Business news : JD Sport sales up 7%

Sporting goods retailer JD Sports released an interim management report stating that sales in its main outdoor fascias over the 18 weeks ended June 8 were up 7%, in line with market expectations. Whilst the outdoor division has recorded positive like for like sales, this has been achieved at a significant margin sacrifice and the development of profitability in these fascias remains a work in progress.

Figures for its fashion fascias were much less rosy, with a reported sales decline of 5%. This fall in sales in the fashion division of the company is concentrated in the brand Bank where the benefit of the new head of womenswear is not expected to be seen until later in the year. Accordingly, the performance recorded in the year to date will lead to an increased loss being reported for these Fascias in the first half.


Lauren Walker with Reuters

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Business news : Spyder Further Evolves Its Product Distribution Network

Boulder, CO (June 20, 2013) -- Spyder Active Sports, Inc. the Colorado-based manufacturer of premium technical ski and active lifestyle apparel, has announced that it has made a significant update to its product distribution network in order to further support current market demand and accommodate future growth objectives.

Specifically, the Spyder Distribution Network (SDN) has added a new distribution facility in Kent, Washington to enhance its service commitment to its ever-growing dealer base in North America.

The objective of the new the new facility in Kent, WA is to address challenges in Spyder’s vertical supply chain and set a solid foundation for the company to continue the positive growth it has achieved during the past four years.

“The new distribution facility in Kent, Washington is going to allow us to make significant strides in how we deliver our products to our dealers in what is tight and challenging delivery cycle,” noted Ellen Welley, Spyder’s VP of Sales for North America. “This enhancement to the SDN will allow Spyder to remain cost competitive in our industry while continuing to deliver to the marketplace the premium product assortment for which we’ve become known.” Added Spyder’s Senior Director of Outbound Supply Chain/Dealer Services, Nate Peterson: “For Spyder, the Washington distribution facility has the potential to create valuable improvements in terms of our transit times, supply chain associated costs, and ultimately, allow us to better serve our dealers. All of these factors are integral to our long term strategy as a company.”

Spyder has identified three key factors that played into the decision to onboard the new distribution facility in Washington.  First, in a challenging and competitive economic environment, having a facility on the West Coast – geographically the closest place in North America to Spyder’s Far East production hubs – will help control transit costs and ensure the brand’s ability to remain price-competitive; second, having a facility on the West Coast gives Spyder a competitive advantage in transit times from its vendors in the Far East and will expedite the delivery of products to both the U.S. and Canadian Markets; and third, the proven success of the Washington facility and its personnel in dealing in a highly seasonal, high volume environment will bring new confidence to Spyder dealers that tight deadlines will be met during Spyder’s delivery cycle.

The Kent, WA facility will be brought online as part of the SDN for the Fall 2013 selling season. The SDN will continue to support additional needs of dealers, sales reps, and Spyder’s corporate office with an existing facility in Aurora, CO.

About Spyder Active Sports
Renowned for integrating high-tech fabrics, fashion and functionality, Spyder is the world’s leading skiwear and mountain-based active lifestyle apparel brand. Launched in 1978 with the development of revolutionary padded slalom race sweaters, the iconic brand continues to develop progressive apparel, season after season. Rigorously tested by top athletes across the world including the U.S. and Canadian Alpine Ski Teams plus big mountain, freeski, and park & pipe professional skiers. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Spyder products are distributed in over 50 countries worldwide.

For more information and to view the current collection, please visit www.spyder.com. You can also follow and interact with Spyder on Facebook (facebook.com/spyderactivesports) and on Twitter and Instagram (@SpyderAntidote).

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New products: Native Eyewear Introduces Haskill and Highline Styles into Odyssey Series

Native Eyewear Introduces Haskill and Highline Styles into Odyssey Series

Classic styles with N3™ Lens Technology make the Haskill and Highline the sunglasses you want to wear everywhere.

Denver, CO (June 19, 2013) - Native Eyewear makers of high-performance, lightweight polarized sunglasses, releases two new styles, the Haskill and Highline, available now for summer adventure. Both new sunglasses capture the lifestyle of mountain culture and put it right on your face.

The Highline is a classic, retro style designed to fit medium to large profile faces. Fitting squarely in the lifestyle category, these are light, yet bold, with six frame and lens combinations, including three

Reflex Lens options. These sturdy frames are available in Maple Tort, Asphalt, Snow/Iron, Black Lime Burst, Crystal and Stout Fade. Retail price starts at $109 and increases to $129 with the Reflex lenses.

Haskill is a twist on the classic aviator style and blends the look with interesting and trend-appropriate color combinations. Designed for medium to large profiles, they have N3™ lenses and are available in multiple frame and lens options and a Flex Metal Adjustable Nosepad System.

“These are a step up in style without any technology or feature compromise,” says Al Perkinson, Vice President of Marketing. “As Native keeps evolving, we are committed to keeping styles relevant. Making eyewear for the mountain life means function, performance and style.”

Both styles feature the Odyssey Series technical benefits including: Co-Injected Rhyno-Tuff® Air Frames, Mastoid Temple Grip™, Cam-action hinges and Cushinol™. The great fit, lightweight frames and comfort that Native is known for adds to the value of the new styles. All Odyssey Series sunglasses feature polarized, impact resistant lenses that filter IR radiation and blue light for eye comfort in any environment.
  
About Native Eyewear
Native Eyewear makes polarized sunglasses for adventurers of all types with the vision to navigate any terrain in any type of sunlight. Featuring interchangeable polarized lenses, exceptional grip & comfort and ultra-light frame technology; Native sunglasses are the perfect companion for seeing the path ahead. Whether you’re approaching the mountain, the water, the trail or the asphalt, you’ll be ready. So go ahead—go Native. http://www.nativeyewear.com.

Todd Walton
The Walton Works / 970.260.9283 / todd@thewaltonworks.com

Business people: Johnson Outdoors Hires KenAvery as Jetboil Brand Manager

Jetboil has hired Ken Avery as its new brand manager. Avery comes to the Johnson Outdoors family of brands with 12 years of product development experience.

An avid cyclist, Avery previously worked as brand manager for Vittoria Industries -  the world’s leading manufacturer of bicycle tires. And for a decade before that, he worked on product development for Maxxis International, also a tire brand. In both of these roles, he improved user experience through the creation of new products, and the improvement of existing ones. 

“Joining the Jetboil team, and the Johnson family of outdoor companies is an honor,” Avery said. “I look forward to using my background in product development and building brands to add to the already capable team at Jetboil.”

An ex-pro mountain biker, Avery qualified and competed in the winter X Games in 2000. He holds three top-10 Collegiate National Rankings and in 1999, he was the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference Champion. Today, he continues to ride from his home in Amherst, N.H. There, he also enjoys backpacking, camping, hiking, surfing, and snowboarding.

“One way or another, life has always brought me back outside,” Avery said. “Whether backpacking in the White Mountains, or camping at an event, my best memories always involve the outdoors.”

A U.S.-Patent Holder, Avery appreciates good, clean design and advancements in technology.
  
“The transition to Jetboil was easy for me; I was already a customer, and the product had proven itself in my own experiences,” Avery said. “I look forward to building upon this, and improving the experience for those who love being outside.”


Source Jetboil through SportsOneSource

New products : Neo Athletics Launches New Collection of Sublimated Football Uniforms

Neo Athletics has introduced a new range of sublimated football uniforms that is changing the sport, by giving teams the ability to truly design and display anything they can place on paper on the uniform. 

Longwood, FL (PRWEB) June 21, 2013

The customized football uniforms and jerseys provider, Neo Athletics has come up with the new range of sublimated football uniforms. Custom designed football jerseys and uniforms by Neo Athletics will allow teams to have all types of designs on their apparel according to their choice. Designing of logo for the team uniform can also be done by Neo Athletics according to the specific requirements.

Speaking about the quality of custom designed uniforms, a senior executive from Neo Athletics stated, “All the customized uniforms created by Neo Athletics are made from the highest quality of fabric and have excellent sweat absorbing capacity.” Precise stitching done on the customized jerseys ensures that the uniforms are durable.

Stringent quality check is conducted on all customized uniforms from Neo Athletics and this ensures all types of sport apparel are free of defects. Extensive collection of basketball, baseball, football, and softball sporting gear is provided by Neo Athletics. Apparel for both men and women are designed by Neo Athletics.

Talking about the range of customized apparel available, a senior official from Neo Athletics commented, “Football coaching apparel, protective apparel, baseball and basketball jerseys, warm up suits, shorts as well as shirts are provided to suit the needs of athletes by Neo Athletics.” Unique designs as well as colors are offered as per the specifications.

Girls softball uniforms, college basketball jerseys and custom baseball jersey are designed keeping in mind the comfort of the athletes. Design experts at Neo Athletics can create exact and specific items that are suited to the needs of the individuals.

About Neo Athletics:
Neo Athletics provides sublimated football jerseys, pants, and uniforms to suit the specific requirements of the teams. Amazing collection of sports apparel as well as gear ranging from football girdles to sublimated uniforms can be ordered from Neo Athletics.

Contact Information:
Neo Athletics / P.O. Box 520418 / Longwood, FL 32752
Phone: 1-866-813-4347 / Email: customerservice[at]neohardcore[dot]com
Website: http://neo-athletics.com/

Business news : Polish luxury catamaran-builder Sunreef receives US$10.2m in orders for two catamarans

Sunreef Yachts will build two catamarans for clients from the UAE and Russia
                   
Polish luxury catamaran-builder Sunreef Yachts has received about PLN 34m (US$10.2m) in orders for two catamarans intended for clients from the UAE and Russia.
                   
The Sunreef 82 Double Deck sailing catamaran will be delivered to a client from Abu Dhabi, and the company’s Russian client purchased a Sunreef 60 LOFT. Both craft are scheduled for delivery on the turn of 2013 and 2014, according to reports in the local media.
                   
The Sunreef 60 LOFT provides accommodation for six passengers in three cabins and a crew of two. It is fitted with two 110hp engines, according to data released by the manufacturer.
                   
The Sunreef 82 Double Deck can accommodate 10 passengers and a crew of three.
                   
Set up in 2002 and headquartered in Gdańsk, Poland, Sunreef has a staff of more than 400. The company is currently developing a new production facility that will provide it with an output capacity of as much as 20 units per year.
                   
Sunreef says its product portfolio includes craft ranging from 60ft-200ft.

By Jaroslaw Adamowski through IBI

Business news : CEO Rusty Gregory Appoints New Leadership Team at Mammoth Mountain

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CA – Rusty Gregory, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Chairman and CEO, introduced the company’s new leadership team today.

“The last seven years have presented us with a series of hardships; drought, lawsuits, town bankruptcy, and global financial meltdown and the ensuing recession have left their mark on all of us,” said Gregory. “As we acknowledge the challenges behind us, it is critical now that we look to the future and recognize and act upon the opportunities that lie ahead. I believe our company and our community will not realize these opportunities by employing the visions and solutions of the past. It is time to pass the baton to a new generation of company leaders, who dare to have a new vision, possess the audacity to take risk, the guts to change the old ways, and the energy to do the hard work, with their teams, to transform the opportunities of the future into reality,” continued Gregory.

Gregory introduced the team as:

Greg Dallas, Chief Operating Officer Mammoth and June Mountain Ski Areas. Greg will take control of all daily operations at both resorts, including ski area operations, on-mountain food and beverage, ski school, rental, retail and activities.

Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer. Erik, the newest member of the Mammoth Team, will become responsible for all marketing and sales efforts for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, June Mountain Ski Area, and the approximately 1000 rooms which make up the Mammoth Lodging Collection. Erik previously led marketing efforts for Asics America, engineering a turnaround of the brand and leading the Asics America to the most successful year in the company’s history.

Mark Clausen, Chief Financial Officer. Mark will continue to oversee all financial aspects of the company, as well as the Information Technology division.

Ron Cohen, Chief Administrative Officer. Ron will oversee Human Resources, Government Affairs, and Risk Management, and will add planning and staff accommodations to his responsibilities.

To be determined, Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality. The company is undergoing a national search for a Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality. The search is focusing on candidates who possess extensive multi-property management experience. This position will have responsibility for the company’s four lodging properties and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Rusty Gregory, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Rusty will continue to lead the company and going forward will focus primarily on attracting and deploying the considerable resources required for the company and the community to realize its full potential.

This leadership change is effective immediately and will better align the organization to execute key strategies aimed at improving guest experience, communicating the brand and growing visitation to Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, and the region.

About Mammoth Mountain Ski Area:
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is a large ski resort located in Eastern California, along the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the Inyo National Forest. It is also the owner and operator of the nearby June Mountain ski area.

By press release

Awards : Brooks Running Company Announces Finalists for 2013 Inspiring Coaches Award

Runners and Community Members to Help Choose Winner Through Online Voting

 

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Would you give a runner the shoes off your own feet? Run a two-mile warm-up with your team every day while battling lung cancer? Buy team uniforms with your personal coaching stipend? This year’s Brooks Running Company Inspiring Coaches finalists would – and these stories only scratch the surface of these individuals’ passion, dedication and leadership.

Brooks Running Company today recognized the amazing acts of 26 high school track and cross country coaches nationwide by naming them finalists for its 2013 Inspiring Coaches award. In its third year, the Inspiring Coaches program honors high school track and cross country coaches who motivate their teams and communities through meaningful and lasting leadership.

Beginning today, runners, students, families and community members can vote for their favorite 2013 Inspiring Coaches Finalists. The voting period lasts until July 21, 2013, with this year’s most inspiring coach announced on Aug. 7, 2013. Visit www.facebook.com/brooksrunning to vote for the finalist coaches and learn about their special stories.

“Year after year, we hear about more truly amazing track and cross country coaches,” said Brooks Running Company CEO Jim Weber. “These coaches spark greatness on the run, in the classroom and well beyond high school. Their contributions to young runners and our sport make us proud to give this award each year and share their stories with the running community.”

From thousands of nominations, the following coaches were chosen as 2013 Inspiring Coaches finalists:

• Allan Lockridge, Pojoaque High School, Santa Fe, N.M.
• Brandon Beltz, Inland Lakes High School, Indian River, Mich.
• Chris Cronin, Northville High School, Northville, Mich.
• Chris McAfee, De Soto High School, De Soto, Kan.
• Corbin Talley, Davis High School, Kaysville, Utah
• Danny Weed, Flagler Palm Coast High School, Palm Coast, Fla.
• Doug Butler, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne, Fla.
• Drew Benyo, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Jim Thorpe, Pa.
• Erica Hill, Mercer Island High School, Mercer Island, Wash.
• Jeffrey Downin, Marlborough High School, Marlborough, Mass.
• Jerry Dotson, Cary High School, Cary, N.C.
• John Hotchkiss, Mission San Jose High School, Fremont, Calif.
• Justin Torres, Bishop Mora Salesian High School, Los Angeles
• Kurt Wayton, West Windsor Plainsboro High School, West Windsor, N.J.
• Larry Buffington, Gayville-Volin High School, Gayville, S.D.
• Lee Webb, James Logan High School, Union City, Calif.
• Mike Wright, Milford High School, Milford, N.H.
• Natalie Krause, New Prairie High School, New Carlisle, Ind.
• Nate Carpenter, Sacopee Valley High School, Hiram, Maine
• Nicole Petty, Garfield High School, Seattle
• Randy Wilson, Central Cambria High School, Ebensburg, Pa.
• Scott Werner, Westphalia High School, Westphalia, Mich.
• Stephanie Winkler, Buena Regional High School, Buena, N.J.
• Steve Grube, Crow High School, Eugene, Ore.
• Steve O’Brien, Tyee High School, Seatac, Wash.
• Tauwon Taylor, Moline High School, Moline, Ill.

Brooks will award each finalist:

• $5,000 in Brooks performance running footwear, apparel and/or accessories for his or her team;
• $500 cash for additional team expenses; and
• Membership into the Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) program.

The 2013 Inspiring Coach of the Year will also receive:

• $5,000 in Brooks gear;
• An additional $2,000 in cash; and
• A trip for two to the 2014 Brooks PR Invitational.

Brooks Running Company started the Inspiring Coaches program in 2011 as a way to honor the high school track and cross country coaches it hears about every day. Through letters, emails, social media messages and word-of-mouth at races around the country, Brooks hears how these coaches make a lasting, meaningful difference in the lives of countless runners. The Inspiring Coaches award recognizes and celebrates all they do for youth running.

Past recipients of the Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year Award include 2011 winner Amy Pitzel from Katy Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, and last year’s winner Paul Raley from Benton High School in Benton, Wis.

About Brooks Running Company
Brooks Running Company designs and markets running-specific performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 60 countries worldwide. Brooks’ mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Brooks’ mission is supported by its Run Happy philosophy, a quest to celebrate and champion the sport of running and all runners everywhere. Founded 1914, Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and is headquartered in Seattle. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information or follow us on Twitter (@brooksrunning) and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/brooksrunning).

Contacts
Brooks Running Company / Derek Lactaoen, 425-939-2640 / Derek.Lactaoen@brooksrunning.com

Business news : Italian RIB builder Zar Formenti names new dealer in Turkey

Çarkçı Marine will sell the Italian RIB builder’s inflatable boats in Turkey
                   
Italian RIB builder Zar Formenti has chosen Çarkçı Marine to represent its inflatable rubber boats in Turkey.
                  
Çarkçı is one of Turkey's biggest marine retailers, with stores in Tuzla, Istanbul, the Antalya Free Zone and Göcek. Marine equipment is also sold via its online shop.
                   
Çarkçı has been in the marine business since 1994, offering replacement parts and accessories for the yacht and small boat sectors. The company represents several international brands, with products ranging from paints and marine lighting to hydraulic systems.
                   
Zar Formenti was founded in 1979 and has dealers throughout Europe and the US.

Source Italain Formenti through IBI

New products : CTR by Chaos Headwear, Launches Summer Technical Designs for 2014

CTR by Chaos Headwear, Launches Summer Technical Designs for 2014
Summer Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City Utah, July 31 - August 3

Booth # PV500
For the first time, in fifteen years of making and delivering the US specialty retailer with a multitude of headwear options and technical protective gear, Chaos is proud to be launching a full CTR collection of technical summer active headgear.

The CTR summer collection has been in development for over two years – taking the technological advances that have been developed in the winter CTR program and modifying them to suit warmer temperatures and wetter conditions. This means sourcing premium fabrics and blends that are geared toward moisture-wicking, water-repellency and Ultra-Violet sun protection, while offering a strong, but clean design and color story.

Long-time CTR lead product developer, Matthew Tock, has been working closely with newcomer Jason Del-Rosso, to develop a highly technical and performance-oriented summer assortment of products targeted to active outdoor enthusiasts. Del-Rosso’s insight and design savvy comes from his many years working in men’s fashion apparel and fine-tailored suits.

Together, Tock and Del-Rosso have cultivated a strong program that embodies all key features of the CTR brand and more, by integrating a combination of lightweight, waterproof, breathable, anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking fabrics as well as contemporary features such as LED lights, reflective trims and pop colors.

Below is brief summary of the new categories:

CTR Chase - Our active lifestyle program targets the running, cycling and fitness enthusiasts featuring DuPont Sorona® and our QuadraLITE performance fabrics. These fabrics bring a fresh, innovative perspective to an ever-growing and competitive market. Performance-oriented caps, visors, warmers, skully’s and tubes round out this product sector while providing the ultimate in moisture management, retro-reflectivity and ultra-violet sun protection.

CTR Neox  - This collection plays to our success with the Dri-Release® brand, through the use of Tencel® - a regenerative cellulosic fiber that is soft and drapey with complete odor protection via FreshGuard. These lightweight silhouettes with neoprene inserts help extend the functionality of some styles, while others just help keep you cool and comfortable in any weather condition.

CTR Summit – The Summit collection is constructed with S.Café’® - a technical composite fiber made from green coffee bean shells that are ground, spun and woven, resulting in a supple, lightweight and odor-resistant fabric that not only wicks moisture but provides SPF 50 standards for life. The product range covers all the basics and more, with key functional elements and design features such as, honeycomb patterns and interfacing designs.

CTR Stratus - This water-conscious collection is based on our Hydro-Maxx fabric technology with a waterproof/ breathable story and DWR finishes while offering fully taped and closed seams. This line features sombreros and bucket style hats for the ultimate in wet-weather conditions.

CTR Fits – The summer Fits All, collection is geared to the person who always likes to have something on their head, this simple collection is a complete 4-way stretch cotton/spandex assortment of lightweight and comfortable beanies and ear bands in simple colors and styles.
Great for post surfing, early morning runs, trails and camping.

 “With the introduction of this spring/summer CTR collection, the potential to become a 4- season brand opens new markets in more southern and warmer locales. This program is especially exciting to us and with our North American and International distribution channels, we can be in contact with our customers on a more frequent basis.” explains Richard Tock, CEO and President of Do-Gree Fashions and the Chaos Brand.”

Contact: Beth Cochran  cochran@whatsuppr.com
406.579.7909


About Chaos Headwear
Based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., Chaos Headwear offers a broad range of hats and accessories for a multitude of year round outdoor activities such as trail running, hiking, fishing, travel and for winter skiing, riding, climbing, mountaineering, training and just looking good. Owned by Do-Gree fashions, a Canadian-owned and operated mill with three generations of experience, Chaos designs vary from winter to four-season, urban to alpine, casual to high fashion for men, women and kids, and feature merino wool, mohair, acrylic blends, cottons, angora, and fleece. Chaos also offers a line of technical weather headwear for summer and winter conditions called Chaos Thermal Regulation or CTR. (www.chaoshats.com)

By press release
Beth Cochran / What's UP PR / Cochran@whatsuppr.com