Ralph Lauren Introduces the Next Evolution of Wearable Technology

First luxury lifestyle brand to offer smart apparel collection, to be tested at the US Open

FLUSHING, N.Y.--Aug. 25, 2014-- Ralph Lauren Corp. is unveiling the high-performance, fashion-forward Polo Tech shirt on opening day of the US Open. The Polo Tech shirt is an innovative new product from a fashion brand that merges biometrics into active lifestyle apparel, marking a revolution in advanced technology designed to improve general wellness and increase personal fitness.

The Ralph Lauren Polo Tech shirt features sensors knitted into the core of the product to read biological and physiological information. With Ralph Lauren’s leadership in the design community, the compression shirt also has a sleek look in black with a signature yellow Polo Player logo. The second-skin fit enhances comfort and agility.

As the official outfitter of the two-week U.S. Tennis Association tournament, Ralph Lauren is dressing several ball boys in the Polo Tech Shirt during select matches at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center. Marcos Giron, the No. 1 singles player in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, is playing in his first Grand Slam in Flushing, and he will wear the Polo Tech shirt during his practices. He will track his biometrics and making adjustments in real time to his play, form and breathing.

“Ralph Lauren continues to be at the cutting edge of fashion and culture,” said David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations. “Our goal is to create and reflect the ultimate lifestyle, and we believe that a healthy and active life is an essential part of that. Ralph Lauren is excited to help lead the industry in wearable technology in this ever-evolving, modern world.”

David Brewer, US Open Tournament Director, said there are features in the Polo Tech shirt that can “revolutionize how players train and compete.”

“The fact that Ralph Lauren chose the US Open as the venue to unveil its Polo Tech shirt enhances our tradition as a showcase for innovation,” said Brewer.

Beyond elite athletes, however, David Lauren also sees a place for the Polo Tech shirt in everyday life. “Our vision is that this will transcend sports to help us at every age and in every aspect of life. Reaching far beyond just the needs of elite athletes, Polo Tech will offer innovative technology for all ages and lifestyles to promote general wellness and quality of life.”

The Ralph Lauren Polo Tech shirt was developed with proprietary technology from Canadian-based OMsignal, whose team includes experts in neuroscience, sports medicine and engineering. With OMsignal, the shirt itself is the sensor. The OM platform delivers a wide variety of physiological data through seamless apparel directly to the users via an app on their smartphone.

“It was clear from our very first meeting that Ralph Lauren had clarity of mind about the future of fashion tech,” said Stéphane Marceau, CEO of OMsignal. “Its legendary Polo brand and unparalleled design and merchandising capabilities make Ralph Lauren a natural partner to bring smart clothing technology into everyday lives."

With OMsignal, the data collected by the shirt is stored by a “black box,” which includes an accelerometer and gyroscope, which capture movement and direction. That ”black box” transmits the data into the cloud, where it is plugged into a number of algorithms that gauge important performance-oriented biometrics, including heartbeat and respiration, as well as some psychometrics, such as stress level and energy output.

As Ralph Lauren further expands its high-tech presence, this Polo Tech shirt represents the Company’s most recent initiative in the technology realm. The launch follows other innovative platforms already established such as the 4D Light Show, The Dog Walk – a unique digital collaboration showcasing the Ralph Lauren Fall 2013 Accessories Collection in collaboration with the ASPCA® and the RL Children’s Virtual Storybook.

The debut at the US Open marks the first time a global sporting event is being used as a platform to launch a collection of wearable products.

Please find additional information, imagery and video footage at http://www.image.net/RLPoloTech.
 
ABOUT RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 47 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Polo Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, Chaps and Club Monaco, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

For more information, go to http://investor.ralphlauren.com.
 
ABOUT OMSIGNAL

OMsignal has developed a revolutionary bio-sensing clothing platform with a line of clothing products that connect seamlessly with mobile devices. OMsignal innovative garments are designed for performance and fitness as well as for everyday wear, and to compliment life without getting in the way of daily life. Based in Montreal, Canada, OMsignal is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Real Ventures, Golden Venture Partners, Mistral Venture Partners, Flextronics, David Cohen and Primera Capital.



Source: Ralph Lauren Corporation
 
PRESS:
Ralph Lauren Corporation /Ryan Lally, 212-318-7116 / Vice President, Corporate Communications
Ryan.Lally@RalphLauren.com

Skullcandy and USC Center for Body Computing Turn Up the Volume on Health and Music During 8th Annual Body Computing Conference

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2014 -- Skullcandy Inc. (Nasdaq:SKUL) announced a strategic collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) Center for Body Computing (CBC) to present the premier USC CBC SLAM at the annual Body Computing Conference to be held on the USC Los Angeles campus on October 3. The competition will challenge the greatest minds from multiple disciplines to discover new ways to harness the power of music and advance human performance.

Over the next month, teams from around the world are invited to submit concepts that combine the latest thinking around audio, biometrics and music to uncover new ways for people to perform at a higher level and improve their overall health. Finalists will be invited to present their findings before a prestigious panel of experts, including CBC founder and Executive Director and Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at USC's Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Leslie Saxon and Skullcandy CEO Hoby Darling as well as other experts from various fields.

Mr. Darling, calls the collaboration, "A step toward unlocking the potential of music to increase human performance." He added, "We have seen from working with the spectrum of people from the elite athlete to the grandparent affected by Dementia or Alzheimer's, that music can play an important role in improving performance and unlocking potential." Darling shared his enthusiasm over joining with the CBC team, "We are excited to coordinate with the CBC to accelerate learning around how to harness the power of music to help people. We both believe that the biggest innovations often come when combining ideas from multiple disciplines and areas ranging from creativity, sports, science, art, music and technology - there is no limit to what the SLAM teams may discover."

Skullcandy's knowledge of the industry's latest audio technologies and advanced functionalities through its Advanced Concepts Engineering and Product Development teams make its exploration of expanding human potential through music a natural step. In initial third-party studies, music has been shown to affect heart rate, brainwaves and mood, and research is just scratching the surface in understanding how to improve health and alter physical, emotional and cognitive states.

Skullcandy's participation with the USC CBC conference furthers its goal to be the most innovative company in audio, and its deeper mission to help people live better lives and unlock their potential.

"As an athlete, I have seen personally the powerful effect music can have on performance," said three-time Olympian and head of Skullcandy Sports Performance and Human Potential, Emily Cook. "Skullcandy's experience in providing music and inspiration to many of the most accomplished athletes from 3X world champion surfer Mick Fanning to NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving makes this collaboration with USC CBC a perfect evolution."

The annual USC Body Computing Conference, now in its eighth year, is the premier gathering of a dynamic mix of leading experts in the digital health sector. Dr. Saxon echoes Skullcandy's enthusiasm about collaborating on the CBC SLAM event this year.

"Each year we re-dedicate ourselves to finding the most innovative technology solutions that transcend and transform the health experience," said Saxon. "This year's collaboration with Skullcandy showcases how together we can disrupt traditional ways of thinking to change health and human performance by harnessing the power of music and biometrics."

For more information please visit: www.skullcandy.com/blog/2014/08/23/now-streaming-live-bio-music. Proposals are due by September 22 and finalists for the live pitch in Los Angeles will be chosen by September 26.

About Skullcandy Inc.

Skullcandy is the original lifestyle and performance audio brand inspired by the creativity and irreverence of youth culture. Skullcandy designs, markets and distributes audio and gaming headphones and other accessory related products under the Skullcandy, Astro Gaming and 2XL brands.

Find out more on the company's website at www.skullcandy.com.

University of Southern California (USC) Center for Body Computing (CBC)

Founded in 2007 as an independent health center which is part of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the USC Center for Body Computing is an interdisciplinary brain trust that works with schools throughout the USC system including: Marshall School of Business, the Viterbi School of Engineering, the School of Cinematic Arts, USC Athletics and other innovators. The CBC mission is simple: To study, accelerate and create digital solutions that improve worldwide health. The CBC specializes in the incubation of ideas, products and services for chronic disease management, sports monitoring, mHealth, and gaming and entertainment through collaborations from Silicon Valley to Hollywood embracing techies, creatives and research-driven medical health experts.

To become a member or learn more, visit: uscbodycomputing.org.


By press release source Skullcandy Inc, Provided by Acquire Media


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Icebreaker Appoints New General Manager For Europe

Footwear and apparel industry veteran Peter Ottervanger to lead European operations based in Germany


Starnberg, Germany (August 12, 2014) – Icebreaker, the New Zealand company that pioneered outdoor merino wool apparel, today announced that Peter Ottervanger will join the brand as General Manager for Europe. Peter will be responsible for all of Icebreaker’s business interests in Europe, overseeing wholesale, retail and eCommerce sales that represents 45% of Icebreaker’s global sales, and the supporting operations and customer service teams.

“Peter’s strong leadership experience in growing the European market for global footwear and apparel brands will be an incredible asset to Icebreaker,” says Rob Fyfe, Icebreaker Chief Executive Officer. “As a proven motivational leader, he has a tremendous understanding of the multichannel and wholesale landscape, which will ensure our continued long term growth across Europe.”

Peter brings over 30 years of experience to Icebreaker, most recently as the Vice President & General Manager for Sole Technology EMEA, where he managed European direct markets, distributors and agents for their entire portfolio of brands in footwear, apparel, snowboard boots and snow outerwear; and developed new markets in the Middle East and Africa. He previously served as Managing Director for O’Neill Europe’s retail division, responsible for the overall European retail strategy with a portfolio of 30 stores and as the European Retail Manager for Dockers Europe.

“Icebreaker’s strong DNA, highly regarded functional and technical layer systems and outdoor sports lifestyle angle - all rooted in a sustainable business model- is ticking a lot of boxes for me,” says Peter Ottervanger. “I am very proud to join the team, develop and implement the long term growth strategy and build on strong relationship within the organization and through business partners across all markets.”

Peter will be based at Icebreaker’s European headquarters in Starnberg, Germany beginning October 1, 2014.

About Icebreaker

Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 44 countries. Visit our press room at Icebreaker Media Center, and jeremymoon.me for more information on Icebreaker founder Jeremy Moon.  Follow Icebreaker on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

For further information: Contact: Shana Frahm Icebreaker Global PR shana.frahm@icebreaker.com

Source Icebreaker

Blockhead Skateboards Announces Launch of Skate Crate

New Brand Ties 100 Years of Skateboarding to Modern Design and DIY Movement

Oceanside, CA - August 19, 2014 - Skate Crate, the new retro-skateboarding inspired brand, launches today with a highly anticipated Kickstarter campaign. The brand, created by Blockhead Skateboard's founder and original Built To Shred TV show creative director Dave Bergthold, takes skateboards back to their 100-year-old origins.

Skate Crate takes skateboarding's original concept of a 2x4 with metal wheels and a fruit crate and fuses it with modern designs and components, creating a smooth ride and stylish mode of transportation. The initial product line includes both easy-to-build and decorate DIY kits as well as fully-assembled, finished products featuring art by respected skateboard artists Ben Horton and Ron Cameron.

Utilizing high quality Baltic Birch and Canadian Maple for both the crate and modern skateboard deck, Skate Crate replaces the bone shaking metal wheels of old with smooth riding urethane cruiser wheels. The crates feature eyelet hooks to easily tie down a 12-pack, groceries, or a backpack inside the box. Vintage fruit crate labels, classic motorcycle racing, and car club designs were the influence for the fully-assembled Flying Tiger, Raceway, and Sidewalk Screamer models. The DIY kits come unassembled with racing-inspired decals available to encourage hands-on fun.

"Right now there's a backlash about screen time, media overload, and the drive time people are faced with," says Skate Crate founder Dave Bergthold. "When people have a chance to be creative or have some fun, it's on limited time, so we wanted to make something that incorporates both DIY creativity and being outdoors. The Skate Crate offers a stylish design and is fun for both adults and kids. Plus, with the DIY kit we've given people the opportunity to add their own style and creativity and given them a little direction if they need it."

About Blockhead Skateboards : 

Blockhead was founded in 1985 in a northern California garage by Dave Bergthold and lasted about ten years. During that time many friendships were made, good times were had, careers were launched, and lots of great skateboarding went down. Blockhead definitely made it’s mark in the skateboarding world whether it was the original style of Ron Cameron’s artwork, heated sessions on the most famous mini-ramp of all times ‘The Blockhead Ramp’, or the wealth of talented individuals that went on to shape the future of the skateboard industry or excel as professional skateboarders. Ever hear of Rick Howard, Steve Berra, Jason Dill, Omar Hassan, Jeremy Wray or Laban Pheidias?

Garage days revisited

Blockhead has been dug up from the grave and dragged it back into the garage. The old videos have been remastered and re-released and some of the old favorite board graphics have seen new life again. Ron Cameron, the original Bockhead artist has even inked some new graphics, the latest being a new Hard Times 8 and custom one-of-a-kind “skARTplanks” all coming beginning of 2011. The new board shapes are designed to be modern, yet have some fun and funky influences from the old classics.
 
Oh, there’s even a new Blockhead Ramp! Sessions are still going down regularly on the 20+ year old coping from the original bowl.


By press release

SMU Football Announces Partnership with Unequal Technologies for Athlete Protection

Mustangs are first NCAA Division I football program to outfit every helmet with Unequal

DALLAS, Aug. 26, 2014 -- SMU Athletics announced today it has entered into a multiyear partnership with Unequal® Technologies, the leading provider of customized, concealed sports protection. Unequal will be The Official Protection Partner of SMU Football, and each SMU football helmet will be outfitted with the Unequal Gyro, a supplemental helmet liner fortified with Kevlar® and Accelleron®, which predicts a significantly lower risk of concussions.

SMU is the first NCAA Division I football program to partner with Unequal for team-wide protective gear. In addition to the Gyro for head protection, SMU student-athletes will also have access to body protection gear from Unequal including the Invincible top, Viper girdle and custom shoulder, hip, thigh, knee or rib padding.

"There is no question Unequal is the right partner for us. You can't win if your players are in the training room, and as a coach or administrator, you're not doing everything you can to keep your student-athletes healthy unless you're using the most advanced protection available," said SMU head coach June Jones. "Unequal is the best thing that has come along for contact sports. We look forward to not only using Unequal's protective sports gear but to working with the team at Unequal to continue to make their products better and to spread awareness to every college and league across the country."

SMU Equipment Manager Albert Veytia began experimenting with Unequal padding as early as 2011 after learning Unequal was responsible for outfitting pro quarterback Tony Romo with protection following a rib fracture. Multiple SMU student-athletes have used layers of Unequal padding to reinforce shoulder pads or rib protectors and help protect against injuries in previous seasons.

All Unequal distinctively green products use a patented battle-grade composite fortified with Kevlar® and Accelleron® to absorb and disperse impact forces beyond the performance of any sports protection of similar weight or thickness.

"We admire SMU's commitment to keeping their student-athletes safe on the field of play and are excited to have them as a partner," said Unequal CEO Rob Vito. "The Mustangs and Coach Jones are thought leaders in college athletics and recognize the need for the best protective gear available to their players. We see Unequal giving the Mustangs an added edge in competition this fall and look forward to working with the athletic department, student-athletes, alumni and Mustang fans for many years."

To learn more about SMU Mustang football, visit www.SMUMustangs.com. For more information on Unequal products or Unequal Technologies, visit unequal.com.

About SMU Athletics

SMU, the only Division I athletic program in Dallas, Texas, sponsors 17 sports and is a proud member of the American Athletic Conference. More information about SMU and its coaches, student-athletes and teams is available at www.SMUMustangs.com.

About Unequal Technologies

Unequal Technologies' mission is to protect people in the military, sports, work and life. Its patented fusion of a battle-grade composite fortified with Kevlar® and Accelleron® is engineered for customized, concealed protection. The leading provider of supplemental protection technology, Unequal is committed to help reduce blunt force trauma suffered by athletes and soldiers. Professionals in the NFL, MLB, NHL and X Games, as well as thousands of collegiate and youth athletes in football, baseball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, action sports, contact sports and other activities, wear Unequal's protective head and body gear. Unequal owns 85 international and U.S. patents and patents pending, and its products have been tested by independent, certified laboratories, OEM facilities and top universities. Unequal is recognized as a Forbes' 100 Most Promising Companies, ESPN's Top 15 Best Sports Innovations, the No. 1 tech innovation of 2013 by Esquire.com and for the DuPont™ Kevlar® Innovation Award.

For more information, visit unequal.com.

Contact:
Greg Miller, for Unequal Technologies/ 214-891-7668, office/ greg_miller@richards.com

SOURCE Unequal Technologies bypress release

Eddie Bauer Opens the Ultimate Resource for Adventure Outfitting at Lincoln Park Centre

SEATTLE, Wash. – August 28, 2014 – Eddie Bauer today opens the ultimate resource for outfitting outdoor adventure in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. With a brand new look and feel, unrivaled customer service, and the latest in high-performance products, Eddie Bauer enables customers to gear up and get outdoors.


“We are thrilled to be back in Chicago,” said Mike Egeck, Chief Executive Officer for Eddie Bauer. “The Lincoln Park Centre location is the 14th store for Eddie Bauer in the greater Chicago area, and our commitment to the community has never been stronger. We look forward to being able to outfit customers with award-winning apparel and gear, and to enable all their outdoor adventures.”

The store features over 6,700 square feet of retail space designed with a modern outdoor aesthetic. Customers will have access to featured Men’s and Women’s products from all four of Eddie Bauer’s premium series including award-winning technical outerwear and gear from First Ascent, field apparel and gear from Sport Shop, travel-ready apparel from Travex, and active-minded lifestyle apparel from the iconic Outdoor series. Customers will also discover Eddie Bauer’s new footwear collection which offers the ultimate in performance, comfort, and durability – no matter the terrain.

In celebration of the store opening, the first 250 customers will receive an Eddie Bauer Pop-up Light, and through August 31^st all customers will have the opportunity to enter to win a $150, $250, and/or $500 giftcard.

The new Eddie Bauer store in Lincoln Park Centre is located at 755 West North Avenue, Space #110, Chicago, IL 60610.

To learn more about Eddie Bauer, please visit www.eddiebauer.com.

About Eddie Bauer 

Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, footwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. Eddie Bauer is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style, and customer service.  Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 400 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Japan through catalog sales and online at www.eddiebauer.com. Eddie Bauer is proud to be named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion.

Source Eddie Bauer by press release

La Sportiva opens its first flagship store in Arco!

Located in Via Segantini 13, the main street of Arco city. 

The relationship that exists between the town of Arco and La Sportiva goes back a long way and has marked the history of climbing as we know it today. Back in 1987, feeling the area’s climbing potential, La Sportiva dedicated one of the first climbing guides in the area, to Arco’s climbing crags. 
Those years also saw the start of the partnership between La Sportiva and the glorious Rock Master climbing competition, which today is the most important climbing festival in the world.

Arco is today the obvious choice for La Sportiva’s first flagship store:  the shop is a reference point for mountain lovers from near and far, considering the international appeal of Arco’s city centre and its surrounding mountains.

The store, in via Segantini 13, covers a surface of 100 square metres and is home to the tradition, innovation and passion that has accompanied the brand and each one of its projects since 1928.  

Inside the store, which is run in collaboration with the expert staff of Vertical Sport from Arco, you can find the entire product range from the well-known climbing shoes, to the latest mountain running shoes, including the full range of ski mountaineering, hiking, trekking and approach boots; a complete collection of footwear and technical clothing for those who live the mountain 360°, 365 days a year.  The La Sportiva Shop: for your mountain.

Source La Sportiva

NIKITA CLOTHING INTRODUCES FALL STREETWEAR AND OUTERWEAR COLLECTION

ROAD TRIP CHIC MEETS BOHEMIAN FOLKLORE

PORTLAND, OR August 27, 2014 - Nikita Clothing announced today the arrival of its new Fall/Winter 14/15 collection to thousands of doors internationally, with a growing availability in the US. Outerwear follows with an October arrival.

The line features the signature style of Nikita’s founder and lead designer Heida Birgisdottir, complemented by the ideas and influence of long-time design partner David Young, both out of Reykjavik, Iceland.

“The collection is inspired by ‘Journeys’—both the literal, brand refresh path that Nikita has embarked on, and also the wandering and adventures the Nikita customer seeks daily,” said Vicki Vasil, Nikita Brand Manager. “The line’s whimsical yet functional nature is true to our customer, featuring classic Nikita lines and details that speak to Heida’s Icelandic roots.”

The streetwear collection features two stories. Crossroads is inspired by the Road Trip, and features plaids, denims and geometric patterns that purvey a rock n’ roll, adventure-seeking lifestyle. Wildwood, the second story, is where wilderness meets bohemian folklore, and features unique animal graphics, and rich earth tones.

The outerwear collection is heavily inspired by Scandinavian culture, and in particular, the weaving technique used in textiles. And the hardgoods collection features boards, boots and bindings that provide high-end tech and design with artist collab graphics that appeal to Nikita’s wide range of customer. There is also an activewear collection aimed at Nikita’s multi-active consumer, a market Nikita targets more directly in their Spring/Summer 15 collection.

“We hope that consumers have begun to see Nikita as a 360-degree brand, poised to bring authentic product for entrepreneurial, active and fashion-forward women worldwide,” said VP of Nikita Frank Aeschbacher. “The Fall collection is an important step in that journey.” 

En route to an elevated fashion aesthetic for the Spring 15 collection, FW 14/15 offers both cool and cozy pieces that are already selling out.

or a complete list of retailers worldwide go to http://www.nikitaclothing.com/stores. View the Fall collection video and a Spring/Summer 15 preview at vimeo.com/nikitaclothing.

About Nikite Clothing: 
 

Nikita Clothing was born with a few handmade items based out of Iceland in the 1990s, and today has become one of the most popular brands for active girls worldwide. Collections in street, outerwear, and hardgoods provide a contrast of design, style, and functionality. Fit for purpose and made to resonate with similarly motivated, spirited, creative, and entrepreneurial women worldwide. Nikita. Made not manufactured. www.nikitaclothing.com


By press release

runScribe Fitness Wearable Exceeds 200% of Kickstarter Goal in First Week

Advanced kinematic metrics help runners assess performance and make smarter training decisions

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25, 2014-- Scribe Labs unveiled its first product, runScribe™, on Kickstarter last week and saw its campaign surpass the $50,000 funding goal in 52 hours. The fitness wearable provides kinematic metrics that help an athlete understand how factors like shoe selection, terrain and fatigue impact their running mechanics. Built with an advanced 9-axis integrated motion processor, runScribe's kinematic engine delivers the most advanced set of running metrics available outside of a professional lab environment.

The metrics offered in today's sports wearables are too limited to help athletes make meaningful change to improve their performance or reduce injury. While most wearable technology merely tracks steps, distance and speed - runScribe makes thousands of calculations for every stride and reports on 13 detailed metrics using kinematics – the study of the geometry of motion. The scale and detail of data available through runScribe has never been captured in a consumer device, giving athletes, trainers and coaches real-world data to make informed training decisions.

"The response from runners, both casual and professional, has been rewarding because they understand that running is a sport with an incredibly high injury rate. The metrics that we use today to assess our performance only tell part of the story," explains Tim Clark, CEO and co-founder of Scribe Labs. "As a community, we need to be smarter about how we run, and with runScribe, runners can have a deeper understanding about how the decisions they make impact their running mechanics."

To learn more about runScribe and new features being offered as the campaign exceeds its target, visit Kickstarter.

About Scribe Labs 

Scribe Labs founders Tim Clark and John Litschert met in 1993 at the US Olympic Training Center (USOTC), where they were part of a team that developed a cycling model using power pedals and 3D video. Their shared passion for technology and sports science resulted in their first product, runScribe, a lightweight, convenient running wearable that provides a 3D view of how an athlete runs. Scribe Labs products are driven by the belief that capturing real world performance data will advance the field of sports science, and help athletes, coaches and trainers make smarter training decisions. www.runscribe.com

SOURCE Scribe Labs by Press Release

Escalade Announces Sporting Goods Focus, Dividend Increase And Second Quarter Earnings

EVANSVILLE, Ind., Aug. 25, 2014 -- Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ: ESCA) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a plan to focus the Company on the Sporting Goods segment. The Company conducted a careful evaluation of each business unit with the objective of increasing shareholder value and redeploying capital where possible. The resulting plan includes the Company's intent to sell the Information Security business.

The decision to divest the Information Security business, coupled with the previously announced sale of its Print Finishing business on June 30, 2014, will represent the Company's complete exit from the Information Security and Print Finishing segment. Timing for the divesture of the Information Security business will be determined by market conditions, but is expected to be completed within one year. Escalade believes its focus on the Sporting Goods segment will facilitate better deployment of Company resources, increased market leadership and greater returns for shareholders.

Following this decision, Escalade's Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock from $0.09 per share to $0.10, to be paid to all shareholders of record on September 14, 2014 and disbursed on September 21, 2014. Escalade's Board of Directors will evaluate its dividend policy on an ongoing basis, giving careful consideration to the Company's financial condition, outlook, and potential cash flow requirements.

As a result of the decision to exit the Information Security business, effective as of the quarter ended July 12, 2014, the Company incurred an impairment of certain assets totaling $12.9 million. Net loss for the second quarter of 2014 was $8.1 million, or $(0.57) diluted earnings per share compared to net income of $2.6 million or $0.19 diluted earnings per share for the same quarter in 2013. Operating income from Continuing Operations for the quarter was $3.9 million compared with $6.0 million for the same quarter in 2013, a 35% decline. The decline in operating profits is primarily driven by a lower sales volume and an unfavorable product mix in certain Sporting Goods categories, coupled with increased product research and development investments for which the benefit will be realized in future quarters.

Revenue from the Sporting Goods business was flat for the second quarter of 2014 and up 4% for the first half of 2014, compared with the same periods in 2013. During the first half of 2013, the Company realized exceptional sales growth in certain categories that was not matched during the first half of 2014. The Company expects improved sales growth for the remainder of the year.

The Sporting Goods gross margin ratio for the first half of 2014 was 31.3% compared to 33.6% for the same period in 2013. Decreased gross margin resulted from lower sales in certain higher margin categories and increased product research and development investments.

"We are excited to announce Escalade's clear strategic vision for the Sporting Goods segment," stated Robert J. Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Escalade, Inc. "We are a team of sports and outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for innovation and a close connection to our brands and the active lifestyles they inspire. We look forward to building Escalade into a premier Sports and Outdoors company that will play an important leadership role in the $27 billion Sporting Goods equipment industry. Strong cash flow from profits in the Sporting Goods segment and proceeds from the sale of the Print Finishing business allowed the Company to reduce its debt by more than 50% thus far in 2014. As a result, the Company is pleased to increase its quarterly dividend."

Escalade is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods products sold worldwide. To obtain more information on the Company and its products, visit our website at: www.EscaladeInc.com or contact Deborah Meinert, Vice President and CFO at 812/467-4449.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, Escalade's ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which is has chosen to focus, Escalade's ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses, and the anticipated sale of its Information Security business, new product development, the continuation and development of key customer and supplier relationships, Escalade's ability to control costs, general economic conditions, fluctuation in operating results, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the securities market, Escalade's ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing, and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade's future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations
(Unaudited, In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
	Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data	July 12, 2014		July 13, 2013		July 12, 2014		July 13, 2013
Net sales	$38,012		$38,003		$135,456		$122,222
Costs, Expenses and Other Income
Cost of products sold	26,445		25,299		96,140		84,529
Selling, administrative and general expenses	6,879		5,980		22,951		19,817
Amortization	756		717		2,433		2,264
Operating Income	3,932		6,007		13,932		15,612
Interest expense	104		139		362		277
Other expense (income)	(213)		27		(3,400)		(2,551)
Equity method investment impairment	--		--		--		382
Income Before Income Taxes from continuing operations	4,041		5,841		16,970		17,504
Provision for Income Taxes from continuing operations	1,274		1,990		5,337		4,428
Net Income from continuing operations	2,767		3,851		11,633		13,076
Discontinuing operations
Loss from operations	(159)		(783)		(734)		(15,638)
Loss on classification as held for sale	(12,945)		--		(12,945)		--
Gain on disposal	547		--		547		--
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	(1,706)		450		(1,226)		787
Net Loss from discontinuing operations	(10,851)		(1,233)		(11,906)		(16,425)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (8,084)		$ 2,618		$ (273)		$ (3,349)
Basic Earnings Per Share Data:
Income from continuing operations	$  0.20		$  0.29		$  0.85		$  0.97
Loss from discontinued operations	(0.78)		(0.09)		(0.87)		(1.22)
Net Income (Loss)	$  (0.58)		$  0.19		$  (0.02)		$  (0.25)
Diluted Earnings Per Share Data:
Income from continuing operations	$  0.20		$  0.28		$  0.84		$  0.97
Loss from discontinued operations	(0.77)		(0.09)		(0.86)		(1.21)
Net Income (Loss)	$  (0.57)		$  0.19		$  (0.02)		$  (0.25)
Average shares outstanding	13,867		13,484		13,679		13,440

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In Thousands)
	July 12, 2014(Unaudited)		December 28, 2013(Audited)		July 13, 2013(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets excluding assets held for sale	$  63,115		$  64,655		$  55,911
Property, plant & equipment, net	10,563		10,635		9,959
Other assets	28,080		30,540		26,535
Goodwill	13,242		13,113		12,017
Assets held for sale	4,348		23,031		25,003
Total	$ 119,348		$ 141,974		$ 129,425
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities excluding liabilities  held for sale	$   24,551		$   36,839		$   32,901
Other liabilities	9,214		10,340		7,080
Liabilities  held for sale	5,130		6,840		6,679
Stockholders' equity	80,453		87,955		82,765
Total	$ 119,348		$ 141,974		$ 129,425

SOURCE Escalade, Incorporated by press release