Cortney Warmouth, director of research and development at Schutt, which now has 50 percent of the skill position players in the NFL wearing their helmets. “These athletes are playing in 100 degree heat by the end of the spring season and can play in very cold temperatures during fall ball. The technology incorporated within the STX Stallion 500 helmet is designed to maximize performance in virtually any playing condition.”
To order the Brand Strength Report or to customize your personal report, contact Bethany Cooner, Director Market Research The SportsOneSource Group 303.997.7302 x7107 or BSR@SportsOneSource.com
NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
11
Jerry Lee, Co-Founder of Newton Running
G I V I N G B AC K
Newton Running Achieves Certified B Corporation Status Newton Running announced its Certification as a B Corporation. The prestigious designation is awarded to companies that strive to solve social and environmental problems and meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. In order to qualify as a Certified B Corporation, Newton Running had to meet strict standards of social and environmental performance in four key areas:
»»
»» »»
Transparency: Newton Running will undergo and assessment every two years for recertification; giving it the opportunity to set improvement goals against the most-up-to-date standards and benchmark its performance over time. Newton Running is also an active member of Outdoor Industry Sustainability Working Group, participating in Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index, and has openly implemented a supplier code of conduct, an environmentally preferred purchasing policy, and an energy consumption tracking program at its corporate headquarters in Boulder, CO.
12 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
»»
Community service: Anne Klein, Newton’s VP of sustainability, and Wendy Lee, VP of social responsibility, set up a program where employees are able to donate two pairs of shoes a year to the charity of their choice. Employees also receive five days off (in addition to their PTO) each year to volunteer for a cause of their choice. The company also matches employees’ charitable giving. Environment commitment: In 2014 Newton’s distribution center diverted 80 percent of its waste through recycling programs and Newton’s shoe packaging is 100 percent recycled with bio-based ink. Since becoming president in March 2013, Craig Heisner has been working on Newton’s packaging to make it the most environmentally friendly packaging possible. Corporate standards: Employees are given formal training on social responsibility and sustainability, and social responsibility is included in job descriptions and performance planning for all employees.
“Newton is committed to building a socially and environmentally responsible company that helps people run better,” said Jerry Lee, Newton Running co-founder and CEO. “We are helping others through our involvement in a diverse range of philanthropic and sustainability efforts both in our community and abroad. We worked hard to achieve this distinction and we’re particularly proud to be the first Certified B Corporation that is solely focused on developing performance running shoes. Giving back bonds our team and allows us to live our mission of making every stride better.” Offering one example of the company’s commitment, Lee, a marathoner and Ironman finisher who overcame prostate cancer a few years back, noted how the Newton team goes to the Boulder Bridge House each month to serve dinner to the homeless living in Boulder, CO. Lee often is the first to arrive and the last to leave and typically spends the entire evening cleaning up after people and washing dishes. "I love the work we do at the Boulder Bridge House, serving dinner to Boulder's homeless and working poor,” said Lee. “We are able to serve people while hearing their stories. We all have a story worth telling." To maintain its Certified B Corporation status, Newton will need to go through the assessment process again in two years. Newton also plans to continue to strengthen its environmental practices by increasing its recycling efforts, minimizing its impact, and improving processes/materials including packaging. “More broadly speaking,” said Heisner, “Newton’s goal is to give back more than it takes and continue its mission of making every stride better.”
POWER.
ORDER NOW SGBweeklySept2014.indd 1
Kim Coupounas, director of B Lab Colorado, with Jerry Lee, co-founder of Newton Running
He added, “We are a brand with a strong social conscience, it is an attitude shared by every person in this company. It not only motivates our employees through high involvement opportunities and initiatives, it is also important to our customers and partners.” As of June 2014, there were 1,110 Certified B Corporations from 121 industries and 35 countries, representing a diverse multi-billion dollar marketplace. ■
LIGHT.
VERSATILITY.
WWW.COGHLANS.COM
8/26/2014 4:17:04 PM NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com 13
Columbia Sportswear unveiled its Fall 2015 Collection this month at the Denver Art Museum.
Columbia Tackles Warmth and Breathability for Fall 2015 Led by its new Titanium line, Columbia Sportswear’s Fall 2015 collection combines performance, versatility, and modern design. By Thomas J. Ryan
A
t last month’s media event in Denver, CO at the Denver Art Museum, Columbia Sportswear unveiled what it promised would ring as another round of breakthrough innovations with its Fall 2015 collection. The lineup includes a re-launch of the company’s high-end Titanium sportswear and outerwear line and a further extension of its new TurboDown outerwear to create the “warmest puffy jacket on the planet.” For footwear, Columbia showed its most breathable, waterproof shoes to date. At the event Jeff Timmins, senior brand director, pointed to the many successes Columbia has had this year including the expansion of its OmniFreeze technology and the launch of the Vent line of breathable trail footwear this spring. The launch of TurboDown, which combines down with Columbia’s Omni-Heat insulation, is turning into the “hottest story in Fall 2014,” he added. Columbia’s momentum is evident in recent sales results. Branded products in the third quarter increased 29 percent to $555.4 million. Timmins attributed Columbia’s recent success to its recommitment several years ago to innovation. “Columbia will continue to create product and innovation that are designed to keep consumers warm, dry, cool, and
14 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
protected by developing common sense solutions that are really about keeping consumers outside having fun,” he said. Columbia chose the Denver Art Museum as the venue to showcase its Fall 2015 collection not only because of its inspirational view of the peak of the Rocky Mountains to the west, but the building’s stature as a “masterpiece of modern architecture and design.” That underscores Columbia’s commitment to continually “defying our best.” Moreover, the architectural shell of the building is comprised of 9,000 titanium panels symbolizing the major relaunch of its Titanium collection for Fall 2015. Inspired by the lessons learned in developing the 2014 Olympic Uniforms for the U.S. ski team for the Sochi Winter Olympics and athlete’s insights into fabric, fit, features, and style, Fred Dennis, general manager at Columbia, declared that the new Titanium “will be our best fit” but also comes loaded with premium features and fabrics. Titanium will become the launch pad for all future innovations and technology platforms to inspire and bring greater value to the broader Columbia product line. “The insights and inspiration garnered from working closely with Olympic athletes were too valuable to be left on the podium,” said Fred Dennis,
General Manager of Outerwear at Columbia. “We decided to weave that performance perspective across several new collections starting off with the new Columbia Titanium collection. It represents the best of our best.” Also attending the event, Hannah Kearney, mogul skier and U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athlete who won a bronze medal in Sochi, said she has been on the U.S. team for 13 years and called Columbia “an exception to the rule” as far as a brand seeking athlete feedback. “They absolutely are willing to work with the athletes,” said Kearney. “For instance, we all have ideas about what color is going to look best at night. It’s a judged sport and aesthetics are important. Style is important and our uniforms made us look good. And that stretch fabric that’s now in a lot of the line was wonderfully comfortable as well as practical with all the acrobatic moves we do.” During the event Columbia revealed that it had extended its partnership with the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team to become its official uniform partner through the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Highlights of the Titanium collection include the First Tracks 860 Jacket featuring 800 fill power goose down with 60 grams of Omni-Heat thermal insulation. Said Dennis, “These jackets are designed and built for the coldest powder days of the year.”
The Shredder
The Shredder with Omni-Heat insulation and a feature-set “that’s everything you need to be out there all day on the slopes.” Style wise, it plays up “bold dynamic designs, drafting right off the aesthetics you saw in the Olympic uniforms.” Beyond style and fabrics, an emphasis was placed on functionality such as easy-access pocket placement and having ample room in the hood to cover a helmet. Versatility was also a focus.
Hannah Kearney, mogul skier and U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athlete
TurboDown Wave builds on the launch this fall of TurboDown, an insulation technology that combines two of Columbia’s existing technologies – synthetic Omni-Heat thermal insulation and Omni-Heat Reflective linings – with down to create a more affordable alternative to down insulation. Jeff Mergy, director of global innovation, said with TurboDown, Columbia has “created a product that performs really well in all conditions, whether wet or dry, and it feels like a down jacket.” With a strong response, the TurboDown line will be expanded from eight styles this fall to over 35 for Fall 2015. Said Mergy, “We have different baffle designs next year so it’s exciting to see this technology really take off.” Featured in styles such as the Heatzone 1000, TurboDown Wave Jeff Mergy, Director of Global Innovation advances the technology with patent-pending construction that Heatzone 1000 eliminates the cold spots where body heat escapes in conventionally constructed insulated jackets. The use of thermal mapping was extensively used during the design process. “Really, the idea behind this project was all about how do we limit areas where heat can escape,” said Mergy. Rather than creating a traditional seam by sewing the lining and shell together to create the baffle, Columbia developed a jacket construction method combining 900-fill, water-resistant down with Omni-Heat Thermal synthetic insulation. With the advanced construction technology, Omni-Heat Thermal insulation runs through the jacket in a 'wave-like' pattern with the down on both sides throughout the baffles. NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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for warmth. A unique feature of the boot is its temperature-sensitive traction -blue zones harden as the boot gets cold for better traction in snow and ice. For women looking for some style in the winter, the Minx line, already Columbia’s largest winter collection, will be broadened further with the introduction of new colors, styles, and silhouettes. The stylish takes enable women to wear the line “for longer periods of the year” before the snow arrives. While Minx packs Omni-Heat, Omni-Grip, Omni-Tech and other technologies, Minx Lewis said it’s the looks that offer the initial appeal. “When the season turns, this meets her performance needs but also her style needs,” said Lewis. Also for women, Columbia showed a new collection of hoodies, leggings, and other performance sportswear constructed with premium knit fabrics and designed for style and versatility. Details include four-way stretch fabric that maximizes stretch and recovery and fashion-forward standouts such as a burnt-out striped hoodie. Ventrailia OutDry
TurboDown
Much like TurboDown, independent third parties tested TurboDown Wave’s heat retention capabilities against several competitors’ insulated jackets. Using a computer controlled environmental chamber to regulate variables, its Heatzone Jacket took on several jackets including The North Face Super Diez, Arc’Teryx Cerium SV, and the Patagonia Fitz Roy. In each case, the Columbia jacket insulated with TurboDown Wave performed better, beating competitors by margins ranging from 3.1F to 9.9F warmer. A surprise is the sleek nature of the jackets that still pack comprehensive warmth. Said Mergy, “We tested this jacket in the coldest conditions up in the Arctic Circle with some of our athletes and the feedback we got back was outstanding. These guys are used to wearing jackets that are three times as big and three times as puffy. And it was almost to the point where they were scared to take our jackets out with them. They were skeptical honestly. But after the trip, they were like, ‘I’d take this out in a heartbeat.’” For the first time Columbia will combine its proprietary Vent construction technology with its patented OutDry membrane technology in its footwear. Todd Lewis, footwear director at Columbia, said the Vent + OutDry collection builds on the promising launch this spring of the Vent trail series that offers all the cushioning, protection, and durability expected in a trail shoe. But Vent also brings breathability not only in the upper but also through the entire shoe through water drainable midsole ports on each side of the shoe. The Vent + OutDry line adds an OutDry upper, which promises to be an advance over traditional bootie construction by fusing the membrane to the backside of the upper to prevent water from getting past the upper. Two holes under the heels also create an “air permeable membrane” where moisture can escape, passing down through the fabric and out the port holes. Said Lewis, “This shoe is 100 percent waterproof and is very Todd Lewis, breathable. We feel this is footwear something really compeldirector at ling and unique in the marColumbia ketplace.” Two standouts in the Vent + OutDry collection include the Ventrailia OutDry, which also features Techlite cushioning for comfort and OmniGrip traction. The Ventfreak Mid OutDry is slightly more durable and offers more protection in the upper. For winter boots, Columbia will introduce in Fall 2015 the Bugaboot Plus III Titanium collection, also featuring an OutDry waterproof, breathable membrane for the first time. It plays up a full-length Techlite shell and midsole that is lightweight and flexible with added Omni-Heat lining 16 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
Jennifer Lee, lead designer at Columbia
“This collection really stands for performance in premier fabrics, focusing on fit and really delivering style and versatility to take her through her really active, crazy day from morning to night,” said Jennifer Lee, lead designer at Columbia. While these types of collections are often sold only at Columbia’s vertical stores, it will also be offered to traditional wholesale sportswear accounts to present a “trusted brand” option to consumers in the burgeoning active women’s category. ■
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NOVEMBER 24, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
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TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS
CALENDAR For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events
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
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NOVEMBER
FEBRUARY
23-25
2-3 SFIA Litigation & Risk Management Summit Las Vegas, NV
Sports Inc. Fall Team Dealer Show Las Vegas, NV
DECEMBER
18-21
Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Phoenix, AZ NBS Spring Show Fort Worth, TX
2-4
EORA Southeast Market Asheville, NC
18-23
9-10
EORA Southeast Market Ellicott City, MD
MARCH
10-11
Atlanta Fashion Shoe Market Atlanta, GA
3-4
JANUARY 2015 6-9 SFIA Sports Tech Conference & Marketplace Las Vegas, NV 13-17
NBS Winter Market Fort Worth, TX
18 SGBWeekly.com | NOVEMBER 24, 2014
SFIA National Health Through Fitness Day Washington, DC
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
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