Friday, September 28, 2007
Taxidermy
Cabela's newest store in Chicago was "decorated" with 42 semi trailer loads of "dead stuff"
Quote of the week...
"We have 75 plus models now out of different types of Crocs. Stuff that is not even ugly anymore..."
Ron Snyder, president & CEO of Crocs
Ron Snyder, president & CEO of Crocs
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
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THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
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TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o EMS ramps up expansion plans...
o Green Steps to be donated to OIA...
o prAna to open new retail store in boulder...
o Head inks partnership with Cool Earth...
o Bikes Belong gains additional Interbike support...
o Wagner Custom licenses Winterstick brand and designs...
o One-on-One with Mountain Hardwear president and
New OIA Chairman Mike Wallenfels...
o Other Stories include VF Corp., Rocky Brands, 180s,
Timberland, Helly Hansen, and many more...
*****************************************************************
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o EMS ramps up expansion plans...
o Green Steps to be donated to OIA...
o prAna to open new retail store in boulder...
o Head inks partnership with Cool Earth...
o Bikes Belong gains additional Interbike support...
o Wagner Custom licenses Winterstick brand and designs...
o One-on-One with Mountain Hardwear president and
New OIA Chairman Mike Wallenfels...
o Other Stories include VF Corp., Rocky Brands, 180s,
Timberland, Helly Hansen, and many more...
*****************************************************************
$900,000 for Lobbying...
...in the first half.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Rifle Association spent $900,000 to lobby the federal government in the first half of 2007, according to a recent disclosure form.
The group lobbied on various pieces of legislation including those dealing with concealed weapons, law enforcement officer safety, a ban on assault weapons and other matters, according to the form posted online Aug. 13 by the Senate's public records office.
The NRA has about 4 million members, including about three-quarters of gun maker Smith & Wesson Holdings Corp.'s 800 employees.
Besides Congress, the NRA lobbied the White House and the departments of Justice and Interior.
Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Rifle Association spent $900,000 to lobby the federal government in the first half of 2007, according to a recent disclosure form.
The group lobbied on various pieces of legislation including those dealing with concealed weapons, law enforcement officer safety, a ban on assault weapons and other matters, according to the form posted online Aug. 13 by the Senate's public records office.
The NRA has about 4 million members, including about three-quarters of gun maker Smith & Wesson Holdings Corp.'s 800 employees.
Besides Congress, the NRA lobbied the White House and the departments of Justice and Interior.
Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
'Pop' Goes the Private Equity Bubble...
From the NY Times Dealbook Blog:
Hear that sound? That was the private-equity bubble finally getting pricked on Thursday, as the market for debt — the jet fuel that had propelled it to dizzying heights — slammed shut.
...
What does this mean for the outdoor and snow sports industry?
From the folks I've spoken with, it means that the astronomical valuations for acquisitions are a thing of the past. If you own a small business, and you've been waiting for the right deal to cash out, you're probably too late. At this time last year, if your company had $20 million in sales, it would not be unreasonable to see $25 up to even $40 million from a private equity firm, if they thought the future growth and cash flow were right. Today, you'll be lucky to get $21 to $22 million.
This also means the door is wide open for strategic buyers - folks like Jarden (k2's parent now) and Timberland, who are acquiring smaller brands for strategic purposes (other than making loads of cash for their investors).
In an interesting side note, Dick Heckman, former president of K2, filed an amended statement with the SEC regarding his "blank check" IPO. He now expects to raise over $400 million for an acquisition war chest with no firm targets. Basically, he is asking Wall Street investors for a $400 million check to buy whichever company he sees fit. There's no word on whether or not he'll be returning to the outdoor or snow sports industry with this money, but we'll be keeping our eyes on him.
Hear that sound? That was the private-equity bubble finally getting pricked on Thursday, as the market for debt — the jet fuel that had propelled it to dizzying heights — slammed shut.
...
What does this mean for the outdoor and snow sports industry?
From the folks I've spoken with, it means that the astronomical valuations for acquisitions are a thing of the past. If you own a small business, and you've been waiting for the right deal to cash out, you're probably too late. At this time last year, if your company had $20 million in sales, it would not be unreasonable to see $25 up to even $40 million from a private equity firm, if they thought the future growth and cash flow were right. Today, you'll be lucky to get $21 to $22 million.
This also means the door is wide open for strategic buyers - folks like Jarden (k2's parent now) and Timberland, who are acquiring smaller brands for strategic purposes (other than making loads of cash for their investors).
In an interesting side note, Dick Heckman, former president of K2, filed an amended statement with the SEC regarding his "blank check" IPO. He now expects to raise over $400 million for an acquisition war chest with no firm targets. Basically, he is asking Wall Street investors for a $400 million check to buy whichever company he sees fit. There's no word on whether or not he'll be returning to the outdoor or snow sports industry with this money, but we'll be keeping our eyes on him.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
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THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OR Summer Market: Footwear blends outdoor and
action sports...
o The New Green Consumer...
o Zumiez increases guidance on strong second quarter...
o Kästle brand re-launches with new investors...
o Gander Mountain Q2 loss wider despite comp sales gain...
o Shimano sees balance first half growth...
o Dick’s SG ups guidance; “private brands” gain momentum...
o Other Stories include Spyder, Tecnica, Superfeet,
Giro, Pacific Brands, and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OR Summer Market: Footwear blends outdoor and
action sports...
o The New Green Consumer...
o Zumiez increases guidance on strong second quarter...
o Kästle brand re-launches with new investors...
o Gander Mountain Q2 loss wider despite comp sales gain...
o Shimano sees balance first half growth...
o Dick’s SG ups guidance; “private brands” gain momentum...
o Other Stories include Spyder, Tecnica, Superfeet,
Giro, Pacific Brands, and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
Monday, August 27, 2007
Looks Like the life of a PR Hack ain't so bad after all
from Inc.
Tree House: Carson Stanwood traded his dark log house for a light-filled home in the trees.
Tree House: Carson Stanwood traded his dark log house for a light-filled home in the trees.
Now this is interesting...
Senior Designer - Nike ACG - Dick's Sporting Goods - 8/20/2007
Department / Location: Product Development / Corporate Office Reports To: Director of Design Fully responsible for entire product design process for the larger and more complex brands to include market research, mood board creation, designing, sketching, specing and fit. Responsible for researching global markets in order to identify new trends and innovation.
LINK
Department / Location: Product Development / Corporate Office Reports To: Director of Design Fully responsible for entire product design process for the larger and more complex brands to include market research, mood board creation, designing, sketching, specing and fit. Responsible for researching global markets in order to identify new trends and innovation.
LINK
Friday, August 17, 2007
Quote of the week...
“Historically, we haven’t seen many of our new hires leave after the holiday period. We do this huge hiring to get ready for the season, and it gets super busy. Then when January and February come around, it doesn’t return to the pre-holiday level. It slows down a little bit, but what happens is we make the majority of our seasonal employees full-time. When I started in January of 2005, we had 112 people. Today we have about 375. We are poised to hire all of our seasonal help shortly and I am projecting that by first quarter of 2008, we will have a sustained headcount of about 550.”
Charla Brown - HR Director for Backcountry.com
Charla Brown - HR Director for Backcountry.com
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Life with Daily Deadlines...
Here is the OR daily crew in CD's (Denny Ink.) "VIP" Shuttle returning to and from the Open Air Demo in SLC. Lou and I joined them all for the ride and we were all fighting car sickness and deadlines on the return trip.
Monday, August 06, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
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THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OIA and SIA get win in latest ITC report...
o Jarden sees strong Q2 in Outdoor Solutions segment...
o Under Armour sees solid across-the-board Q2 gains...
o Sport Chalet sees challenging fiscal Q1...
o Dorel Q2 driven by Pacific Cycle bike sales...
o Timberland continues to struggle in Q2...
o Sierra Club economic report reinforces OIA findings...
o Big 5 second quarter net income hurt by macro trends...
o LaCrosse Q2 driven by outdoor...
o Cabela's Q2 income soars in spite of slow comps...
o K2 Inc. settles merger-related litigation...
o FDA warns outdoor retailers about botulism contamination...
o Other Stories include REI, Hot Chilly's, Mountainsmith,
Columbia, Unifi, Hestra, Osprey, and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OIA and SIA get win in latest ITC report...
o Jarden sees strong Q2 in Outdoor Solutions segment...
o Under Armour sees solid across-the-board Q2 gains...
o Sport Chalet sees challenging fiscal Q1...
o Dorel Q2 driven by Pacific Cycle bike sales...
o Timberland continues to struggle in Q2...
o Sierra Club economic report reinforces OIA findings...
o Big 5 second quarter net income hurt by macro trends...
o LaCrosse Q2 driven by outdoor...
o Cabela's Q2 income soars in spite of slow comps...
o K2 Inc. settles merger-related litigation...
o FDA warns outdoor retailers about botulism contamination...
o Other Stories include REI, Hot Chilly's, Mountainsmith,
Columbia, Unifi, Hestra, Osprey, and many more...
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LINK
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
A Highway To Mt. Everest?
The Associated press is reporting that Tibet has halted plans to build a highway to Mt. Everest.
LINK
Tibet has put on hold plans to build a highway on the side of Mount Everest to ease the Olympic torch's journey to its peak, a government official said Friday.
The project, budgeted at 150 million yuan (US$19.7 million; euro14.7 million), was to have turned a 108-kilometer (67-mile) rough path into a blacktop highway that snaked from the foot of the mountain to a base camp at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet)...
In April, organizers for the Beijing Summer Olympics announced ambitious plans for the longest torch relay in Olympic history -- an 85,000-mile, 130-day route that would cross five continents and reach the 29,035-foot summit of Everest, the world's highest peak.
LINK
Tibet has put on hold plans to build a highway on the side of Mount Everest to ease the Olympic torch's journey to its peak, a government official said Friday.
The project, budgeted at 150 million yuan (US$19.7 million; euro14.7 million), was to have turned a 108-kilometer (67-mile) rough path into a blacktop highway that snaked from the foot of the mountain to a base camp at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet)...
In April, organizers for the Beijing Summer Olympics announced ambitious plans for the longest torch relay in Olympic history -- an 85,000-mile, 130-day route that would cross five continents and reach the 29,035-foot summit of Everest, the world's highest peak.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
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THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Marmot launches new marketing and branding campaign...
o Columbia Q2 income doubles on international strength...
o Johnson Outdoors fiscal Q3 earnings climb; watercraft
impacted by settlement...
o LaSportiva N.A. promotes Jonathan Lantz to president...
o Deckers increases guidance on strong Q2...
o Rocky Brands Q2 revenues inch ahead...
o Crocs raises guidance again on triple-digit growth...
o Volcom Q2 income slips...
o Mike Egeck returns to VF Corp. as new Contemporary
Brands Coalition chief...
o West Marine struggles with weak boat market...
o OR's Open Air Demo relocates...
o SportsOneSource expands team again...
o Other Stories include Confluence, Buzz-off, Cocona,
Valandre, Kokotat, VF Corp., and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Marmot launches new marketing and branding campaign...
o Columbia Q2 income doubles on international strength...
o Johnson Outdoors fiscal Q3 earnings climb; watercraft
impacted by settlement...
o LaSportiva N.A. promotes Jonathan Lantz to president...
o Deckers increases guidance on strong Q2...
o Rocky Brands Q2 revenues inch ahead...
o Crocs raises guidance again on triple-digit growth...
o Volcom Q2 income slips...
o Mike Egeck returns to VF Corp. as new Contemporary
Brands Coalition chief...
o West Marine struggles with weak boat market...
o OR's Open Air Demo relocates...
o SportsOneSource expands team again...
o Other Stories include Confluence, Buzz-off, Cocona,
Valandre, Kokotat, VF Corp., and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
Thursday, July 26, 2007
I hate to brag but...
We called it:
Posted: 6/25/2007
At the Reuter’s consumer and retail conference in New York, VF Corp. Chairman and CEO Mackey McDonald 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.
Today:
VF Corp. Acquires lucy and Seven for All Mankind
Posted: 6/25/2007
At the Reuter’s consumer and retail conference in New York, VF Corp. Chairman and CEO Mackey McDonald 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.
Today:
VF Corp. Acquires lucy and Seven for All Mankind
Harry Potter Fans
Now you can hide the fact you are reading a children's book...
(click image to read the jacket)
This is one of the cleaner versions.
LINK
(click image to read the jacket)
This is one of the cleaner versions.
LINK
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
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THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OIA Retail Audit: Industry sales up 11.3% in 2006...
o VF Corp sees continued strength in Outdoor Coalition...
o Oakley sees double-digit growth in second quarter...
o LA Port Strike could wreak havoc on holiday deliveries...
o FFR sees strong attendance growth...
o Bushnell acquired by PE firm...
o Pearl iZUMi is the only bright spot in Nautilus' Q2...
o Orange 21 looks to acquire No Fear retail stores...
o Other Stories include Gramicci, Easton-Bell, Centerstone,
REI, GSI Commerce, American Skiing Company, Garmin,
Kahtoola, Inov-8, Crocs and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o OIA Retail Audit: Industry sales up 11.3% in 2006...
o VF Corp sees continued strength in Outdoor Coalition...
o Oakley sees double-digit growth in second quarter...
o LA Port Strike could wreak havoc on holiday deliveries...
o FFR sees strong attendance growth...
o Bushnell acquired by PE firm...
o Pearl iZUMi is the only bright spot in Nautilus' Q2...
o Orange 21 looks to acquire No Fear retail stores...
o Other Stories include Gramicci, Easton-Bell, Centerstone,
REI, GSI Commerce, American Skiing Company, Garmin,
Kahtoola, Inov-8, Crocs and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Word on the street...
...is that a small retail chain in the southeast brought in a truck load of pink TNF Denali jackets at the beginning of July.
Last week they sold out.
Average temps in July in my neck of the woods have been hovering in the mid 90's.
Who needs seasonal merchandising when you have pent-up demand like that?
Last week they sold out.
Average temps in July in my neck of the woods have been hovering in the mid 90's.
Who needs seasonal merchandising when you have pent-up demand like that?
Monday, July 16, 2007
This Week in The B.O.S.S. Report
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THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Obōz comes out of Bozeman with Connolly at the helm...
o prAna goes on the block as Liz Claiborne restructures...
o Wolverine sees strong Q2 outdoor performance...
o Johnson Outdoors & Confluence settle lawsuit...
o Sports Direct acquires U.K. outdoor retail chain...
o Zumiez June comps soar...
o Gander Mountain wins direct marketing trademarks
back from Cabela’s...
o Garmont acquires Life-Link...
o Big 5’s 11-year comps run comes to an end...
o Lululemon shrinks IPO offering...
o Jansport’s Corvino killed in auto accident...
o Under Armour sees hedge fund buy large stake...
o Performance Bike acquired by PE firm...
o EORA shifts CT show dates...
o Other Stories include Yakima, GoLite, Cabela’s,
Timberland, GSI Commerce, Zappos.com, Scarpa,
Polartec, Amer Sports, Liberty Mountain and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
THE B.O.S.S. REPORT. KNOW MORE. NOW.
***************************************************
TOP STORIES:
--------------------------------------------
o Obōz comes out of Bozeman with Connolly at the helm...
o prAna goes on the block as Liz Claiborne restructures...
o Wolverine sees strong Q2 outdoor performance...
o Johnson Outdoors & Confluence settle lawsuit...
o Sports Direct acquires U.K. outdoor retail chain...
o Zumiez June comps soar...
o Gander Mountain wins direct marketing trademarks
back from Cabela’s...
o Garmont acquires Life-Link...
o Big 5’s 11-year comps run comes to an end...
o Lululemon shrinks IPO offering...
o Jansport’s Corvino killed in auto accident...
o Under Armour sees hedge fund buy large stake...
o Performance Bike acquired by PE firm...
o EORA shifts CT show dates...
o Other Stories include Yakima, GoLite, Cabela’s,
Timberland, GSI Commerce, Zappos.com, Scarpa,
Polartec, Amer Sports, Liberty Mountain and many more...
*****************************************************************
LINK
Friday, July 06, 2007
Under Armour
Well it looks like the UA rally yesterday was actually caused by private equity, not speculation.
From Barrons
LONE PINE CAPITAL HAS FOUND A SNUG fit in shares of Under Armour, a maker of performance apparel and accessories. The $8 billion hedge fund led by Stephen Mandel Jr. disclosed a 7.8% stake in Under Armour shares in a late Friday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
From Barrons
LONE PINE CAPITAL HAS FOUND A SNUG fit in shares of Under Armour, a maker of performance apparel and accessories. The $8 billion hedge fund led by Stephen Mandel Jr. disclosed a 7.8% stake in Under Armour shares in a late Friday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Word on the street...
is that Garmont just acquired Life Link.
More info on Monday.
Under Armour is also rumored to be a takeover target for someone (Nike?) - and Wall Street is taking this one seriously. The stock price was up over 10% today on mere speculation.
More info on Monday.
Under Armour is also rumored to be a takeover target for someone (Nike?) - and Wall Street is taking this one seriously. The stock price was up over 10% today on mere speculation.
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