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Trading places...4-6 October 2006, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry
The Outdoor Trade Show will be opening its doors in a few days time and since the exhibition space is sold out it promises to yield an interesting event for the trade...
Grants of £1800 available for Sportex Middle East 2006
Grants of £1800, are available to eligible companies exhibiting at Sportex Middle East 2006.
Soltex slides into re-branding
Soltex has been re-named ‘Slide’ to reflect the evolving business needs of current and new exhibitors as well as visitors, states SIGB. The event has also been shortened to a three day format and will be held from 18-20 February 2007.
Ski ‘lift’ for specialist retailers
Work starts this month on the £31 million Chill Factor – the North West’s first indoor real snow Alpine village.
Equip Outdoor Technologies restructure for future growth
Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd., owners of the Rab and outdoordesigns brands, announce the appointment of key personnel, and promotion from within, to create a strong team focussed on continuing the companies growth into the next period.
Driving international growth with new team
VF Corporation has announced the formation of a new international leadership team as part of an ongoing growth initiative to enter new markets and accelerate revenue growth throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Paxton to head up Silva Ltd
Silva Ltd, the UK distributor of compasses and precision navigation instruments has announced the appointment of Keith Paxton as its new managing director. Latterly with Equip Outdoor Technologies and previously Country Manager for Columbia Sportswear, Paxton joins Silva with a credible track record of successful brand building in the sports and outdoor markets.
Interim managing director for brasher
Brasher has announced the appointment of David Kennedy as interim managing director until a permanent appointment is made.
All change, again, at Berghaus
Berghaus has announced a number of management changes which see new appointments to both UK and international roles and some internal moves to support the strategic international direction of the brand and deliver continued successful UK growth.
Get certified with the Anatom Academy
The Anatom Academy has been created as the platform for delivering the new style certified courses for a wider spectrum of the specialist footwear retail market.
brasher climbs the mountain
brasher is set to launch a groundbreaking new range for SS07 as it unveils its highest performing range of fabric footwear yet, ProVolution.
Polar bears keep Helly Hansen warm for Winter
Helly Hansen has always proved it has no limitations when it comes to functional design, innovation and style for outdoor sports enthusiasts. This winter is no exception, it combines the insulating qualities found in Arctic Norwegian polar bear fur with Merino sheep wool, to create the ultimate performance base layer for winter sports such as the The Freeze Sip Turtle.Freeze is available in sizes XS-XXL and retails at £45. It will be available from the end of this month.
New fabric for Keela
New for 2007, Keela introduces Carbonised Active Dispersal System (C.A.D.S.), a three in one carbon based fabric which is anti-microbial to combat the growth of microbes like bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites - is very fast wicking and has high breathability rates, working in harmony with the body to keep the wearer dry and comfortable at all times and provides excellent UV rotection from the sun
Lowe Alpine ‘best buy’ accolades
Lowe Alpine is indulging in a little trumpet-blowing after a slew of top reviews in the outdoor press. Factoring in the Asolo and Thorlo brands, products from Lowe Alpine UK’s portfolio have received ‘Best In Test’ accolades in Country Walking magazine for five consecutive months (May through September). Several more ‘Best Buys’ have also been awarded in Trail and TGO over the same period.
Super store opens in Glasgow
The North Face, in close collaboration with Tiso, has opened a new ‘Super Shop’ in the heart of Glasgow’s busiest shopping district.
Fantastic start for EOG Association for Conservation
As an industry directly linked to the environment, the outdoor sector is only too aware of the pressure that the environment is under. The launch of the new EOG Association for Conservation during the OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen, earlier this year, was a firm indication from the outdoor industry of its commitment to ensuring that we preserve and protect the outdoor environment for future generations.
First words from the Ed...
Continuing with my statement from last month, in terms of giving something back to the environment, which we all benefit from, we will be running a regular ‘Green’ section from November. Essentially this is to highlight organisations (be they manufacturers, distributors or retailers) who are embarking on environmental issues. Here at SGB Outdoor, we too are beginning to do our bit, and in fact, from this month, you will notice at the foot of this page the recycling logo. The purpose of this is to remind all of you, our wonderful readers, that when you have finished with your copy of the magazine (and obviously passed it on to fellow outdoor enthusiasts) to please recycle the paper - Don’t Bin It! This may only be a minor step, but it is certainly one in the right direction. After all, if every magazine, newspaper etc that you read is recycled, then we all will be helping the environment.
SureFire...... Accept no imitations!!!
SureFire is committed to building the world's finest illumination tools for those who rely on a flawless ultra bright light source. Crafted to the highest aircraft industry tolerances and with unique product characteristics, these are the choice of the US Navy Seals and elite
CRICKET FAR FROM A RETAIL STICKY WICKET!
From the crease to come dancing, it’s strictly a sport that’s going right for full on public attention…
COURT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TTennis has sought revived appeal in a manner of different consumer inspiring guises but still the influence of tennis stars is undeniable. In Germany they lamented the loss of a headline act when Becker quit the courts, which had a direct effect on the retail market. With the LTA now under the direction of former Chief Executive of Sport England, Roger Draper we are told of more new and exciting plans to be unveiled to maximise consumer potential for tennis in the UK. Meanwhile, women are providing much of the focus and perhaps none more so than Maria Sharapova, regarded as the most recognised face in professional women’s sports. Recently Sharapova signed a lifetime endorsement agreement with Prince Sports and is using the O3 White, coasting to victory in the US Open with what has become the No 1 selling racket in the USA. Prince are introducing an O3 Hybrid series to satisfy medium price-points featuring the O3 Hybrid Shark and O3 Hybrid. The O3 Hybrid Spectrum and O3 Hybrid Lite cater for all racket tastes. For the discerning player the individually numbered limited edition O3 Sovereign has a 118 sq in head-size; Prince's Triple Threat stability system featuring Titanium and Gold; a Nano bridge; leather grip and full-length artificial leather cover.
Prince Appoints Sports Marketing Manager
Prince Sports Europe has appointed Helge Capell to the newly-created position of Sports Marketing Manager, with immediate effect reporting to Vice President & Managing Director Mike Ballardie. Previously the Promotions and Communications Manager with Prince distributors Van Megen Germany, Capell has been heavily involved in the successful re-launch of the brand in Germany over the past three years. In his new role, Capell will oversee all European sports marketing and grassroots activity working in partnership with US-based Tom Russ supporting the Prince Tour players whilst they are competing within our region.
Timberland flag environmental issues with new London store
The Regent Street flagship outlet is pushing Timberland’s environmental brand ethos to the maximum by offering to plant a tree for every pair of boots sold and also features reclaimed materials and a host of other environmental features.
NPD Launch Sports Footwear Retail Sales Tracking
The NPD Group has launched a new EPOS service for sports footwear in Great Britain, as part of its Sports Tracking Europe service. Based on sales data provided to NPD by key retailers, including JJB Sports, The John David Group, Foot Locker, Decathlon and others, the new service provides a detailed market view of the participating retailers for the industry. Information such as sales trends at market and category levels, manufacturer market shares, plus top selling models are all available. Data is delivered monthly, approximately three weeks after the end of each month.
Quiksilver falls out of investor fashion
Shares in Quiksilver have been out of favour on Wall Street, recently shedding 1.31 to 12.33. The company posted a sharp drop in fiscal third-quarter EPS, to 4 cents from 20 cents one year earlier but chalked it up to an expected negative impact from its seasonal Rossignol business and stock option expense, which offset a 41% sales rise. Worse, Quiksilver cut its fourth quarter guidance. Market reaction overall was mixed, with the brand still being considered a major player in sports apparel with significant potential for growth.
The North Face Open Prague Flagship Store
A new flagship store opened this month in the Jungamannova area at the heart of downtown Prague. The store features 174 square meters of retail space, plus areas for storage and offices, and highlights contemporary outdoor products, while remaining true to the architectural history of Prague’s Old Town district.
British Basketball Federation makes Molten official
The British Basketball Federation (BBF), established in 2005 to field teams representing Great Britain in the lead up to the London Olympic Games in 2012, has agreed a deal in which the Molten G-Series basketball is to become the BBF’s official training and match ball.
HEELY BRAND TAKES STRONG STEPS AGAINST IMITATORS
The Heely brand is owned by Heeling Sports Limited ("HSL"), a US company based in Texas and distributed exclusively through Shiner Limited of Bristol to the UK and Northern Ireland.
ICON Health & Fitness Reduces FY Loss
ICON Health & Fitness' FY06 net sales decreased $18.8 million, or 2.2%, to $852.2 million. ICON reported a net loss of $49.7 million vs. a loss of $110.0 million. The 10-K revealed that in July, ICON notified by the Internal Revenue Service that FT03 through FY05 would be under examination and this is in preliminary stages. Net loss was $49.7 million in FY06 compared to a net loss in 2005 of $110.0 million.
ispo Russia summer 06
ispo Russia summer 06 opened again with a VIP night of sports. The ‘Ice Symphony’ presenting an intimate and stunning performance of the very best International Figure Skating stars. Again, the profile of the Moscow show highlights the significance of Russia as one of the strongest developing consumer markets - with a dynamic interest in expanding the sporting goods industry.
Boardsports brands look increasingly to enviro-friendly materials
The recent ASR trade show in San Diego, showcased apparel featuring fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo and shoes made with less toxic materials as concern about polluted beaches and coastal damage crosses over into surf fashion.
SHOKK APPOINTS 3 NEW DIRECTORS
Youth fitness specialist Shokk, has promoted three of its core management team to Director level, joining the board alongside Managing Director Jonathan Williams. Justine Collins has been promoted from Sales Manager to Sales Director, Kieran Murphy from Brand Manager to Marketing Director and Ross Nadin from Operations Manager to Operations Director
VF CORPORATION FORMS NEW TEAM TO DRIVE INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
VF Corporation have announced the formation of a new international leadership team as part of an ongoing growth initiative to enter new markets and accelerate revenue growth throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
EU Endorses Duties On Footwear
The EU endorsed plans by its trade chief for import duties on Asian leather shoes. The plan says imports of Chinese and Vietnamese-made leather shoes will be subject to tariffs of 16.5% and 10% respectively. The European Commission is legally obliged to make a proposal and remains confident in the legal merits of the current proposal. The current proposal was rejected by a narrow margin by Member States at advisory level and will now return to Member States for a legally binding vote. Member States may be asked to explain the legal rationale for their votes.
ANDORRA KIT AND FOOTWEAR SUPPLIER
Sportswear brand Joma UK continue to build their portfolio of international teams with the recent announcement of a new three year deal to become the Official Kit and Footwear Supplier to the Andorran national team in time for a debut against England earlier in September. Joma have agreed a deal to supply the international team with a full training wear and footwear collection, in addition to both home and away kits.
Sport Industry 2006 Summit
The Sport Industry Group has announce that the FT Sport Industry Summit on November 1st will be facilitated by John Inverdale and Ian Payne. The joint venture between the Financial Times and The Sport Industry Group will bring together the most influential names in the industry for a one-day event featuring five head-to-head sessions.
Uhlsport Announce UK Subsidiary
From October 2nd Uhlsport will officially be operating in the UK with its own subsidiary company, Uhlsport UK Limited, based in Didsbury. The direction of the new subsidiary will be spearheaded by UK Sales Manager Colin Hay, formerly with Umbro, then Ellesse and Russell Athletic. Hay told SGB UK , “I am thrilled to be back in the business where I started, football, with a premium brand that has exciting plans to expand into broad soccer product.”
“Hacked off” by Nike?
Nike are rumoured to be paying Hackney Council £300,000 in an out-of-court settlement after producing a range of clothing bearing the council's name and an exact replica of the council's logo without permission.
Umbro gets results despite England World Cup display
Umbro has produced record underlying profits following the 2006 Football World Cup, despite the national team's disappointing performance. The England kit manufacturer saw sales of replica shirts and other licensed apparel rise by more than 120% during the first half of the year, compared to a 31% rise in 2004. The national red "away" kit was Umbro's best-seller and helped profits soar by 55%, rom £11.4m to £17.7m.
Sportax sign pan-European deal with Extreme
Bolton based company Sportax Limited have signed a multi million pound pan European licensing deal with the UK based Extreme International. The 5 year deal, which covers both fashion and technical apparel as well as luggage and headwear, will capitalise on the growing reputation of the Extreme brand in the action sports sector.
Under Armour Sets Up Global Sales Network
Under Armour signed a series of agreements with key international master agents and distributors to manage the distribution of its products on a global level. These strategic partnerships are designed to service local retailers' demand for UARM's products to help sustain its continued growth throughout international territories.
ICON Sign Prefered Partner Agreement
ICON Sign Preferred Partner Agreement with Asics in the UK and strengthen management team
First Words
Having the courage of your convictions is not always as easy as it sounds. There is no doubt that the constant daily demands of commercial survival make it difficult to follow principles and keep an optimistic view. Rather to dig in and hope that what they say is true – things can only get better.
