Web news :Bern Unlimited Launches New Website

Kingston, MA's Bern Unlimited, well-known grass-roots head protection company serving the action sports market, announced the launch of its new interactive, mobile-device friendly website, bernunlimited.com

“We envision that this new site will generate a lot of return visits because of its rich and entertaining  content. With a clean aesthetic and robust athletes, products and cultural content, the site is definitely the best tool we’ve created to date,” said Josh Walker, brand manager.

Bern’s new site is completely optimized for all mobile devices. New features include  increased interactivity with Bern’s amazing roster of athletes across all disciplines; skate, snow, bmx, moto and urban cycling and a beefed up vendor locator with seamless connectivity to Bern’s online dealers and specialty accounts.  The new site will be Bern’s first internationally versioned website and a big step to showing the world a concise brand image.  The site offers a mass of original content and a variety of enhanced digital tools, video and information that showcase Bern’s unique product for 2013.

Bern is widely recognized as a style leader in head protection. With patented shapes, all season liner systems and clean core look and feel, it is no surprise that many head protection brands around the world have tried to emulate the Bern look.  Dennis Leedom, Bern’s founder and in-house mad scientist said, “From the start we haven’t been afraid to be different and use logic in what we think is smart, comfortable, stylish and fun head protection. We feel that this new, loose, fun feeling website embodies where Bern has come from, where it is today and where we are headed.”

Bern Unlimited is a lifestyle action sport company specializing in head protection for non-motorized action sports. Bern is passionate, focused and committed to providing skaters, snowboarders, skiers, cyclists and wakeboarders with adaptable All Season head protection that fits each rider’s individual personality and style.

( SportsOneSource Media )

Business news : Big Agnes Names Mystery Mountain as Sales Agency for Western Canada

Big Agnes Inc., maker of sleeping bags, pads and tents, added Mystery Mountain Enterprises, Inc. to its sales team. Mystery Mountain will manage sales of Big Agnes products and Helinox trekking poles and camp furniture in Western Canada, covering British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“We are thrilled to add someone with Michael’s industry experience and proven track record to the sales team,” says Garth Evans, Big Agnes Sales Manager. “Not only does he bring street cred as a sales rep to the table but he’s a seasoned climber and mountaineer with invaluable product knowledge and feedback.”

Mystery Mountain has represented premium outdoor specialty brands, including hard goods manufacturers of tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads in Western Canada since 1988. Michael Down, principal of Mystery Mountain, is perhaps best known as one of Canada’s most accomplished mountaineers, as he’s climbed Everest and the “Seven Summits” as well as made numerous technical first ascents on many of North America’s greatest peaks.

“As a mountaineer and serious gear freak, I’ve really enjoyed using Big Agnes kit over the last several years, especially because of the extra comfort and light weight qualities,” says Down. “I’m super excited to take this experience to my customers. This is a fantastic opportunity and given the good folks at Big Agnes and the cheeky nature of the brand, it’s also going to be a ton off fun.” Mystery Mountain also represents Scarpa, Wigwam, Korkers, Innate and Nikwax.

( SportsOneSource Media )

Business and webnews :RecoFit Compression Gear Upgrades Packaging, Website and Logo

Boulder, Colo., Nov 30, 2012 -
RecoFit Compression Gear is introducing bold new packaging with dramatic photography and a redesigned logo to its technical performance product line. The upgraded packaging will be eye-catching to consumers as well as easy to use for retail staff.

Moving from the previous open, hanger design to enclosed boxes with consumer- and retailer-friendly slide-out trays simplifies showing the RecoFit product to customers. It also makes it easier to then repack the product back inside the box. With extra-heavy paper stock, the new boxes will hold up to the every-day demands of a busy retail environment.

RecoFit's exciting new packaging features two box sizes: the smaller version for the RecoFit Calf Compression Sleeves and Armcoolers with Xylitol; and the larger size for the RecoFit Full-leg Compression Sleeves and the Shin-splint Therapy Compression Sleeves with freezer gel packs. The uniformity of size and shape will facilitate clean, graphic displays for retailers, whether on slat walls or display racks.

RecoFit Compression Gear is known for its technical warp knit fabric. It features oxygenation-enhancing carbon yard from Resistex of Italy and extraordinarily high Lycra spandex content-based, high-compression fabric. It breathes, disperses heat and moisture and provides gradient compression. And RecoFit's left- and right-leg-design enhances performance and recovery benefits.
RecoFit's calf and leg compression products are proudly made in the USA, and now its packaging is as well -- and it's recyclable!

RecoFit is designed and tested by athletes in Boulder, Colo., and made in the USA.
Official Compression Sponsor for: MarkAllenOnline Triathlon Team, Garmin-Sharp Pro Cycling Team, Fleet Feet Sports Triathlon Team/Boulder

Website : http://recofit.co/

Susan Eastman Walton / RecoFit Compression Gear /  recofit@gmail.com / 303/415-0580,

Business people : Fred Hernandez Appointed Director of Marketing, 2XU North America

Carlsbad, California, Nov 30, 2012 -

2XU, the leader in high performance athletic apparel is thrilled to announce Fred Hernandez as its new Director of Marketing for North America. With 18 years of invaluable marketing experience in the technology, sports, hospitality, government and manufacturing sectors, Hernandez couldn’t be a better fit for the brand.

 "I’m thrilled to be joining 2XU at such an exciting time,” said Hernandez, “the company is primed for growth and I look forward to contributing to the marketing effort."

 As Director of Marketing for 2XU North America, Hernandez is tasked with numerous responsibilities for the growing 2XU brand. Among them, Hernandez will develop and facilitate strategic partnerships and alliances across multiple channels increasing brand exposure for 2XU throughout the sports industry and beyond.

 "We are delighted to welcome Fred into our team in this strategically critical role for 2XU North America,” said 2XU North America’s Chief Operating Officer Doug Vargo.  

 “Fred's years of relevant industry experience and expertise will be pivotal to our continued growth and success for the future."

With a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from San Diego State University, Hernandez has his finger on the pulse with previous tenures at Modern Postcard, a full-service direct mail marketing company, Hunter Industries, a forerunner in irrigation products for high-end, residential, industrial and commercial applications, and Berryman & Henigar, a leading civil engineering consulting firm.

 Furthermore, Hernandez is an active member of a number of marketing committees— the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the American Marketing Association as well as the Direct Marketing Association.

With a relentless commitment to engineering world-class garments from fabrics delivering tangible benefits to the wearer, 2XU sets the benchmark in high performance sports apparel.  Ongoing testing, research and consultation with professional sporting bodies, is integral to the brand’s winning formula. 

About 2XU

2XU ("Two Times You") was launched in January 2005, and is driven by a relentless company mission to advance human performance through the development of world-leading athletic garments.  In its first year, 2XU graced the skin of multiple World Champion athletes and has since formed powerful alliances and key partnerships with World Champions across the globe in numerous sports including Triathlon, Cycling, Swimming, Netball, AFL, Soccer, NRL, NFL, NBA and Running.  2XU is also the exclusive Official Compression Supplier to the Australian Institute of Sport, IRONMAN®, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), US Ski Team, US Snowboarding, US Freeskiing, and the USSA Center of Excellence. 

Founded and based in Melbourne, Australia, with North American Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA, 2XU is fast becoming the most technical sports brand in the world.  Designed and tested in consultation with industry experts, all garments employ intelligent physiological design, cutting edge performance fabrics and construction. 

Sofia Whitcombe / Mfa, Ltd / swhitcombe@mfaltd.com 

Business news : HanesBrands to Take Charge to Reduce Debt

HanesBrands announced it will use its strong cash position to reduce long-term debt this year by another $250 million and reduce interest expense in 2013 by prepaying half of its $500 million of 8 Percent Senior Notes Due 2016 a year earlier than originally anticipated.

The redemption of the bonds on Dec. 27 will reduce the company’s total bond debt to $1.25 billion, and the company’s year-end long-term debt is expected to be less than 2.5 times EBITDA, a significant achievement in leverage reduction since the company’s 2006 spinoff.

By using a make-whole provision that is part of the bond indenture, the company has determined that it can prepay its 8 percent notes now with no additional interest and call premiums than if it waited to retire the bonds in December 2013.

“We have a substantial amount of cash on hand now as a result of strong cash flow in 2012, we are committed to reducing our debt, and we have determined there is no benefit or need to wait to start prepaying our 8 percent notes,” Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said. “With this debt payment, the era of being a highly leveraged company is a thing of the past.”

The company expects to take a pretax charge of approximately $34 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 for bond prepayment expenses due through Dec. 15, 2013, and acceleration of noncash unamortized debt costs.

Fourth-Quarter 2012 and Full-Year 2013 Guidance

Other than the approximately $34 million charge related to early bond redemption to be incurred in the fourth quarter, all other fourth-quarter guidance issued on Oct. 23, 2012, in conjunction with third-quarter results remains the same. That guidance included expected net sales for the quarter of approximately $1.13 billion to $1.17 billion and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations of $1.00 to $1.06.

For 2013, the prepayment of bonds will reduce interest expense, although a resulting higher tax rate will partially offset the benefits. The company expects interest expense of approximately $120 million in 2013, which includes approximately $15 million in expected prepayment expenses and accelerated noncash unamortized debt costs to retire the remaining $250 million of 8 percent notes in 2013. As a result, Hanes has increased its 2013 EPS guidance from the low $3 range to expectations of $3.25 to $3.40. Net sales are expected to be approximately $4.6 billion to $4.7 billion, and free cash flow is expected to be $300 million to $400 million.

The company does not intend to speak in more detail about its 2013 guidance until the release of its fourth-quarter and full-year 2012 results. 

( SportsOneSource Media )
 

Business people : Compass Diversified Holdings Names New CEO

Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI), which owns CamelBak Products and mountain bike components maker Fox, named a new CEO Friday to replace one who has been on a leave of absence pending an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CODI' board of directors elected  Alan Offenberg, who stepped in as interim CEO in Feb. 17, 2011, as CEO. He will remain on the CODI board. 

Offenberg is a founding partner of Compass Group Management LLC (“CGM”) and has been with CGM and its predecessor since 1998. He replaces I. Joseph Massoud, who has been on a leave of absence from his duties as CEO and a director of the company since Feb. 17, 2011. Massoud has resigned from both positions.

“During his tenure as CEO, Alan has demonstrated strong leadership, as the company has continued to successfully execute its strategy," said Sean Day, CODI’s chairman. "Since February 2011, we have completed three acquisitions and profitably sold two subsidiary businesses. We also completed a $545 million refinancing of the company’s existing debt at favorable rates. With disciplined investing and a strong balance sheet, CODI remains well positioned to capitalize on favorable growth opportunities to enhance future performance and provide shareholders with attractive distributions.”

Massoud’s resignation follows an SEC announcement Friday that it had settled its complaint against him stemming from a 2009 stock trade. The complaint filed in 2009, alleges that Massoud used inside information to purchase stock in a company Compass Group had bid on and then sold it for $676,000 in "ill-gotten gains." Massoud agreed to settle the SEC's charges by paying more than $1.4 million, or roughly twice the profits he earned on the sale of the stock. He also will be barred from working in the securities industry or serving as an officer or director of a public company. The settlement is subject to court approval and Massoud has neither admitted nor denied the SEC’s claims, according to CODI.
In addition, CGM has informed the company that Massoud intends to step down as its managing member. Elias J. Sabo, a founding partner of CGM, will replace him in that capacity.

“It is with deep regret that the Board accepts Mr. Massoud’s resignation," said Day. "We would like to thank Mr. Massoud for his service. He was instrumental in founding CODI in 2006, and gave us five years of strong and successful leadership. We wish him all of the very best in his future endeavors.”

CODI maintains controlling ownership interests in eight subsidiaries including Camelbak, Fox, Ergobaby and Liberty Safe.

( SportsOneSource Media )

New product :Secret testing for Djokovic’ new Speed racket

Head Tennis has already begun to make a big buzz out about Novak Djokovic’ new Speed racquet, which will premier at the Australian Open next January.

In a James-Bond-like film on Youtube, the Serbian tennis star is shown secretely testing a black prototype of the new product, but it cannot be properly seen in the trailer movie.

No specific information is given about the racquet. You can only watch the fantastic results from the use of the new power racquet, with which Djokovic destroys the fences of the court where the test has taken place.

The trailer film makes viewers believe that Djokovic’ new “weapon” allows the athlete to accelerate the ball to a deadly speed. The product will be officially presented on Jan. 11.

by SGI Europe rthrough Ispo Newsblog

Trade show : ISPO BEIJING with new exhibitors and services

Next year’s ISPO BEIJING, starting Feb. 27, will welcome a few, mainly outdoor-oriented new brands premiering at the show.

To the “freshmen” belong Haglöfs, Adidas Outdoor, Li-Ning, which has just launched its own line of outdoor gear, and Mammut Sports Group, in collaboration with the Swiss tourist board. More than 600 brands will occupy an exhibition surface of more than 40,000 square meters. Besides new exhibitors,

ISPO BEIJING will also seek to attract more trade visitors with more events and services, including a simulation testing zone for cross-country runners. A special service is going to be a conference on how to present the increasingly important category of kids’ sports apparel at the point of sale.

After their success last year, the show will feature collective stands for brands from the U.S. and the U.K., the Outdoor Industry Forum, the Asian Pacific Snow Conference and the ISPO BEIJING Skate competition.

by SGI Europe through Ispo Newsblog

Business people :Ulf Kinneson new CEO at INTERSPORT Sweden AB

Ulf Kinneson has been appointed new CEO of INTERSPORT Sweden AB.

- We are very pleased to have recruited one of the most experienced people to the CEO position for INTERSPORT, says Stefan Jacobsson, Chairman INTERSPORT Sweden AB.

Ulf Kinneson an MBA and comes from PUMA, where he was President of the Nordic operations.

- To become CEO of INTERSPORT is a great challenge and feels like an honor. It will be very inspiring to lead INTERSPORT chain to the next level, says Ulf Kinneson.

- Ulf Kinne's strong leadership skills and experience will add energy and strength to INTERSPORT. He is the person who INTERSPORT need to strengthen and advance our leading market position in an increasingly tough market, says Stefan Jacobsson.

Ulf Kinneson will assume his position at any time during the first quarter of 2013. Per Skårner, acting CEO, will remain in his position until then.

For further information please contact:
Stefan Jacobsson, telephone 0041792206051 or Ulf Kinneson, telephone 0708 19 60 35th

INTERSPORT was formed in 1961 and is Sweden's largest sports chain with over 150 stores. 2011 sales of the Swedish INTERSPORT stores 4.2 billion. INTERSPORT AB is part of IIC-INTERSPORT International Corporation which is the world's largest sports chain with more than 5,400 stores in 40 countries. In 2011, sales of INTERSPORT about 10 billion globally.

( Source Intersports sweden AB through mynewsdesk.com/se )

Market survey : SIA’s 2012 Youth Market Intelligence Report Released

Despite tough economy, kid-specific snow sports market reaches $312 Million in 2012  
McLean, VA (November 28, 2012) -- SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is excited to announce the release of the 2012 SIA Youth Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report. This report offers a vast array of insights on snow sports participants ages 17 and under. Kids are a highly influential demographic in the snow sports market; what they are doing and what they crave today drives innovation and the products of tomorrow. Last season was tough for retailers, but kids-specific snow sports products represented over $312 million in sales. In the 5th annual edition, SIA Research taps into the information that you need to know about this particular demographic including top product trends, participation and retail sales.
Today, kids have more choices than ever before, so how do you keep their interest in snow sports and your brand’s products? The Youth Market Intelligence Report offers detailed information and insight for Generation that looks to do a little bit of everything. Below is a sample of findings in the 2012 Youth Market Intelligence Report.
2012 Youth Intelligence Report Highlights:

• The most popular snow sport for kids is alpine skiing with 2.3M participants, up from the number 2 spot in 2010/2011.
• 44% of all dollars spent in snow sports on youth specific gear were spent on alpine tops.
• Specialty shops bring in the most youth snow sport sales; accounting for $182 million.
• Youth ski systems were up 20% in 2011/2012.
• Youth freestyle boards were up 10% in units and up 9% in dollars.
• 635,000 kids participated in cross-country skiing last season.

The Youth Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report is available at no cost to SIA members and $425 for non-members. Be sure to check out SIA’s other Market Intelligence reports covering both the women’s-specific market and the overall industry.
SIA provides research that covers all aspects of the snow industry, including demographics, consumer opinions and behavioral patterns, weather patterns, snow sports participation, overall market analysis, and more. Learn more. Be sure to check out the State of the Industry Research Videos that highlight the record 2011/12 winter season. If you have any questions or need research assistance please contact Kelly Davis, SIA's Director of Research at KDavis@snowsports.org or by phone at 703-506-4224.