It feels like the start of a new season at Sporting Goods Business. We have that determined stride of a team running out onto the pitch in their new kit for the first time, with that sense of optimism that comes when embarking on a new campaign.

Swim brand Aqua Sphere is reporting a highly successful launch of its latest Ironman Speedsuits at the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship at Kona. The event is internationally acclaimed and Aqua Sphere is delighted with its growing brand presence at this benchmark outdoor event.  The reaction of athletes to the new Speedsuits has been very positive and the brand enjoyed excellent sales of its acclaimed goggles, wet suits and accessories in the build-up to the race.

Asics are launching ‘the ultimate smart running shoe that adapts to every runner's needs', the third generation of the brand's most innovative shoe. An adaptive shoe for all types of runners GEL_KINSEI 3 combines new technologies such as the Guidance Line System and the Heel Clutching System with a design emphasis on total weight reduction.

It is a big ask to increase footfall as an independent retailer when you've got to persuade customers to change the habit of driving to a local mall. Without the luxury of a big advertising budget to compete with the multiples, what can you do?

The Helix from Fitness Options is a revolutionary aerobic trainer that features dual-directional movement, eight resistance settings and integrated heart monitoring. The Helix offers something completely new to its users - lateral training, working the body from side to side, which engages more muscle for faster fat burning.

Speedo, the world's leading swimwear brand, has announced that its new generation of performance swimwear inspired by the Speedo LZR Racer suit has been approved by FINA. The range is fully compliant with the new FINA rules that come into effect from January 2010.

Global fitness equipment manufacturer, Life Fitness has been working in partnership with health club group David Lloyd Leisure on a huge investment programme for 2009, bucking the trend in the recession.

UK Gear has announced that it is incorporating the Customer Services Team and warehousing operation which were previously with the Saucony running brand as part of their aim to become leading players in the specialist running shoe market. UK Gear's customer services and distribution for the specialist UK market will now be administered from Portsmouth, freeing their HQ at Rugby, Warwickshire to concentrate on military markets globally and increase activity in the area of research and development.

Rip Curl have announced that their pro rider Mick Fanning is to be their environmental ambassador. Fanning has finished the season wearing a new green wet suit. In addition to the distinctive colour Fanning's suit is technologically green featuring a new neoprene that uses non-solvent glues in the lamination process significantly reducing chemical air pollutants.

USA PRO, the women's fitness wear brand worn by celebrities and personal trainers is embarking on an international brand licensing drive overseen by UK-based global brand development specialists IBML.

England 's most successful rugby club Leicester Tigers has selected the Versapulley weightless exercise machine for its Oval Park training ground so the players could use the machine to help improve their power development and lower limb strength and during the season to keep match-fit.

PUMA - a powerhouse in African football - has announced three developments.  The brand has unveiled the 2010 Football Kits for the eleven African teams it sponsors: Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Egypt, Tunisia, Namibia, Morocco, Angola, Senegal and Togo. They have also signed up the Algeria FA. Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes) will be part of the PUMA football portfolio from January 1st 2010. Finally, the sportslifestyle company has been named the Official Fan Shop of the Orange African Cup of Nations Angola 2010.

Keith Grainger MD of Solutions Unlimited, who own the WackySox brand comments "I am delighted to have become a STAG supplier and will make the most of the increased sales opportunity that the group gives me. Solutions Unlimited was formed to allow us to develop some of the opportunities offered up by the much overlooked but essential item of team kit- Socks!"

Under Armour, the originator of performance apparel, have launched their debut range of football boots into the UK market.  Under Armour boots are engineered to match the skills and playing styles of athletes - power and speed.

The Dominate and Create range of boots are specifically engineered to maximize the performance of today's generation of professional and amateur players.

You're heavily involved with sports personalities. Do you think brand owners serve the needs of independent retailers with these sponsorships?

Brand owners certainly make a serious effort to keep the retailer top of mind. The key issue is that brands should focus on the authenticity of their chosen ambassadors and in truth some brands don't always get a good match.

If Mike Ashley were to write a book I think it should be called, ‘HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND SABOTAGE YOUR OWN INDUSTRY'. And one of the chapters could be entitled: ‘The way to make a small fortune is to start off with a big one!'

We wanted to know:

• Whether you trade online
• What sports are selling well
• What you think about trade shows and which ones you attend
• Whether you are a member of a buying group
• Your market forecast
• What you think of Sporting Goods Business as a magazine

It is always good to talk, but sometimes it is more important to listen; to those who are close to you, to your colleagues, customers, suppliers and as a magazine, to your readers.

Tobogganing on a snow-covered hillside is an age-old activity for all the family to enjoy - until the frostbite kicks in of course - but tobogganing in the world of England rugby international Nick Kennedy is altogether more gruelling, as he tells Sporting Goods Business with relish when discussing his training regime.

2010 World Cup fever is beginning to brew already, as for the first time in quite a few years, England not only has an excellent squad of players, but also a coach who appears to be able to get the very best from the group. Superb results in qualifying, apart from that slip-up in Ukraine, have led to great confidence in Fabio Capello -or Don Fabio, as he is known in his native Italy - and a real feeling across England that maybe, just maybe, the hype will be justified this time.

The Macario boot is aimed at younger players in search of a sound footing in the national game. The PU boots are fitted with a velcro closure and moulded stud outsole, and it is available in sizes 28-36.

Mizuno has made the iconic Morelia football boot 30g lighter than previous models for the 2009/10 season. This classically styled boot in K-leather is lined with a lightweight EVA sock liner to minimise the effect of stud pressure felt through the foot, thereby improving performance. It is also the boot of choice for England Rugby player, Nick Kennedy.

Mitre has worked closely with Jimmy Bullard to develop a football boot that meets the requirements of the top-flight player. The Rafale is made with full Pittard soft grain leather, which is engineered to adapt to the shape of the foot. This boot is created to enhance speed, accuracy and feel for the ball. The lightweight upper and the outsole are intended to allow for total freedom of movement and quick turns.

Concave is launching five new boots for 2009/10, in a range of colour ways and outsoles for both adults and children. Jim Grimes, CEO of Concave Holdings explains: "Not only does our technology give more power, control and accuracy, but the boots also provide added protection against metatarsal injuries." The top end boot made from premium K-leather is the PT+ designed specifically for the elite player.

The PT Mini is specifically designed for children with a focus on safety and protection. Concave CEO Jim Grimes says: "Retailer demand for the boots will come from the focus we are placing on online activity, targeting 14-25 year olds in particular". Concave is also supporting its retailers through promotions, Concave Kicker Tube events and publicity in local media.

As worn by Liverpool and England defender Glen Johnson, the Zhero Leggenda is a professional boot made with water-repellent kangaroo leather upper, designed to provide a perfect fit and feel while playing. Shock absorbing cushioning in the heel and Lotto's innovative ‘Twist 'n' Go', which is a pivoting stud, are intended to improve performance and reduce injuries.

New colour ways for Under Armour football boots are due to hit retail stores in December 2009.  The Dominate Pro SG is designed to blend technology with tradition to provide power, lightweight responsiveness, protection and comfort. 

The Create Pro SG boot in Hi Viz Yellow/Indigo, offers lightweight and breathable performance that is intended to respond, support and protect the fast player. Players are encouraged to visit www.underarmour.com/UA11 to find out which style of boot is best for them.

Hummel says a timeless design has made its Old School Star boot one of the standout pieces of their 2009 boot collection. It has a super soft K-leather upper with leather lining available from stock in SG and FG options. An RRP of £50 has been set with a view to enabling retailers to achieve a very good margin. Hummel claims the collection has sold through very well to date.

Reusch has built a fantastic heritage of goalkeepers winning the World Cup wearing their gloves. 2010 in South Africa will be another opportunity to add to that heritage, and all Reusch-sponsored goalkeepers will be wearing the exclusive and vibrant Xosa Pro G1 gloves, in the hope of gripping the World Cup at the end of the tournament!

This is a boot associated with many players, but who can forget the goal scored by Michael Owen in the 1998 World Cup? He was wearing the Speciali. Umbro promises that the new 2009 version offers incredible comfort, improved control, increased accuracy and additional power. It's also the lightest Speciali Umbro have ever made.

Rucanor claims its Genova+ football is match-quality with IMS approval. The ball is made in ultra high-shine, soft-feel PU with 4-ply poly/viscose lining and 100% natural latex bladder. It is available in sizes 4 & 5.

This entry-level match ball is suitable for both grass and artificial surfaces, providing clubs with what Hummel describes as an inexpensive quality ball. The company also claims it leaves the retailer with a fantastic margin in a competitive market.

This top-end FIFA-approved match ball is at a very competitive price point for a 100% hand-stitched item. Suitable for both grass and artificial pitches, the Concept Ball is decorated with Hummel's distinctive black and white graphics.

Online registration at ispo.com has already begun and if you book a four day pass before December 3rd, it costs just 25 Euros. This is a massive trade show and the coming event will be its 40th year of trading. An important change is that the show is no longer called ispo winter. From 2010 it will be simply ispo. At the same time there is no longer a summer ispo.

I have spent 20 years in the Sports and Outdoor trade on both sides of the fence - as supplier and retailer  - and I have seen how variable staff product knowledge can be. It's not as straight forward as: multiples and their high staff-turnover rate as ‘poor', while independents with their long-service awards and owner-salesmen rate as ‘good', although that's often true!

Despite years of forward ordering and various forms of meticulous planning, in the hope of cracking the system to get my stock levels right, particularly for those elusive really hot selling products, I still have a sense of dread when catalogues arrive. One season I was so confused by the choices I even cut up entire catalogues, put all the pieces in a hat and made my decisions by pretending I was drawing a raffle. That method was almost as successful as the time I blindfolded myself and fumbled through the catalogues, randomly making choices by stabbing a pin in pages every now and again. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with how exciting I can make my life!

Shop name: Greaves Sports
Location: Glasgow and Edinburgh
Owner: Greaves Family, Glasgow
Opened: Moved into Greaves family ownership in 1930s after trading as Clydesdale Rubber Company since 1870
Affiliation: Intersport
Number of staff: 130

The nights are drawing in, winter is on the horizon, and the already-gorgeous English countryside is turned absolutely majestic by the blaze of colours that heralds the arrival of Autumn.

What better time to get out the walking boots than this?

Result Performance, the leading clothing supplier to the corporate, outdoor leisure, promotional and work wear markets launches its 2010, 15th Anniversary brochure in November.

The Result Clothing 2010 brochure comprises 300 pages featuring all 143 products in the Result Performance range.

Salomon SAS is carrying out a voluntary and precautionary recall of the toe pieces of the listed models of Salomon-branded ski bindings, Atomic-branded ski bindings and TECNOpro-branded ski bindings. The ski binding models subject to the recall were produced between July and October 2008 and sold in the 2008/2009 season. These bindings were manufactured by Salomon and share the same toe piece construction.

Coleman has appointed Rens Evers as Commercial Director for its Europe North division with full responsibility for all company activities in the UK, Ireland, Benelux and Nordic Countries. Reporting directly to Coleman EMEA President, Thomas Seifert, he will also be a member of the Coleman EMEA Management Team.

Berghaus has confirmed that it will start selling products to consumers from its website in March 2010.  The online retail programme is part of a broader strategy and the company will continue to invest in and support customers in the UK.  Berghaus believes that the initiative will extend the appeal of the brand and play a part in developing the outdoor sector as a whole, and plans to work closely with retailers so that they can benefit from that. 

Accapi UK has assembled a team of leading sales and marketing professionals to elevate and establish the brand throughout the country and Ireland.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is helping small businesses cut adrift by the providers of credit card merchant services or struggling with the cost of processing card payments.

The FPB has joined forces with Accept Cards Ltd (ACL) in order to reduce the expense of taking card payments and the hassle of seeking out alternative providers.

Following its recent Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, Snugpak received a visit from HRH Princess Anne in late October.

Supported by an extensive nationwide marketing and advertising campaign, the GORE-TEX products Experiential Rig Roadshow will tour the country over the coming months allowing consumers to experience the benefits of its technologies and learn about the incredible range of activities and brands that rely on GORE-TEX products. The tour is visiting six high-profile locations with a combined footfall in excess of 2.8 million with estimates that current advertising activity in print and outdoors will take the company's message to around 55% of its core audience.

After 16 years with leading outdoor performance footwear brand brasher, Sales Director Steve Fowler left the company in November.

Haglöfs has just completed a series of bespoke on the hill training courses for retail staff. Each participant was kitted out in Haglöfs gear and then took to the hills in the area just outside of Staveley, Cumbria to experience a whole variety of outdoor activities, from climbing and scrambling to rope techniques and pin point navigation.

STAG is very, very well known as a buying group for the sports retail trade, not so well known for its work in the outdoor arena. While the company has a perfectly reasonable number of outdoor stores (85 of a total of 460 members) under its wing, it's not even close to its reach in the sports industry. That's partly why joint MDs Ricky Chandler and Ward Robertson have rebranded their outdoor arm with a view to increasing their outdoor membership. They spoke with SGB Outdoor and explained the whys and wherefores...

Traditionally, it's been the key wintersports show for Europe, but for 2010 the trade show is dropping the ‘winter' to become simply ispo. This is because the show has added much more for visitors, with fitness, outdoor, performance, style and Sports Source Europe all adding to the mix. It is, the organisers say, an evolution, a response to what the market needs. It also means there is no longer a summer ispo event, after the Bike Expo was launched this past summer.

Columbia the company has been around since the late 1930s, evolving from a small family-owned hat distributor to become one of the world's largest outerwear brands, and the leading seller of ski-wear in the US. In 2008, the company reported net sales of $1.32bn, and is available in over 100 countries. But in the UK, the brand has struggled in the past - Dan explained to SGB how that's going to change in the future, and why.

With the ski season upon us packing up your boots can now be a whole lot quicker with the launch of the Skizmo the ultimate in fast removal of you ski boots. The recently launched product is the brainchild of Luxmi Selvarajah of Airborn Products.

Nikwax has the ideal solution to help with the credit crunch and beyond - extending the life of clothing and equipment with Tech Wash and TX Direct Wash-In. First you wash your gear, by hand or in a machine, with Tech Wash and then do the same with TX Direct Wash-In and that's it - your gear is like new at a fraction of the cost.

For winter 2009 Helly Hansen is introducing Ask and Embla, its first luxury urban sportswear garments; the luxury positioning is reflected in the price tags, £700 for Ask and £600 for Embla.

Ask is an All-Season Jacket and a Sports Coat for men, and Embla an All-Season Jacket and a Winter Wrap for women - all are available in striking black or white.

Hanwag is broadening its horizons with the extended 2010 range.

A new category has been introduced which extends the brand's 85 years experience of producing high quality footwear to the travel market.

2010 sees an exciting tent range expansion for Coleman that is set to further strengthen its position in the tent market. The extension comes from the development of tents in the Coleman Premium Family range, Coleman Classic range and Coleman Exponent Adventure range, with the portfolio now covering a wider selection of price points. The Coleman Mackenzie Cabin range epitomises luxury camping for the family.

Bramwell International is now promoting the Himalaya MFS boot from Meindl. Made with Sil-Nubuck leather featuring Meindl's Multigrip by Vibram sole, this boot is extremely robust and can be used on a variety of different terrain including rocky mountain paths.

Páramo's Torres overlayering range expands further with the introduction of insulating sleeves and trousers which are innovative both in design and in application. Overlayering provides a practical and superior alternative to the conventional layering approach to stay warm and dry in the cold and wet.

Suunto has launched a new member of its award-winning Suunto Core outdoor sports instrument collection. The Suunto Core Extreme Edition Red reflects the Suunto brand colours through its black aluminium top ring with a red accent.