Nikita announces new sales structure in Canada

PORTLAND, OR (August 6, 2014)—Nikita announced today that they are taking on direct distribution in Canada in order to get closer to retailers in this key market for the brand.

“With great support from all parties, we have set up a new organization, said VP Frank Aeschbacher.

“We are proud to announce that Nikita Clothing has retained the existing sales force. As the Canadian market has been traditionally strong for Nikita, we contracted a well-experienced Canadian Sales Manager, Chris Nicholls, to lead the team, to ensure that the Canadian market needs are respected, and to develop a long-term distribution strategy.”

The reps for Canada will remain the same:

Chris Nicholls - National Sales Manager, Based in Whistler
Heather Foxcroft - Nikita Agent - Western Canada, Based in Calgary
Jon Genier - Nikita Agent – Quebec & East, Based in Montreal
Julie Demers-Payette - Sub Nikita Agent for Jon Genier, Based in Montreal

Endorphin’s Devon Cruickshank commented, “We have been proud to represent the Nikita brand to the Canadian market for over 10 years and thank all our great retailers for their support. In this next phase the Amer group will take the brand to new heights.” Endorphin will continue to support Fall 14 deliveries and will then make way for a direct relationship between Nikita via parent company Amer Sports and the Canadian retailer.

Aeschbacher added, “I’d like to thank Endorphin for their long-term partnership. Endorphin has demonstrated what a great distributor partnership is able to accomplish. With their dedication, professionalism, retail partnerships and marketing investment, Endorphin developed the Canadian market into a key market for Nikita. I am looking forward to continuing to expand these retail partnerships under the new structure, and to continue to build the success story.”
 
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 snowboard hardgoods provide a contrast of design, style, and functionality. Fit for purpose and made to resonate with similarly motived, spirited, creative, and entrepreneurial women worldwide. Nikita. Made not manufactured. www.nikitaclothing.com

By press release

Black Diamond Inc. Appoints Former Sony and GAP Senior Executive, Zeena Freeman, as President

Black Diamond, Inc. (NASDAQ: BDE) (the “Company” or “Black Diamond”), a global leader of innovative active outdoor performance equipment and apparel, has appointed Zeena Freeman as president, effective August 11, 2014.

As president, Freeman will succeed Black Diamond Co-Founder Peter Metcalf who will continue to serve as CEO and director. She will be taking over operating responsibility of the Black Diamond Equipment, POC and PIEPS brands. Her hiring will afford Metcalf the opportunity to focus more of his time on other brand-defining activities, including championing the issues of great importance to the Company’s fellow community of users.

Her appointment is the result of a search announced last fall for new senior leadership that would augment the Company’s strategic capabilities in brand management, specifically in the areas of apparel, retail and e-commerce. Freeman has also been appointed to Black Diamond’s board of directors and, ultimately, the Company expects her to succeed Metcalf as CEO no later than June 30, 2015.

“Zeena brings Black Diamond a wonderful combination of leadership, strategic thinking, brand management, and consumer product and omni-channel expertise,” noted Metcalf. “She is precisely the kind of strategic merchant and dynamic brand leader that we have been seeking, and we see her perfectly positioned to lead Black Diamond’s fastest growing brands through a multi-channel environment over the next decade.

“While we expect Zeena to succeed me as the next CEO of Black Diamond, I intend to remain involved with the business for the long term, both as a director and as a senior executive responsible for public policy and advocacy, as well as playing an integral role with our culture, products and marketing.”

Freeman has focused on business transformation, including launching, developing and growing consumer businesses globally in emerging categories, channels and markets throughout her career as an executive and consultant. Most recently, she has been advising companies on strategic opportunities, particularly in areas such as omni-channel retail and digital innovation.

She previously worked at Sony Corporation, where Freeman was the general manager of global retail, responsible for Sony's worldwide store and e-commerce businesses, and she also served as the senior VP of consumer business development for Sony Corporation of America. Freeman was also a member of the global sales & marketing team in Tokyo and reported directly to the company’s chairman and CEO.

Prior to Sony, Freeman served as CEO of PEOPLE, an Indian fashion and lifestyle brand that is part of the multi-national Aditya Birla Group, a $40 billion dollar corporation. As CEO of PEOPLE, she was responsible for creating a new specialty retail apparel business with global standards in design, merchandising and retail management, and oversaw its growth from inception to the roll out of stores in key cities in India.

For the better part of a decade, Freeman also distinguished herself in a series of roles with increasing responsibility at Gap, Inc., including senior merchandising and management positions in Banana Republic Factory Stores, babyGap and Old Navy Canada. During her time at Gap, she also worked in multiple corporate functions, including corporate strategy and sourcing & supply chain, in addition to serving as the special business assistant to Gap's CEO in 1999 & 2000.

Freeman commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Black Diamond team. The Black Diamond Equipment, POC and PIEPS brands have been built over more than half a century by serving its passionate customers through innovative and beautifully designed products that also deliver exceptional quality and brilliant functionality. These brands offer a unique opportunity, anchored in the authenticity with which they have served the professional and core communities, and in existing and emerging areas such as apparel and personal accessories, to meet the growing, global consumer demand for an athletic, outdoor approach to living one’s life.

Freeman received her B.A. degree from Hamilton College and her MBA from New York University, where she was awarded the President’s Service Award for Leadership. Her passion for global exploration and outdoor activities has taken her around the world and included spending the better part of a year living, studying and trekking in the Himalayas.

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a manufacturer of equipment and clothing for climbing, skiing and mountain sports. By consistently building innovative, standard-setting products and actively preserving the mountain/canyon environment, Black Diamond Equipment has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor community.

For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit BlackDiamondEquipment.com

By press release

US Blanks partners with Surfoam Central America as exclusive Costa Rica distributor

US Blanks is proud to announce a partnership with Surfoam Central America. 

Founded in early 2014 by Curtis Custer, Surfoam will be the exclusive distributor of US Blanks throughout Costa Rica.

The longtime surf destination has historically struggled to develop a reliable and competitive board building industry, due to inaccessibility of materials.  Recent legislative amendments have helped to streamline import and export commerce and in doing so have stimulated the local economy.

“Previously, individual board builders were making a large investment by purchasing a container of blanks and then working through that inventory, which oftentimes took upwards of 12 months.  The business model was very difficult to sustain and resulted in high costs for the final product.  Boards were commonly retailing for $700 and up, which is simply too expensive.  Surfoam Central America is a centralized wholesaler, supplying all board building materials at internationally competitive pricing.” Curtis Custer

In additional to supplying Costa Rican shapers with building materials and traveling surfers with locally made board, Curtis plans to operate as a hub for US-based shapers looking to expand their businesses internationally.

“We are ideally situated to service and supply Central and South America.  We’ve built a shapers oasis, a mere 5 hour flight from LAX.  With shaping bays, a glassing facility, and an AKU shaping machine, we have built a first-rate production facility.  Through our Shaper Residency Program, international shapers will be able to replicate their exact processes with the exact same materials, here in Costa Rica.  And we’ll be able to offer those iconic surfboard brands in regions where they previously were unavailable.  Further, it allows us an opportunity to expose the local shaping community to industry leading shapers to help further bolster their experience and knowledge set.” Curtis Custer

US Blanks is honored to partner with a brand who shares our commitment to quality and a shared goal to organically grow a local community of board builders through conscientious and sustainable business practices.

Made entirely in the USA, US Blanks has warehouses in California and Florida and distribution partners worldwide.

Learn more at www.USBlanks.com and www.SurfoamCentralAmerica.com

By press release

New Outerwear Collection Part of prAna's Largest Sustainable Offering Yet

Fall 2014 Collection Includes Fresh Designs, Latest Prints, And Popular Originals

CARLSBAD, CA (August 11, 2014) — With focused attention on creating unapologetically stylish and versatile outerwear, and a continued commitment to sustainably-made apparel for all sorts of active lifestyles, prAna is excited to share its Fall/Winter 2014 line, now available in stores and online.

“This season’s collection is full of warmth ,” says prAna Design Director Ellen Krimmel. “We’ve got vibrant prints and colors, cozy vibes and new for prAna, we’re expanding our mindfully-designed, built-to-last outerwear collection for the second year.”

The women’s wool-blend Lily Jacket comes in three colors and features oversized buttons at the collar, with hidden details that will help keep you warm. The men’s 600-fill down Lasser Jacket is a sporty zip-up that comes insulated and water resistant with an adjustable hood. Both offer do-anything protection with go-anywhere appeal.

For the yoga mat, or for fall layering, the new women’s Mika double-layer tank top and Saffire leggings are stylish, new pieces that are just the right blend of fashion and function. The men’s yoga line is highlighted by the Logan short, with quick drying recycled polyester fabric, and the heritage Sutra pant made with a hemp-blend fabric.

And some of the best climbers in the world helped design the men’s Continuum climbing pant, made with durable organic cotton stretch canvas.

“With the dog days of summer behind us, we know some of the best adventures are yet to come,” said Krimmel. “But the season of sweater weather, golden light and long walks comes with some other elements, so we’re really happy to offer these pieces that keep people warm, dry and looking good.”

There are new styles to choose from, and more sustainable choices than ever (including organic, recycled, hemp, bluesign® and Fair Trade Certified designs). The Fall 2014 Collection is available now in stores and online at prAna.com.

About prAna

PrAna is a lifestyle brand that draws its name from the ancient Sanskrit word for breath, life and vitality of the spirit. Born from climbing and yoga, the prAna team creates mindfully-designed, purposeful and stylish apparel for free-spirited people to pursue their passions on the water, mat, rock, trail, and street. From its beginning in 1993, prAna has been committed to weaving sustainable practices into its operations and supply chain, working to reduce its impact on soils, water supplies and other natural resources while promoting conservation. PrAna is also conscious of its impact on communities and has worked to include a growing number of fair trade styles every year. It is the first apparel company in North America to offer Fair Trade USA certified products and accessories.

PrAna is sold in five flagship stores, online at prana.com, and in 1,400 specialty retailers across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia.

For a list of prAna retailers, please visit http://www.prana.com/dealer-locator.html.
Find prAna on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


By press release

CrowdFunding Campaign Launched by Skateplates

A common problem of skateboards breaking along the nose and tail is addressed with a new product called Skateplates, being launched on the popular crowd-funding site Kickstarter.

Skateplates work as risers in the traditional sense but serve a very different purpose. Constructed of high quality aluminum, they effectively reinforce the area around the truck baseplates where skateboards, where skateboards most commonly break during off center landings.

28-year-old Daniel Carlson has been perfecting the invention for the past few years after becoming frustrated with both shop style and more expensive pro-model decks breaking in matter of days.

“The design is such that it minimizes any changes in ride height, while being both lightweight and incredibly strong,” explains Mr. Carlson, “You will notice reduced stresscracks and more pop for longer in your favorite deck. And they are swappable to any skateboard or truck manufacturer.”

The first of its kind, Skateplates are a patented design with the goal of being distributed to local skate shops nationally.

Mr. Carlson feels that Skateplates, by significantly increasing deck life, will save both kids and parents money and time; as well as shops benefitting from their riders breaking less boards and the ability to sell additional items on completes.

"They definitely work,” claims Donovan Nearing during product testing, “I’m surprised something like this hasn’t come along sooner.”

The campaign runs for 21 days ending at 10:00 PM on August 21, 2014 and can be seen by visiting www.skateplates.com.

Daniel Carlson holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University and currently attends Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo while pursuing his MBA.



Source skateplates and kickstarter

Seirus Innovation Names New Sales Manager for Snow Sports Division

Poway, CA (August 6, 2014) -- Seirus Innovation has named Don Maneth as Sales Manager in its Snow Sports Division. Maneth will be involved in both key account and regional territory management, handling Seirus’ full line of cold-weather snow sports essentials.   

Maneth comes to Seirus with extensive experience in the sporting goods industry, including sales positions with ISIS, Ocean Minded, and Specialty Sports Ventures.  He attended Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

"Don brings to Seirus valuable experience earned working both at and with respected names in sporting goods," said Seirus Co-founder and Co-president, Joe Edwards.  "We are looking forward to having him on our team."
 
About Seirus Innovation:

Seirus can be counted on for products and technologies designed to enhance the comfort of active outdoor enthusiasts in any condition summer and winter can dish out. For over 30 years the team at Seirus has focused on innovation to develop and deliver cutting-edge technologies and products that have proven to be groundbreaking. Seirus sustains its success by remaining innovative and using the best materials and workmanship.  Collectively, Seirus cofounders Joe Edwards and Mike Carey, along with their team, have invented many iconic snow sports products that are perennially ranked among the “Top-10” best selling items in multiple categories, including the world’s most popular snow sports facemask, the “Neofleece Combo Scarf.” Seirus has been granted 19 patents, including 9 current. It has 2 patents pending. It has over 300 products covering five outdoor-gear categories: gloves, liners, masques and clavas, hats & Quick Clavas, and essential equipment.

Seirus products are easily purchased online and at retail shops across America. See “Where to Buy” at Seirus.com.   


By press release

New Neil Pryde 2015 Sail Collection

Every day we set out to build sails that are better than any that have come before them. We evolve, tinker, test, question without compromise. In the end, we inevitably end up with something that is bigger than the sum of its parts. A NeilPryde feeling—where you just know when it's right.

The first time you experience a NeilPryde sail you will notice its distinctive sense of purpose. Every component, every technical advancement is there to make you faster, lighter, more nimble. Experience the pure, unrestrained thrill of what thousands of hours of design, testing and 40 years of sail building knowledge can provide.

There is no substitute.



The New Three-Batten Fly / Down-The-Line Wave

The 2015 Fly down-the-line wave sail has evolved into a three-batten concept. It feels extremely light in the hands and is incredibly manoeuvrable, retaining a handling pedigree and control levels that keep you where the action is—in the critical wave sections you’ve been hunting down.

The most neutral and ‘on-off’ wave sail, the Fly excels in pure, clean waves where the light, soft handling allows for an experience as close to surfing as possible. The 2015 Fly has evolved into a three-batten concept. It feels extremely light in the hands and is incredibly maneuverable, retaining a handling pedigree and control levels that keep you where the action is—in the critical wave sections you’ve been hunting down.

Discover the New Ryde

The Ryde has been designed for classic flat-water freeriding. It offers great low-end power and stability for early planing and controlled maneuvers, and is an ideal choice for new generation wide and thin Freemove boards as well as more conventional Freeride boards.

The Ryde has been designed for classic flat-water freeriding. It offers great low-end power and stability for early planing and controlled maneuvers. The Ryde is an ideal choice for new generation wide and thin Freemove boards as well as more conventional Freeride boards. Planing and gybing made easy—windsurfing pure and smooth.

Source Neil Pryde

LEKI Partners with Microsoft to Introduce the LEKI Trek and Ski Tracker App

Buffalo, NY (August 6, 2014) -- In direct partnership with Microsoft, and in conjunction with Summit Data Corp and their Active Network of over half a million active outdoor users, LEKI announced today the launch of its new free LEKI Trek and Ski Tracker app for Windows Phone devices. The app includes a GPS tracker (and a step counter for SensorCore enabled Lumia devices), and integrates with Active Network, allowing users to save trails hiked on the cloud and post activity photos on Twitter and Facebook.

In choosing to work with Microsoft and its Windows Phone devices, LEKI took into account the fact that Microsoft offers specific fitness/sports technology and battery life benefits over other providers. In addition to traditional hiking, walking, running, skiing and cross country skiing, the LEKI Trek and Ski Tracker app provides specialized support and interval training plans for trekking and Nordic walking, two of their core product categories. And because LEKI is a member of the PSIA-AASI ski and snowboard instructors organization, the app also includes exclusive content from PSIA-AASI professional training plans.

“We are proud to partner with Microsoft on this project, as they clearly have the technology and bandwidth to support  our goals and objectives for creating a customized branded app“, said Greg Wozer, VP of LEKI USA. “With more and more people wanting to stay connected outdoors, the features of this app make it the perfect tool for our customers to track and share their activities while using our products.”

From a social network standpoint, LEKI is able to connect with the Microsoft Azure-powered Active Network, which is  an active community of more than half a million users strong, currently exclusive to Windows devices. The action photography feature for active sports benefits from the unsurpassed photography excellence of the Lumia line. Add in the built-in access to Xbox Music featuring over 38 million songs and this is clearly the go-to app for outdoor enthusiasts.

“We’re excited to partner with a leading global outdoor company such as LEKI to showcase our Lumia devices,” said Thierry Doyen, Partner Manager at Microsoft. “Their great screen readability in bright sunshine, very low battery drain for GPS use in the LEKI Trek and Ski Tracker app, camera and Windows Phone features in general make our phones with the LEKI Trek and Ski Tracker app the perfect device for fans of the outdoors.  The app is also one of the first to take advantage of the new SensorCore feature of some of our latest devices – a perfect solution for this new technology that constantly counts your steps throughout the day, without an app needing to be running.”

LEKI and Microsoft will be showcasing the new app with Lumia devices at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show this week. Stop by booth #23042 and pick up a free Xbox Music pass just for downloading the LEKI Trek and Ski Tracker app on your Windows device. 

About Active Network

Active Network, based on Microsoft Azure cloud, is a community of more than half a million active users. Active Network includes many mobile apps, such as LEKI Trek and Ski and Active Fitness. With Active Network users can run, hike, trek, ski and perform dozens of activities, while tracking them live and sharing with their friends and family.

About LEKI

Founded in 1948, LEKI is a leading manufacturer of Skiing, Trekking and Nordic Walking poles and gloves. LEKI products are German engineered with a majority of the products being made in the company's Czech Republic factory. This in conjunction with extensive research and independent testing make the best products featuring quality, value and technology. Because poles and gloves are their only business and they are focused on producing only the best products in those categories, LEKI is the known as “the pole experts.” LEKI USA, Inc., headquartered in Buffalo, NY, is the sole North American distributor of LEKI brand Skiing, Trekking, and Nordic Walking poles and gloves.

For more information please visit www.LEKI.com or call 800.255.9982.


By press release source Leki

Nike Declares $0.24 Quarterly Dividend

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share on the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock payable on October 6, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2014.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

For more information, NIKE’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at http://investors.nikeinc.com and individuals can follow @NIKE.

Source Nike

SKULLY Delivers World’s First Augmented Reality Motorcycle Helmet

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – August 11, 2014 – SKULLY (www.skullysystems.com) today announced the company has begun production of its highly anticipated AR-1 motorcycle helmet, the first vertically integrated smart HUD helmet for consumers.

In addition to a revolutionary Heads Up Display system that displays information approximately 10 feet in front of the rider, the AR-1 helmet features a near 180-degree rearview camera, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, smartphone pairing and voice control, making it the world’s smartest motorcycle helmet. The AR-1 was introduced in late 2013 to worldwide acclaim, resulting in more than 100,000 beta tester applications. SKULLY is taking pre-orders for the AR-1 helmet exclusively on Indiegogo. The 30-day campaign will feature the SKULLY AR-1 helmet at an introductory launch price of $1,399. Full retail price will be $1,499.

Limited quantities are available for the expected May 2015 ship date.

For complete details on the Indiegogo campaign, visit www.skullysystems.com.

“We are beyond excited to begin production on what has become the most anticipated motorcycle helmet in history,” said Marcus Weller, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of SKULLY. “We are doing something so few companies have the opportunity to do… we are changing an industry and forcing the world to adapt. The AR-1 is our little dent in the universe. The AR-1 will introduce a new era in intelligent transportation by combining optics, intelligent vehicle systems and connectivity to deliver unprecedented levels of safety.”

The idea behind SKULLY was the result of Weller’s own motorcycle mishap in 2011. Weller averted his eyes to read a street sign when the vehicle in front of him slammed on his brakes, resulting in a crash. Whilst recovering, the blueprint for what would eventually become the AR-1 began to take shape as Weller realized a Heads Up Display helmet that could have prevented such an accident didn’t actually exist. Within months, Weller and his team created the SKULLY Synapse™ technology platform that enhances awareness of its users by linking advanced heads up display optics to an intelligent network of camera, sensors and microprocessors.

Features of the SKULLY AR-1 include:

• SKULLY SYNAPSE (TM) Heads Up Display system
• Automatic Infinitely variable focal distance
• Visual turn-by-turn GPS navigation
• Near 180 degree ultra wide angle rearview and blind spot camera
• Bluetooth pairing to smartphone with musicWen
• Internet connectivity via smartphone
• Anti-Fog, Anti-Glare, Scratch resistant visor
• Lightweight, aerodynamic shell
• 3D laser-cut foam for a perfect fit
• Fully adjustable flow-through ventilation
• Quick release chin strap and visor

“SKULLY is literally transporting motorcycle riders into the future by incorporating today’s mobile technology into its helmets,” said Rob Enderle, principal analyst, Enderle Group. “With SKULLY, motorcycle riders have the same hands-free connectivity that car drivers have that will not only make the ride potentially more enjoyable, but safer as well.”

The SKULLY AR-1 made its debut at DEMO Fall 2013 in Santa Clara, California, where it picked up a DEMOgod award for its innovation and likelihood of commercial success. The AR-1 was also featured at SXSW 2014 and won the coveted SXSW Accelerator award in the Wearable Technology category. SKULLY was also named one of The CNN Ten: Inventions, which recognizes new inventions in technology and related fields with big, game-changing goals. More than 100,000 riders have signed up to be beta testers and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the AR-1 on store shelves.

The SKULLY AR-1 helmet is scheduled for release in mid 2015.


SKULLY Social Media:

http://www.twitter.com/skullyhelmets
http://www.facebook.com/skullyhelmets
http://www.instagram.com/skullyhelmets
https://www.youtube.com/user/skullyhelmets1/

Dr. MARCUS WELLER:

http://www.twitter.com/wellermarcus
http://www.instagram.com/marcusweller



About SKULLY:

SKULLY is pioneering intelligent vehicle systems technology for the transportation industry. Founded in Silicon Valley in 2013, SKULLY’s human-centered approach to engineering has led to SKULLY AR-1, the first vertically integrated smart HUD motorcycle helmet for consumers. SKULLY’s Synapse™ connected technology platform enhances awareness of its users by linking advanced optics to an intelligent network of cameras, sensors and microprocessors. SKULLY is a privately held company with strategic partnerships spanning the world’s leading automotive and technology companies.

For more information, visit www.skullysystems.com

By Press release