Heckmann Forms Buyout Firm
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 6/28/2007
Richard Heckmann, who will soon resign as CEO of K2 Inc. with its sale to Jarden, has formed a new buyout firm called Heckmann Corp. The new company intends to sell 62.5 million shares of stock for $8 each, or $500 million, according to a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. But the filing doesn't specify what will happen with the money.
The SEC filing says only that Heckmann Corp. was formed May 29 "to acquire or acquire control of one or more operating businesses" and those efforts "will not be limited to a particular industry."
Such companies are referred to as "blank-check" IPOs.
Among the members on Heckmann Corp's board are Dan Quayle, former Vice President and current chairman of global investments for the Wall Street investment fund Cerberus Capital Management; as well as retired Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz; and Alfred Osborne, an associate dean in the University of California-Los Angeles Anderson School of Management. All three served on K2's board.
Heckmann, according to the filing, is planning on leaving K2 by August 1.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
A Shift in Power?
Today, The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 96-year-old ban on minimum pricing agreements between manufacturers and retailers. The 5-to-4 decision shifts the balance of power to brands, giving them the right to set minimum prices and reshaping the relationship between vendors and retailers...
How will this impact the outdoor industry?
Will this impact the outdoor industry?
We'll have to wait and see...
How will this impact the outdoor industry?
Will this impact the outdoor industry?
We'll have to wait and see...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
5.13b
Doesn't sound so hard anymore with grades pushing into the 5.15 stratosphere. I can still remember when Jibe sent 'To Bolt of Not to Be' at Smith. Today, there are plenty of 13-year olds climbing 13, but just try it at age 59 - now that's impressive.
This just in from Rab...
Rab Carrington, the renowned British mountaineer and founder of Rab, England’s premiere manufacturer of mountaineering and climbing apparel and gear, has successfully climbed his first 8a (5.13b) sport route at the age of 59.
Carrington started climbing in the ultra-traditional Scottish scene in the 1960’s. Although best known internationally for his high profile ascents in the European Alps, Himalaya and Andes (first ascent Rouse/Carrington route on the Pelerins, first Alpine ascent of Jannu in Nepal, many technical first ascents in Peru), Carrington has always considered himself first and foremost to be a rock climber.
Living in Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District has allowed Carrington to maintain a high standard on both gritstone and limestone while spending 20 years creating and building the Rab brand. While he remains an important design consultant to the brand that bears his name, the sale of Rab to Equip Outdoor Technologies, ltd. in 2003 allowed Carrington to focus more energy on his original passion for hard rock climbing. This has clearly paid off for Carrington who, in May, sent his first 8a (5.13b) with an ascent of New Age Traveler at Malham Cove in Yorkshire. This is likely but a milestone in his illustrious climbing career, as it has been only two years since he broke through the 7c barrier.
This just in from Rab...
Rab Carrington, the renowned British mountaineer and founder of Rab, England’s premiere manufacturer of mountaineering and climbing apparel and gear, has successfully climbed his first 8a (5.13b) sport route at the age of 59.
Carrington started climbing in the ultra-traditional Scottish scene in the 1960’s. Although best known internationally for his high profile ascents in the European Alps, Himalaya and Andes (first ascent Rouse/Carrington route on the Pelerins, first Alpine ascent of Jannu in Nepal, many technical first ascents in Peru), Carrington has always considered himself first and foremost to be a rock climber.
Living in Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District has allowed Carrington to maintain a high standard on both gritstone and limestone while spending 20 years creating and building the Rab brand. While he remains an important design consultant to the brand that bears his name, the sale of Rab to Equip Outdoor Technologies, ltd. in 2003 allowed Carrington to focus more energy on his original passion for hard rock climbing. This has clearly paid off for Carrington who, in May, sent his first 8a (5.13b) with an ascent of New Age Traveler at Malham Cove in Yorkshire. This is likely but a milestone in his illustrious climbing career, as it has been only two years since he broke through the 7c barrier.
Monday, June 25, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
***************************************************
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Royal Robbins finds a new home at American Rec.
o World Kayak formed with goal to double whitewater
participation.
o VF Corp. eyes more acquisitions; Reef gets into
women's apparel.
o Lululemon first quarter comps jump 20%.
o Yue Yuen sees balanced Q2 growth.
o SGMA: PEP funding kept alive in Congress.
o Oxbow to make return to the U.S. market.
o Kaiser & Joy form New England rep agency.
o SSL adds new stockholders at annual board meeting.
o Luxottica acquires Oakley in $2 billion deal.
o BOB & Baby Jogger head to court.
o Guest Editorial: The future we make.
o Other Stories include nuun, Innes, Yakima,
Smartwool, Keen, and many more...
Some Excerpts:
After two and a half years under the ownership of the Phoenix Footwear group, Royal Robbins has found a new home in Kellwood’s American Recreation division.Phoenix will realize a net pretax gain of approximately $23 million from the transaction, which will allow the company to pay down the majority of its long-term debt, bringing it down to the low-to-mid-teen levels, post closing...
LINK
At the Reuter’s consumer and retail conference in New York, VF Corp. CEO Mackey MacDonald said that the company is ready to pursue more acquisitions and focus on outdoor and sportswear brands that cater to the women’s market...
In the women’s sportswear arena, there are several potential acquisition targets for VFC, including two vertically integrated retailers - lucy and Title Nine...
LINK
Guest Editorial: The Future We Make…
By Drew Simmons
...But take a look around. The outdoor lifestyle is not the only option out there - far from it. There are single corporations that do more business than every brand on the Outdoor Retailer show floor combined, and would they love it if we all starting waffling and self-doubting and hand-wringing and worrying about the fact that we’re doing too well, and selling too much product, and encouraging people to acquire, acquire, acquire. They’d love to co-opt our genuine spirit as their own, and take over a solid foundation that’s been built nice and square...
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Royal Robbins finds a new home at American Rec.
o World Kayak formed with goal to double whitewater
participation.
o VF Corp. eyes more acquisitions; Reef gets into
women's apparel.
o Lululemon first quarter comps jump 20%.
o Yue Yuen sees balanced Q2 growth.
o SGMA: PEP funding kept alive in Congress.
o Oxbow to make return to the U.S. market.
o Kaiser & Joy form New England rep agency.
o SSL adds new stockholders at annual board meeting.
o Luxottica acquires Oakley in $2 billion deal.
o BOB & Baby Jogger head to court.
o Guest Editorial: The future we make.
o Other Stories include nuun, Innes, Yakima,
Smartwool, Keen, and many more...
Some Excerpts:
After two and a half years under the ownership of the Phoenix Footwear group, Royal Robbins has found a new home in Kellwood’s American Recreation division.Phoenix will realize a net pretax gain of approximately $23 million from the transaction, which will allow the company to pay down the majority of its long-term debt, bringing it down to the low-to-mid-teen levels, post closing...
LINK
At the Reuter’s consumer and retail conference in New York, VF Corp. CEO Mackey MacDonald said that the company is ready to pursue more acquisitions and focus on outdoor and sportswear brands that cater to the women’s market...
In the women’s sportswear arena, there are several potential acquisition targets for VFC, including two vertically integrated retailers - lucy and Title Nine...
LINK
Guest Editorial: The Future We Make…
By Drew Simmons
...But take a look around. The outdoor lifestyle is not the only option out there - far from it. There are single corporations that do more business than every brand on the Outdoor Retailer show floor combined, and would they love it if we all starting waffling and self-doubting and hand-wringing and worrying about the fact that we’re doing too well, and selling too much product, and encouraging people to acquire, acquire, acquire. They’d love to co-opt our genuine spirit as their own, and take over a solid foundation that’s been built nice and square...
LINK
Thursday, June 21, 2007
How Low Can He Go?
Directly from a Newsweek Release:
In 19 months, George W. Bush will leave the White House for the last time. The latest NEWSWEEK Poll suggests that he faces a steep climb if he hopes to coax the country back to his side before he goes. In the new poll, conducted Monday and Tuesday nights, President Bush's approval rating has reached a record low. Only 26 percent of Americans, just over one in four, approve of the job the 43rd president is doing; while, a record 65 percent disapprove, including nearly a third of Republicans.
The new numbers -- a 2 point drop from the last NEWSWEEK Poll at the beginning of May -- are statistically unchanged, given the poll's 4 point margin of error. But the 26 percent rating puts Bush lower than Jimmy Carter, who sunk to his nadir of 28 percent in a Gallup poll in June 1979. In fact, the only president in the last 35 years to score lower than Bush is Richard Nixon. Nixon's approval rating tumbled to 23 percent in January 1974, seven months before his resignation over the botched Watergate break-in.
The war in Iraq continues to drag Bush down. A record 73 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Bush has done handling Iraq. Despite "the surge" in U.S. forces into Baghdad and Iraq's western Anbar province, a record-low 23 percent of Americans approve of the president's actions in Iraq, down 5 points since the end of March.
But the White House cannot pin his rating on the war alone. Bush scores record or near record lows on every major issue: from the economy (34 percent approve, 60 percent disapprove) to health care (28 percent approve, 61 percent disapprove) to immigration (23 percent approve, 63 percent disapprove). And-in the worst news, perhaps, for the crowded field of Republicans hoping to succeed Bush in 2008-50 percent of Americans disapprove of the president's handling of terrorism and homeland security. Only 43 percent approve, on an issue that has been the GOP's trump card in national elections since 9/11.
In 19 months, George W. Bush will leave the White House for the last time. The latest NEWSWEEK Poll suggests that he faces a steep climb if he hopes to coax the country back to his side before he goes. In the new poll, conducted Monday and Tuesday nights, President Bush's approval rating has reached a record low. Only 26 percent of Americans, just over one in four, approve of the job the 43rd president is doing; while, a record 65 percent disapprove, including nearly a third of Republicans.
The new numbers -- a 2 point drop from the last NEWSWEEK Poll at the beginning of May -- are statistically unchanged, given the poll's 4 point margin of error. But the 26 percent rating puts Bush lower than Jimmy Carter, who sunk to his nadir of 28 percent in a Gallup poll in June 1979. In fact, the only president in the last 35 years to score lower than Bush is Richard Nixon. Nixon's approval rating tumbled to 23 percent in January 1974, seven months before his resignation over the botched Watergate break-in.
The war in Iraq continues to drag Bush down. A record 73 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Bush has done handling Iraq. Despite "the surge" in U.S. forces into Baghdad and Iraq's western Anbar province, a record-low 23 percent of Americans approve of the president's actions in Iraq, down 5 points since the end of March.
But the White House cannot pin his rating on the war alone. Bush scores record or near record lows on every major issue: from the economy (34 percent approve, 60 percent disapprove) to health care (28 percent approve, 61 percent disapprove) to immigration (23 percent approve, 63 percent disapprove). And-in the worst news, perhaps, for the crowded field of Republicans hoping to succeed Bush in 2008-50 percent of Americans disapprove of the president's handling of terrorism and homeland security. Only 43 percent approve, on an issue that has been the GOP's trump card in national elections since 9/11.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
American Rec: Kelty, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, Wenger, Wenzel.... and Royal Robbins
Kellwood to Acquire Royal Robbins for $40 Million
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 6/19/2007
Kellwood Company signed an agreement to acquire Royal Robbins, Inc., a division of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. In October 2003, the company was acquired by Phoenix Footwear. Sales for Royal Robbins in calendar year 2006 were approximately $30 million. The transaction is expected to close by early July. Kellwood is purchasing Royal Robbins for approximately $40 million. The Company does not anticipate the acquisition will significantly impact 2007 results.
Phoenix Footwear expects to report a net pre-tax gain of approximately $23 million on the sale including transaction costs. Phoenix Footwear acquired Royal Robbins on October 31, 2003 for a total of $11.7 million...
LINK
Phoenix has been talking about a deal like this for at least two quarters. After all, its Phoenix FOOTWEAR and the company was never able to successfully extend the Royal Robbins brand into the footwear category, in spite of talking about it for the past three years.
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 6/19/2007
Kellwood Company signed an agreement to acquire Royal Robbins, Inc., a division of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. In October 2003, the company was acquired by Phoenix Footwear. Sales for Royal Robbins in calendar year 2006 were approximately $30 million. The transaction is expected to close by early July. Kellwood is purchasing Royal Robbins for approximately $40 million. The Company does not anticipate the acquisition will significantly impact 2007 results.
Phoenix Footwear expects to report a net pre-tax gain of approximately $23 million on the sale including transaction costs. Phoenix Footwear acquired Royal Robbins on October 31, 2003 for a total of $11.7 million...
LINK
Phoenix has been talking about a deal like this for at least two quarters. After all, its Phoenix FOOTWEAR and the company was never able to successfully extend the Royal Robbins brand into the footwear category, in spite of talking about it for the past three years.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Power of a CEO
Shortly after Angel Martinez took over at Deckers after leaving Keen, the stock price bottomed out at $21.27. That was in April of 2005. Since then, Mr. Martinez has given stockholders a 344% return on their investment and the stock is trading at over $93.
Some people say that there is too much money pouring into the outdoor industry and we can't keep up with Wall Street's expectations. If we can keep turning out CEO's like Angel, and brands like Teva, Ugg and Simple, I'd say we're surpassing expectations...
Some people say that there is too much money pouring into the outdoor industry and we can't keep up with Wall Street's expectations. If we can keep turning out CEO's like Angel, and brands like Teva, Ugg and Simple, I'd say we're surpassing expectations...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
SGMA Spring Market
The show was apparently a worthy trade show for the sporting goods industry. However, word on the street is that the nude woman in the chocolate fondue-filled bathtub stole the show.
In the first week of June, the summer episodes of RSN Outdoors went live, bringing a blend of outdoor tips, special features, and real-time local weather and conditions to more than 100 RSN Resort Television affiliates nationwide.
Filmed in late May at RSN studios in Portland, Maine, the shows also feature a series of in-studio outdoor gear and fashion segments, keeping American outdoor enthusiasts engaged and entertained through the profile of more than 45 new products for the summer season.
Produced and hosted by Drew Simmons of Pale Morning Media, LLC, the special gear segments include some of the most stylish, innovative, and legendary names in the outdoor world.
“Our goal is to key on major trends in outdoor equipment and fashion, to highlight some exemplary pieces, and to drive traffic to the specialty retailers that live near the RSN affiliate network,” said Simmons. “With their national reach, RSN Television is the only media opportunity in the outdoor world that can provide such a massive amount of impressions within such a focused community.”
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Wasteful Swag...
From E.L.
“One editor here recalled that for its Windows 95 launch, Microsoft sent out a full-size window - with a window frame, sash and molding - that took two delivery guys to drop off,”
LINK
“One editor here recalled that for its Windows 95 launch, Microsoft sent out a full-size window - with a window frame, sash and molding - that took two delivery guys to drop off,”
LINK
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
Burton at OR?
We heard several rumors floating around that Burton would be at Summer OR with their lifestyle apparel line. While this seems like a great fit for the company - and a good sign for the health of OR, we just confirmed that they were just rumors and Burton will not be in Salt Lake City this summer...
Too bad.
Too bad.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Leaders in CSR
Nike just released their latest CSR report and I've been going through the 100+ page document all morning. They are really ramping up their efforts on nearly every front.
Most impressive is the transparency they are offering. There are basically no closed doors in their sustainability effort.
LINK
Most impressive is the transparency they are offering. There are basically no closed doors in their sustainability effort.
LINK
Thursday, May 24, 2007
April was busy...
I just did a quick word count for April.
I ended up having 25,091 words published in the various newsletters and magazines we own.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Nau are we walking the walk?
Is someone finally addressing the issue of the U.S. becoming a "disposable society" and designing a business plan around buying less?
"What Galbraith came up with was a line of durable yet stylish clothing, in a palette of muted colors, that can last for 10 years. The idea was to encourage shoppers to buy a few pieces that didn't follow the latest trends but were well enough designed and tailored to be a mainstay in a wardrobe year after year."
LINK
"What Galbraith came up with was a line of durable yet stylish clothing, in a palette of muted colors, that can last for 10 years. The idea was to encourage shoppers to buy a few pieces that didn't follow the latest trends but were well enough designed and tailored to be a mainstay in a wardrobe year after year."
LINK
Outside-The Stereotypes
Okay, so it may be a little cheesy, but you've gotta give Coleman some recognition for launching a nation-wide TV media campaign promoting outdoor recreation.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Powers That Be...
In the most recent issue of The Economist, Chevron paid a pretty penny for a two page spread promoting their new website, WillYouJoinUs.com.
The headline reads, "There are 193 countries in the world. None of them are energy independent."
It goes on to claim, "...even regions with plenty of raw resources import some form of energy. Saudi Arabia, for example, the world's largest oil exporter, imports refined petroleum products like gasoline.
"So if energy independence is an unrealistic goal, how does everyone get the fuel they need..."
To me, this is a massive jump in logic. They are setting this ad up as an if-then statement, but they fail to connect the dots. Just because no country is energy independent today does not mean it is not a goal worth pursuing. And it certainly does not mean it is an unrealistic goal.
The ad also goes on to draw parallels between energy independence and isolationism. The decision to invest more of our government's money into R&D for domestically-produced energy like wind, solar, and even ethanol (yes, it has it's drawbacks, but it's still better than drilling) instead of subsidies for oil companies (Chevron) is not a move towards isolationism. It is a move towards improving our domestic capabilities and making them more attractive that their foreign counterparts.
In the end, I don't think this ad could ever convince anyone of Chevron's position (find more traditional fuels). It shows just how scared the company is about the fact that Capitol Hill is finally taking the term "energy independence" seriously. It really comes across as a desperate cry for help rather than a call to action.
The headline reads, "There are 193 countries in the world. None of them are energy independent."
It goes on to claim, "...even regions with plenty of raw resources import some form of energy. Saudi Arabia, for example, the world's largest oil exporter, imports refined petroleum products like gasoline.
"So if energy independence is an unrealistic goal, how does everyone get the fuel they need..."
To me, this is a massive jump in logic. They are setting this ad up as an if-then statement, but they fail to connect the dots. Just because no country is energy independent today does not mean it is not a goal worth pursuing. And it certainly does not mean it is an unrealistic goal.
The ad also goes on to draw parallels between energy independence and isolationism. The decision to invest more of our government's money into R&D for domestically-produced energy like wind, solar, and even ethanol (yes, it has it's drawbacks, but it's still better than drilling) instead of subsidies for oil companies (Chevron) is not a move towards isolationism. It is a move towards improving our domestic capabilities and making them more attractive that their foreign counterparts.
In the end, I don't think this ad could ever convince anyone of Chevron's position (find more traditional fuels). It shows just how scared the company is about the fact that Capitol Hill is finally taking the term "energy independence" seriously. It really comes across as a desperate cry for help rather than a call to action.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Former CIA Director: America is Trading National Security for Cheap Oil
America is trading national security and a cooler climate for cheap oil, said James Woolsey, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, in his keynote speech on Tuesday at the Clean Energy Venture Summit in Austin, Texas.
LINK
LINK
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Quote of the Week
It looks like some more deals are in the pipeline:
- Anonymous Financial Consultant
"The market is absolutely crazy and everyone is for sale. I am floored at how many deals are in the market."
- Anonymous Financial Consultant
Monday, May 14, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
***************************************************
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Backcountry.com owners sell majority stake to Liberty Media.
o Head Q1 loss expands.
o Garmin Ltd to acquire German distributor.
o Rocky Q1 earnings decline on lower margins.
o Gregory parent to be acquired by BAE systems.
o OIA looks for Board nominations.
o Big Dog Holdings gets Q1 lift from The Walking Company.
o Backpacker magazine could be on the block.
o Other Stories include Polartec, Isis, Slumberjack, Zumiez,
DSW, Giro, Oakley, Reef, and many more...
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Backcountry.com owners sell majority stake to Liberty Media.
o Head Q1 loss expands.
o Garmin Ltd to acquire German distributor.
o Rocky Q1 earnings decline on lower margins.
o Gregory parent to be acquired by BAE systems.
o OIA looks for Board nominations.
o Big Dog Holdings gets Q1 lift from The Walking Company.
o Backpacker magazine could be on the block.
o Other Stories include Polartec, Isis, Slumberjack, Zumiez,
DSW, Giro, Oakley, Reef, and many more...
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
REI Gets Foolish
"With a (very) long-term business plan, lots of room for growth, solid financials, and dominant positioning in a profitable niche, REI would be a great stock to own if it was publicly traded. In fact, it possesses some of the criteria that Fool co-founder Tom Gardner and the Motley Fool Hidden Gems team look for when they recommend stocks to subscribers."
LINK
LINK
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Mountain Hardwear Trends Retreat
So, I attended the first Mountain Hardwear Trends Retreat in Boulder along with some editors from Backpacker, Climbing, Gear Trends and a ton of freelance writers. I have to say - it was an excellent event.
Whenever a writer hears "retreat sponsored by XYZ company" it usually means an endless parade of new products with "this amazing new zipper" or "this amazing new coating" or even "this really cool draw string."
This was not the case last week.
Mike Wallenfels sat down with all of the editors and basically let us know the challenges, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of the outdoor industry.
Michelle Barnes with OIA sat down with us and did the same.
It's very refreshing to see some honesty and not just some more marketing hype and spin. On top of that the discussion that came out of the realties facing the industry was very productive. Nearly every journalist was involved, asking questions, making points, arguing pros and cons. The presentations usually evolved into open ended debates that kept everyone thinking and responding.
So, to Paige, Mike, Chris, and Val - Congrats! It was a great event.
Whenever a writer hears "retreat sponsored by XYZ company" it usually means an endless parade of new products with "this amazing new zipper" or "this amazing new coating" or even "this really cool draw string."
This was not the case last week.
Mike Wallenfels sat down with all of the editors and basically let us know the challenges, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of the outdoor industry.
Michelle Barnes with OIA sat down with us and did the same.
It's very refreshing to see some honesty and not just some more marketing hype and spin. On top of that the discussion that came out of the realties facing the industry was very productive. Nearly every journalist was involved, asking questions, making points, arguing pros and cons. The presentations usually evolved into open ended debates that kept everyone thinking and responding.
So, to Paige, Mike, Chris, and Val - Congrats! It was a great event.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
***************************************************
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Jarden to acquire K2 Inc. for $1.2 billion.
o K2 sees balanced Q1 sales drive earnings.
o Coleman Q1 profits climb on lower sales volume.
o Deckers ups 2007 guidance on strong Q1.
o Gander Mountain goes green.
o Cabela's cashes in WV development bonds.
o Columbia Q1 profits jump on strong sportswear sales.
o OR and FFR find a new director.
o Johnson Outdoors first quarter profits slip.
o Amer Sports Q1 hit by winter sports slow-down.
o Exel restructures North American operations.
o Volcom's new product lines fuel double-digit Q1 gains.
o Timberland acquires eco-friendly skate brand.
o VF Corp. leverages outdoor strength in Q1.
o Other Stories include Mountain Hardwear, Cervelo,
Omega Pacific, Coalision, Quiksilver, Smartwool,
and many more...
*****************************************************************
To say it was a big week this week would be an understatement.
The newsletter was over 8,000 words with nine major public companies reporting, and quite possibly, the biggest acquisition the outdoor industry has seen in the past decade.
Some excerpts:
“The opportunity here is on two levels. At the retail level, it's in the specialty space and in the international channels. On the specialty side, I mean, there are some specific opportunities where we really do bring things to the table for K2, and there are some specific opportunities where they bring opportunities to us.”
-Jarden CEO, Martin Franklin
LINK
Salomon sales were down 10% during the first quarter and down 8% in local currencies. Salomon made the strategic decision to exit the in-line skate business last year, and sales would have been flat this year excluding those numbers from last year’s results. In spite of the decline in sales, the division’s EBIT loss was basically flat...
LINK
Mountain Hardwear sales grew 9.9% to $17.7 million during the first quarter. Mike Wallenfels, MTH president, told BOSS that Q1 2007 was the first quarter in which sportswear shipments surpassed outerwear shipments...
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Jarden to acquire K2 Inc. for $1.2 billion.
o K2 sees balanced Q1 sales drive earnings.
o Coleman Q1 profits climb on lower sales volume.
o Deckers ups 2007 guidance on strong Q1.
o Gander Mountain goes green.
o Cabela's cashes in WV development bonds.
o Columbia Q1 profits jump on strong sportswear sales.
o OR and FFR find a new director.
o Johnson Outdoors first quarter profits slip.
o Amer Sports Q1 hit by winter sports slow-down.
o Exel restructures North American operations.
o Volcom's new product lines fuel double-digit Q1 gains.
o Timberland acquires eco-friendly skate brand.
o VF Corp. leverages outdoor strength in Q1.
o Other Stories include Mountain Hardwear, Cervelo,
Omega Pacific, Coalision, Quiksilver, Smartwool,
and many more...
*****************************************************************
To say it was a big week this week would be an understatement.
The newsletter was over 8,000 words with nine major public companies reporting, and quite possibly, the biggest acquisition the outdoor industry has seen in the past decade.
Some excerpts:
“The opportunity here is on two levels. At the retail level, it's in the specialty space and in the international channels. On the specialty side, I mean, there are some specific opportunities where we really do bring things to the table for K2, and there are some specific opportunities where they bring opportunities to us.”
-Jarden CEO, Martin Franklin
LINK
Salomon sales were down 10% during the first quarter and down 8% in local currencies. Salomon made the strategic decision to exit the in-line skate business last year, and sales would have been flat this year excluding those numbers from last year’s results. In spite of the decline in sales, the division’s EBIT loss was basically flat...
LINK
Mountain Hardwear sales grew 9.9% to $17.7 million during the first quarter. Mike Wallenfels, MTH president, told BOSS that Q1 2007 was the first quarter in which sportswear shipments surpassed outerwear shipments...
LINK
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Quote of the Week
“I would say that as the K2 management team, if we were going to pick two businesses that we thought would be perfect fits for us in the retail channel and give us the kind of leverage we'd want to have in that channel, they were Coleman and Pure Fishing and we tried to buy them both and just didn't have the capital structure to do it,” said K2 Chairman, Dick Heckman. “Because they were such good fits with us and such good fits with what the retailers really want. The retailers want bigger, stronger, fewer vendors and they want quality branded vendors, and the conversations that I had yesterday were very positive.”
That's not all folks...
Timberland Acquires Ipath
Looks like they found something to replace the Yellow Boot's lagging urban sales...
Looks like they found something to replace the Yellow Boot's lagging urban sales...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
I didn't see this one coming...
I knew Jarden (currently owns Coleman) was on the prowl for a big acquisition, but I never thought it would be K2...
Jarden to Acquire K2 for $1.2 Billion
Jarden to Acquire K2 for $1.2 Billion
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Outdoor Business April/May
The magazine should be in everyone's mailboxes by now. We certainly worked hard on this one, but the final edit/ship process went smoother than ever. As always, I am interested in any constructive criticism out there. We are working hard to make this THE trade magazine for outdoor retailers.
I'd also like to thank Jay Young (many of you know him as j_ung at Rockclimbing.com) for all of his help with the photos in this issue. His art really made the stories come to life.
Monday, April 23, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
***************************************************
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OIA's Capitol Summit charges ahead.
o Wolverine Worldwide gets another solid quarter from
Outdoor Group; lifts guidance.
o Orange 21 sees net loss double on double digit sales
increase.
o Oakley starts 2007 with strong first quarter.
o LiquidLogic-Legacy merger complete.
o New Executives appointed at several outdoor and
snowsports companies...
o New Participation Study will come out of four-way partnership.
o Other Stories include Life is Good, Rock Creek Outfitters,
IMBA, Eastern Mountain Sports, Kellwood, ATTA, and many more...
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OIA's Capitol Summit charges ahead.
o Wolverine Worldwide gets another solid quarter from
Outdoor Group; lifts guidance.
o Orange 21 sees net loss double on double digit sales
increase.
o Oakley starts 2007 with strong first quarter.
o LiquidLogic-Legacy merger complete.
o New Executives appointed at several outdoor and
snowsports companies...
o New Participation Study will come out of four-way partnership.
o Other Stories include Life is Good, Rock Creek Outfitters,
IMBA, Eastern Mountain Sports, Kellwood, ATTA, and many more...
LINK
Friday, April 20, 2007
Quote of the week...
"At the heart of our (explanation) why this all happened is really simply - and I hate to sound offensive - but we just made the wrong product and lots of it."
Mark Simo, Orange 21 Co-Chairman, CEO
Mark Simo, Orange 21 Co-Chairman, CEO
Crocs Banned...
Swedish health officials at the Blekinge Hospital in Karlkrona have banned staff from wearing Crocs slippers after it was discovered the footwear can produce so much static electricity, it can interfere with medical equipment.
The footwear was the culprit of two respiratory machines turning off for no apparent reason. The machines were assisting two premature babies breathe. The Crocs slippers are popular across Sweden, and worn by most health workers.
It was found that the slippers could charge a maximum of 25,000 volts. Hospital spokesperson Bjorn Lofqvist, said: "Everybody generates static electricity. But it usually loses its charge, either by disappearing through one's shoes or elsewhere."
LINK
The footwear was the culprit of two respiratory machines turning off for no apparent reason. The machines were assisting two premature babies breathe. The Crocs slippers are popular across Sweden, and worn by most health workers.
It was found that the slippers could charge a maximum of 25,000 volts. Hospital spokesperson Bjorn Lofqvist, said: "Everybody generates static electricity. But it usually loses its charge, either by disappearing through one's shoes or elsewhere."
LINK
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Pro Global Warming?
Our local NPR station, WFAE, just interviewed a politician who claims to be pro global warming. Apparently, he has some tight ties to some power companies that are heavily invested in coal. His argument was that global warming would be a net benefit to the human race. I believe his exact words were, "Yes, millions of people would be displaced in the Asia-Pacific region, but think of all of the new farm-land we would have in northern Russia..."
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tough times for cycling...
It looks like the cycling world is having a hard time coping with the post-Lance era and the recent drug scandals. According to Carlton over at Bike Biz, Nike is dropping its cycling program entirely
LINK.
At the same time, the Tour of Utah will be postponed due to lack of sponsorship support and the Executive Director of the tour resigned.
LINK
There are also rumors of other U.S. stage races having funding difficulties. Makes me wonder how much longer VS will carry their full schedule of races every Sunday...
LINK.
At the same time, the Tour of Utah will be postponed due to lack of sponsorship support and the Executive Director of the tour resigned.
LINK
There are also rumors of other U.S. stage races having funding difficulties. Makes me wonder how much longer VS will carry their full schedule of races every Sunday...
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Kyoto Accord in Action
From the UK's Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs:
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - PROVISIONAL 2006 RESULTS
* It is provisionally estimated that, in 2006, emissions of the total 'basket' of six greenhouse gases1 covered by the Kyoto Protocol were around 15 per cent below the base year, down from 775.2 to 658.1 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent. (The base year is 1990 for carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for fluorinated compounds.) To meet its commitment to the Protocol, the UK has agreed to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 121/2 per cent relative to the base year over the period 2008-2012.
* Net emissions of carbon dioxide during the year have provisionally been estimated at around 560.6 million tonnes, about 51/4 per cent lower than the 1990 level of 592.1 million tonnes. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas, accounting for around 84 per cent of all emissions in the "basket" in 2005, the latest year for which final results are available.
* The provisional estimate of 2006 carbon dioxide emissions is around 11/4 per cent higher than the 2005 figure. This increase was primarily as a result of fuel switching from natural gas to coal for electricity generation. This has also resulted in an estimated increase of 1/2 per cent in emissions from the total basket of gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol for the year.
* Aside from the Kyoto target, the UK aims to move towards its own domestic goal of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010. Under the Government's Climate Change Bill, which is currently at draft stage, it is now also proposed that the UK puts itself on a path towards a legally binding target of a 60 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2050. The Bill also incorporates an interim requirement of a reduction of between 26 and 32 per cent over the period 2018-2022.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Problem with NASCAR
in North Carolina is that its everywhere. You just can't avoid it. People say that its gone more "upscale" in the past five years, but the majority of the "sport" still revolves around drinking and throwing fried chicken bones at whichever driver has fallen out of favor.
My bitterness is probably coming from our new neighbors. We just had one of the NASCAR teams move in next door with a shop and some kind of museum to one of their "legendary drivers." If you've never heard an un-muffled 600 HP engine revving at 9,000 RPM, I don't recommend it - especially during working hours.
Making Some Noise
An article Lou wrote in March's Outdoor Business is getting some attention.
LINK
He featured three PR firms that have experience working with retailers in a "tips from the pros" article on the strategy and implementation of a retail PR brand building campaign. It could have easily run for a few more pages...
LINK
He featured three PR firms that have experience working with retailers in a "tips from the pros" article on the strategy and implementation of a retail PR brand building campaign. It could have easily run for a few more pages...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Now This is interesting...
Lebron James Buys Stake in Cannondale
NBA star Lebron James has acquired a minority ownership of Cannondale, the Bethel-CT based manufacturer of high-performance bicycles. James' ownership stake in Cannondale was not disclosed... (3/26/2007)
LINK
NBA star Lebron James has acquired a minority ownership of Cannondale, the Bethel-CT based manufacturer of high-performance bicycles. James' ownership stake in Cannondale was not disclosed... (3/26/2007)
LINK
Monday, March 26, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Yakima moves ahead with new leadership...
o Woolrich announces succession plans.
o New markets and acquisitions play a central role in
five-year growth plans.
o Forzani continues to see upside from repositioning
in spite of weather woes.
o Helly Hansen restructures North American management
team.
o Backcountry.com sees 56% sales growth in 2006.
o Cloudveil opens first retail store.
o SIA: Snow Sports sales declines level off in January.
o Other Stories include 3point5, ATTA, Burton, The Walking
Co., Cabela's, Ulu, Outdoor Industry Foundation, and many more...
Some Excerpts:
While Heinlen admits the company has seen some difficulties over the past
year, he is already seeing the benefits from these initiatives. “A lot of the story around the industry regarding Yakima in 2006 was that we hit some rough spots. I know that in the first half of the year there were some weak deliveries, some delayed launches, and some inconsistent product availability. The last six months of these initiatives has put us in an excellent position for 2007,” said Heinlen. “We made some changes in our logistics system and our transit times are shorter, and today I believe 75% or more of our products ship the same day. We’ve also cut our transit times in half...
LINK
At its peak, Simple was close to $40 million in revenues. In 2005, the brand did about $8 million. Since launching the Green Toe initiative, Simple has started to grow again with 2006 sales up 58% for the year...
LINK
One of the primary drivers of revenues for VF will be owned-retail. At the end of 2006 VFC had 538 owned-retail locations. Management sees the opportunity to add about 75 to 100 new stores per year over the coming years. Those new doors would mean that retail would grow from about 13% of total sales in 2006 to 18% or more in a few years. In 2007, VFC expects retail to contribute roughly $1 billion to the top line...
LINK
Backcountry.com 2006 sales increased 56% to $82 million from $52 million in 2005. The company recorded its busiest day on December 11, one week after Cyber Monday when the company shipped nearly 12,000 orders...
LINK
--------------------------------------------
o Yakima moves ahead with new leadership...
o Woolrich announces succession plans.
o New markets and acquisitions play a central role in
five-year growth plans.
o Forzani continues to see upside from repositioning
in spite of weather woes.
o Helly Hansen restructures North American management
team.
o Backcountry.com sees 56% sales growth in 2006.
o Cloudveil opens first retail store.
o SIA: Snow Sports sales declines level off in January.
o Other Stories include 3point5, ATTA, Burton, The Walking
Co., Cabela's, Ulu, Outdoor Industry Foundation, and many more...
Some Excerpts:
While Heinlen admits the company has seen some difficulties over the past
year, he is already seeing the benefits from these initiatives. “A lot of the story around the industry regarding Yakima in 2006 was that we hit some rough spots. I know that in the first half of the year there were some weak deliveries, some delayed launches, and some inconsistent product availability. The last six months of these initiatives has put us in an excellent position for 2007,” said Heinlen. “We made some changes in our logistics system and our transit times are shorter, and today I believe 75% or more of our products ship the same day. We’ve also cut our transit times in half...
LINK
At its peak, Simple was close to $40 million in revenues. In 2005, the brand did about $8 million. Since launching the Green Toe initiative, Simple has started to grow again with 2006 sales up 58% for the year...
LINK
One of the primary drivers of revenues for VF will be owned-retail. At the end of 2006 VFC had 538 owned-retail locations. Management sees the opportunity to add about 75 to 100 new stores per year over the coming years. Those new doors would mean that retail would grow from about 13% of total sales in 2006 to 18% or more in a few years. In 2007, VFC expects retail to contribute roughly $1 billion to the top line...
LINK
Backcountry.com 2006 sales increased 56% to $82 million from $52 million in 2005. The company recorded its busiest day on December 11, one week after Cyber Monday when the company shipped nearly 12,000 orders...
LINK
Thursday, March 22, 2007
VF CEO McDonald Receives $12.4M in 2006
LINK
The chief executive of clothing and jean maker VF Corp. received 2006 compensation the company valued at nearly $9.3 million, according to a regulatory filing Thursday.
Mackey J. McDonald got a salary of approximately $1.1 million and non-equity incentive plan compensation of some $1.5 million. He did not receive a bonus.
All other compensation totaled $80,510 and included $12,500 in matching contributions to a savings plan, $10,900 for financial planning, $18,740 for personal aircraft use and a $23,400 car allowance. Dues and subscriptions totaled $2,247, while tax gross up, which occurs when a company pays the taxes on an executive perks, came in at $12,723.
McDonald, 59, also received stock and option awards valued at about $6.6 million
The chief executive of clothing and jean maker VF Corp. received 2006 compensation the company valued at nearly $9.3 million, according to a regulatory filing Thursday.
Mackey J. McDonald got a salary of approximately $1.1 million and non-equity incentive plan compensation of some $1.5 million. He did not receive a bonus.
All other compensation totaled $80,510 and included $12,500 in matching contributions to a savings plan, $10,900 for financial planning, $18,740 for personal aircraft use and a $23,400 car allowance. Dues and subscriptions totaled $2,247, while tax gross up, which occurs when a company pays the taxes on an executive perks, came in at $12,723.
McDonald, 59, also received stock and option awards valued at about $6.6 million
Monday, March 19, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
o Canoecopia continues a spring tradition in 2007.
o Dick's SG posts first billion dollar quarter; beats
guidance.
o Polartec, LLC acquires Malden Mills' assets.
o Quiksilver shareholder group gets restless.
o SIA.08 dates overlap with ISPO.
o Zumiez fourth quarter net jumps on 12% comps gain.
o Pacific Cycle transformed into recreation brand.
o Eddie Bauer posts Q4 profit.
o American Recreation sees healthy Q4.
o B.O.S.S. goes one-on-one with Merrell Apparel
creative director Tobin Teichgraeber.
On Friday, March 2nd, a late winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow across much of the Midwest. Seven days later, on the first day of Rutabaga’s 26th annual Canoecopia show in Madison, WI, the temperatures reached 50 degrees. Even Mother Nature cooperates with paddlers.
Launched in 1981 and now called, “the world’s paddlesports expo,” the three-day event featured almost 200 boat companies, accessory brands, outfitters, tourism promoters and non-profit organizations. Teko, Sierra Club National Outings, Sierra Club River Touring and Sierra Magazine sponsored the 2007 event. By 9:15 am on Saturday, the convention center’s main parking lot was filled and parking attendees were directing a steady stream of cars to two overflow lots.
For the first time, attendees were introduced to carbon offsets. Entering the main show door, a large poster from Teko invited them to learn how to be carbon neutral traveler. Bush reports, “I received good feedback from vendors, but there is little consumer understanding about the concept.”
LINK
During an exclusive interview with The BOSS Report Spillane said that the biggest change will be shifting his mindset from running a troubled company to running a healthy company. “We completed 25 loan amendments in 27 months. That really tends to keep you distracted from running an effective business,” he said. “Now, we can move ahead with a strong balance sheet and focus on building the brand, research and development, and expanding our global platform.”
LINK
The letter also stated, “As skiers, we faced deep deception with the negative performance of the Rossignol management team created by Mr Mariette. Total lack of charisma, local political corruption in Moirans, non performance of the winter call-center, total retirement from prestige, brand promotion, racing effectiveness, quality advertising, product design, poor relationships with the European retailers, (and) weakness in new markets opening…”
LINK
o Dick's SG posts first billion dollar quarter; beats
guidance.
o Polartec, LLC acquires Malden Mills' assets.
o Quiksilver shareholder group gets restless.
o SIA.08 dates overlap with ISPO.
o Zumiez fourth quarter net jumps on 12% comps gain.
o Pacific Cycle transformed into recreation brand.
o Eddie Bauer posts Q4 profit.
o American Recreation sees healthy Q4.
o B.O.S.S. goes one-on-one with Merrell Apparel
creative director Tobin Teichgraeber.
On Friday, March 2nd, a late winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow across much of the Midwest. Seven days later, on the first day of Rutabaga’s 26th annual Canoecopia show in Madison, WI, the temperatures reached 50 degrees. Even Mother Nature cooperates with paddlers.
Launched in 1981 and now called, “the world’s paddlesports expo,” the three-day event featured almost 200 boat companies, accessory brands, outfitters, tourism promoters and non-profit organizations. Teko, Sierra Club National Outings, Sierra Club River Touring and Sierra Magazine sponsored the 2007 event. By 9:15 am on Saturday, the convention center’s main parking lot was filled and parking attendees were directing a steady stream of cars to two overflow lots.
For the first time, attendees were introduced to carbon offsets. Entering the main show door, a large poster from Teko invited them to learn how to be carbon neutral traveler. Bush reports, “I received good feedback from vendors, but there is little consumer understanding about the concept.”
LINK
During an exclusive interview with The BOSS Report Spillane said that the biggest change will be shifting his mindset from running a troubled company to running a healthy company. “We completed 25 loan amendments in 27 months. That really tends to keep you distracted from running an effective business,” he said. “Now, we can move ahead with a strong balance sheet and focus on building the brand, research and development, and expanding our global platform.”
LINK
The letter also stated, “As skiers, we faced deep deception with the negative performance of the Rossignol management team created by Mr Mariette. Total lack of charisma, local political corruption in Moirans, non performance of the winter call-center, total retirement from prestige, brand promotion, racing effectiveness, quality advertising, product design, poor relationships with the European retailers, (and) weakness in new markets opening…”
LINK
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
This Just In...
...from the Sierra Club
"The Sierra Club applauds Reps. Markey and Platts for moving forward with a bill that will make our environment, economy, and the nation as a whole safer and more secure. Making our cars and light trucks go farther on a gallon of gas is the single biggest step we can take toward saving American families money at the pump, ending our dangerous addiction to oil, and curbing global warming.
"In January the President proposed increasing CAFE standards at a rate of 4% per year. The Markey-Platts bill does just that. The common sense approach of ambitious but achievable goals set out in the bill enjoys strong bipartisan support--including five original cosponsors who voted against increasing CAFE standards when the House last took up the matter in 2005. With even noted environmental critic Sen. Ted Stevens introducing his own 40 miles per gallon bill for cars in the Senate, it is clear that the time has come for Congress to raise fuel economy standards for the first time since it originally set them in 1975.
"This bill will not only save consumers money and help us fight global warming, but it will also help us break our addiction to oil. Within 15 years, this bill will save us as much oil as we now import from the Persian Gulf. Making cars go further on each gallon of gas is like drilling for oil under Detroit instead of our sensitive coasts and lands. Raising fuel economy standards is the cleanest, cheapest, and safest way for America to reduce its dependence on oil.
"It is time for automakers to get off their tailpipe and get into gear to do their fair share to curb global warming and our oil addiction. They need to take the technology gathering dust on Detroit’s shelves and put it to work to help America tackle some of its most urgent problems. Requiring the American auto industry to make more fuel-efficient vehicles is auto mechanics, not rocket science. It will force them to compete with foreign automakers like Honda and Toyota who have used hybrids and other efficient vehicles to remake their brands and cruise to record profits while the Big Three teeter on the brink of insolvency."
Monday, March 12, 2007
Quote of the Week
“I think the industry is very healthy right now. There are always exceptions regionally and there are really different ways to measure health. This time of year, the most significant measurement is how many people we have on credit hold because the winter is ending and all of the bills are coming due. The credit hold list we have this year is tiny, I mean I can count the number of retailers on one hand. So I think the health of the business is good in terms of retailers managing their businesses efficiently.”
Peter Metcalf
Peter Metcalf
Thursday, March 01, 2007
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly...
All wrapped up in one conference call...
Head N.V. reported their fourth quarter results, and apparently they were below what their shareholders expected. During a conference call with Analysts, shareholders and the media that I covered this week, Head's CEO, Johan Eliasch butted heads with a few shareholders...
After a series of other questions that dug into Head's independent auditors, sales by region, and stock options, the same shareholder asked one final question...
Head N.V. reported their fourth quarter results, and apparently they were below what their shareholders expected. During a conference call with Analysts, shareholders and the media that I covered this week, Head's CEO, Johan Eliasch butted heads with a few shareholders...
Rupert Heinrich Stahler
Yes, I do have a couple of questions. First, greetings to Mr. Eliasch and Mr. Bernhardt. My name is Rupert Heinrich Stahler. So before I'm going to ask a couple of questions, I would like to thank all of the successful top professional athletes of Head. I ask you Mr. Eliasch, do our athletes deserve that the annual report of Head is prepared unlovingly and colorless like it was the last two years. What I mean, for a Company which wants to be successful in the leisure and sports business, an annual report without a single picture is embarrassing and, in my opinion, nearly ridiculous. So Mr. Eliasch, will you improve our annual report 2006, or must we understand it in such a way that you perhaps don't appreciate your shareholders very much? So that is my question, my first question, please.
Johan Eliasch
Well, the answer to that is that if you go onto our website, there are plenty of athletes and all kinds of information. And in today's world, people usually go onto websites to look at annual reports.
Rupert Heinrich Stahler
So, then I have but one more question, Mr. Eliasch. Do you really think that we had a strong year? Of course, there was a certain improvement in terms of operating profits, but we still have an EBIT margin of only 5.45%. So in my opinion, that is rather weak, for sure it is not strong enough. So my clear question is what is your personal goal for our operating profit margin for 2007 and, of course, for the next years to come, please?
Johan Eliasch
Well, I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't give you -- I can't give you a clear statement on that. And also there are legal boundaries which restricts that kind of information. That is the first thing. Secondly, I think you probably heard my statement with regards to 2007, and that is that it is going to be tough conditions. It is too early to tell and it is not possible to speculate at this early stage what the rest of the year might have.
After a series of other questions that dug into Head's independent auditors, sales by region, and stock options, the same shareholder asked one final question...
Rupert Heinrich Stahler
Okay. Next question. It is what it is. Very interesting. Question number seven. I have one more technical question to Mr. Bernhardt. In August 2006, the Company transferred some 237,000 shares with an original cost of -- let me have a look -- EUR 0.5 million -- to Mr. Eliasch and family. Did we obtain any capital gains from this transaction?
Johan Eliasch
This administers the total of the option plans of the participants and of the stock option plans. It is not...
Ralf Bernhart (Head NV CFO)
This stock thing does not belong to Mr. Eliasch or his family.
Johan Eliasch
Yes, it does not belong to me -- if you read the annual report -- but maybe you haven't read it because we haven't put pictures into it...
Monday, February 26, 2007
More News: REI's Fiscal 2006 Net Income Climbs 23% on 9.5% Comps
LINK
REI will distribute $58 million to its active members through the annual patronage refund based on the co-op's 2006 sales of $1.18 billion. For the year, REI's operating income increased 22.8% from $86 million to $105.5 million, and net income increased from $32.7 million to $40.3 million, or 23%. REI's comp store sales remained high in 2006 at 9.5%, marking two consecutive years of 9.5% or higher. The company's direct sales channel, which includes online and catalog sales, gained 19%. These record financials mark the second consecutive year where sales rose more than 15%.
Based on 2006 results, the outdoor retailer will dedicate $3.6 million through its grants program in support of conservation and recreational access around the country in the coming year.
LINK
REI will distribute $58 million to its active members through the annual patronage refund based on the co-op's 2006 sales of $1.18 billion. For the year, REI's operating income increased 22.8% from $86 million to $105.5 million, and net income increased from $32.7 million to $40.3 million, or 23%. REI's comp store sales remained high in 2006 at 9.5%, marking two consecutive years of 9.5% or higher. The company's direct sales channel, which includes online and catalog sales, gained 19%. These record financials mark the second consecutive year where sales rose more than 15%.
Based on 2006 results, the outdoor retailer will dedicate $3.6 million through its grants program in support of conservation and recreational access around the country in the coming year.
LINK
Growing...
We finally brought a couple of new faces on-board after growing the company significantly over the past year. It will be nice to have some more help with the on-line reporting and Tom Ryan certainly has the background to bring us up the the next level. I worked with him this week and he's a quick study and an excellent reporter.
I have yet to meet Stephen Jones, but I know our ad sales staff has a ton of momentum behind it right now and was looking for some new talent.
Welcome aboard to both of you.
Sam Wender was promoted to Publisher of of all print, newsletter and online properties. Sam has really been stepping up and taking on a ton of responsibility on the publishing side and its great to have him heading the team.
Judy Leand, our editor in chief of all of the print magazines, was also promoted to editorial director in charge of the entire media group. Working with Judy over the past six months has been an educational experience for all of us and she has really pushed us to the next level in print. I'm looking forward to her input on the on-line and newsletter side of our editorial development.
I've had a lot of questions about who is doing what. Just to clarify, the rest of the team has responsibilities that span across all of our publications. Nearly all of us contribute is some way, shape or form to every publication. I'll have the entire list up shortly...
I have yet to meet Stephen Jones, but I know our ad sales staff has a ton of momentum behind it right now and was looking for some new talent.
Welcome aboard to both of you.
Sam Wender was promoted to Publisher of of all print, newsletter and online properties. Sam has really been stepping up and taking on a ton of responsibility on the publishing side and its great to have him heading the team.
Judy Leand, our editor in chief of all of the print magazines, was also promoted to editorial director in charge of the entire media group. Working with Judy over the past six months has been an educational experience for all of us and she has really pushed us to the next level in print. I'm looking forward to her input on the on-line and newsletter side of our editorial development.
I've had a lot of questions about who is doing what. Just to clarify, the rest of the team has responsibilities that span across all of our publications. Nearly all of us contribute is some way, shape or form to every publication. I'll have the entire list up shortly...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Politics and Ethics...
seem to be like oil and water...
LINK
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for tighter ethics rules in federal agencies Wednesday after government officials approved the purchase of a $980,000 vacation home by a top Justice Department lawyer with an oil company lobbyist.
Pelosi's criticism followed an Associated Press report last week that department ethics officials did not object when Sue Ellen Wooldridge, then head of the environment division, was buying a South Carolina beach house with Donald R. Duncan, the top Washington lobbyist for ConocoPhillips.
LINK
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Amer Sports sees warm winter weather impact equipment sales.
o Garmin fourth quarter sales and income double.
o Interbike looks at timing and venue options.
o Coleman continues growth under Jarden umbrella.
o GSI Commerce sees on-line merchandise sales nearly double.
o SSL adds new members.
o American Skiing Co. sells off two more resorts.
o SIA sees weather impact sales at specialty retail.
o Other Stories include Sugoi, Boa Technologies, Adventure 16, Crocs, Johnson Outdoors, and many more...
Some Excerpts:
--------------------------------------------
o Amer Sports sees warm winter weather impact equipment sales.
o Garmin fourth quarter sales and income double.
o Interbike looks at timing and venue options.
o Coleman continues growth under Jarden umbrella.
o GSI Commerce sees on-line merchandise sales nearly double.
o SSL adds new members.
o American Skiing Co. sells off two more resorts.
o SIA sees weather impact sales at specialty retail.
o Other Stories include Sugoi, Boa Technologies, Adventure 16, Crocs, Johnson Outdoors, and many more...
Some Excerpts:
Salomon Q4 sales increased 11% to €282.1 million ($363.8 mm) versus €255.2 million ($303.6 mm) last year. The company saw a 6% increase in winter sports hardgoods during Q4 to €188.6 mm ($243.2 mm). Apparel sales were the strongest during the quarter, with a 30% increase to €67.3 million ($82.1 mm)...
Amer’s management dedicated the majority of their presentation to analyzing the current conditions in the snow sports market given the warm weather and varying levels of inventory at retail. According to their analysis, most mountain retailers were able to move through the majority of their pre-season inventory. While some urban retailers have been able to clear out these pre-season orders, most of these retailers – in both the U.S. and Europe - have been hit hardest by the weather. Because of this, Amer’s management feels that it is evident that the industry will see lower pre-season bookings in 2008...
During the tenth annual Bicycle Leadership Conference, Interbike hosted a breakfast presentation titled "Guiding Our Future" in which show director Lance Camisasca shared post-Interbike survey results. The roundtable discussion that followed covered several issues that are crucial to the future venue and timing of Interbike. The survey provided some interesting data points - 69% of retailers would prefer Interbike to be held between September 1 and October 31; when asked to identify which city would best suit their business needs, 61% of retailers chose Las Vegas while 50% of exhibitors chose Salt Lake City, Utah....
The warm weather retailers and vendors have been talking about finally worked its way through the food chain and showed up in SIA’s monthly retail audit. With almost no snow in the Eastern and Midwestern regions during December – the month that accounts for roughly half of the seasonal SnowSports revenue – both chain and specialty SnowSports sales declined...
“Coleman, in our view, has been a company that [has] been stripped - asset stripped for years before we came into the business, and again... it's ready to go from defense to offense. I think there's going to be a multiple layer of benefits that will come from making positive acquisitions in that business, and we're actively working in that area,” Franklin said. “On the Outdoor Solutions front, (we will be) pushing into the specialty channel."
Thursday, February 15, 2007
What does it take...
to grow from a $1 billion company to a $1.8 billion company in one year? According to Garmin's CEO, Dr. Min Kao, who just pulled this off this year, quite a bit.
We added 1700 associates in 2006, including 250 in engineering; 950 in manufacturing, mostly for the new factory; and 175 in marketing, including customer support for our second call center to handle the increased call volume...
We added 1700 associates in 2006, including 250 in engineering; 950 in manufacturing, mostly for the new factory; and 175 in marketing, including customer support for our second call center to handle the increased call volume...
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
o VF Corp. continues organic growth and looks for big deals.
o OR Hardgoods go green too.
o Climbing continues growth.
o Quiksilver cuts guidance while K2, Inc. Raises.
o Oakley Q4 sales climb; margins fall.
o Timberland restructures.
o Timberland Q4 impacted again by boot business.
o OIA supports new NPS budget.
o Moosejaw takes on new private equity partner.
o Sport Chalet continues expansion; will enter Utah.
and much more...
Some excerpts:
VFC Outdoor Coalition total revenues were up 32% to $453 million during the fourth quarter. Domestic revenues in the ODC grew 34% in the quarter, while international revenues rose 28%. Operating income increased 36% in the quarter, and operating margins rose in spite of additional investments into infrastructure. The North Face saw double-digit revenue increases during the quarter with “solid sell-through” in spite of the unseasonably warm weather. TNF backlogs for both spring and fall are up over 20% and in line with VF’s expectations. TNF Americas revenues increased “more than” 35%. The brand opened four new full-price retail stores during the quarter and retail sales were said to be “as strong as the wholesale business...
LINK
Quiksilver, Inc. has adopted a more cautious outlook for the remainder of this year and next year's early season due to the unseasonably warm winter and poor snow conditions in the U.S. and in Europe. ZQK now expects first quarter fiscal 2007 revenue to be $540 million and diluted EPS to be four cents compared to previously expected revenues of approximately $550 million to $555 million with diluted EPS of nine cents for the period ending January 31...
Just hours after Quiksilver issued their warning, K2 Inc. announced that they would be raising their expectations for fiscal 2006. The company now expects adjusted diluted earnings per share for the full year to be in the range of 87 cents to 88 cents, exceeding K2's previous guidance of 83 cents to 86 cents...
LINK
In conjunction with reporting its financial performance for the fourth quarter and the year (see page 9), Timberland announced the departure of the company’s COO, Ken Pucker, who had been with the company for 15 years. TBL said his departure had been anticipated for nearly a year and the executive team had been working on a succession plan which included a major shift in the company’s management and reporting structure...
LINK
Timberland Apparel and accessories revenue expanded 26.1% during the quarter to $130.1 million, supported by the addition of the SmartWool brand and growth in Timberland brand sales globally. Smartwool sales increased for the full year to approximately $53 million globally, up 27% on a comparable basis and ahead of TBL’s performance goals...
LINK
Sport Chalet’s plan for calendar 2007 is to open six to eight new stores and complete two major remodels during the year. The new stores will primarily be focused on adding density to existing markets in Arizona, Southern California, and Nevada with the majority in Arizona. The company will be entering one new market during the 2007 calendar year, Utah. The new store will be located in Jordan Landing, which is in the greater Salt Lake City area...
LINK
o OR Hardgoods go green too.
o Climbing continues growth.
o Quiksilver cuts guidance while K2, Inc. Raises.
o Oakley Q4 sales climb; margins fall.
o Timberland restructures.
o Timberland Q4 impacted again by boot business.
o OIA supports new NPS budget.
o Moosejaw takes on new private equity partner.
o Sport Chalet continues expansion; will enter Utah.
and much more...
Some excerpts:
VFC Outdoor Coalition total revenues were up 32% to $453 million during the fourth quarter. Domestic revenues in the ODC grew 34% in the quarter, while international revenues rose 28%. Operating income increased 36% in the quarter, and operating margins rose in spite of additional investments into infrastructure. The North Face saw double-digit revenue increases during the quarter with “solid sell-through” in spite of the unseasonably warm weather. TNF backlogs for both spring and fall are up over 20% and in line with VF’s expectations. TNF Americas revenues increased “more than” 35%. The brand opened four new full-price retail stores during the quarter and retail sales were said to be “as strong as the wholesale business...
LINK
Quiksilver, Inc. has adopted a more cautious outlook for the remainder of this year and next year's early season due to the unseasonably warm winter and poor snow conditions in the U.S. and in Europe. ZQK now expects first quarter fiscal 2007 revenue to be $540 million and diluted EPS to be four cents compared to previously expected revenues of approximately $550 million to $555 million with diluted EPS of nine cents for the period ending January 31...
Just hours after Quiksilver issued their warning, K2 Inc. announced that they would be raising their expectations for fiscal 2006. The company now expects adjusted diluted earnings per share for the full year to be in the range of 87 cents to 88 cents, exceeding K2's previous guidance of 83 cents to 86 cents...
LINK
In conjunction with reporting its financial performance for the fourth quarter and the year (see page 9), Timberland announced the departure of the company’s COO, Ken Pucker, who had been with the company for 15 years. TBL said his departure had been anticipated for nearly a year and the executive team had been working on a succession plan which included a major shift in the company’s management and reporting structure...
LINK
Timberland Apparel and accessories revenue expanded 26.1% during the quarter to $130.1 million, supported by the addition of the SmartWool brand and growth in Timberland brand sales globally. Smartwool sales increased for the full year to approximately $53 million globally, up 27% on a comparable basis and ahead of TBL’s performance goals...
LINK
Sport Chalet’s plan for calendar 2007 is to open six to eight new stores and complete two major remodels during the year. The new stores will primarily be focused on adding density to existing markets in Arizona, Southern California, and Nevada with the majority in Arizona. The company will be entering one new market during the 2007 calendar year, Utah. The new store will be located in Jordan Landing, which is in the greater Salt Lake City area...
LINK
Yeah... This is a Marketing Expense...
From the Press Release issued Yesterday:
Volcom, Inc. has completed its purchase of a house located directly in front of the world famous Pipeline surf break on Oahu's legendary North Shore. The residence will accommodate Volcom's surf team riders during the winter surf season and will be the location for various Volcom marketing functions throughout the year.
"Steeped in history, this house is a surfing landmark," said Richard Woolcott, Volcom's president and chief executive officer. "This is an unbelievable opportunity for our marketing program and it is an honor to have Volcom associated with it."
Volcom, Inc. has completed its purchase of a house located directly in front of the world famous Pipeline surf break on Oahu's legendary North Shore. The residence will accommodate Volcom's surf team riders during the winter surf season and will be the location for various Volcom marketing functions throughout the year.
"Steeped in history, this house is a surfing landmark," said Richard Woolcott, Volcom's president and chief executive officer. "This is an unbelievable opportunity for our marketing program and it is an honor to have Volcom associated with it."
Monday, February 12, 2007
Disposable retail...
These days, retailers are adopting the concept of a pop-up store with gusto. A pop-up store opens up at an empty retail location for a few days in a major city, or a mall, with great fanfare. And then, poof! It's gone. Last year, in November, Nike opened a pop-up store in Soho for just four days for the sole purpose of selling 250 pairs of the Zoom LeBron IV NYC basketball shoes, named after the popular 22-year-old NBA All-Star LeBron James. The special edition shoes were priced at $250 each.
LINK to Business Week
More on The Good Ole' State of NC
A business acquaintance just sent this to me...
I moved here from Northern Virginia in 1990. There are a few things here that will take some getting used to, especially from a Northerner:
1. Fast food is not so fast here.
2. The left lane on the highway is for cruising here, not passing. No, flashing your lights and honking doesn't seem to work so folks often pass on the right.
3. Turn signals are for hanging scented pine tree items here - they aren't used.
4. Drivers come to almost complete stops before turning onto side roads - I think they're balancing a mint julep drink on their knee.
5. There are no 1 syllable words here. Hey, becomes hey-aaay, etc.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Like Dominoes...
Well, retailers at SIA may not have been complaining about the weather, but the impact has surely worked its way up the food chain. Could Quiksilver, Inc. be the first of many early earnings warnings on the horizon?
- Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chairman of the Board and CEO of Quiksilver, Inc.
LINK
"Conditions in many of the world's snow resorts were affected by what has proven to be one of the warmest winters on record. This has impacted our in-season business in the first quarter, and we anticipate that it will create industry-wide softness in next year's early season as retailers work through hold-over inventory, adjust pre-season buys and plan more cautiously."
- Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chairman of the Board and CEO of Quiksilver, Inc.
LINK
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Quote of the week...
(Acquisitions) continue to be our number one priority as we said. We've got tremendous cash flow and that is the number one priority we have... I would expect to see some small tuck in acquisitions as we go forward, but we are continuing to look at larger, more transformational types of acquisitions...
- Mackey McDonald - VF Corporation - Chairman, CEO
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
This week is the first week of our annual show review. While some folks may not think that the on-going greening of our industry warrants a cover story, walking around the show floor certainly hammered this message home - at OR, if you are not telling an environmental story with you product, you are not in the game.
Here are some excerpts from our review:
Here are some excerpts from our review:
Patagonia made headlines around the world with the announcement that they will be accepting all Polartec garments ever made into their polyester recycling program, which was created in conjunction with Teijin. This means that any of the millions of TNF Denali Jackets hanging in collegiate dorm closets, and the thousands of Cloudveil Gridlock Jackets and Arc’Teryx Delta AR Jackets could be recycled into Patagonia products as early as next year...
TNF president of the Americas, Steve Rendle, said that the company will be looking at more eco apparel construction and “working to bring our environmental message up to the same level as our social message.” Currently, the company already has some unique programs, such as working with Conservation Fund’s “Go Zero” program, which offsets greenhouse gas emissions by reclaiming urban land and planting trees...
Topo Ranch continues to expand their line, which started off as a simple offering of funky tees. With over 100 SKU’s, the company is now offering their first fully-merchandised women’s line. At the same time, they are moving their lines towards organic and sustainable fabrics, with 65% of their offering currently organic. The end goal is to have every piece telling some kind of sustainable story...
Timberland is expanding their apparel line even as the company transforms itself into an environmentally-friendly holding company, giving authentic eco-friendly brands the capital and infrastructure needed to expand beyond the start-up phase. In addition, the company showed up at OR this year with a new booth made of 98% repurposed materials by re-using shipping containers and recycled materials...
Kulczycki said that he wanted to be careful not to “Patagonia-ize” Filson, but he would be exploring ways for the brand to leave less of a footprint with its manufacturing and product development...
Static Mountain had a larger presence in the climbing area of the show than they had at previous shows. The six-year-old company has been specializing in climbing and yoga apparel with bamboo as a key material throughout much of the line...
Blurr is also continuing to ramp up its organic offering...
prAna more than doubled the size of its wind power initiative and added all of its U.S.-based factories to the program. prAna still manufactures the majority of its line domestically...
Monday, February 05, 2007
Moosejaw Takes on Private Equity Partner
Looks like some retailers are riding the wave and ready to get some cash out of all of the success...
Moosejaw Takes on Private Equity Partner
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 2/5/2007
Parallel Investment Partners has completed the recapitalization of Moosejaw Mountaineering and Backcountry Travel, Inc.
Moosejaw Takes on Private Equity Partner
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 2/5/2007
Parallel Investment Partners has completed the recapitalization of Moosejaw Mountaineering and Backcountry Travel, Inc.
Friday, February 02, 2007
The New Eco-Conscious OR...
There is one downside of this trend. Nearly every booth I went into at the show had some sort of "green" story and now I am running out of synonyms for "environmentally friendly" in my show review...
Thursday, February 01, 2007
The Crocs Strategy Clarified
Well, I guess I should have figured this out earlier, but I was too busy trying to decipher why people were actually buying Crocs in the first place...
It appears that the folks at Crocs are actually looking ahead and figuring out that this trend of bright colorful EVA footwear can't possibly sustain itself long-term. So, they have decided to build a holding company that leverages their manufacturing resources. The company is shipping millions of pairs of EVA footwear each quarter and with operating margins in excess of 20% the company is generating loads of cash.
What will it do with that cash?
Well, there's no dividend (yet) and they certainly don't need to invest in building the Crocs brand. So, they are buying up small niche sport brands like FURY HOCKEY and most recently Ocean Minded, a skate and surf "green" brand.
So, while the Crocs fad may not be entirely sustainable at its present growth rate, I think we can all agree the current shift towards more environmentally friendly practices will be around for a long time. If Crocs can push Ocean Minded through just a portion of its current 14,000 door distribution network, I think we will see this company around for a long time...
It appears that the folks at Crocs are actually looking ahead and figuring out that this trend of bright colorful EVA footwear can't possibly sustain itself long-term. So, they have decided to build a holding company that leverages their manufacturing resources. The company is shipping millions of pairs of EVA footwear each quarter and with operating margins in excess of 20% the company is generating loads of cash.
What will it do with that cash?
Well, there's no dividend (yet) and they certainly don't need to invest in building the Crocs brand. So, they are buying up small niche sport brands like FURY HOCKEY and most recently Ocean Minded, a skate and surf "green" brand.
So, while the Crocs fad may not be entirely sustainable at its present growth rate, I think we can all agree the current shift towards more environmentally friendly practices will be around for a long time. If Crocs can push Ocean Minded through just a portion of its current 14,000 door distribution network, I think we will see this company around for a long time...
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Now This is Interesting...
At the OIA industry breakfast, Bainbridge Graduate Institute announced the addition of an Outdoor Industry Concentration to its MBA in Sustainable Business program. Now, this would normally look like a small college simply trying to market itself, but take a look at some of the industry folks who are advising on their Sustainable Business program:
LINK
* Steve Rendle, President, Americas of The North Face
* Sarah Severn, Director of Horizons, Corporate Responsibility of Nike
* Gary Smith, President/General Manager of Timberland Outdoor Group & SVP Global Supply Chain of Timberland
* Rick Ridgeway, Vice President of Communications and Environmental Initiatives & Mountaineer of Patagonia
* Sheryl O'Loughlin, CEO of Clif Bar
* Diana Simmons, Sustainability Manager of Clif Bar
* Jared Fischer, Director of Escape Adventures
* Brooke Williams, Executive Director of the Murie Center
* Chris Van Dyke, President & CEO of NAU
* Matt Hyde, SVP Marketing and Merchandising of REI
* Kevin Hagen, Program Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility of REI
LINK
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
The annual SIA show review took up most of our real estate this week - and it was a very good show. In spite of the lack of snow, retailers were relatively up-beat.
here are some excerpts:
Here's a LINK to the rest
here are some excerpts:
Black Diamond made their official debut at SIA after several years of absence. The company feels that it has been evolving into more of a ski company for the last several years...
Head’s business increased nearly 14% in the U.S. market according to the company’s North American management team...
Movement Skis was creating quite a buzz on the show floor due to their premium backcountry and freeride skis... The company uses rather exotic woods in the cores of its skis, which it buys off of a tree farm that specializes in high-end sailing decks...
Salomon is preparing to move its headquarters to Utah sometime in June or July, with much of the current Oregon-based team deciding to remain behind...
Marker created two all-new bindings this year, catering to two similar markets. For the park & pipe skier, the Jester offers a 16 DIN setting and park-specific features like low rotational weight to make spins faster and easier. This same binding platform was incorporated into a backcountry AT set-up for the park & pipe skier who wants to take his or her skills into the big mountains...
On the snowboard side of the show there were more skis than ever. Black Skis was launched this year by Sapient snowboard’s parent company AMS. The brand is a low-price, high performance line of freeride skis and was described as “our response to ski companies making cheap snowboards.” The line starts at $70 wholesale...
Bonfire now claims to be the “solid” number two snowboard apparel brand behind Burton, and even out-sold Burton in pants this year...
Holden is going into its fifth year and was the second most progressive company on the floor when it comes to environmentally conscious design, with the first being Patagonia...
Here's a LINK to the rest
Monday, January 29, 2007
OR Day1-2-3
Super busy show for me this year. Not too much time to update the blog, but here's a few classic photos...
Here's Mr. Neptune himself at Julbo's Party...
Black Diamond's latest contribution to the ice climbing world...
DMM will be launching the world's lightest carabiner this spring. Next to it is an interesting stainless steel belay device.
I figured since everyone else had published a photo of NTN I should too...
Pete Takeda - a very close second place in the big wall cook off (Jim Bridwell won...)
Here's Mr. Neptune himself at Julbo's Party...
Black Diamond's latest contribution to the ice climbing world...
DMM will be launching the world's lightest carabiner this spring. Next to it is an interesting stainless steel belay device.
I figured since everyone else had published a photo of NTN I should too...
Pete Takeda - a very close second place in the big wall cook off (Jim Bridwell won...)
Kim Miller After One Year with Scarpa N.A.
Gabcast! Kim Miller Interview
Kim talks about what Scarpa has been able to accomplish in the year since he took over.
Kim talks about what Scarpa has been able to accomplish in the year since he took over.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
We had some pretty big news happening this week, but that usually happens right before trade show season starts.
o Environmental Concerns drive technology for vendors
and retailers alike.
o SIA Retail Audit: Global Warming is Impacting Retail Sales...
o Five Regional Magazines Form Alliance.
o Lowa Boots Acquires X-Socks U.S. Distribution.
o Peregrine Opens New Western Warehouse.
o Cloudveil Parent SBI Sells Off Fila Business...
o Colorado Sees Record Skier Visits.
o Malden Sale Hits a Potential Roadblock.
o Yue Yuen gets China lift.
o Other Stories include OIWC, Sugoi, Spy, Optic Nerve,
Osprey, Nikwax, Icebreaker, and many more...
The Malden story was by far the biggest news.
But the cover story on "green design" was equally as important to the industry.
o Environmental Concerns drive technology for vendors
and retailers alike.
o SIA Retail Audit: Global Warming is Impacting Retail Sales...
o Five Regional Magazines Form Alliance.
o Lowa Boots Acquires X-Socks U.S. Distribution.
o Peregrine Opens New Western Warehouse.
o Cloudveil Parent SBI Sells Off Fila Business...
o Colorado Sees Record Skier Visits.
o Malden Sale Hits a Potential Roadblock.
o Yue Yuen gets China lift.
o Other Stories include OIWC, Sugoi, Spy, Optic Nerve,
Osprey, Nikwax, Icebreaker, and many more...
The Malden story was by far the biggest news.
But the cover story on "green design" was equally as important to the industry.
...However today, the majority of the advances seem to be taking place in footwear. Simple has created their line of eco-friendly shoes, dubbed the Green Toe initiative; Timberland is putting FDA-style “Green Index” labels on all of their footwear and powering their warehouses with solar energy; Teva is launching their “curbside collection” made out of recycled plastic bottles; and Merrell has licensed the Patagonia name and launched their own “green” footwear line.
In addition, Simple and Deckers are hosting the first ecoETHICS forum at the WSA show on February 3rd, 2007. The forum is designed to bring all footwear companies together to share best practices in green design and marketing....
Back in Las Vegas...
...Again. Last night I went to the SIA fashion show, and just like last year, it impressed me.
I'll try to get pictures and notes up shortly...
I'll try to get pictures and notes up shortly...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
If the shoe fits...
"Crocs is one of the most forward-thinking companies we have ever seen," says Michael Goldberg, Zimmerman's Chief Marketing Officer. "They're not just committed to bringing the world good products. They're also committed to doing a world of good with those products. That combination can be a powerful force on a global level, and we wanted to play on their team."
LINK
LINK
He's Back...
It looks like Chris Denny is back with his own PR firm, Denny Ink.
Two clients so far, Pistil Designs and Powderhorn.
Two clients so far, Pistil Designs and Powderhorn.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Let the bidding war begin...
Second Company Bids on Malden Mills
A private equity firm has made a bid for Malden Mills Industries Inc., a textile maker that employs more than 800 workers at its plants in Lawrence, Mass., and in Hudson. Philadelphia-based Chyrsalis Capital Partners on Friday said it was offering $44 million, an offer similar to a tentative deal the textile maker reached with Boston-based Gordon Brothers Group before filing for bankruptcy protection.
A private equity firm has made a bid for Malden Mills Industries Inc., a textile maker that employs more than 800 workers at its plants in Lawrence, Mass., and in Hudson. Philadelphia-based Chyrsalis Capital Partners on Friday said it was offering $44 million, an offer similar to a tentative deal the textile maker reached with Boston-based Gordon Brothers Group before filing for bankruptcy protection.
GoBlog's Newsletter
This just came into my In-box today - I'm not too sure what they are trying to accomplish with this.
Cloudveil Parent Sells Off FILA
SBI Sells Fila Business to Fila Korea
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 1/16/2007
Fila Korea Ltd. and Sport Brands International Ltd. (SBI) have entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of the global Fila footwear and apparel business to Fila Korea for an undisclosed purchase price.
The sale is structured as a sale of SBI's subsidiary, Fila Luxembourg, which holds the rights to the worldwide use of the brands and trademarks of FILA. SBI will retain Cloudveil Mountain Works, Inc. and Motionwear, Inc. following the sale.
Mr. Yoon-Soo (Gene) Yoon, the Chairman of Fila Korea who, in 2005, completed a successful management buyout of Fila Korea stated "We are very excited to acquire the world-wide Fila business. Fila is widely recognized as one of the premier global sports brands and we believe it has tremendous untapped potential. We look forward to working closely with Fila's talented management team and regard the existing employees as a valuable asset of the business."
LINK
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 1/16/2007
Fila Korea Ltd. and Sport Brands International Ltd. (SBI) have entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of the global Fila footwear and apparel business to Fila Korea for an undisclosed purchase price.
The sale is structured as a sale of SBI's subsidiary, Fila Luxembourg, which holds the rights to the worldwide use of the brands and trademarks of FILA. SBI will retain Cloudveil Mountain Works, Inc. and Motionwear, Inc. following the sale.
Mr. Yoon-Soo (Gene) Yoon, the Chairman of Fila Korea who, in 2005, completed a successful management buyout of Fila Korea stated "We are very excited to acquire the world-wide Fila business. Fila is widely recognized as one of the premier global sports brands and we believe it has tremendous untapped potential. We look forward to working closely with Fila's talented management team and regard the existing employees as a valuable asset of the business."
LINK
Monday, January 15, 2007
What I love About North Carolina...
This post was inspired by Dougald's post over at The Mountain World on what he loves about Colorado.
While Colorado is getting record snowfall, we are seeing record high temperatures. This weekend it was over 70 degrees and our average temperature in in the high 40's. So instead of complaining about no snow, I decided to take advantage of the weather, and make the best of it.
I was lucky enough to get away to Stone Mountain State Park in northern NC and get a little steep friction climbing in. For those of you who have never climbed on Stone Mountain granite, it is about as close to pure friction climbing as you can get. The 500 foot tall dome has some featured routes, but anything over 5.7 is pretty much a blank face and you need to rely on the friction of your sticky rubber entirely.
Stone Mountain is also notoriously run-out.
20 foot run-outs are standard and nearly every route has at least one 40 footer. This weekend I was watching a very "southern" climber and his wife/girlfriend climb a 5.9 just to the left of where my friend and I were getting ready to start our climb. He was about 25 feet out from his bolt and 45 feet off of the ledge where we were all hanging out.
As he pulled into the crux moves, he smeared his left foot up high, and as he shifted his weight and lifted his right foot up for the next non-existent foothold, he started sliding down - on one foot. He dropped five of six feet and then just stopped - for no apparent reason other than some strange glitch in the laws of physics
He looked down at his wife/girlfriend and without any fear or trepidation said, "Well that was strange, wasn't it honey."
I thought he was talking about the fact that he didn't fall and completely ledge-out but apparently he was talking about the fact that he didn't do the crux move. He promptly climbed back up to his high point and tried again, and slid back down five or six feet again.
"Well damn, I just don't understand," he said as he climbed right back up to his high point again. At this point I thought he was pressing his luck, but he chalked up, took a few deep breaths, and fired off the move.
I don't think there are too many other places where you can say you fell twice, from the same spot, 25 feet above your last piece, and still got the on-sight.
While Colorado is getting record snowfall, we are seeing record high temperatures. This weekend it was over 70 degrees and our average temperature in in the high 40's. So instead of complaining about no snow, I decided to take advantage of the weather, and make the best of it.
I was lucky enough to get away to Stone Mountain State Park in northern NC and get a little steep friction climbing in. For those of you who have never climbed on Stone Mountain granite, it is about as close to pure friction climbing as you can get. The 500 foot tall dome has some featured routes, but anything over 5.7 is pretty much a blank face and you need to rely on the friction of your sticky rubber entirely.
Stone Mountain is also notoriously run-out.
20 foot run-outs are standard and nearly every route has at least one 40 footer. This weekend I was watching a very "southern" climber and his wife/girlfriend climb a 5.9 just to the left of where my friend and I were getting ready to start our climb. He was about 25 feet out from his bolt and 45 feet off of the ledge where we were all hanging out.
As he pulled into the crux moves, he smeared his left foot up high, and as he shifted his weight and lifted his right foot up for the next non-existent foothold, he started sliding down - on one foot. He dropped five of six feet and then just stopped - for no apparent reason other than some strange glitch in the laws of physics
He looked down at his wife/girlfriend and without any fear or trepidation said, "Well that was strange, wasn't it honey."
I thought he was talking about the fact that he didn't fall and completely ledge-out but apparently he was talking about the fact that he didn't do the crux move. He promptly climbed back up to his high point and tried again, and slid back down five or six feet again.
"Well damn, I just don't understand," he said as he climbed right back up to his high point again. At this point I thought he was pressing his luck, but he chalked up, took a few deep breaths, and fired off the move.
I don't think there are too many other places where you can say you fell twice, from the same spot, 25 feet above your last piece, and still got the on-sight.
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
Each year ICR (Integrated Corporate Relations) hosts a massive conference dedicated to consumer goods companies. CEOs, CFOs, and any number of other C(X)Os show up with power point presentations in-tow and talk about their business plans for the coming year. After their presentations, they are bombarded with questions from financial analysts and the media, all searching for the keys to the company's future financial performance.
As a journalist covering this event, it is a massive undertaking, sifting through dozens of presentations and Q&A sessions to find the right information for the right audience. The end result is this week's BOSS Report and Sports Executive Weekly. Next to our trade show issues, you won't find more information about the state of the industry today. Also, you won't find most of this information anywhere else, unless you attended the conference yourself.
This year we covered:
VF Corp (VFC)
Quiksilver (ZQK)
Royal Robbins (PXG)
Crocs (CROX)
K2, Inc. (KTO)
Zumiez (ZUMZ)
Volcom (VLCM)
Oakley (OO)
Wolverine World Wide (WWW)
Deckers (DECK)
Sport Chalet (SPCHA)
Cabela's (CAB)
and many more...
LINK to BOSS
LINK to SEW
As a journalist covering this event, it is a massive undertaking, sifting through dozens of presentations and Q&A sessions to find the right information for the right audience. The end result is this week's BOSS Report and Sports Executive Weekly. Next to our trade show issues, you won't find more information about the state of the industry today. Also, you won't find most of this information anywhere else, unless you attended the conference yourself.
This year we covered:
VF Corp (VFC)
Quiksilver (ZQK)
Royal Robbins (PXG)
Crocs (CROX)
K2, Inc. (KTO)
Zumiez (ZUMZ)
Volcom (VLCM)
Oakley (OO)
Wolverine World Wide (WWW)
Deckers (DECK)
Sport Chalet (SPCHA)
Cabela's (CAB)
and many more...
LINK to BOSS
LINK to SEW
Friday, January 12, 2007
A couple of interesting facts I learned...
...while I was covering the ICR XChange Conference.
VF Corp brings over 800,000 SKUs to market each year.
Quiksilver expects Rossi apparel to grow from $50 million to $100 million in total by 2008, and then to $150 million in 2010.
VF Corp brings over 800,000 SKUs to market each year.
Quiksilver expects Rossi apparel to grow from $50 million to $100 million in total by 2008, and then to $150 million in 2010.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
B.O.S.S. Add on...
We ran a story on OR's Backcountry Base Camp on the cover of BOSS this week, and Kenji just wrote us with some thoughts:
Only a few things I would have added....BBC is at its core a VIP event, so we are only interested in core winter hardgoods buyers/media attendance increases. We've negotiated half price tix at 5 resorts in the Wasatch, so general show-goers have many options for riding/skiing before and after the show...that's some good news too. Lastly it's worth mentioning the Base Camp Bash, the apres party at the Alpine Rose at Brighton.
Anyway thanks for the press coverage, and hope tp see you in the aisles at OR!
Kenji at OR
Only a few things I would have added....BBC is at its core a VIP event, so we are only interested in core winter hardgoods buyers/media attendance increases. We've negotiated half price tix at 5 resorts in the Wasatch, so general show-goers have many options for riding/skiing before and after the show...that's some good news too. Lastly it's worth mentioning the Base Camp Bash, the apres party at the Alpine Rose at Brighton.
Anyway thanks for the press coverage, and hope tp see you in the aisles at OR!
Kenji at OR
Coming to a Mailbox Near You...
The new and improved Outdoor Business will be hitting mailboxes shortly. As usual, I'm interested in any form of constructive feedback from anyone who's seen it.
Looking for an Ad agency?
I'm sure the Nepalese tourism board is. They recently launched a tourism promotion campaign with the tag line "Have You Seen Nepal?"
The only problem is that they made posters with this picture:
You'll notice the shot on the right is Machu Picchu in Peru...
The only problem is that they made posters with this picture:
You'll notice the shot on the right is Machu Picchu in Peru...
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Not Again...
Malden Files for Chapter 11 to Facilitate Sale of Company
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 1/10/2007
Malden Mills Industries, Inc.'s board of directors has unanimously voted to approve the sale of the Company to Gordon Brothers Group of Boston, Massachusetts for $44 million. Malden Mills will continue normal manufacturing operations at both its facilities in Lawrence, Massachusetts and Hudson, New Hampshire.
LINK
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 1/10/2007
Malden Mills Industries, Inc.'s board of directors has unanimously voted to approve the sale of the Company to Gordon Brothers Group of Boston, Massachusetts for $44 million. Malden Mills will continue normal manufacturing operations at both its facilities in Lawrence, Massachusetts and Hudson, New Hampshire.
LINK
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Recycled Nylon 6?
It looks like the most commonly used synthetic fabric in the world is now recyclable...
Toray Industries Develops Recycled Nylon
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 1/9/2007
Toray Industries has developed a line of recycled fibers and fabrics called Recyclon. In addition to recycled polyester products, Toray is introducing recycled nylon 6 fibers for the first time, and a collection of new textiles based on these fibers.
In this new process, Toray uses the off-spec yarn generated during its virgin nylon production to create post-industrial recycled content yarn.
LINK
Toray Industries Develops Recycled Nylon
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 1/9/2007
Toray Industries has developed a line of recycled fibers and fabrics called Recyclon. In addition to recycled polyester products, Toray is introducing recycled nylon 6 fibers for the first time, and a collection of new textiles based on these fibers.
In this new process, Toray uses the off-spec yarn generated during its virgin nylon production to create post-industrial recycled content yarn.
LINK
Monday, January 08, 2007
It looks like the New Telemark Norm could have some advantages for boot makers...
From Scarpa's Press release
For more than 50 years SCARPA has been a innovator in the world of alpine sports, and for Fall 2007 it will be part of the most-talked-about current effort in the telemark world by introducing the Terminator X for the NTN (New Telemark Norm) system. The Terminator X will also be compatible with alpine-touring bindings, bringing to reality the oft-talked-about concept of one boot for both telemark and AT systems.
NTN was designed from the outset to address the existing short-comings and design-limitations that are inherent with the current 75mm norm: awkward walking, sloppy binding interface, and its primitive technology – especially compared to alpine standards.
The SCARPA Terminator X is a tall three-buckle boot that’s equally at home touring in the backcountry or ripping the ski hill. The tall upper creates power for driving big skis, while the lower boot has an internal Torsion Frame optimizing lateral stiffness with tour-friendly flex. The boot retails for $649 and can be demoed at the Outdoor Retailer Backcountry Base Camp.
From a telemark standpoint, the most notable feature of the Terminator X is its lack of the traditional squared-off millimeter sole that is the hallmark of most telemark boots. Instead, the NTN binding clasps the more standard rounded front of the sole as well as a specialized lip underneath the front of the arch of the boot, creating a very rigid interface that transfers more power to ski edge than other bindings.
Not having the 75 mm. toe found on most telemark boots also allows the Terminator X to be designed so it is compatible with alpine-touring bindings. The Terminator X includes tech fittings that make it compatible with the lightweight Dynafit binding, while the bellows necessary for the telemark turn add to the boot’s tourability in an AT setup.
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
... I spoke with Alan Yiu, the co-founder of Westcomb. Like most of the company founders, CEO's and presidents I speak with in the outdoor industry, he's a bright, and very driven individual. He's also doing something very different with his brand. Here are some excerpts:
Also this week,
o Backcountry Base Camp shows promise in 2007.
o Urban Climber parent company acquires Climbing magazine.
o Conservation Alliance ad auction sees early success.
o OIA challenges industry to travel green.
o NJ Rock Gym wins amusement lawsuit.
o Garmin has a busy first week in 2007.
o West Marine Q4 comps slip.
o Zumiez December comps increase 11.5%.
LINK
When we started, we really noticed that a lot of the top brands were, I don’t want to say compromising, but they weren’t using the fabric technology that was available to them. So, I guess there’s no way around it, they were compromising their technology. So, we made a point of partnering with the top materials innovators to make sure our fabrics really perform...
...being different and taking risks, we have to do that all of the time, because right now there are a lot of people asking, ‘what are you all about?’ If we can’t answer that then we can’t win them over....
People ask me, “Why would you forgo sales over image?” Well, once your image
is gone, that’s it...
Also this week,
o Backcountry Base Camp shows promise in 2007.
o Urban Climber parent company acquires Climbing magazine.
o Conservation Alliance ad auction sees early success.
o OIA challenges industry to travel green.
o NJ Rock Gym wins amusement lawsuit.
o Garmin has a busy first week in 2007.
o West Marine Q4 comps slip.
o Zumiez December comps increase 11.5%.
LINK
Friday, January 05, 2007
Rumor Confirmed...
Urban Climber Parent Acquires Climbing Magazine
Posted: 1/5/2007
Skram Media LLC, a platform company led by Mark Crowther, the publisher of Urban Climber Magazine and UCTV, announced today that it has completed the purchase of Climbing Magazine and climbing.com from PRIMEDIA, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Climbing Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Thesenga will continue to serve in his role from the current location in Carbondale, Colorado.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Sound of Rolling Doom
In case you don't have children, or aren't ever around them, Heelys happened over Christmas. In the days following the holiday, a trip to the mall or the grocery store saw few children if any actually walking around. No, they were rolling. This sight, of course, brought up the following conversation with my wife:
"How is it that they all manage to roll around like that and never fall?" she asked. To which I replied, "Well, its not like its hard, all you have to do is put down your toes to stop. I would imagine no one ever falls on those things."
In case you're wondering, even as I said those lines, my mind generated glorious visions of a kid eating it while rolling through the mall.
That night, my visions came through. Journeying along to the nearest Blockbuster, we found a movie and were stuck in line behind a mother and her two sons who found the tile section around the main counter to be their own personal Heelys park. I'm pretty sure everyone else in line was having the same though I was, "Wreck...Come on, destroy some stuff..."
Well as the mother moved up to pay for her movie, brother #1 came screaming around the counter expecting to stop near where his mother was in line, not where she was much closer at the register, which lead to his attempting what I can only assume was a rollerblade instinct stop as he promptly fell right on his butt. I stifled my laughter as he looked up, around, and put on the strong face. He arose and quietly rolled towards the exit, ready to leave the site of his fall.
His older brother, though, was not to be outdown. With a shout of "I can go faster," he careened around the edge of the counter and only then realized where mom was at. Trying to stop quickly, he opted for a spin move, which flung his arms into a candy display, knocking it on the ground, and spun him directly into a pillar that supported the rope for the line, which he took in the stomach, doubling over with an "oof!"
That's when I lost it, laughing uncontrollably. Mom lost it, too, berating the child and dragging him on his heels straight out of the video store.
So all this brought up the real question regarding Heelys in my mind, will a child ever again be able to dig his, or her, heels in the ground to stop what they dont want?
"How is it that they all manage to roll around like that and never fall?" she asked. To which I replied, "Well, its not like its hard, all you have to do is put down your toes to stop. I would imagine no one ever falls on those things."
In case you're wondering, even as I said those lines, my mind generated glorious visions of a kid eating it while rolling through the mall.
That night, my visions came through. Journeying along to the nearest Blockbuster, we found a movie and were stuck in line behind a mother and her two sons who found the tile section around the main counter to be their own personal Heelys park. I'm pretty sure everyone else in line was having the same though I was, "Wreck...Come on, destroy some stuff..."
Well as the mother moved up to pay for her movie, brother #1 came screaming around the counter expecting to stop near where his mother was in line, not where she was much closer at the register, which lead to his attempting what I can only assume was a rollerblade instinct stop as he promptly fell right on his butt. I stifled my laughter as he looked up, around, and put on the strong face. He arose and quietly rolled towards the exit, ready to leave the site of his fall.
His older brother, though, was not to be outdown. With a shout of "I can go faster," he careened around the edge of the counter and only then realized where mom was at. Trying to stop quickly, he opted for a spin move, which flung his arms into a candy display, knocking it on the ground, and spun him directly into a pillar that supported the rope for the line, which he took in the stomach, doubling over with an "oof!"
That's when I lost it, laughing uncontrollably. Mom lost it, too, berating the child and dragging him on his heels straight out of the video store.
So all this brought up the real question regarding Heelys in my mind, will a child ever again be able to dig his, or her, heels in the ground to stop what they dont want?
Skis go Retro...
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
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