Business statistics :Outdoor Product Sales End Retail Fiscal Year on High Note

Boulder, Colo., Feb 26, 2013 -
January marks the end of the retail fiscal year, a year in which Outdoor Product sales grew an impressive 5.1 percent to $11.4 billion, according to OIA VantagePoint™, the only full market point-of-sale data platform built specifically for the outdoor industry. Sales growth was strongest in the National Accounts Internet channel (up nearly 26 percent) and the Independent Outdoor Specialty channel (up 13.1 percent) in fiscal 2012. 

The month of fiscal January brought overall growth despite a decline in the Outdoor Footwear business. Gains in Outdoor Hardgoods and Outdoor Apparel pushed overall sales up 18.4 percent to $895.1 billion for the fiscal month ended Jan. 26, 2013. 

Outdoor Apparel had a big month. Retailers benefitted from good winter weather in many parts of the country as they ramped up promotional events to liquidate seasonal goods in advance of February floor changes to spring goods. Outdoor Apparel sales increased 30.2 percent to $429.3 million.

Outdoor Hardgoods continued its strong performance with help from Snow Sports, which had been down in double-digits all year but rose nearly 28 percent in January. Overall Hardgoods growth accelerated from its December trend, growing 21.1 percent to $271.6 million in January.

The Outdoor Footwear business was down again in January, but these results were not a clear reflection of the health of core Outdoor Footwear. The entire decline was attributed to the Mall Retailer channel, which posted a 73 percent decrease due primarily to the collapse of the Barefoot Running category. Overall Outdoor Footwear sales fell 4.0 percent to $194.3 million in the fiscal month.

In the first two weeks of fiscal February, Outdoor Product sales got off to a positive start as Outdoor Apparel and Outdoor Hardgoods both continued double-digit growth. With a rather strong President’s Day weekend now in the rear-view mirror, many retailers are looking for sun and warmer temps to help get the spring season started as new goods arrive.

Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) members can learn more and access the OIA VantagePoint Trend Report January 2013 free of charge at outdoorindustry.org/vantagepoint.

OIA VantagePoint is the first and only full market point-of-sale data platform built specifically for the outdoor industry. OIA VantagePoint monthly trend reports, published by the 15th of every month, provide the broadest and most timely view of outdoor product sales available. Category reports are a benefit to Outdoor Industry Association members and provide comprehensive visibility into the outdoor marketplace by tracking weekly point-of-sale data from more than 10,000 retail doors and Internet sites, including nearly 450 outdoor specialty locations that carry outdoor products — the broadest view of outdoor products available in the market. In-depth sales information is available online within four days of the prior-week close — a competitive advantage for businesses who can shift critical resources and react quickly to ever-changing consumer preferences.

Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

The SportsOneSource Group
The SportsOneSource Group is a full service market research company delivering solutions through consumer insight research, retail insight research and retail point-of-sale trending and analysis. The company provides the most reliable, timely and comprehensive sports and outdoor industry information available in the market today. SportScanInfo, developed by SportsOneSource, is a technology platform that compiles and disseminates aggregated retail point-of-sale information. SportsOneSource also publishes the Sports Executive Weekly and The B.O.S.S. Report executive newsletters, along with the SGB and SGB Performance print publications and their related online, email and digital products. For more information about The SportsOneSource Group call 303.987.3450 or go to SportsOneSource.com.

Avery Stonich / Outdoor Industry Association / astonich@outdoorindustry.org/ 303.327.3511

James Hartford / The SportsOneSource Group / jhartford@sportsonesource.com /303-997-7302

Source OIA 

Business news : Domestic manufacturing allows Kokatat to expand custom dry suit program online

Kokatat is offering paddlers the opportunity to create and purchase their very own custom GORE-TEX® dry suits with the launch of a new online tool.

Affectionately referred to as GIZMO, the online tool lets customers easily design and personalize their own custom, made-to-order GORE-TEX® dry suit.

“With our factory in Arcata we have the unique ability to build and test all our dry suits one at a time,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat sales and design manager. “Our custom suit pod, comprised of sewing, sealing and inspection technicians is prepared to respond immediately to a new custom order.”

Each customized GORE-TEX® dry suit will be individually constructed in Kokatat’s Arcata, California facility to the consumer’s specifications of colors, features and sizing. Once an order is placed through a Kokatat retailer the custom suit, made to Kokatat’s exacting standards, will be ready for shipment in three to four weeks.

“For a long time we’ve offered custom dry suits, but with GIZMO we’re putting the design right into the hands of paddlers around the world,” added Turner.

Kokatat is offering customization of three of the most popular dry suits in the industry: its GORE-TEX® Expedition, Meridian and Front Entry dry suits. Once the suit model is selected, visitors are taken through a detailed step-by-step measuring process to ensure proper sizing with the ability to lengthen or shorten as required.

The final step of the program lets customers mix and match from over a dozen different colors and add custom features including pockets, hoods and reflective tape to complete their one-of-a-kind dry suit.

To complete a design customers must create a Kokatat.com account so designs can be saved for future review or to order from an authorized Kokatat retailer. Once a design is completed and saved, an email is sent to the customer with a unique reference number and a copy of all the design details. Armed with the finalized custom design customers can contact their local Kokatat retailer to process the order.

While primarily targeted to consumers looking for a one-of-a-kind dry suit, the simple measurement application will also be useful for Kokatat dealers to quickly identify the best size for their in-store customers.

About Kokatat Inc.
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for more than 40 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Please visit www.kokatat.com
 and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.

Michael Collin | Pale Morning Media / 207.619.4253 / michael@palemorning.com
Lisa Kincaid | Kokatat / 775.225.8039 / lisa_kincaid@kokatat.com

Through OIA

Busines news :Escalade's Earnings Surge in Q4

Escalade, Inc. reported net income for the fourth quarter was $3.9 million, or 29 cents per share, nearly double the $2.1 million, or 16 cents, earned a year ago. Net revenues for the quarter of 2012 were 11 percent higher than the same quarter last year.  Sales growth was driven by the Sporting Goods segment and was a direct result of continued product innovation and brand marketing.  Net revenues for the full year 2012 were 10 percent higher than last year.

Full year results include losses of $13.8 million ($13.6 million, net of tax) recorded in the third quarter of 2012 related to goodwill and other intangible asset impairments and other than temporary impairments on an equity method investment.   Net loss for the full year 2012 was $4.9 million, or $(0.37) basic and diluted loss per share compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.35 basic and $0.33 diluted earnings per share for full year 2011.

In 2012, the company recorded goodwill and intangible asset impairments related to the Information Security and Print finishing segment totaling $13.4 million along with an unrelated impairment for an equity method investment in the amount of $0.4 million ($0.2 million net of tax).  In 2011, the Company recorded accelerated depreciation resulting from early replacement of its ERP system in the amount of $4.4 million ($2.8 million, net of tax).
Without the effect of the write-downs recorded in the third quarter, the Company's net income for 2012 would have been $8.7 million or $0.66 basic earnings per share.  Without the effect of accelerated depreciation in 2011, net income for 2011 would have been $7.2 million or $0.56 basis earnings per share.  

In the Sporting Goods segment, net revenue increased 16.1 percent in 2012 compared to 2011 with growth coming from multiple sales channels.  The Company continues to aggressively pursue opportunities to increase revenue through introduction of new products, expansion of product distribution, and increased investment in consumer marketing.       

Net revenue in the Information Security and Print Finishing business decreased 6.1 percent in 2012 compared to 2011 due to significant declines in certain export and Asian countries.  The Company is evaluating its product offerings and market penetration for this segment to better stabilize sales and increase profitability.  Excluding the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates, 2012 sales were down 3.4 percent from 2011.

"We are pleased with achieving another year of double-digit top line growth resulting from our balanced strategy of product innovation and brand marketing," stated Robert J. Keller , President and Chief Executive Officer of Escalade, Inc. "Our focus on profitable growth has yielded a 21 percent increase in net income, before the effect of goodwill and intangible asset impairments (2012) and accelerated depreciation (2011).  We are passionate about making continued improvements in our company and building on the momentum we have created."

Source SportsOneSource

Business news : Big 5 Returns to Profitability in Q4

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported net income in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 30 was $4.0 million, or 19 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 of $9,000, or less than one cent a share.

The year-ago period included a non-cash impairment charge of 5 cents per diluted share.

As the company previously reported, net sales for the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter increased to $243.6 million from net sales of $226.7 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Same store sales increased 6.5 percent for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Gross profit for the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter increased to $78.4 million from $70.7 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The company's gross profit margin was 32.2 percent in the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter versus 31.2 percent in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The improvement in gross profit margin reflects an increase in merchandise margins of approximately 20 basis points and lower store occupancy and distribution costs as a percentage of net sales.

Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales improved to 29.2 percent in the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter from 31.3 percent in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Overall selling and administrative expense increased $0.4 million for the quarter over the prior year due primarily to higher store-related expense reflecting an increased store count and increased employee benefit-related costs, partially offset by lower advertising expense. Selling and administrative expense in the fourth quarter of the prior year included a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $1.5 million.

For the fiscal 2012 full year, net sales increased to $940.5 million from net sales of $902.1 million for fiscal 2011. Same store sales increased 2.5 percent in fiscal 2012 from the prior year. Net income in fiscal 2012 was $14.9 million, or 69 cents per diluted share, including $0.04 of store closing and non-cash impairment charges, compared to net income in fiscal 2011 of $11.7 million, or 53 cents per diluted share, including non-cash impairment charges of 7 cents per diluted share.

"We are pleased to deliver a quarter of strong sales, expanded gross margins, expense leverage, meaningful earnings growth and very healthy cash flow," said Steven G. Miller, the company's chairman, president and CEO. "As previously reported, our fourth quarter same store sales increase of 6.5 percent represented our largest quarterly same store sales increase in over ten years. Our sales comped positively in the mid-single-digit range for our October and November periods and comped positively in the high single-digit range for our December period. All three of our major merchandise categories comped positively for the quarter, with hardgoods being our strongest category followed by apparel and footwear. Our hardgoods category benefitted from the well-publicized national increase in demand for firearms and ammunition products. Despite the sales mix shift favoring these lower margin products, we expanded overall product selling margins for the quarter. We also are pleased to have further strengthened our balance sheet, as our operating cash flow for the year of $39.6 million allowed us to reduce borrowings under our credit facility by 25 percent to $47.5 million at year-end compared to the end of fiscal 2011, invest in new and relocated stores and return $10 million to shareholders through cash dividends and stock repurchases."

Miller continued, "We have continued to enjoy very healthy sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 to date, as we have benefitted from favorable winter weather conditions in many of our markets and the continued increase in demand for firearms and ammunition products. Although our recent performance has been encouraging and we are pleased with the progress on our merchandise and marketing initiatives implemented over the last year, we recognize that the economy remains challenging for many, with ongoing pressures that could certainly impact consumer spending. We continue to focus our efforts on broadening our appeal to today's consumer and driving sales by offering an unmatched combination of value, selection and convenience."

Quarterly Cash Dividend
The company's Board of Directors has approved an increase of the company's quarterly cash dividend to $0.10 per share of outstanding common stock, for an annual rate of $0.40 per share. Previously, the company's quarterly cash dividend was $0.075 per share, for an annual rate of $0.30 per share. The quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share of outstanding common stock will be paid on March 22, 2013 to stockholders of record as of March 8, 2013.

Share Repurchases
During the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter, the company repurchased 40,000 shares of its common stock for a total expenditure of $0.4 million. As of the end of the fourth quarter, the company had approximately $9.6 million available for future stock repurchases under its $20.0 million share repurchase program authorized in the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter.

GuidanceFor the fiscal 2013 first quarter, the company expects same store sales in the positive high single-digit range and earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.18 to $0.24, including an anticipated tax benefit of $0.01 per diluted share. This guidance reflects the aforementioned increase in demand for firearms and ammunition products and favorable winter weather conditions compared to the prior year, partially offset by a negative impact from the calendar shift of the Easter holiday, during which the company's stores are closed, out of the second quarter and into the first quarter of fiscal 2013. For comparative purposes, the company's earnings per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 were $0.01.

Store Openings
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the company opened eight stores, including one relocation, and closed one store. The company ended fiscal 2012 with 414 stores in operation. During the fiscal 2013 first quarter, the company currently anticipates opening one new store and has closed one store as part of a relocation that began in fiscal 2012. For the fiscal 2013 full year, the company currently anticipates opening approximately 15 to 20 new stores, including three relocations, and closing approximately three relocated stores.

( Source  SportsOneSource )

Business people : Bell Helmets Continues Growth Strategy

In another move designed to bolster its international business goals, Bell Helmets has appointed Brett Conley as Export Sales Manager – International. In this position, Conley will work to cultivate and execute against an aggressive international strategy that will further broaden Bell’s brand footprint worldwide.

Conley joins Bell from Fox Racing with eight years international sales experience and more than 11 years of industry experience.  Conley’s associations with key international distributors will help Bell forge new distribution partnerships in critical international regions, as well as manage Bell’s existing international accounts.

“We welcome Brett to the Bell team and are excited by the expertise, relationships and resources he brings to our aggressive international business efforts,” said Chris Sackett, Business Unit Director – Powersports. “Since the day Roy Richter got it all started in 1954, Bell’s brand and the success of its products have always been a function of the passionate, devoted Bell team members who live the very lifestyle they sell. Brett is certainly no exception, and we’re thrilled to have him.”

With the hire of Conley, the company is forging ahead, identifying potential distributors and developing plans for entrance into several additional international markets, with Europe as an immediate priority. Most recently, Bell re-entered the Australian market after an 18-year absence, through its partnership with one of Australia’s leading distributors, Monza Imports – a move that is already yielding valuable returns.

To maintain its existing momentum and better equip itself to handle the significant global effort, Bell is increasing its international staff presence, recently opening a sales office in Rolle, Switzerland, just outside Geneva.  The office supports the sales and marketing of the Bell brand overall, including its cycling division and other sister brands already being sold throughout Europe.

For more information: www.bellhelmets.com

Bell Helmets Press Release

New product : Nike unveils the French Football Federation away kit for 2013

The new kit is an eye-catching pale blue silhouette with tricolore detail fusing French tradition with style and pride.

Innovation, performance and elegance have become key features of the French Football Federation uniforms since Nike began its partnership with the national team. The new French away kit for 2013 is no exception; an eye-catching pale blue silhouette with tricolore detail.

The distinctive new look is also testimony to the ambitions of the new French Football teams, fusing French tradition with style and pride.The shirt has a button collar and the iconic French cockerel crest. Both sleeves have a tricolore motif while another tricolore detail can be found on the right sleeve. The signature “our differences bring us together”, found on the French national team kits since 2011, is printed in the inside of the shirt, just below the collar.The pale blue also adorns the shorts and socks. The shorts have the tricolore detail on each side, while the top of the socks also sport the famous red, white and blue of the French flag.

In line with Nike’s commitment to combining performance with lower environmental impact, fabric for the new kit’s shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the shirt fabric is made with a minimum 96% recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The kit are constructed using Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture and are made out of 23 percent lighter fabric with 20 percent stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits. The shirts also feature laser-cut ventilation holes to promote localised cooling, to help regulate player temperatures during a match.The French Female Football Team will be the first to wear the new kit on pitch, for their game against Brazil on 9 March, and the men’s will follow on 22 March for their qualifying game against Georgia.

THE SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION
Fans will be able to express their love of the game on and off pitch, thanks to the new Nike FFF sportswear collection, featuring hoodies, tees and jackets. The apparel collection is adorning the crest and offers a casual and comfortable look.

The new away kit and Nike FFF sportswear collectioin is seen here on Vincent Clerc (rugby), Raphael Varane (football), Malik Bentalha (actor), Blaise Matuidi (football), David Fernandes (football), Corinne Franco (football) and Renaud Lavilennie (pole vault).

( Source Nike )

Business news :Stöckli, New structure in sales management

Ski and Bike company Stöckli Swiss Sports AG has changed its sales management. The long-time sales manager Hanspeter Streule is (right) retire from the international sales and focus in the future on his own request to the domestic market. New Head of Sales Internatonal is was the beginning of the come vist Gerhard Hämmerle (left) ... 
As before, the name Hans Peter Streule's international ski world a large number. Not only because he swung in the 1999 bankruptcy Ski Manufacturer Gebr Streule AG originates, but because he has followed the former competitor and only surviving Swiss Skianbieter Stöckli incremental and an international distribution network. Only in 2000, Stöckli had decided to expand internationally. In the home of the provider is particularly well represented with its own stores in the sales race, but also been supplying the independent sports and bicycle dealer. The Swiss retailers - a domain of Hanspeter Streule - wants to focus the internationally recognized Skiveteran future. 

International business is Streule handed over to the Swiss at the new emerging Gerhard Hämmerle. He is also almost 25 years in the international ski shop at home. The former coach of the Austrian women's ski team began his industry career with Head, Atomic changed in 1996 and 1999 to Nordica. From 2003 to late 2012 as a brand was Hämmerle boss when in the field Skip slats and Italian bonds coming ski and apparel provider Vist in use. 

According to press release from Hämmerle Streule is worked step by step in his new field. International we will focus on how far the winter sports area. Later, however, is also in the race successfully Stöckli gekurbelte bicycle theme reinforced roll out of Switzerland. Moderately product you would already be ready. 

In the future, it was necessary to also establish sales technically good on the new bike for Stöckli international market. As you know the Swiss, they will not rush it, but once the commitment as well as the issue of Ski expand them step by step. 

As previously reported, the Swiss company is already thinking about a way to the German bicycle market. It should above all quality mountain bikes and e-bikes are the focus of a comprehensive supplier matured ski and bike dealer. 

( German source radmarkt.de, Text: Jo Beckendorff, Photo: Stöckli )

Business news :Dachstein ( A) future with own team

The Austrian brand Dachstein has sold since the first quarter of the Deeluxe sporting goods Handels GmbH. Dachstein will have an independent future with a new management team.

Dachstein Outdoor footwear manufacturer based in Kufstein / Tyrol but remain a majority stake Austro Holding. New CEO is since the beginning of Oliver Wieser (40). Wieser will meet with his years of experience as CEO of Brand Stiefelkönig and in the management of the Shoe & Leather Group, the brand Dachstein with new passion, it said in a press release. Also new to the team Marketing Manager Marlene Lumpi (30), which came from The North Face and sales manager Christian Wolsegger (32), the experience is gained at Ecco and Geox.

( German source Spomo.de )

Organizations news :Bikes Belong Invites First-Time Retailer Members to Join the Coalition for only $100

Boulder, Colo. — The Bikes Belong Coalition announced today that retailers who are interested in joining the Coalition for the first time can do so for only $100. The campaign to attract new retailer members will launch Friday at QBP’s Frostbike and will run until the end of Interbike on Sept. 20, 2013.

More than 500 of the bicycling industry’s suppliers, distributors and retailers are members of the Bikes Belong Coalition. Membership in Bikes Belong is essential to boosting bicycling in the United States. Strong industry support improves government relations (national, state, local), helps expand the PeopleForBikes.org movement, and accelerates protected on-road bicycle facilities through the Green Lane Project. These Bikes Belong initiatives improve bicycling safety and make riding more convenient for all Americans.

“Membership in Bikes Belong is an investment in the future of bicycling in the U.S. Better and safer places to ride will lead to more people bicycling more often, which will increase sales for bike businesses,” said Bruno Maier, Senior Vice President of Bikes Belong.“ Working together, we can increase ridership and grow the bike industry, all while building a better nation through the benefits of bicycling.”

The $100 New-Member campaign is designed to introduce more businesses to the importance of bicycle advocacy and its influence in industry growth. “Bicycle business owners and employees have a voice in the political process,” said Maier. “We need more retailers involved in advocacy, because they can make a difference in getting more bike facilities on the ground and more people on bikes.”   

Build More Than Bicycles and join Bikes Belong for the first time today at bikesbelong.org/join.

For more information about Bikes Belong, visit: www.bikesbelong.org.

About Bikes Belong
The Bikes Belong Coalition is the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to getting more people riding bikes more often. Bikes Belong Coalition works to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and backs crucial national efforts such as Safe Routes to School, Bicycle Friendly Communities, and the National Bike Summit. The Bikes Belong Foundation is the 501(c) 3 arm of the Bikes Belong Coalition. The Bikes Belong Foundation, host to the Green Lane Project, focuses on improving bicycle safety and enhancing children's bike programs. It is also host to the PeopleForBikes.org campaign, working to unite a million Americans behind a pledge in support of better, safer bicycling.

Awards :POC Brings Home Prestigious Awards at SIA and ISPO Tradeshows

Aspen, Colorado – February _, 2013– POC, a leading supplier of helmets, goggles and alpine accessories, was awarded three prestigious awards at the recent Snowsports Industries America tradeshow (SIA) in Denver and the ISPO Munich tradeshow. At SIA, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and SIA presented POC with the prestigious Doc DesRoches Award and in Munich, POC received an ISPO Award for two of its products, the Skull Orbic Comp helmet and the new Lid goggles.

The DesRoches Award has been presented annually by SIA and the USSA since 2004 to recognize a U.S. Ski Team supplier for its work in marketing the team and its athletes.  In addition to its strong support of elite athletes like Olympic champions Bode Miller and Julia Mancuso, POC was cited for its innovative educational and support programs targeting local USSA clubs around the country.

David Ingemie, the president of SIA is quoted as saying, “what has characterized each of our Doc DesRoches Award winners is the passion they bring to the sport, much the same that Doc brought during his years leading our industry. POC Sports is another good example of how that passion for educating young athletes can make a difference for them, as well as POC as a brand.” 

At the ISPO tradeshow held in Munich, two of POC’s new products for the 2013/2014 season, the new Skull Orbic Comp helmet and the Lid goggle, both received the ISPO Award.  Independent sports professionals evaluate hundreds of entries based on design, innovation and function to determine the ISPO Awards.

”Receiving the ISPO Award for two of our most important, advanced and ambitious projects in years, really shows how commitment, being stubborn and never giving up pays off. We are extremely honored to be recognized and receiving one of the most prestigious awards in product design”, says POC founder and CEO, Stefan Ytterborn.

About POC Sports

POC Sports is a Swedish company, built on a strong mission: To do everything we can to possibly save lives and to reduce consequences of accidents, for gravity sports athletes, by developing and renewing what personal protection is all about. For more information about our helmets, eyewear, body armor and apparel, visit www.pocsports.com.