Business news : HanesBrands to Highlight Innovation Plan at Investor Day

HanesBrands, the parent of Champion, will highlight its margin-enhancing Innovate-to-Elevate strategy and expected use of free cash flows in 2014 and beyond at the company’s investor day meeting, Thursday, Feb. 28.

Hanes’ Innovate-to-Elevate strategy integrates the company’s brand superiority, industry-leading innovation and low-cost supply chain to provide higher valued products while lowering production costs. The company’s Tagless apparel platform, Smart Sizes bra platform and ComfortBlend fabric platform incorporate big-idea innovation to span brands, product categories, business segments, retailer and distribution channels, and geographies. The Innovate-to-Elevate strategy provides the company the opportunity to increase its annual operating margin into the range of 12 percent to 14 percent over time.

Hanes also is reaffirming all of its full-year 2013 guidance issued Feb. 5, 2013, including expectations for net sales of approximately $4.6 billion, operating profit of $500 million to $550 million, EPS of $3.25 to $3.40, and free cash flow of $350 million to $450 million.

Hanes expects to continue to generate significant levels of free cash flow with normalized annual free cash flow of approximately $400 million increasing as profitability rises. Regarding uses of free cash flow, the company is developing a cash deployment strategy as it completes its planned debt reduction in 2013. While the company has not determined specific details or timing, Hanes expects its cash deployment strategy will include a mix of dividends, low-risk bolt-on acquisitions and share repurchases.

“Leveraging our consumer franchise, driving our margin-enhancing Innovate-to-Elevate strategy, and being good stewards of our cash flow should allow us to substantially increase earnings per share over time and drive superior shareholder returns for many years to come,” Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said.

Management will also discuss at its investor day meeting tactics to return International segment growth to historical levels over time.

( Source SportsOneSource )

New product : TSL Outdoor ( France) launches a new racket to revitalize the market

Symbioz, the newest member of the Haute-Savoie company unveiled at ISPO must completely change practice. 

Just patented the Symbioz the newest snowshoes TSL was presented at the International Exhibition in Munich (from 3 to 6 February). Clearly displaying its goal: disrupting a practice widely popularized by the company Haute-Savoie. "The Symbioz, it is not more innovation. It is a breakthrough innovation. It breaks all existing codes with this new product ... "ensures boss TSL Outdoor, his new racquet in hand. 
After years of commercial success with its frame hourglass rigid and more than 60 patents since 1986, the company does only made in France, even the "Made in valley of Thones" according to Philippe Gallay, in good give a second chance to practice with this new model hyper flexible chassis flex, which follows the relief ... Its strengths? "It is much more comfortable, lighter and allows a better place to walk through its attachment telescopic. The field tests prove it: we gain traction and comfort, compared to everything that exists on the market today ... " 

A hyper flexible chassis 
Born in the mind of this passionate mountain, whose adventure racket began in a garage in La Clusaz, embodied by the expertise of both engineers design office TSL, the Symbioz will be snowshoeing that the dish was for alpine skiing: a revolution. Philippe Gallay is convinced. 
"On average, practitioners keep their rackets a long time, almost 20 years. The French market is mature. With Symbioz, our goal is that in three years, they have all changed model ... " 
A great ambition, with a product that will initially be more expensive than traditional model. The Symbioz is also destined for export, including the Chinese market. "Needless to offer the entry level to the Asian market. We attack a market like that by selling the dream, an image with luxury ... "says the entrepreneur who always knows where he puts his feet. Principle? Knowing how to create markets or adapt existing market. "Every country has its mentality. That's why we make specific products for the United States, other for Japan ... " 
Recipes that work since in 30 years, the small manufacturer Thônes valley has become nothing less than the world leader in snowshoeing. 
It does not stop there and has already announced a new way for next winter ...

Website: www.tsloutdoor.com

( French source ledauphine.com )

New product :Patagonia Reveals Encapsil Parka: 1000-fill-power Water Repellent Down

VENTURA, Calif. (February 27, 2013) — Patagonia Inc., the outdoor apparel company, today announces the launch of its Encapsil™ Down Belay Parka. Available in special edition quantities with numbered labels inside each parka, the Encapsil™ Down Belay Parka is an extraordinary work of design and engineering. A first of its kind, this parka is 100% independently baffled and differentially cut without a single shortcut or "cheat" where a seam has been sewn through, resulting in a cold spot. Weighing 18 ounces (510 grams) and insulated with Patagonia's proprietary, plasma-treated, water-repellent Encapsil™ 1000-fill-power down, the belay parka is unparalleled in warmth for its weight, designed for alpinists to take into the burliest of conditions.

"Patagonia has insisted on taking an intensive scientific and holistic approach to do more, but with less environmental harm," notes Randy Harward, vice president of advanced research & development at Patagonia, "Even with these stringent guidelines, we've developed the highest-performing down technology available anywhere. This has been a five-year R&D project in the making, and we are eager to integrate this technology into future styles beyond the Belay Parka."

Water-repellent down garments are now available from several manufacturers. Patagonia, however, has taken a unique approach - one that not only produces water-repellent down, but delivers a significant advantage no one else can provide: unprecedented, 1000-fill-power. Encapsil™ patented technology uses a safe silicone-based chemistry that is free of fluorocarbons. Patagonia's down is sent through a proprietary machine and agitated with low-level radio frequency waves until the surface of the down's molecular structure begins to shift. A tiny amount of siloxane is then deposited onto each plumule of down, adhering to its changed molecular structure in a virtually permanent way. The result is down that is hydrophobic, stronger and loftier by 25%.

"This is the most challenging design project I have ever worked on," notes Casey Shaw, advanced product engineer at Patagonia, "To design this parka, we had to develop new construction techniques that would allow us to maintain perfectly baffled chambers, while insuring low bulk and realistic production capability for the factory. Given the complexity of this parka's design, our team had to fly to the factory to guide them through the intricate construction and assembly techniques to ensure the correct execution of the design."

Patagonia offers its most thoughtful design in the Encapsil™ Down Belay Parka, with no detail spared. Shell fabric is an ultralight 10-denier Pertex® Endurance nylon ripstop with a polyurethane dry coat, providing excellent water repellency. The hood is baffled and helmet-compatible, with a single drawcord that provides a small draft collar of down around the face, creating a microclimate to help prevent frostbite on exposed skin. Variegated baffles across the parka are smaller in high-compression areas to help keep down from shifting, and a double-baffle wind flap behind the zipper completely seals out cold and wind. No moisture-holding materials are used anywhere in this parka. Exterior hand pockets are independently insulated to retain warmth even when open, and the high positioning keeps them away from the harness line. A unique pull-system at the hem allows for adjustment of the drawcord from inside or out, eliminating harness entanglement, and a mini-snowskirt keeps out wind and snow from below without compressing the down in the lowest chamber.

"Not only is this parka functional, it is also beautiful," notes Lee Turlington, vice president of global product at Patagonia, "If you are going to make the best possible product, it needs to be perfectly tailored and clean-finished. It is incredibly hard to clean-finish a garment like this - it turns a technically superior belay parka into a work of art."

The Encapsil™ Down Belay Parka will be available in special-edition, limited quantities, and will be for sale at www.patagonia.com, and in the Patagonia Boulder and NYC Meatpacking retail store locations.

Please click here to view a video on the design process, and the people, behind the Encapsil™ Down Belay Parka.

About Patagonia
Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core climbing, snow, outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. The company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $49M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable through its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products. For more information, visit www.patagonia.com.

Contact:
Jess Clayton, 805-667-4755, jess.clayton@patagonia.com
Jen Rapp, 805-667-4768, jen.rapp@patagonia.com

Written By: Jennifer Rapp

More news about Patagonia, use the search tool at the right top of the page.

Business news : Get Fit! Employee Financial Wellness, Good for Employers, Good for Employees

Online, Feb 27, 2013 -
Gratke Wealth will be participating in yourbrandlive's #OutdoorLive Day March 5th with the presentation:

Get Fit! Employee Financial Wellness, Good for Employers, Good for Employees
Stay financially fit is no different than staying healthy and physically fit. Studies show that employees that are ‘financially fit’ are better employees. They exhibit increased productivity and performance. However, there is a retirement crisis in America.

• 50% of all working employees have NO access to a company retirement plan
• Of the 50% that do have access, only 1/3 are saving inside of a company retirement plan
• Of that 1/3, only 11% are saving enough.

In June 2012, the Federal Reserve released a study showing that Americans saw wealth plummet by 39% from 2007 to 2010. American’s net worth is back to 1992 levels; $126,400 in 2007 to $77,300 in 2010.
Why ‘Get Fit’ now?

• Lower employee health care costs
• Increased employee productivity and performance 
• Greater employer and employee satisfaction within the workplace
• Lower risk of employee delaying retirement

Please join us in our 'Get Fit' presentation on March 5th at yourbrandlive's #OutdoorLive Day
To Register: click here

Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2013
 
Time: 2:45 p.m. Pacific

Speaker:
David Gratke — CEO / Gratke Wealth
Gratke Wealth, LLC is a member of the Retirement Plan Advisory Group, Inc. the largest retirement plan advisory group in the nation with over 25,000 plans and $100 Billion under management.

Presented by: yourbrandlive
brandlive is similar to online meeting software or video chat but does the following better:
1.NO download or software, so it is easy
2.your message is branded with your name live, not some technical software name
3.we focus on high quality video rather than screen sharing

brandlive uses live video and chat to create a customer to brand interaction that you would typically experience in a retail store, meeting or presentation. From any location you can broadcast live video, invite your customers to a unique URL and they can ask questions in real time via a text chat function. No downloads. No advertisements.

David Gratke, CEO / Gratke Wealth, LLC / 888-970-8987
planwell@gratkewealth.com / Gratkewealth.com

Business news :Navico reports record profitability and increased market share in 2012

Navico — the world leader in recreational marine electronics, selling under the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G brands — has announced its operational performance results for the fourth quarter and the year ending December 31, 2012.

Revenue in the fourth quarter increased by 27% compared to the same period in 2011, ending the year on the same strong note as earlier quarters in 2012. Overall, the revenues for the year were up 15% to MUSD 256.0 in a flat market. This resulted in Navico increasing its global market share by around four percentage points, which further strengthens its position as the undisputed leader in recreational marine electronics.

The 2012 revenue performance demonstrates increasing strength across all three brands and continues the trend of the previous two years, when each of the Navico brands — Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G — gained market share, and grew faster than any other major marine electronics brand. Revenues increased in all geographic markets in 2012, but were particularly strong in the United States.

Earnings showed significant growth in 2012. Navico’s gross margin increased by 5.5 percentage points and operating earnings (EBITDA) grew by 43% to MUSD 41.4, which are the best results in the Company’s history. As a result of its strong cash position, Navico recently acquired Swedish marine electronics distributor, Sportmanship Marin and is looking at other potential acquisitions.

'2012 has been a fantastic year and shows how well the Company has come together,' said Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico. 'The global heritage that comes from the merger of three companies from three different parts of the world is now working to our advantage. Extensive investments into developing new technology and new products have resulted in an unparalleled pace of new product introductions, and this has been highly appreciated by the market. It seems that our customers also like our three brand strategy and its focused solutions for each boating segment.'

'B&G is the only brand in the world dedicated to sailing,' continued Ottosson. 'Lowrance continues to dominate the fishing market and Simrad Yachting is focused on ‘open water’ segments including offshore and sport fishing, power cruising and luxury motor yachting, as well as its heritage — professional workboat markets. Our branding strategy, coupled with an unparalleled number of new product launches, is the core of our success.'

For more information on Navico, or its entire line of Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G marine electronics, please visit Navico.

by Andrew Golden through marinebusiness-world.com

More news about Navico, use the search tool at the right top of the page.

New product :Keeping ship hulls free of marine organisms

Research News 

Special underwater coatings prevent shells and other organisms from growing on the hull of ships – but biocide paints are ecologically harmful. Together with the industry, researchers have developed more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

If a ship is at anchor for longer periods algae, shells and barnacles will colonize it. Every year, this so-called biofouling causes economic losses of billions of Dollar. Biological growth on the underwater surface promotes corrosion. The deposits increase the roughness of the hull below the waterline which has a braking effect as the ship travels. Depending on the roughness of the basified bio layer, the consumption of fuel can increase by up to 40 percent. In the case of a large container ship this can result in additional annual costs of several millions.

 All the countermeasures used to date have considerable drawbacks: Cleaning the hull by sandblasting in a dry dock removes also the painted coating and can only be used every three to five years. There are effective hull coatings preventing the growing of adhering bio layers, but in most cases by ecotoxic biocides. Both copper ions and synthetic biocides accumulate in the coastal water and in the sediments. For this reason the particularly toxic tributyltin (TBT) is banned since 2008 and the currently preferred and still permitted copper oxide containing coatings are to be replaced by non-toxic alternatives in the foreseeable future.

As part of the BMWi-supported project consortium “Controlled Antifouling System based on Nanocomposits for Shipping“ (GANaS) researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM) in Halle have developed a more ecologically-friendly alternative. “The electrochemically active coating system produces regularly changing pH values on the surface of the hull. This effectively prevents colonization without having to use any  biocides“, explains Professor Manfred Füting of the IWM in Halle who is coordinating the project.

 

Painted coatings as electrodes

Large area electrodes were painted on an isolating primer coating. The electrochemical active layer based on a sol-gel paint of NTC (nano tech coating gmbH), which was modified by electrically conductive particles. To achieve an adequate distribution of the electrolysis current a highly conductive interlayer was applied. In a preprogrammed and optimized electrochemical process the electrolysis current is periodically commutated and interrupted. A current density of lower than 0,2 mAcm-2 generates enough pH stress near the surface of the hull to prevent the growing on of any barnacles, shells and algae The electric current is supplied  by a photovoltaic module or by the land based power grid.

The electrochemical antifouling by alternating pH values was developed and patented by the project partner bioplan GmbH. This principle is working effectively and independently of marine flora and the kind of sea water. “With the coating development in the GANaS project we are on the way to a practical solution“, says Füting.

With their development Füting and colleagues are primarily looking at official ships, such as oil spill ships or fireboats: These are in port most of the time, but must be ready for deployment as soon as they are required. “A ship with a heavy amount of growth will no longer be able to attain the speed it requires to quickly reach the location where it is needed“, says Füting as food for thought.
Tests with the first prototypes at the Barth shipyard were promising: differently coated and electrochemically active and passive large areas are currently tested to prove their long-term stability against hydrodynamic stress and efficiency to prevent adherence and growth of bio layers. To achieve the real applicability of an economically competitive and ecofriendly antifouling system follow-up projects are planned: “They will mainly involve improving the technical applicability and optimization of our electrochemical antifouling system, which then could be applied on ship hulls for at least 3 to 5 years“, states Füting.

• Fraunhofer_IWM_Keeping ship hulls free of marine organisms.zip [ ZIP  0.95 MB ]
• Research News December 2012 Complete Issue [ PDF  0.43 MB ]

( Source Fraunhofer.de )

Business news: Liberty Interative Reports Rising Paid Search, Markdowns Hurt Q4 E-commerce Income

Liberty Interactive Group’s e-commerce businesses, which include controlling interests in Backcountry.com and Bodybuilding.com, reported a big drop in income in the fourth quarter and full year of 2012. Although revenues grew 5 percent during the quarter, its various online banners had to spend more on paid search, boost promotions to move seasonal inventory and saw advertising revenues drop as more sales were made through the mobile channel.

LINTA reported revenues at its e-commerce segment increased 5 percent to $451 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 and increased 11 percent to $1.5 billion for the year. The increase in fourth quarter revenue was due to increased marketing efforts driving additional traffic, greater conversion resulting from site optimization, broader inventory offerings and a lift in sales from discounted pricing of seasonal inventory.

Adjusted OIBDA (operating income before depreciation and amortization) for the e-commerce segment decreased 29 percent to $35 million for the quarter and 22 percent to $96 million for the year. The decrease in adjusted OIBDA was the result of increased spending in paid search as a percentage of revenue, increased promotional activity to move seasonal inventory resulting in lower gross margins and lower advertising revenue due to pricing and a shift to mobile applications.

The unit generated an operating loss of $39 million in the quarter, compared to a operating income of $30 million a year earlier and swung from a profit of $55 million in 2011 to a loss of $81 million in 2012. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to an impairment of goodwill and other intangibles at Celebrate Interactive and Evite as a result of continued declining operating results and unfavorable trends during 2012.

LINTA’s e-commerce businesses include Backcountry.com, Bodybuilding.com, Celebrate Interactive ((including Evite, gifts.com and Liberty Advertising), CommerceHub, MotoSport, Provide Commerce, Right Start. The company reports results for its QVC and investments in other ventures separately.

(- Source SportsOneSource ) 

More news about Backcountry.com, Bodybuilding.com or Liberty interactive, use the search tool at the right top of the page.

New products :bubba sport bottles are up for the challenge to get you ignited, energized and inspired

The bubba® HERO™ sport and RAPTOR® bottles are designed to compete and built to hydrate

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--bubba® brands introduces new sport bottles that inspires you to get up and go! Refuel with two tough, dual wall insulated bottles that will change up your fitness routine forever.

Engineered to get your adrenaline pumping, the bubba HERO sport and RAPTOR are designed with a high performance sport lid for easy drinking and convenient one hand operation, and built-in finger loop for easy carrying. Both bottles help you stay hydrated and refreshed, and keep your drink cold for hours.

bubba sport bottles are designed to withstand through any extremes so your adventure through life never stops. The bubba HERO sport is made with high quality food-grade stainless steel while the bubba RAPTOR is constructed of Eastman Tritan™ that will keep your bottle impact resistant, stain resistant, odor resistant and heat resistant. Are you ready to dominate through your active lifestyle yet? Influenced by its iconic bubba shape, the bubba HERO sport and RAPTOR come in eye-catching colors and sizes that fit all your needs. The bubba HERO sport comes in 16oz and 24oz in black, ultra purple and shocking pink. The bubba RAPTOR is available in 16oz and 22oz in midnight blue, power pink and vibrant violet.

The BPA Free, leak proof, dishwasher safe and Guaranteed for Life bubba HERO sport and RAPTOR are both available at select Target locations, Academy, Bed Bath and Beyond and online at www.shopbubba.com.

At bubba, we make drinkware people love™!

bubba® brands, Inc., is a privately held company that specializes in thermal and hydration drink ware; specifically mugs, tumblers, sport bottles, sport jugs and kids bottles. We are thermal hydration experts™ with millions of products sold to date. At bubba®, our products are engineered to work and to keep your drinks hot or cold for as long as needed. We have a strong reputation in the market for our insulation performance. We combine performance, style and value together to meet the everyday needs of consumers. All of our products feature our iconic “keg” shape and our name, bubba, which are unique from all competitors. Our mission is to make drinkware people love. All bubba products are Guaranteed for Life. bubba’s world headquarters is located in Atlanta, GA.

To learn more about the bubba HERO sport and RAPTOR, or for more information about the products offered by bubba® brands, please visit www.bubbabrands.com or contact Sajal Patel at 678.255.2100.

Contacts

bubba® brands
Sajal Patel, 678-255-2100
sajal.patel@bubbabrands.com

Business people :Easton-Bell Sports Names Bernie Doering as Action Sports Sales Leader

Industry Veteran to Lead Sales for Giro, Bell, Blackburn and Easton Cycling Brands

VAN NUYS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. – a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment and accessories under the Easton, Bell, Blackburn, Riddell and Giro brands – today announced that Bernie Doering will rejoin the company as Senior Vice President – Global Sales, IBD and Action Sports. Mr. Doering will report to Terry G. Lee, Executive Chairman and CEO, Easton-Bell Sports. 

Mr. Doering is a veteran sports industry sales leader, having spent more than 20 years at Nike in a variety of management roles. From 2010 through mid-2012, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Sales – Action Sports, for Easton-Bell Sports.

“We are pleased to have Bernie rejoin our company. His expertise and proven success building long lasting customer relationships – along with his affinity for our brands – will be a tremendous asset to our business,” said Mr. Lee.

“I am very excited to return to Easton-Bell Sports and see enormous opportunity ahead,” said Mr. Doering. “As an avid cyclist myself, I am passionate about Easton-Bell Sports products. I look forward to continuing to grow our brands in the markets we serve.”
Through his industry leadership and knowledge of the market place, Easton-Bell Sports will be well positioned to achieve deeper brand and product penetration within the North American IBD network, national accounts and global distribution.
 
About Easton-Bell Sports
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 34 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.

Contacts
for Easton-Bell Sports, Inc./ Mark Riedy, 415-302-2923 / mark@trueoverdrive.com

Business news :Nautilus Inc. Announces New Licensing Agency of Record

The Seltzer Licensing Group Chosen to Develop New Licensing Partnerships

VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 27, 2013: Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE: NLS), a leader in innovative home fitness equipment, has selected The Seltzer Licensing Group to develop strategic licensing programs and new partnerships for the Nautilus^® and Bowflex^® brands.

“Our design and innovation heritage has positioned Nautilus^® and Bowflex^® as best-in-class brands for home fitness products. We see great potential in expanding these brands through new licensing opportunities that will deliver high quality fitness solution products to consumers while further solidifying their position as the most recognized and respected brands in the home health and fitness market,” said Bruce Cazenave, CEO of Nautilus, Inc. “We conducted an extensive nationwide search process of prospective agencies with a demonstrated commitment to new business development as well as the health and fitness industry. The Seltzer Licensing Group’s very successful track record, creative approach and shared values met all the criteria set forth in the search process.”

“We are pleased to have been chosen to represent the Nautilus^® and Bowflex^® brands for brand extension licensing. We look forward to matching these highly regarded, well-known brands with best-in-class licensees that are driven by a passion to help consumers live a healthy lifestyle and achieve their fitness goals,” said Stu Seltzer, President of The Seltzer Licensing Group. ”We are excited to partner with the fitness experts at Nautilus to advance new licensing opportunities as a key component of the company’s strategic development plan.”

Nautilus sought a new business partner to take advantage of opportunities to grow an important revenue stream for the company and to extend awareness and access of the Nautilus^® and Bowflex^® brands into new categories and channels of distribution. The Seltzer Licensing Group will seek to engage companies that deliver high quality products which will serve as a complement to Nautilus’ health and fitness product solutions, further solidifying Nautilus, Inc.’s position as a leader in the fitness industry.
 
About Seltzer Licensing Group
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2013, Seltzer Licensing Group, www.SeltzerLicensing.com, is a full service licensing agency and consulting firm focusing on revenue growth for its clients through licensing partnerships. Their services include creation and implementation of licensing strategic plans; acquisition of licenses; evaluation of current licensing programs; and execution of licensing strategies. Seltzer Licensing Group currently represents Del-Monte, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Unilever (representing Good Humor, Popsicle, Breyers, Klondike, Wish-Bone, Ragu, Suave, and Lipton). Other past and current clients include Fortune 500 manufacturers, National non-profits, leading retailers, and global hospitality companies.
 
About Nautilus, Inc.
Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE: NLS) is a global fitness products company providing innovative, quality solutions to help people achieve a healthy lifestyle. With a brand portfolio including Nautilus^®, Bowflex^®, Schwinn^®, and Universal^®, Nautilus markets innovative fitness products through Direct and Retail channels. websites: www.nautilusinc.com, www.bowflex.com, www.treadclimber.com, www.corebody.com and www.peakfitsystem.com
 
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding anticipated success of a brand licensing initiative. Factors that could cause Nautilus, Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include: the company’s ability to maintain the strength of its brands; the availability of suitable licensing opportunities on favorable terms; and the commercial success of products developed and marketed by third parties under license. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in our registration statements, reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings are available on our website or at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Nautilus, Inc. /John Fread / (360) 859.5815 / jfread@nautilus.com
or
The Hoffman Agency / Kymra Knuth / (408) 568.6775 / kknuth@hoffman.com
or
Investor Relations
ICR / John Mills / (310) 954-1105 / John.Mills@icrinc.com

New product :Aquapac’s Stormproof™ cases make an appearance at TED

EAST NORWICH, New York  – Attendees of this week’s annual Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) conference in Long Beach, Calif., received a bit of an Aquapac® surprise in their registration bags.

A select number of attendees to the fifth annual think tank and leadership conference were given Aquapac’s Stormproof™ Phone Cases. Designed for wet, inclement conditions, the Stormproof™ Phone Case features a waterproof roll-top pouch designed to keep smart phones dry and functional.

“As a non-profit entity, TED approached us and asked us to supply Aquapacs to give out to attendees at this spring’s conference,” said Tim Turnbull, CEO of Aquapac. “We were delighted that TED should ask us to be a partner. They only go for really cool gear, and we were more than happy to step up to the plate.”

More than 80 speakers are lined up for the TED conference, including musicians Bono and Peter Gabriel. About 1,400 paid attendees are expected to turn out for the 5-day conference.

The Stormproof™ Phone Cases are among the smaller items in Aquapac’s line of Stormproof cases. The cases, with an IPX6 rating, provide perfect protection for electronic devices in the outdoors.

ABOUT AQUAPAC:  Aquapac (www.aquapac.net) is a London-based company, with U.S. headquarters in East Norwich, N.Y.  It produces 100% waterproof, 100% use-through cases that create a virtual second skin for personal electronics, photography equipment, maps, documents and other essential items. Follow Aquapac on Facebook and on Twitter (@Aquapac).

For more information, please visit www.aquapac.net. Media should address questions and requests to Matt Crawford at Pale Morning Media, matt@palemorning.com or call 802.583.6069

New products: Volcom Launches First Closed-Toe Collection

Volcom announced they will debut their first ever closed-toe footwear collection after twenty-two years. Following the acquisition of the Volcom brand in 2011 by PPR, the French luxury group presented the opportunity for Volcom to launch a legitimate footwear program. Volcom’s introduction of footwear is set to enhance the iconic brand’s product offering and expand its reach into new demographics and markets worldwide

This launch marks a significant milestone for the brand as it completes their footwear product offering by adding shoes and boots to their already successful sandal category. The new products for both men and women showcase their unique point-of-view and continued dedication to quality and comfort. This dedication goes 360 by leveraging the footwear expertise and the sourcing and manufacturing synergies of the PPR family. These advantages have helped empower Volcom with the confidence to execute truly unique designs that are complementary to the brand overall and also offers an authentic yet fresh alternative in the current market.

Volcom’s Fall 2013 footwear collection features a variety of colorful styles in an array of assorted fabrics ranging from waterproof leather to the classic canvas, catering to both men and women. The men’s line offers up a selection of sneakers, slip-ons and boots, each suited for maximum wearability. “Looking to the collection, we’ve built upon the success of our open-toe products by offering on-trend styling at key price points. Subtle queues to angle and asymmetry have kept the styles fun, yet unmistakably Volcom.” shared Jason Graham, Senior Director of Accessories/Footwear at Volcom. Though sneakers and slip-ons are also present in the women’s collection, platform wedges and boots lend a sensible, stylish take that expands on the vision of contemporary footwear.

Valuing comfort without compromising on style, Volcom cleverly constructed their debut footwear collection to include Recliner Comfort Foam ™ technology, cold-press molded texture. RCF™ was first introduced with the ‘Recliner’ sandal in 2012 and given its success, has now been infused into the DNA of every closed-toe shoe in the men’s range.

“I’ve been very passionate about Volcom since its inception in 1991. When I got my first T-shirt, it was all I wore for months and I still have it to this day. That pure stoke and intensity reminds me of how I felt when I first saw the footwear. I’m genuinely ecstatic with the results and look forward to sharing them with our customers,” said Ryan Immegart, Volcom’s Senior Vice President of Marketing.

Volcom is approaching this category with a determined yet humble state-of-mind, built on a long-term strategy with infrastructure and investment to back it up.

Volcom’s Fall 2013 footwear collection will be available July 2013 at select retailers nationwide and online.

( Source SportsOneSource )

More News about volcom, use the search tool at the right top of the page.

Business news : K-Swiss Shrinks Q4 Loss

K-Swiss Inc., which in January entered into an agreement to be acquired by E.Land World, reported a net loss of $14.5 million, or 41 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, versus a loss of $25.2 million, or 71 cents, a year ago. For the fourth quarter of 2012, total worldwide revenues decreased 17.8 percent to $41.2 million compared with $50.2 million in the prior-year period.

Domestic revenues decreased 31.4 percent to $14,011,000 in the fourth quarter, and international revenues decreased 8.5 percent to $27,219,000 for the same period.

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2012, was $34,779,000, or $0.98 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $70,471,000, or $1.98 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Total worldwide revenues for 2012 decreased 17.0 percent to $222,851,000 from $268,357,000 for 2011. Domestic revenues decreased 35.0 percent to $75,872,000 in 2012, and international revenues decreased 3.0 percent to $146,979,000.

Futures Orders
Worldwide futures orders with start ship dates from January through June 2013 increased 4.6 percent to $76,471,000 at December 31, 2012, from $73,138,000 the previous year. Domestic futures orders increased 1.3 percent to $22,158,000 at December 31, 2012, from $21,879,000 the previous year. International futures orders increased 6.0 percent to $54,313,000 at December 31, 2012, from $51,259,000 the previous year.

Proposed Merger with E.Land
On January 16, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement, which was unanimously approved by K•Swiss’ Board of Directors, pursuant to which E.Land World will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of K•Swiss for $4.75 per share in cash, or a total equity value of approximately $170 million. The merger, which is expected to close during the second quarter of 2013, requires the approval of 80 percent of K-Swiss’ outstanding voting power and applicable regulatory approvals in addition to other customary closing conditions.

( Source SportsOneSource )

Trade Shows : 5th Dive Travel Show in Madrid

Spanish magazine "Buceadores" organize their fifth Dive Travel Show, from 1 to 3 March in Madrid. Lounge diving, during which there will be a conference against plastic waste at sea for the occasion, Manuel Maqueda, co-founder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition - a network of organizations working to clean up the oceans - will host several conferences that should be remembered. Advocate for the marine environment, human indeed explain the dangers to leave our seas become trash ... These interventions will be enhanced by the performance of the dancer Raquel Boluda, who through his art wants to raise awareness of the fragility of the marine ecosystem.
 
The NGO Project Aware will also visit and present solutions to improve the health status of the Blue Planet. A positive note about the scourge of plastic, like the sculptures surfers Parrinha João Luis de Dios and Kreuzeder Xandi. The three artists will exhibit their works in fact made from trash found on beaches: old fishing nets, pieces of an old oil rig, fragments of porcelain ... And to stay in the art, the photographer Arturo Telle, collaborator "Buceadores" exhibiting his original images of the underwater world.
 
Beyond those moments of ecological and artistic exchanges, the 5th Dive Travel Show will allow visitors to meet many manufacturers and distributors (Aditech, Aqua Lung, Arsub, Casco Antiguo, Cressi, De Profundis, Decathlon, Mares Marine Vision , Nimar, Oceanic Probe, Scubapro, Tecnomar ...) as well as major training organizations (ACUC IDEA Europe, PADI, SSI, IANTD ...). The dive trip will also be well represented with many a tourist offices, dive centers and tour operators. Note that for this 2013 edition, it is the Philippines will be guests of honor.
 
Contests, fashion shows and test equipment complement the rich program of the 5th Dive Travel Show, which this year will have a pool!
 
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Dates: Friday 1 to Sunday 3 March 2013, the first day is reserved for professionals.
- Hours: Friday, 14 am to 21 pm, Saturday, from 10 to 20 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 18 pm.
- Location: Pabellón La Pipa, the Casa de Campo in Madrid.
- Price: 5 € (valid entry for both days), 3 € for groups of 15 or more, free for children under 12 years and subscribers' Buceadores ".
- Contact: www.divetravelshow.com

( French Source plongee-mag.net )

Awards :Outdoor Research Earns Global Recognition with 5 Design Awards

Axiom Jacket

Seattle, Wash (Feb. 26, 2013) – Forget the Oscars. Outdoor Research, the independent, Seattle-based manufacturer of outdoor apparel and accessories, is kicking off awards season early, earning five esteemed accolades in the extremely competitive outdoor space.

Within the span of one month, five Outdoor Research products were honored by some of the industry’s most discerning critics. The Axiom Jacket earned a coveted spot on the Men’s Journal Gear of the Year list. The Gear Institute lauded the Floodlight as “...the coolest insulated jacket” in its Best in Show Awards, bestowed on the most innovative new products showed at Outdoor Retailer for Fall 2013. In Europe, the Valhalla Hoody earned an ISPO design award in the ski outerwear category, and the Lodestar and Alibi II Gloves took two out of the top three slots for best outdoor gloves/accessories.

The awards are an external validation of the ongoing investment the company has made in strengthening its innovation and design muscles.

Floodlight Jacket

"Over the past three years Outdoor Research has invested heavily in developing a strong internal team and process to bring truly innovative products to market,” said CEO Dan Nordstrom. “Over that period, our product offering nearly doubled in size, with innovative new styles like 2012’s Axiom Jacket. For Fall 2013, we were able to spend more time on groundbreaking new styles, like the Floodlight Jacket, Valhalla Hoody and Lodestar Gloves, while simultaneously improving our existing best-sellers, like the Alibi II Gloves. Winning this many awards in one season speaks volumes to our team and our process for bringing innovation that works to the market. Our products are beautiful in their simple functionality, and it shows."

The elegance of the final design belies the extensive engineering and research that goes into making the brand’s technical apparel and gear. And the employees of Outdoor Research wouldn’t have it any other way. They make gear that works seamlessly for people whose passions, experiences and lives depend on it.

Valhalla Hoody

To read the reviews associated with all five awards, please click the links below.

• “Men’s Journal” Gear of the Year Award: Axiom Jacket
• The Axiom Jacket also earned a Gear of the Year Award from “Outside Magazine” earlier in 2012
• “Gear Institute” Best in Show Award, Outdoor Retailer: Floodlight Jacket
• ISPO Awards, judged by an independent, international jury of design and product experts
• Award in Ski Outerwear: Valhalla Hoody
• Gold Award Winner in Outdoor Gloves/Accessories: Lodestar Glove
• Award Winner in Outdoor Gloves/Accessories: Alibi II Glove

Lodestar glove

About Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research® is Designed by Adventure®. We provide Innovation and Inspiration for the Relentless Adventurer. Based in Seattle – with in-house manufacturing and prototyping capabilities at our company headquarters – Outdoor Research was founded in 1981 after a failed piece of gear on an Alaskan climbing expedition inspired ideas for a better design. Ever since that first product, the X-Gaiter, put Outdoor Research on the map, we have been dedicated to building better outdoor apparel, gloves, hats and an array of other outdoor accessories informed by real-world testing. We develop innovative, functional, bomb-proof products that are beautiful in their simplicity. Design abides by the maxim ‘make it better, not just new or different,’ and our gear is backed by our Infinite Guarantee®. We listen, value and empower each other and our fellow adventurers – we invite input from our customers, athlete ambassadors and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations Test Team. We’re independent, letting us strive to provide the best value to our customers, not shareholders. We are committed to our core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running, and backcountry and sidecountry skiing. We’re growing, as a company and as individuals. And we’re having fun along the way.

Dave Simpson / Verde PR & Consulting / dave@verdepr.com / (970) 259-3555 x2

Through OIA

Business People : VF Appoints VP, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

VF Corp. announced that Scott A. Roe has been named as the company’s vice president – controller and chief accounting officer and a member of its operating committee. As announced on May 29, 2012, Bradley A. Batten, who previously held the role, is retiring after 10 years of service with VF.

“Scott has played an important role in the evolution of our finance team; most recently in providing financial oversight of our international business during a period of exceptional growth,” said Bob Shearer, VF senior vice president and CFO. “His experience will serve our shareholders well as he assumes this important leadership position at VF.”

In 2012, Roe was promoted to VF’s vice president – finance and began working closely with Batten on transition plans. During this period, he also assumed responsibility for financial oversight of the Jeanswear Americas and Imagewear coalitions. From 2006 to 2012, Roe served as VF’s Vice President – Finance and CFO of the company’s international business. Prior to that, he held a series of financial leadership roles within the company’s Intimates coalition. Roe joined VF in 1996 after serving as a senior auditor for Ernst & Young.

( SportsOneSource Media )

Business news ( France ) : Is Sport good for the health of the economy?

The employment grew four times faster in the "field" of sport in other sectors in France since 1990, giving the authorities, ministries and associations in mind, hoping to contribute to their level in the fight against unemployment. 

But if employment in sport is as developed over the past two decades, mainly because it was previously almost nonexistent."The professionalization of the sector is relatively new," says Myriam Antoine, director of sport and society delegation to the National Olympic Committee and French sports (CNOSF). "We saw the show first jobs in the mid 80s through public schemes (subsidized employment). Sector was much higher than today based on volunteerism," still very prominent in the voluntary sector, in particular sports ( 3.5 million in 2011, 1.5 million managers). 

The collective agreement of sport was born in 2005, bringing with it if the end of the Limitation of less opaque, even illegal for reporting earnings. 

Today, the "sector" sport in France is an annual expenditure of 35 billion euros - households, communities, state - and employs more than 200,000 people, if we stick to the definition of ministry which takes into account the activities of clubs, facilities management, education, and manufacturing and trade sporting goods but excludes sports medicine, media, sports agents ...Minister Valérie Fourneyron as CNOSF president Denis Masseglia have made the growth of the political objective, motivated by the accession of a public increasingly wide at the sport. 

Often precarious jobs 

They both are committed mid-February 3500 to create jobs for the future in 2013 and beyond this opening to unskilled youth, reflect simplification of the system of qualifications, mandatory to teach the sport. A jungle sees oppose the state diplomas, certificates issued by branches and federal securities."It is only by simplifying and streamlining access to qualifications that will create the jobs that clubs need" Judge Denis Masseglia. Clubs and really needs: 42% of clubs 264,700 (including 48,500 employers already) surveyed in 2011 were willing to recruit. A boon in terms of jobs, even if they are often precarious, part-time or suffered CSD (72,000 to 165,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the industry!)Beyond associations, the commercial sector is also creating jobs, even if its growth suffers more than the voluntary sector, the economic crisis and declining purchasing power. 

"Yes, this sector has a high growth potential," says Philippe Joffard, Chairman of MEDEF sport, "but we have a knowledge of the sports economy very limited." Sports committee of the employers' organization has also been founded only three years ago, proof that the sport was long neglected. At all levels.Primault Didier, director general of the center of economy, also believes that "we must be careful because there are delayed effects of the crisis on local authorities who are the first donors to the sport." "There is the future, no doubt, to the economy of sport, but it is not the deposit miraculous job talking about some," he said.


( french source AFP )

Business news : Evolv Footwear Adds New Reps in the Northeast

Evolv Footwear Adds New Reps in the Northeast

Buena Park, CA (February 26, 2013) - Footwear manufacturer Evolv Sports announces the addition of Hans Schneider and Schneider Sales Associates as reps in the Northeast.

“We are proud to be working with Evolv,” says Hans Schneider.  “The Northeast is an exciting territory for climbing and we look forward to strengthening existing relationships, while building new ones as well.”

“Hans and his team have a strong and deep history in the outdoor industry. We’re happy to welcome Schneider Sales Associates as part of our team and family and look forward to seeing the brand grow through their efforts,” says Mike Turner, National Sales Manager for Evolv.  

About Schneider Sales Associates

Schneider Sales Associates is a family-run rep team based near Burlington, VT, with over 40 combined years of experience in the outdoor industry. In addition to Evolv, Schneider Sales Associates manages business in the Northeast region for Kahtoola, Granite Gear, Salewa, Dynafit, Cocoon, Sport-Hansa, Klymit, Pomoca, and Kayak Distribution.

Contact information: 
Hans Schneider / Schneider Sales Associates / sales@schneidersalesassociates.com
481 Longmeadow Drive / Shelburne, VT 05482
802-598-1905 (cell) / 802-985-9162 (office)

About Evolv Sports

Evolv Sports was founded in Southern California in 2003. In a short time, Evolv Sports has become a leading force in the climbing footwear market, producing some of the best performing and selling climbing footwear available. Evolv distributes worldwide from its warehouse in Buena Park, CA and maintains manufacturing facilities in the US and Asia.

In addition to climbing footwear, Evolv also markets climbing accessories and high friction rubber for outsoles under the TRAX® USA label. Evolv sponsors some of the most prolific and talented climbers in the sport and produces a signature line of shoes developed by climbing icon Chris Sharma.

Media Contact:
Teresa Bruffey / The Walton Works / teresa@thewaltonworks.com / 206.817.4575

Written By: Todd Walton thorugh snewsnet.com

New products :Go Cushy, Go Comfortable with Cushe's New Spring Summer '13 Collection

Rockford, Mich. (Feb. 26, 2013) — Cushe Footwear, creating fresh and relaxed footwear for an unconventional choice in everyday life, revealed today the new spring/summer 2013 collection that will hit stores just in time for the warmer seasons when life starts calling for more of a laidback state of mind. Consumers will be encouraged to kickback and soak in all the style that this collection has to offer.

For the ultimate summer experience, every coastal warrior should own a slipper shoe to comfort their feet, making beach life happy - the Cushe Slipper. Available in a variety of both men’s and women’s styles, the Slipper offers a fully collapsible and breathable textile upper with a relaxed deconstructed fit. Easy to slip on or kick off with ease, the Slipper will help with après sun recovery thanks to a deeply cushioned, super lightweight outsole – offering a shoe that is so light, it’s easy to forget it’s there. Out of the box comfort and a design for every person, every day, everywhere, makes the Slipper the epitome of everything Cushe. MSRP is $50 – $60, depending upon style.

The Flipper is Cushe’s twist on a classic flip flop – offering all of the same qualities of the Slipper but in a flip. This is the quintessential beach flip. MSRP $30.

For the gals, Cushe introduces the Atala, the fundamental feminine sandal. Inspired by nature and featuring warm summer colors, the details are in the stunning butterfly graphics in the foot bed and outsole. Catch it before it flies away. MSRP is $75.

For those seeking to not sacrifice quality for comfort or style, Cushe offers the Manuka Premium Collection for men featuring six different styles that are classy enough for an ocean-side wedding yet cool enough for a post-surf bonfire. Truly comfortable with truly premium components, this easy-to-wear/easy-to-live-in collection features beautifully hand crafted premium kicks – bottom line. MSRP ranges from $85 - $100, depending upon style.

Take to the city or the sand in Cushe's men’s Shumakers Mark, knowing that the Cushe team did not sacrifice function for a pretty face. The Shumakers Mark is where the classic sneaker meets Cushe’s standards of design and comfort. MSRP is $110 to $165, depending upon style.

The Evo Lite offers a walk on the lighter side. With every step, one of the 13 total pieces of the Cushe technology is at work – an antimicrobial foot, a memory foam footbed or just that easy on the eye design. MSRP $60 - $65, depending upon style.

“Our team and this collection embody the Cushe life. Our lives and our shoes are different from the masses. We work hard, but we never sacrifice the chance to savor a moment, “ said Ken Taylor, global marketing manager for Cushe. “We were inspired by three different individuals and built a collection around them – the urban adventurist, the coastal warrior and the one that doesn’t believe in borders. This may have been our most challenging collection to create, but we couldn’t settle for anything less. We live in these shoes.”

Cushe products are available online at cushe.com and retail outlets including Ron Jon Surf Shop, Flip Flop Shops, REI and Nordstrom.

ABOUT CUSHE FOOTWEAR
Cushe™ (pronounced 'Cushy') was born in the summer of 2004. A brand conceived by a group of footwear designers and enthusiasts, we are an independently thinking, design led footwear brand, based in the UK, offering unique and exciting footwear choices for a dynamic, inspired and confident generation. The Cushe name reflects a way of life that we as a team aspire to and we spend every day refining our art to deliver only the type of shoes that we love to wear ourselves.

Our vision is to establish ourselves as the innovators of laid-back footwear and become the après adventure brand of choice. When it comes to product, it is our goal to never stand still. Design is everything – right down to the smallest detail. We aim to differentiate ourselves from other lifestyle & action sports brands through creating fresh and unique footwear to offer our customers an Unconventional Choice For Everyday Life.

Written By: Lora Ledermann through snewsnet.com

Business news :Eton Corp. Unveils Reps for Outdoor and Sporting Goods Channels

Etón Corporation announced four new manufacturing rep partnerships in the outdoor and sporting good areas.

Formed in conjunction with the announcement of the company’s new outdoor-focused products announced in January, including Rugged Rukus, an IPX-4 rated splash-proof wireless Bluetooth enabled solar-powered speaker and BoostSolar, a solar-powered back up battery that is also IPX-4 rated, these new rep groups are an exciting edition for Etón. The new rep groups partnering with Etón include:

• Stoner-Andrews, Inc. will focus on the Northeastern United States, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Principle reps Rick Stoner and Scott Andrews formed the company over 30 years ago and both have an extensive background in the outdoor space. 
• Mountain Lake Marketing, comprised of Bill Love, Bill Keys and Doug Reilley, will handle the Mid-Atlantic region, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Mountain Lake Marketing has over 25 years of experience in the outdoor industry.
• BP Associates, founded in 1987, is a multisport sales agency that serves a 12-state region across the Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan (upper peninsula), Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Representing cornerstone brands in the cycling and outdoor markets, BP Associates’ focus on education, service and relationships has established the agency as a leader. The principals are Pat Padden who runs the bike group and Bill Kaplan who heads the outdoor and custom products area.
• Mountain Source will focus on the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Principle rep R.J. Guiney has over 30 years experience as a manufacturer’s rep, with a concentration in sporting goods and outdoor specialty stores. The agency has five team members in Colorado and three located in Utah.

“We are excited to partner with these four industry leaders and to have their deep wells of knowledge and experience in the outdoor and sporting goods industries aiding us this year,” said Esmail Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. “We look forward working together for a successful 2013.”

( SportsOneSource Media )