Business people : Columbia University Sports Management Master’s Program Appoints New Leaders

Appointed are Vince Gennaro, Curriculum Evaluation Chair; Joe Favorito, Director of Industry Relations; and Bess Brodsky, Sports Career Specialist

Aug. 26, 2013 - NEW YORK -- Columbia University’s School of Continuing Education appointed today new management positions for Master of Science Program in Sports Management a two year period post through 2015. Vince Gennaro will serve as Curriculum Assessment and Evaluation Chair; Joseph Favorito as Director of Industry Relations; and Bess Brodsky as Sports Career Specialist. They will report to Dr. Lucas G. Rubin, the program director.

“We are very excited that Vince, Joe and Bess have decided to take these expanded roles,” Dr. Rubin said. “Their passion for the industry, their extensive backgrounds in sport, and their long-standing and genuine interest in our students and Columbia’s program make them outstanding choices to help us pursue our continued emphasis on programmatic quality and student success.” Both Gennaro and Favorito have been longtime instructors in the Columbia program, while Brodsky has organized and participated in a number of program events and mentored students over the past few years.

The author of Diamond Dollars: The Economics of Winning in Baseball, Vince Gennaro served as a consultant to Major League Baseball teams and president of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), following a successful business career, including a 20-year career at PepsiCo and ownership of a women's pro basketball franchise. At PepsiCo, Gennaro was president of Pepsi's Fountain Beverage Division and headed a billion dollar bottling business, after holding senior positions in marketing, sales and operations. He is a frequent guest commentator in the media on sports business topics.  As Curriculum Assessment and Evaluation Chair (CAEC), Gennaro will monitor and oversee multiple aspects of the program’s academics, with specific responsibility for data collection and analysis activities related to measuring, assessing and evaluating curricular outputs. He will also chair the program’s Curriculum Advisory Committee.

Joe Favorito has over 30 years of strategic communications, marketing, business development and public relations expertise in sports, entertainment, brand building, media training, television, athletic administration and business. He has managed the day-to-day activities in strategic communications for organizations, including the New York Knickerbockers, the Philadelphia 76ers, the WTA Tour and the United States Tennis Association. For the past five years, he has been an independent consultant in crisis communications, social media, strategic planning, publicity and business development for clients that include Bloomberg Sports LP, Schiller Management/the Global Options Group, the John McEnroe Academy, Front Row Marketing, Spike TV, USA Wrestling, and Major League Baseball among others.

An associate producer for the Tony-nominated hit Broadway show Lombardi, he was part of the creative team for the production of Magic/Bird. He authored the first-ever text on the sports publicity industry (Sports Publicity, published in August 2007 by Reed Elsevier) and has been a guest speaker on sports marketing, social media and communications at numerous institutions, including Princeton University, Georgetown University, New York University, and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
As  Industry Relations Director (IRD), he will oversee industry outreach and engagement activities and support other appropriate academic and para-curricular initiatives. The IRD will also supervise the social media aspects for the program.

Bess Brodsky is a sports and entertainment industry veteran with 25 years of experience working in sponsorship, partnership marketing, sales and promotions for popular brands such as Madison Square Garden, MSG Network, ESPN, The New York Times, the Sports Museum of America, US Soccer, Radio City Music Hall and the Radio City Rockettes. She currently holds the position of President of BB Consulting, a marketing consulting company focusing on branding, marketing, sponsorship management, proposal development and career strategies. Prior to starting her own company, Bess worked as a full-time consultant; sponsorship director for the Sports Museum of America; and a senior consultant at ESPN in the Integrated co-marketing department. At ESPN, Bess oversaw a multimillion dollar investment from Lexus with Monday Night Football; managed multimedia promotions through various online channels, including retail, online, on-premise and print.
The Sports Career Specialist will work with students on career initiatives and placement, strategic skills coordination and other roles with regard to special events.

About Columbia University’s Master of Science in Sports Management Program

www.ce.columbia.edu/sports

Columbia’s part-time master's degree program in Sports Management trains professionals for advanced work in all sectors of the sports industry through access to the resources of a world-class university. Students complete core courses in business and leadership, and augment/personalize their studies with access to courses from across the university and its affiliates. Based in New York City, a nexus of the sports world, students learn from standing Columbia faculty as well as an exclusive network of industry leaders. The program has assembled one of the most elite groups of industry professionals in the sports business, including Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference, former CBS Sports President Neal Pilson, and Tony Ponturo, a pioneering leader in sports marketing.

Business news . Switzerland, Gurit’s 1HY results show net loss for the period of CHF 2.4 million

Gurit (SIX Swiss Exchange: GUR) achieved net sales of CHF 129.7 million in the first six months of 2013. This represents a decline of 33.7% over the respective strong, prior-year period, as already announced and commented on July 12, 2013. The negative sales trend mainly reflects the poor demand and weak price levels in the volatile global wind energy market. Sales to non-wind energy related customers continue to grow and Gurit makes important inroads into new applications for composite materials, parts and services. For the full year 2013, Gurit continues to expect net sales to be somewhat below CHF 300 million and the operating profit margin to reach 3-5%.

Operational and financial result: The low sales level of the first half-year, the resulting low absorption of fixed costs, and fierce price competition particularly in the Asian wind energy markets have led to the compression of the operating profit to CHF 0.6 million. A year ago, Gurit recorded a strong operating profit of CHF 17.2 million, including one-time impairment charges of net CHF 2.9 million. After income tax expenses of CHF 2.5 million, Gurit states a loss for the period of CHF 2.4 million. These tax expenses incurred as Gurit achieved the majority of its profit in higher tax jurisdictions in Europe and did not capitalise tax assets on some losses incurred in other regions.                

Cash flow and balance sheet: Mostly reflecting the significantly lower operating profit before depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), cash flow from operating activities declined to CHF 1.7 million compared with a strong CHF 16.8 million generated in the same period of last year. Gurit paid back borrowings of CHF 9.6 million. As sales volumes increased in the second quarter 2013 versus the low volumes recorded in Q4 2012, some cash was also required to finance additional working capital. Together with the CHF 7.0 million distributions to shareholders this turned the net cash position of CHF 6.0 million recorded at year-end 2012 into a net debt position of CHF 1.8 million. The distribution to the shareholders was also the main reason for the small decrease of the equity ratio by 1.1 percentage points from 70.5% at the end of last year to still solid 69.4% as per June 30, 2013.

Sales trends and outlook: Sales to non-wind energy related customers continue to grow and Gurit makes important inroads into new applications for composite materials, parts and services. Going forward, Gurit will better be able to balance out the volatile sales levels in the global wind energy market and achieve growth.

On a sequential basis, Q2 2013 sales grew by 13.1% compared with Q1 2013, confirming the anticipated sales recovery, yet at a lower than expected pace. As announced on July 12, 2013, Gurit expects net sales for the full year 2013 to be somewhat below CHF 300 million and the operating profit margin to reach 3-5%.

About Gurit :

Gurit has established itself as a developer and innovator in the composites industry and positioned itself as the leading global supplier of composite materials, engineering services, tooling equipment, and select parts and systems.

Over 30 years' experience in the practical application of composites across various market sectors and projects, from small parts to large-scale structures, combined with a unique technical approach enables Gurit to offer the complete composite solution. 

Gurit offers a truly global presence with offices, manufacturing sites and a network of distributors across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, China, Australia, New Zealand and India.

business news . Hollister Partners With Keds To Launch Exclusive Product Online

Hollister Co., a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., is partnering with Keds, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, to release an exclusive line that features signature Hollister patterns on Keds' iconic sneakers. Beginning August 15, the exclusive Hollister + Keds sneakers will be available only at HollisterCo.com, but fans of both brands can check out the display inside Hollister stores to get a closer look at the fun, new patterns.

"Flip-flops are currently the only footwear we sell in Hollister, so this partnership with Keds is a great opportunity for our brand," says Gillian Galner, Group Vice President Brand Merchandising for Abercrombie & Fitch Co.  "We're really excited because Keds and Hollister are a natural fit. Both brands have a youthful, passionate fan base and Hollister's Southern California inspired clothes look great styled with Keds sneakers."

"We love to create exciting and fresh product for our fans. With the Hollister collaboration our classic Champion sneaker gets a major shot of California style," said Rick Blackshaw, president, Keds. "The sunny color palette, bold patterns and fun prints provide endless styling options for girls, and put the finishing touch on any Hollister outfit."

New products : ZEAL Optics Unveils Biodegradable Sunglass Made from Cotton

August 23, 2013 – Boulder, Co. – ZEAL Optics announced the release of the world’s first cotton biodegradable sunglass, the Ace. Designed in Boulder, Colorado and crafted by the renowned Italian powerhouse, Mazzucchelli, the Ace is a revolution in sustainable eyewear. Produced from 100% USA Grown cotton, the Ace is the first of its kind and the greenest sunglass – EVER.

“After two years of development, we are bringing to market an amazing product with a purpose,” said ZEAL President John Sanchez.

For this launch, ZEAL partnered with the renowned Mazzucchelli family, boasting over 160 years of eyewear expertise in Italy, to provide an ecological statement to the eyewear market without sacrificing style. The unique result is Ace. 

In combination with ZEAL’s plant-based e-llume lens, the Ace is the greenest sunglass ever developed.

“ZEAL Optics has seen our ecological philosophy come to life in a revolutionary new product,” said Sanchez. ”Both Mazzuchelli and ZEAL are working together to create a product that will truly raise the bar on sustainability in the industry.”

All of ZEAL’s handmade eyewear, designed in the Rocky Mountains of Boulder, COLO. USA, highlights an industry-leading initiative to source sustainable materials for trend defining styles.

“The eyewear industry needs innovators. Small, independent brands like ZEAL help to push the limits of the market,” said Joe Prebich, ZEAL’s Director of Marketing. “It’s so exciting to think about how the brand can transform at retail around a product that has this type of ecological story behind it. 

ZEAL Optics’ patent-pending plant-based lenses offer unparalleled protection and prevention from UVA, B, and C, as well as, being able to identify and block a negative light range called High Energy Visible (HEV) light. This was recently cited as a possible cause of cataracts and macular degeneration. The ZEAL e-llume lens not only identifies this spectrum of light, but helps to block it out. The e-llume lenses contain a special hard coating for scratch resistance, along with an exclusive high transmission polarized film for increased eye protection from harmful rays. The ZEAL e-llume lens also proudly offers the highest clarity rating of any lens in the outdoor market, utilizing higher purity material allowing for greater visual clarity.

Ace will be offered in RX at +3.00 to -4.50 for those who need protective prescription eyewear through ZEAL’s custom Digital RX Lab.

The Ace will be available worldwide on September 2. For more information on the Ace and other eco-friendly styles that ZEAL has available, go to http://www.zealoptics.com.

About ZEAL Optics

Proudly the most sustainable sunglass company in the world, ZEAL designs and crafts every sunglass from renewable plant-based materials. ZEAL is also known for revolutionizing the goggle market with the HD Camera Goggle and the original GPS goggle. Based in Boulder, Colo., USA, ZEAL is a boutique brand focusing on handcrafted quality eyewear build for life outdoors.

 

By press release


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New product : Nike Pro Elite Knit; Seamless, Breathable and Lightweight

New women’s apparel is inspired by Nike Flyknit and informed by data.

When it comes to performance apparel, seams are the enemy. They are heavy, create areas of weakness and can be uncomfortable against the skin. But every villain needs a hero, and in the case of Nike Pro Elite Knit, an innovative application of warp-knit construction deftly assumes that role.

“We were inspired by what we saw in footwear with Nike Flyknit, which created a virtually seamless upper,” says Nike Women’s Training Product Craft Director Jamie Lee. “Our approach was to create a seamless garment designed to amplify the body’s natural ability – something that moves with the body and breathes extremely well. In essence, something you never know is there.” 

If Nike Flyknit was the inspiration for designers, the female body was the muse. Designers studied a thermodynamic map of the female body provided by the Nike Sport Research Lab to see where to take advantage of the large open zones that warp knitting can create. This data informed the design of the mesh holes that map directly to the heat zones of the female body, providing breathability and cooling where women need it most. The ventilation pattern has other advantages as well.

“Down the center front of the tops, the ventilation openings are in a vertical line so women can check out their alignment,” says Lee. “When women are working out and looking in the mirror, the design serves as a nice guide, showing how the body is positioned.”

In traditional knitting, a garment is knit in single rows along its length. In warp knitting, a garment is knit in vertical columns in a zigzagging pattern. This increases the durability and strength of the warp knit fabric. In addition, warp knitting reduces the weight of the garment because edges don’t require additional finishing. The result is a minimal feel that is barely noticeable. Further, instead of being sewn in pieces, garments are knit in full and virtually seamless. This provides athletes with improved multi-directional movement and range of motion.

A natural result of this innovative design is a garment that looks as beautiful as it performs. Nike Pro Elite Knit fits close to the body, moving with women as they push and pull, stretch and squat. A blend of nylon ensures the garment feels soft on the skin.

Nike Pro Elite Knit is available in three styles: the Nike Pro Elite Knit Tank, the Nike Pro Elite Knit Short Sleeve Top, and the Nike Pro Elite Knit Capri. All three styles are available on Nike.com.

Business news : Urban Outfitters To Sell Jetson E-Bikes

Jetson Bikes, makers of Jetson E-Bikes, announced  their partnership with Urban Outfitters to sell their electric bikes available at Urban Outfitters. Jetson E-Bikes will be available on UrbanOutfitters.com and in five of their top brick and mortar stores in Malibu, Santa Monica, San Francisco, and two locations in New York City (14th Street and 5th Avenue).

“The Urban Outfitters shopper is looking for fun, savvy, stylish products that help make their lives more exciting and help them to express their individuality, so this partnership make sense for all parties involved,” said Josh Sultan, CEO of Jetson Bikes. “Electric bikes are quickly becoming the trending transportation alternative for everyone from city dwellers to students living on college campuses.”

Featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2012, Jetson E-Bikes has experienced a recent surge in popularity and appeal among young and urban commuters nationwide. This “green” product prides itself in providing an affordable, convenient and simple to use option for people on the go. The electric bikes maintain the traditional pedal functionality with the added benefit of an electric battery, which powers the bike to travel at speeds of up to 20mph. What’s more since the product is classified as a bicycle it does not require any special license to operate.

Jetson E-Bikes, by Jetson Bike, are a new sleek, eco-friendly, and affordable electric bike built with stamina and style catering to a wide demographic and uses. Equipped with a digital LCD display, Jetson E-Bikes run up to 20 miles per hour (MPH) on a lithium ion battery while still offering the option to pedal. Jetson E-Bikes are equipped with the latest and most efficient electric charge. Advanced lithium ion technology means zero emissions into the environment.

By press release through Sportsonesource

New product : Electric releases Italian acetate collection

San Clemente, CA - Electric announced today the release of the Handmade Italian Acetate sunglass collection. 

 

The Electric Handmade Italian Acetate sunglass collection features premium Mazzucchelli Acetate material and industry leading lens technology by Carl Zeiss Vision. Established in 1849, Mazzucchelli is the number one producer of acetate for the fashion industry and is one of the most innovative companies in the plastics market. Carl Zeiss Vision, now over 150 years old, continues to offer cutting edge vision products and is a pioneer for optical design and engineering. 

 

Previously, Electric manufactured its acetate eyewear collection in Asia, a popular choice for many fashion and action sport brands. Italian craftsmanship has set the global standard for luxury product engineering. Meticulous attention to detail, first choice materials and high standard processes, have placed Italian craftsmanship at the pinnacle of sunglass manufacturing. 

 

“Bringing our acetate program to Italy has been a key piece in the elevation of our sunglass quality over the last year. From our melanin infused lenses in our mold injected products, through to our new acetates, the entire line utilizes the finest materials and Italian craftsmanship” -Kip Arnette, Chief Design Officer and Co-founder

 

Available now, the first two pieces in the line are the newly refined Detroit XL and Hardknox. Both styles offer classic styling with modern refinements, as well as a heavy dose of attitude. The second drop of the collection will debut with new styles for Spring 2014.

 

DETROIT XL

Electric’s ode to the iconic design aesthetics of the 60’s, the Detroit XL is the epitome of style, groove and sophistication. A blend of James Dean, Bob Dylan and JFK translated through refined swooping lines and bold accents; this frame is a mix of timeless style and quality. 

 

HARDKNOX

Roll with the punches in the new Hardknox, an edgy twist on legendary style. Pristine lines, classic temples and scalloped arms blend together to create a frame that is distinguished yet smooth. 

 

For more information, go to: www.electricvisual.com

 

By press release

Business news : Hibbett Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2014 Results

• EPS Increases 33%
• Square Footage Growth up 7% on New Store Openings
• Revises Fiscal 2014 Guidance

Hibbett Sports, Inc. (NASDAQ/GS: HIBB), a sporting goods retailer, today announced results for the second quarter ended August 3, 2013.
 
Second Quarter Results

Net sales for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013 increased 12.6% to $186.2 million compared with $165.4 million for the 13-week period ended July 28, 2012. Comparable store sales increased 0.3% on a calendar basis (comparable 13-week period). Second quarter Fiscal 2013 comparable store sales increased 4.8%. The week shift associated with the fiscal calendar (due to the 53^rd week last year) resulted in approximately $12 million of sales benefit in the second quarter.

Gross profit was 34.3% of net sales for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013, compared with 34.2% for the 13-week period ended July 28, 2012.

Store operating, selling and administrative expenses were 23.4% of net sales for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013, compared with 24.8% of net sales for the 13-week period ended July 28, 2012.
Net income for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013 increased 33.5% to $10.5 million compared with $7.9 million for the 13-week period ended July 28, 2012. Earnings per diluted share increased 33.3% to $0.40 for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013, compared with $0.30 for the 13-week period ended July 28, 2012.
 
Fiscal Year to Date Results

Net sales for the 26-week period ended August 3, 2013 increased 7.0% to $426.2 million compared with $398.4 million for the 26-week period ended July 28, 2012. Comparable store sales increased 0.6% on a calendar basis (comparable 26-week period).

Gross profit was 36.3% of net sales for the 26-week period ended August 3, 2013, compared with 36.4% for the 26-week period ended July 28, 2012.

Store operating, selling and administrative expenses were 20.8% of net sales for the 26-week period ended August 3, 2013, compared with 21.0% of net sales for the 26-week period ended July 28, 2012.
Net income for the 26-week period ended August 3, 2013 was $36.8 million compared with $34.3 million for the 26-week period ended July 28, 2012. Earnings per diluted share increased 9.4% to $1.40 for the 26-week period ended August 3, 2013, compared with $1.28 for the 26-week period ended July 28, 2012.

Jeff Rosenthal, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We delivered a solid increase in earnings for the second quarter. Comparable store sales were softer than planned due to a challenging economic environment; however, we are encouraged by a strong start to the third quarter. New store performance continues to be strong and we remain confident with the pace of new store openings.”

For the quarter, Hibbett opened 17 new stores, expanded 3 high performing stores and closed 4 underperforming stores, bringing the store base to 892 in 31 states as of August 3, 2013. For Fiscal 2014, the Company expects to open 70-75 new stores, expand approximately 18 high performing stores and close 15 to 20 stores.
 
Liquidity and Stock Repurchases

Hibbett ended the second quarter of Fiscal 2014 with $80.9 million of available cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet, no bank debt outstanding and full availability under its $80.0 million unsecured credit facilities.

During the second quarter, the Company repurchased 110,361 shares of common stock for a total expenditure of $6.2 million. Approximately $238.1 million of the total authorization remained for future stock repurchases as of August 3, 2013.
 
Fiscal 2014 Outlook

Given recent trends and on-going uncertainties in the economic environment, the Company is revising its guidance for the 52 weeks ending February 1, 2014, to earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.65 to $2.77, and an increase in comparable store sales (on a calendar basis) in the low single-digit range. This compares to previous guidance of earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.85 to $3.05, and an increase in comparable store sales (on a calendar basis) in the low to mid single-digit range.
 
Investor Conference Call and Simulcast

Hibbett Sports, Inc. will conduct a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET on Friday, August 23, 2013, to discuss second quarter Fiscal 2014 results. The number to call for the live interactive teleconference is (212) 231-2921. A replay of the conference call will be available until August 30, 2013, by dialing (402) 977-9140 and entering the passcode, 21646059.

The Company will also provide an online Web simulcast and rebroadcast of its second quarter Fiscal 2014 conference call. The live broadcast of Hibbett's quarterly conference call will be available online at www.hibbett.com under Investor Relations, or www.streetevents.com, on August 23, 2013, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET. The online replay will follow shortly after the call and be available for replay for one year.

Hibbett Sports, Inc. operates sporting goods stores in small to mid-sized markets, predominately in the South, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States. The Company’s primary store format is Hibbett Sports, a 5,000-square-foot store located in strip centers and enclosed malls.
 
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward looking statements" as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements address future events, developments or results and typically use words such as believe, anticipate, expect, intend, plan, forecast, guidance, outlook, or estimate. For example, our forward looking statements include statements regarding store opening, expansion and closing plans, liquidity, sales trends, margin trends, the effects of calendar shifts, earnings per diluted share and comparable store sales. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including economic conditions, industry trends, merchandise trends, vendor relationships, customer demand, and competition. For a discussion of these factors, as well as others which could affect our business, you should carefully review our Annual Report and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors," "Business" and "MD&A" sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 1, 2013 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on June 10, 2013. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the future events, developments or results described by our forward looking statements in this document could turn out to be materially and adversely different from those we discuss or imply. We are not obligated to release publicly any revisions to any forward looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report and you should not expect us to do so.

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013				July 28, 2012
Net sales		$	186,235		$	165,445		$	426,228			$	398,359
Cost of goods sold, distribution center and store occupancy costs			122,308			108,920			271,424				253,405
Gross profit			63,927			56,525			154,804				144,954
Store operating, selling and administrative expenses			43,642			40,968			88,754				83,772
Depreciation and amortization			3,319			3,180			6,644				6,406
Operating income			16,966			12,377			59,406				54,776
Interest expense, net			42			41			88				89
Income before provision for income taxes			16,924			12,336			59,318				54,687
Provision for income taxes			6,382			4,441			22,562				20,429
Net income		$	10,542		$	7,895		$	36,756			$	34,258
Net income per common share:
Basic earnings per share		$	0.41		$	0.30		$	1.42			$	1.30
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.40		$	0.30		$	1.40			$	1.28
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			25,950			26,228			25,929				26,289
Diluted			26,318			26,702			26,323				26,800

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
		August 3, 2013				February 2, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	80,913			$	76,911
Accounts receivable, net			6,916				5,954
Inventories, net			221,221				221,378
Prepaid expenses and other			25,213				17,371
Total current assets			334,263				321,614
Property and equipment, net			62,463				49,076
Other assets			6,221				6,641
Total assets		$	402,947			$	377,331
Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment
Accounts payable		$	94,770			$	102,021
Short-term capital leases			692				714
Accrued expenses			15,286				15,980
Total current liabilities			110,748				118,715
Non-current liabilities			18,813				19,489
Stockholders' investment			273,386				239,127
Total liabilities and stockholders' investment		$	402,947			$	377,331

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Information
(Unaudited)
	Thirteen Weeks Ended								Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
	August 3, 2013				July 28, 2012				August 3, 2013					July 28, 2012
Sales Information
Net sales increase		12.6	%			8.0	%			7.0	%				11.7	%
Comparable store sales increase		0.3	%1			4.8	%2			0.6	%1				8.4	%2
Store Count Information
Beginning of period		879				835				873					832
New stores opened		17				7				26					14
Stores closed		(4	)			(5	)			(7	)				(9	)
End of period		892				837				892					837
Stores expanded		3				3				8					5
Estimated square footage at end of period (in thousands)		5,129				4,788
Balance Sheet Information
Average inventory per store	$	248,006			$	237,719
Share Repurchase Program
Shares		110,361				176,443				209,791					493,403
Cost (in thousands)	$	6,188			$	10,219			$	11,628				$	27,021
1) Represents the increase in comparable store sales from the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2012 to the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2013.
2) As originally reported for the second quarter ended July 28, 2012. The comparable store sales increase was 12.5% and 10.3% for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended, respectively, adjusted for the week shift due to the 53rd week in Fiscal 2013.

Due to the 53rd week in Fiscal 2013, each quarter in Fiscal 2014 starts one week later than the same quarter in Fiscal 2013. The chart below presents comparable store sales for Fiscal 2013 as originally reported and as adjusted to represent the same 13-week period as the Fiscal 2014 quarters.
		Fiscal 2013
		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter		Full Year
Comparable store sales increase (originally reported)		11.1%		4.8%		6.4%		4.9%		6.9%
Comparable store sales increase (adjusted for week shift)		8.6%		12.5%		-0.7%		4.4%		6.0%
Impact of week shift		-2.5%		7.7%		-7.1%		-0.5%		-0.9%

Contacts
Hibbett Sports, Inc.
Scott J. Bowman, 205-942-4292 / Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Business news : Introducing the USA Colab, an Alliance of American Made Ski and Snowboard Manufacturers

Fourteen U.S. Ski and Snowboard Companies Join Together to Promote Made in the USA

Aug. 23, 2013 - PARK CITY, Utah -- Park City, UT – (8/22/2013)– Fourteen ski and snowboard companies proudly manufacturing in the USA have banded together to promote buying U.S.-made product for the upcoming ’13/’14 winter season. This venture brings together startups and established companies alike, working together to showcase U.S.-built product.

“We believe in small business, and more specifically quality craftsmanship and manufacturing based in the US,” said Zak Anderson, Co-Founder of Montana Ski Company. “Pooling our resources and combining efforts in the Colab is critical because we don't have the same marketing budgets as the larger ski manufacturers, so through the Colab we can, in a way, step up to the plate with the big boys.”

The efforts of the initial USA Colab include promoting U.S.-made products and announcing the USA Colab group through a targeted ad campaign, which can be seen in SKIING, Powder, Freeskier, Snowboard, and Backcountry magazines. Additionally, the project has retained Terra PR and Terra Spectrum Social to help expand visibility through earned and social media channels to help spread the gospel of buying American made.

“Wagner joined the Colab because we love American made products and we're proud of the precision-crafted skis that we create in our Colorado factory” said Pete Wagner, CEO & Founder of Wagner Skis. “We would be very excited if going forward all skiers and snowboarders asked the standard car-buying and farmer's market question: Where is this produced?”
In addition to internal funding, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development has matched money contributed by the five Utah-based companies participating in the USA Colab. 

Founding Members of the US Colab include:
Batalla: www.batallaskis.com 

Bluehouse: www.bluehouseskis.com  

Fat-ypus: www.fat-ypus.com 

High Society Freeride Company: www.highsocietyfreeride.com 

Icelantic: www.icelanticskis.com 

L2R Snowboards: www.l2rsnowboards.com  

Meier Skis: www.meierskis.com  

Montana Ski Company: www.montanaskicompany.com  

RAMP Sports: www.rampsports.com  

Rocky Mountain Underground: www.rockymountainunderground.com  

Voile: www.voile.com  

Wagner Custom: www.wagnerskis.com  

Zoo York Snowboards: www.zooyorksnowboards.com  

4FRNT: www.4frnt.com 

Links: 

USA Colab Website: www.USAColab.com  

USA Colab on Facebook: www.facebook.com/USAColab

About USA Colab:

USA Colab is a group of 14 ski and snowboard manufacturers that have come together to help promote buying American-made skis and snowboards. Founded in 2013, the group continues to grow as more and more companies realize the benefits that can come from banding together to help deliver the message of American manufacturing. 

 

By press release

Business news : US boat sales surge in July

The heat of July — the heart of the American summer — never fails to lure boat owners and their families to the water. This year, it also apparently attracted plenty of new people to boating.

After the industry’s late spring rally appeared to fade in June, recreational boat sales suddenly got hot in July. Led by aluminum pontoon boats and 11- to 40-foot outboards, five of the seven categories in the industry’s main powerboat segments showed double-digit sales gains in 31 early reporting states, according to figures compiled by Statistical Surveys.

Pontoon sales rose 24.8 percent, or 769 boats, to 3,867, giving the increasingly popular segment the best results of any of the industry’s high-volume categories. Close behind were small to mid-sized outboards, where the gain was 23.1 percent, or 658 boats, to 3,512.

Sales of aluminum fishing boats, which have closely tracked pontoons for more than a year, rose a strong 20.4 percent, or 449 boats, to 2,652.

Sales in the main segments rose 18 percent overall, or 1,771 boats, to 11,609, and industrywide sales gained 12.9 percent, or 2,317 boats, to 20,318. The early-reporting states represent 62 percent of the national market.

Ryan Kloppe, national marine sales manager at Statistical Surveys, said it was a relief to finally see the surge in boat sales that the industry has been expecting.

“Everybody has been talking about pent-up demand,” he said. “We’re obviously seeing some of that in July.”

With 19 states and more than a third of the market yet to report, the industry has a chance to surpass its 50-state totals for July 2012, when 14,767 boats were sold in the main segments and 28,192 were sold industrywide as sales continued a year-long recovery from recession-era levels.

Sales of 31- to 40-foot cruisers grew by 10 boats to 98 in July and sales of 41- to 62-foot yachts rose by 15 to 70. The Coast Guard was up to date on its reports of documented vessels, so the sales figures for boats larger than 31 feet were complete.

The 14- to 30-foot sterndrive and inboard category was the only one in the main segments that had a poor month. Sales in the category dropped by 127 boats, or 8.4 percent, to 1,391.

Sales of ski boats, which traditionally do well in the summer, rose 19.7 percent, or 113, to 686, and personal watercraft sales climbed by 532 units, or 10.1 percent, to 5,815.

Sales of jetboats continued to suffer in the absence of Sea-Doo, which has left the market, falling by 176 boats, or 34.6 percent, to 333. Kloppe has said he expects sales in the segment to improve once builders that plan to move into it begin to roll out their boats.

Sailboat sales rose 9.5 percent, or 20 boats, to 231.


By Jack Atzinger ( tradeonlytoday.com)