SGB WEEKLY 1252

20
DECEMBER 24, 2012 ISSUE 1252 The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry

description

SGB WEEKLY 1252

Transcript of SGB WEEKLY 1252

Page 1: SGB WEEKLY 1252

DECEMBER 24, 2012ISSUE 1252

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry

Page 2: SGB WEEKLY 1252

FOR 45 YEARS WE’VE BEEN DRIVING INSOLE TECHNOLOGY FORWARD. There’s no question that gel insoles provide great comfort. But even though they feel great,

there are trade-offs: flat gel insoles are often bulky and just don’t have the deep heel cupping

and arch support needed for lasting comfort. That is until now. Using the contours of our

best-selling TOTAL SUPPORT™ Insole, we’ve built a gel insole your customers will love:

Spenco® ProForm Gel. Ultra-Thin Gel cushioning with flexible arch support.

Maximum margins for you and fantastic value for your customers.

Yes, This is Spenco

Find us online!

For more info or to request a sample, call 1-800-877-3626 or visit spenco.com

Spenco®

Love Your Feet™

®R

egis

tere

d a

nd

™Tr

adem

ark

of

Sp

enco

Med

ical

Co

rpo

rati

on

. ©20

05, 2

006,

201

2 S

MC

. All

Rig

hts

Res

erve

d

U L T R A - T H I N

PROFORM

Look for Spenco at the following shows!Outdoor Retailer Booth #60FN PLATFORMBooth #62135

SpencoGel_SGBW_Dec2012.pdf 1 12/4/12 8:02 AM

Page 3: SGB WEEKLY 1252

DECEMBER 24, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 3

Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB WEEKLY are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB WEEKLY is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB WEEKLY may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB WEEKLY is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB WEEKLY , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450

Senior Business Editor

Thomas J. Ryan

[email protected]

917.375.4699

Contributing Editors

Aaron H. Bible, Fernando J. Delgado,

Charlie Lunan, Matt Powell

Creative Director

Teresa Hartford

[email protected]

704.987.3450 (x105)

Graphic Designer

Camila Amortegui

[email protected]

704.987.3450 (x103)

Advertising Sales

Account Manager / Northeast

Buz Keenan

[email protected]

201.887.5112

Advertising Sales

Account Managers / Midwest

Barry Kingwill & Jim Kingwill

[email protected]

[email protected]

847.537.9196

Advertising Sales

Account Manager / Southeast

Katie O'Donohue

[email protected]

828.244.3043

Circulation & Subscriptions

[email protected]

Group PublisherEditor In Chief

James Hartford

[email protected]

704.987.3450

2151 Hawkins Street • Suite 200 • Charlotte • NC • 28203t. 704-987-3450 • f. 704-987-3455

www.SportsOneSource.com

SportsOneSource Publications

Print Magazine: SGB, SGB PerformanceDigital Magazines: SGB Weekly, TEAM Business Digital

Newsletters: The B.O.S.S. ReportSports Executive Weekly

News Updates: SGB, Footwear Business, Outdoor Business, Sportsman’s Business, TEAM Business

SportsOneSource ResearchSportScanInfo, OIA VantagePoint,

SOS Research

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry

DECEMBER 24, 2012ISSUE 1252

14

NEWS 4 BY THE NUMBERS NIKE’S Q2 Lifted by North American Momentum 6 MOVERS & SHAKERS TWO WEEKS OF SNOWFALL BOLSTERS SPIRITS; Threat on Snow Sports Economy Remains

FEATURES

10 PATAGONIA First Bio-Alternative To Neoprene Now Available 11 ICEBREAKER Introduces New Three-Fit System 12 POLARTEC Introduces Alpha Following Special Military Research 14 MERRELL AND GORE Collaborate in Exclusive Footwear Concept

DEPARTMENTS

18 INDUSTRY CALENDAR

ON THE COVER: Nike Women’s Spring/Summer 2013. Photo courtesy Nike.

Page 4: SGB WEEKLY 1252

BY THE NUMBERS

64.6%Whistler Blackcomb Holdings, Inc. reported that net loss attributable to shareholders decreased by $14.5 million, or 64.6 percent, to $8.0 million during the fourth quarter ended September 30. Revenue rose 6.9 percent to $27.4 million in Q4 on the strength of record summer visitation. The company, which holds a 75 percent stake in the entities that operate the Whistler Blackcomb resort in British Columbia, also said that, as of December 2, season pass sales and bookings for lodging were running 4 and 5 percent ahead of their levels last year.

$11 MILLIONQuiksilver, Inc. reported a net loss of $11 million, or 7 cents per share, in the 2012 fiscal year ended October 31, compared with $21 million, or 13 cents per share, in the prior year. Net revenues grew 3 percent to $2.01 billion in FY 2012 compared with $1.95 billion in FY 2011, and grew 7 percent, or $125 million, in constant currency.

26.4%Sports Direct, the U.K. sporting goods chain, reported underlying profit before tax increased 26.4 percent in the half ended October 28, to £125.1 million ($203 million). Group revenue jumped 22.5 percent to £1.09 billion ($1.76 billion) with significant growth across all divisions. Sports online sales growth was 54 percent - now representing 12.5 percent of total Sports Retail sales.

NEWS

Led by robust sales in its North America region, Nike Inc. reported revenues increased 7.4 percent in its second quarter ended November 30, to $5.96 billion, and were up 10 percent on a currency-neutral basis.

Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, Nike Brand revenues rose 11 percent, with growth in all key categories, product types and geographies except Greater China. Rev-enues for its Other Businesses segment increased 6 percent on a currency-neutral basis, as Converse, Hurley and Nike Golf all increased revenues during the quarter.

Net earnings slid 18.1 percent to $384 million due to an increase in losses from discontinued operations to $137 million from $11 million in the prior-year’s quarter.

In May, Nike announced plans to divest Umbro and Cole Haan in order to focus its resources on its Nike, Jordan, Converse and Hurley brands. In November, Umbro was sold to Iconix Brand Group for $225 million. It also reached an agreement during that month to sell Cole Haan to Apax Partners for $570 million.

Earnings from continuing operations grew 8.5 percent to $521 million, or $1.14 a share, handily exceeding Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $1 a share. The bottom-line growth reflected SG&A leverage and an increase in other income, which more than offset the impact of a slightly lower gross margin and an increase in the effective tax rate.

As of the end of the quarter, worldwide futures orders for Nike Brand footwear and apparel, scheduled for delivery from December 2012 through April 2013 totaled $9.3 billion, 6 percent higher than orders reported for the same period last year. Excluding currency changes, reported orders would have increased 7 percent.

In North America, Nike Brand revenues in the quarter climbed 17.2 percent to $2.42 billion. Footwear gained 12.7 percent to $1.47 billion, apparel moved up 19.2 percent to $788 million, and Equipment revenues vaulted 62 percent to $162 million. North America’s future orders were ahead 14 percent.

“Our strong second quarter results show that our growth strategies are working, even under challenging macroeconomic conditions,” said Mark Parker, Nike president and CEO. “We have a focused and flexible portfolio that allows us to target the biggest growth opportunities at all levels – brand, category and product. We stay connected with our consumers and that enables us to deliver innovations that excite the marketplace, grow the business and deliver more value to shareholders.”

NIKE’S Q2 LIFTED BY NORTH AMERICAN MOMENTUM

Nike athlete Paola Espinosa. Photo courtesy Nike

4 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

Page 5: SGB WEEKLY 1252

1.866.YAKTRAX | WWW.YAKTRAX.COM

©20

12 Im

plus

Foo

tcar

e, L

LC. Y

aktra

x® is

a re

gist

ered

trad

emar

k of

Impl

us F

ootc

are,

LLC

.

RUN WITH CONFIDENCE THIS WINTER

Page 6: SGB WEEKLY 1252

NEWSNEWS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Eddie Bauer, LLC hired Steve Venegas as vice president, distribution, North America. Venegas is a seasoned outdoor industry executive, most recently holding the position of VP distribution for VF Outdoor, Inc., which includes brands such as The North Face, Reef, Lucy, Eagle Creek and JanSport.

Volcom, Inc. said that its co-founder Richard Woolcott will assume the newly created role of executive chairman while Jason Steris, currently the company's president, will be named the company's chief executive officer. These changes will be effective January 1, 2013.

Garmin, Ltd.'s board of directors appointed President and COO Clifton Pemble to succeed President, CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Min Kao effective January 2, 2013. Kao will assume the role of executive chairman, where he will continue to serve as the chairman of the board of directors while also providing ongoing support to the company’s strategic planning and business development processes.

Nike, Inc. announced that Roger Wyett, president of its affiliates, will be the company’s new vice president of action sports with responsibility for the Nike brand’s skateboarding and snow businesses, as well as Hurley International, LLC. Sandy Bodecker, the current VP of action sports at Nike, will now work on special projects involving long-term product innovation. In addition, the company shared that Jim Calhoun, CEO of Converse, Inc., will report directly to Mark Parker, president & CEO of Nike, Inc.

Inov-8 added Lee Cox as its new VP of sales for the U.S. business.

Ski resorts around the country received snow last week and the week before, bolstering spirits in the beleaguered snowsports and lodging industries for the holiday weeks upon us. And while holiday bookings are still off, most resorts are able to open more terrain for the barrage of guests over Christmas and New Years weekends. The Lake Tahoe area is expected to receive up to five feet of snow by Christmas Day. The industry came off its worst winter in 50 years to a slow start this season, affecting everyone in the snowsports business chain from baristas and ski area employees to specialty retailers, property managers, suppliers, reps and stock holders. The news of Vail Resorts acquiring two Midwestern ski hills last week made perfect sense - if it isn’t going to snow, increase skier days by looking outside ski country. As of November 30, on-the-books occupancy at 16 mountain resort destinations for December 2012 is down a sharp 12.3 percent compared to the same time last year. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) posted a slight gain, up 2.6 percent, according to the most recent data released by the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP).

“Although reports about the looming ‘fiscal cliff’ have dominated the national news ever since the election, the discussion in mountain communities is very snow-centric as snowfall was below average in most locations for most of November and into early December,” said Ralf Garrison, director of MTRiP. “As a result, overall advance reser-vation activity continues to lag, and overall seasonal occupancy is still trending down with December’s holiday season well behind historic levels.” The Pacific Northwest and Northeastern ski areas are in the best shape, followed by Northern California, Utah and Southern Colorado. Last week’s double snowstorm through the West delivered up to 30-plus inches on some resorts. Every ski area in Colorado received snow last week, but the Central Rockies snowpack is still below average. Cold temperatures and mois-ture helped Eastern ski areas open early, but the snowsports-buying environment was hampered by Superstorm Sandy. SnowSports Industries America (SIA) recently released

TWO WEEKS OF SNOWFALL BOLSTERS SPIRITS; THREAT ON SNOW SPORTS

ECONOMY REMAINS By Aaron H. Bible

6 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

Continuous snowfall helps open more runs, more terrain. Photo courtesy Wolf Creek.

Page 8: SGB WEEKLY 1252

8 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

numbers indicating the snow sport market declined 2 percent in October, but did reach $616 million in sales (August through October) despite disruptions in retail sales in the South and Northeast regions due to Sandy; uncertainty in the face of the “fiscal cliff;” and the lack of momentum from the snow-challenged 2011/12 season. This time period typically accounts for about 15 percent of total season sales and reflects mo-mentum from the previous season. And while Presiden-tial elections tend to impact retail sales positively, this year was atypical. Reports and fears regarding climate change also continue to plague the industry, as evi-denced by the “Winter Tourism in Peril” report released last week. That said, it only takes a few good storms or a couple of big snowfall years to get things going in the right direction, and most big players remain optimistic for the long term. In the wake of dismal storm patterns in 2012, the MTRiP Briefing also focused on climate change and emphasized that the ski and snowboard industry is deeply vested in keeping winters cold and snowy regardless of the causes.

Other factors shaping the activity of winter visitors are several key economic indicators. The Consumer Confidence Index crept up 0.8 percent in November to 73.7 and marks only the fourth time in 24 months that the Index has been above 70. The Unemployment Rate dropped two basis points from 7.9 to 7.7 percent to its lowest level since December 2008 with the addition 146,000 new jobs in the private sector - nearly double the amount of jobs projected. The 3.2 percent decline in crude oil prices was also viewed as timely since it brings relief at both the pump and in the cost of most goods going into the prime holiday shopping and travel season. However, the second consecutive monthly de-cline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average was cause for concern although it closed the month about the 13,000-point mark for the fifth consecutive month.

The Outdoor Industry Association reported outdoor product sales were up slightly in November, just 0.6 percent to $1.01 billion, as a tepid Outdoor Ap-parel business and a declining Footwear segment offset strong gains in the Outdoor Hardgoods fu-eled by Superstorm Sandy. The market posted only one positive week of sales growth in the four-week month as heavy Footwear declines in the first half of the month offset positive Hardgoods and Apparel sales growth. Outdoor Product sales were down 0.7 percent the week of Thanksgiving, which includes most of the Black Friday weekend.

For more information contact 704.987.3450 or [email protected]

SportsJobSource... I am proud to work for a company I can believe in,

and with exceptionally talented co-workers.

Thank you!

OBJ .COM

Page 9: SGB WEEKLY 1252

DECEMBER 24, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 9

cyanmagentayellowblack

skechers.com/gorunride

THE OFFICIAL SHOE OF MEB. AMERICA’S #1 MARATHON RUNNER.

First US Finisher, 2012 Games

GO Anywhere and Everywhere

GO for the RideGO for the Ride

Limited Edition

GO Anywhere and Everywhere

GO for the RideGO for the Ride

GO Anywhere and Everywhere

GO for the RideGO for the Ride

Based on Men’s Size 9

7.9

(US) M_GOrun_RIDE_MEB_MARATHON_V4_AD

SGB Digital Weekly10/29/2012 Issue1126505.GOrunRide_MEB_SGBw_V4.r1.indd 1 10/22/12 7:36 PM

Page 10: SGB WEEKLY 1252

10 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

atagonia, Inc. and Yulex Corp., a clean technology company developing agri-based biomaterials for medical, consumer, industrial and bioenergy products, announced their introduction of “the first alternative to the traditional neoprene wetsuit.”

Their guayule-based wetsuit - a renewable biorubber that is the first legitimate alternative to traditional petroleum-based Neoprene for cold-water action sports - is 30 percent stretchier and is said to dry instantly.

“When we started to build wetsuits we knew that neoprene, by nature of its production, was the most environmentally harmful part of the product. Our initial approach was to use innovative materials, like wool, that are highly insulating and allowed us to use as little neoprene as possible,” said Patagonia surf director Jason McCaffrey.

“But we quickly realized that we needed to create a new material that could be a true alternative to neoprene,” McCaffrey said. “After four years of working together, Patagonia and Yulex have co-developed a unique material that allows us to make a wetsuit that is 60 percent guayule (plant) based. Our goal is to have the formula be 100 percent plant based, but we feel that for now this new material is a big enough step forward to let the world know it is possible to buy something cleaner. It’s our hope that other brands see this as interesting and join the effort to innovate and implement alternatives to traditional neoprene that is used in wetsuits.”

Yulex’s biorubber material is made from guayule, a renewable, non-food crop that requires little water, is grown domestically in the U.S., uses no pesticides, and in comparison to traditional neoprene has a very clean manufacturing process.

Initially the new suits will be available in Japan only. In Spring 2013, surfers will be able to order custom suits from Patagonia’s wetsuit facility in Ventura, CA, with a global rollout to follow.

"Yulex commends Patagonia for supporting the advancement of a sustainable, low-carbon future by embracing agricultural-based, biomaterials to replace petroleum-based synthetics,"

FIRST BIO-ALTERNATIVE TO NEOPRENE NOW AVAILABLE

said Jeff Martin, CEO, president and founder of Yulex Corporation. "Patagonia is guiding the action sports industry to a new level and setting an example for the importance of sustainable practices. Yulex views this partnership as a major step towards a future where use of our renewable, guayule-based biomaterials is the industry standard for consumer, medical, industrial and bioenergy products." ■

Patagonia’s plant-based neoprene could revolutionize wetsuits.

PBy Aaron H. Bible

Page 11: SGB WEEKLY 1252

DECEMBER 24, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 11

ppealing to a new generation of customers, Merino wool specialist Icebreaker has launched a new fit and grading system for all its garments.

Populations’ body sizes have changed over time, so the New Zealand-based company hired global fit experts Alvanon to provide it with the latest global fit data to update the fit of its performance and lifestyle clothing.

Icebreaker’s fit project aimed at creating garments that give maximum ease of movement, are the ideal length, and had no bunching under the arms. The fit also had to be consistent in body length and width, so customers would take the same size in every style from season to season.

Rob Achten, Icebreaker Creative Director and Vice President of Product, said the three new fits – slim, regular and relaxed, depending on the style and intended use – are designed for comfortable, low-bulk layering. “Our base layers, first layers, mid layers and outer layers are designed to layer together like a single garment – without any seam chafing or zip stacking,” he said.

“We’re confident this will introduce an even wider range of people to the world’s best merino clothing.”

After creating new size charts and fit blocks, Icebreaker tested its new fit system by recruiting a group of women who all considered themselves a size medium but were actually of different shapes, proportions and body types. The test confirmed that the new garment proportions suited a wider variety of women.

The grading – the variation of fit between sizes – was also increased to capture more customers in the full spectrum of sizes.

Icebreaker validated its grading system by having its garments tried on by a group of men and women rang-ing in size from extra small to XX large. Their feedback confirmed the fit was much improved, and that a wider range of people looked and felt great in Icebreaker clothing.

The new fit will be introduced for all garments in Icebreaker’s Fall/Winter 2013 collection. ■

ICEBREAKER INTRODUCES NEW THREE-FIT SYSTEM

A

Merino pioneer Icebreaker is appealing to a new generation of customers by launching a new fit and grading system for all its garments. Click play to watch video.

By Thomas J. Ryan

Page 12: SGB WEEKLY 1252

12 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

POLARTEC INTRODUCES

ALPHA

By Aaron H. Bible

olartec, the developer, manufacturer, and marketer of Polartec performance fabrics, introduces the new military-spec Polartec Alpha synthetic insulation, continuing its focus on breathability

and versatility in performance textiles.Polartec, created in 1991 (PolarFleece originated in 1979) by

American textile-icon Malden Mills (founded in Malden, MA in 1906), continues its streak of product innovation with the upcoming release of its latest durable breathable layer, Polartec Alpha.

Polartec Alpha is a highly stable layer allowing for the use of more open and breathable fabrics on the outer and inner layers of “puffy” style garments. As a result, it provides active warmth that allows air exchange for breathability and comfort in dynamic environmental situations. Typical puffy-insulated garments require “down-proof” or high-density woven layers that create a vapor barrier. While they have worked well in static conditions, classic puffy down and synthetic insu-lation batting tended to trap moisture inside the garment during activity.

According to Polartec, it has been able to reach “unprecedented levels of breathability and moisture vapor transport” in a puffy out-erwear performance fabric. The manufacturer released samples of the material in an insulating vest to select media, and as tested by SGB Weekly editors, it has noticeable warmth-to-weight and breath-ability advances. Polartec said Alpha maintained insulation values while wet and offers faster dry times than existing puffy-style fabrics on the market. It also has inherent wind resistance properties, is highly compressible and lightweight.

"Polartec Alpha is a natural compliment to our existing layering system fabrics. It will function as outerwear or as an ideal mid layer under fabrics like Polartec Power Shield Pro or Polartec NeoShell,” said Allon Cohne, Polartec director of marketing. “It packs small and can quickly recover from something as catastrophic as getting completely soaked while in the field. This is an active-warmth product that will

replace other layers, lighten the load and increase comfort in the field."The insulation was developed to meet performance requirements

of the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF), who required something warm, wind resistant, durable, quick drying and more breathable than existing insulation products. Polartec was able to tune the performance characteristics of Alpha to meet the extraordinary demands placed upon clothing by Special Forces operators. In testing by SOF, Alpha received the highest results of any Polartec product ever tested by the evaluation team. Jackets are in production now and are being fielded to every U.S. Military Special Forces operator.

“Polartec’s Alpha insulation is allowing us to create a new class of insulated garments that redefine what a ‘puffy’ can do. This new class of ‘Active Insulation’ does more than just provide static warmth. Because of Alpha’s unique structure we are able create garments that have a much higher level of breathability than conventional insulated garments,” explained Brian LaPlante, Marmot’s Category Merchandise Manager/Outerwear. “This ability to use more air permeable fabrics and wicking linings has led to the creation of jackets that excel in cold weather active pursuits such as backcountry ski-touring and mountaineering.”

Other brands adopting Polartec Alpha for the initial launch include: P

66º North, Eddie Bauer, Eider, Mammut, Montane, Mountain Equip-ment, Rab, Ternua, Terry Cycle, The North Face, Trangoworld, Vaude and Westcomb.

Alpha will be introduced at the January 2013 Outdoor Retailer, SIA and ISPO trade shows, available at retail by September 2013. The consumer launch will continue in Spring 2014 with a number of additional adoptions already confirmed. ■

FOLLOWING SPECIAL MILITARY RESEARCH

Alpha insulation feels like "a very light, open-knit, high loft fleece." - Polartec

Page 13: SGB WEEKLY 1252

DECEMBER 24, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 13

Page 14: SGB WEEKLY 1252

MERRELL AND GORE COLLABORATE IN EXCLUSIVE

FOOTWEAR CONCEPT

14 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

By Thomas J. Ryan

Page 15: SGB WEEKLY 1252

DECEMBER 24, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 15

eveloped in collaboration with W.L. Gore, Merrell unveiled CONNECTfit, an exclusive waterproof, breathable, and flexible design concept powered by GoreTex Extended

Comfort footwear technology. CONNECTfit was developed with a minimalist approach to be form fitting and stretchy, giving shoes a glove-like fit. The concept is solely owned by Merrell and will further the comfort and performance of Merrell’s trail and hike categories and be integrated into outside athletic styles for the Fall 2013 season.

“Key consumer feedback speaks to the need for seamless materials in athletic footwear that allow the foot to flex and move freely,” said Shaun Bohnsack, men’s product line manager for Merrell. “Over the year of development, we looked to trends in athletic garment design, furniture design and protective wear. We looked at creating minimal solutions by molding and shaping, and cleverly layering materials to create simpler and more functional product solutions.”

The inspiration for the Gore partnership came soon after the launch of the Proterra multi-hike collection as part of its M-Connect series, said Craig Throne, Merrell's VP of global marketing, with the goal of adding waterproof protection without stiffening the shoe.

“We just didn’t want to stick a baggie in there and say, ‘We’re now waterproof’ because we want to keep that natural movement feel-ing alive and well througout the shoe,” said Throne. Working much earlier with Gore on the collaboration than other projects, the two focused much more around overall construction rather than just fo-cusing on the membrane. The result, according to Throne, is “the best breathabilty for a waterproof membrane in footwear that Merrell has ever produced.”

The Proterra Sport with and Proterra Mid Sport hiking shoes are both built on a minimal drop platform (4 mm) providing an increased connection to the earth. The models continue to utilize Stratafuse technology, injecting the support structure to the mesh upper,

providing an ultra durable, lightweight and breathable upper that minimizes adhesive use and production time.

Brian Gallagher, global marketing at Gore, said that while Gore has worked with Merrell for some time, what was unique about the project was that Merrell approached Gore “at the beginning of the development process” to fully bring the idea to fruition. Said Gallagher, “It was a great collaboration that worked through the design phase and through the development phase and through out the entire production of the concept.”

“This was a test of art meeting science resulting in a comfortable protection system engineered to balance external weather conditions and internal microclimate in a unique Merrell construction made with Gore-Tex Extended Comfort,” added Gallagher. “Together, with Merrell we are able to provide one of the most advanced waterproof and breathable systems to our consumers.”

On the trail side, for fall 2103, Merrell is also updating the original and popular Trail and Pace Glove shoes to create the Trail and Pace Glove 2.0, as well as introducing the Ascend Glove (men’s 8 ozs; women’s 6.5 ozs), a new barefoot trail running shoe built for more rugged terrain. An Ascend Glove Gore-Tex version (men’s 9 ozs; women’s 7 ozs.) also features the CONNECTfit technology for a minimal approach along with waterproof features and breathability. Both shoes are built on a zero drop barefoot last.

The upper on the Ascend Glove sports Merrell’s new Motion Mesh (an engineered weave mesh) that is tuned to provide support

D

Proterra Mid Sport

Pace Glove 2.0

Ascend Glove

Page 16: SGB WEEKLY 1252

and breathability with a seamless interior. A new Vibram outsole engineered for rugged trail running and Trail Protect plates for extra protection underfoot in the heel and forefoot finish off the package for optimal performance on burly terrain.

“Our consumers were modifying our Trail Gloves with plastic inserts and cushioned footbeds in order to add protection in the mountains,” said Bohnsack, “The Ascend Glove takes what outside athlete’s loved in the Trail Glove and addresses the need for more underfoot.”

The popular Trail Glove for men (7 ozs.) and Pace Glove for women (5 ozs.) are retooled with a new breathable and flexible mesh upper that is DWR treated to repel water and resist staining, making Trail and Pace Glove 2.0.

New M-Select Fresh on the footbed and insole naturally prevents odor before it starts. The Trail Glove 2.0 sports Merrell’s proprietary Omni-Fit lacing system for a precise, glove-like fit on foot.

On more of the lifestyle side, Merrell will be introducing M-Select Move, a technology that brings the benefits of natural motion to casual footwear. Part of Merrell’s larger M-Select proprietary technology platform, M-Select Move is an industry-first footframe that is anatomically designed to follow the natural flex of the foot, integrating resilient Return Foam cushioning and contoured support. Flex channels throughout move with the foot for natural motion learned from barefoot and minimal athletic shoes. A phalanged shank aids in lateral stability when needed.

“Active people want casual shoes that empower a life in motion,” said Throne. “We achieve this by bringing trail, barefoot and comfort learnings to casual footwear that is built to move with style.” ■

Trail Glove

16 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 24, 2012

Page 17: SGB WEEKLY 1252

THE FILA FLEXNET HAS A SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED MEMORY FOAM FOOTBED, MOLDING TO YOUR FOOT WITH EACH STEP. THAT MEANS INCREASED COMFORT, EXPERT CUSHIONING AND A GREAT FIRST FEEL. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> FILA.COM

Page 18: SGB WEEKLY 1252

18 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 17, 2012

CALENDAR For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events

TR

AD

E A

SS

OC

IAT

ION

S |

BU

YIN

G G

RO

UP

SJANUARY 2013

5-7 ASI Orlando Orlando, FL

7-8 ATA Show (Archery Trade Association) Louisville, KY

7-10 EWSRA/SWRA Winter Sports Market Atlantic City, NJ

7-10 NEWSR Winter Sports Market Manchester, NH

10-12 Surf Expo Orlando, FL

14-15 Metropolitan New York Shoe Market Secaucus, NJ

15-18 SHOT Show Las Vegas, NV

15-16 Première Vision New York, New York 17-20 NBS Winter-Specialty Market Denver, CO

17-19 Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show Las Vegas, NV

18-20 Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Long Beach, CA

22 Outdoor Retailer All Mountain Demo Salt Lake City, UT

23-26 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Salt Lake City, UT

23-26 PGA Merchandise Show Orlando, FL

24-27 ASA-ICAST Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Exposition Schamburg, IL

29-31 WSA Show Las Vegas, NV

30 - 1 NABA Trade Show (National Archery Buyers Association) Reno, NV

31-3 SIA Snow Show Denver, CO

FEBRUARY 2013

1-5 NBS Spring Semi - Annual Market Fort Worth, TX

3-6 ISPO Munich 2013 Munich, Germany

5-7 FFANY New York, NY

6-8 ASI Dallas Dallas, TX

13-15 Magic Marketplace Las Vegas, NV

13-16 Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Phoenix, AZ

14-17 ASA-ICAST Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sport Show Oaks, PA

17-20 WDI Worldwide Spring Show Reno, NV

23-25 Atlanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA

26-28 MRA On Snow Demo Boyne Mountain, MI

28-3 ASA-ICAST World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition Suffern, NY

MARCH 2013

6-10 ASA-ICAST Fred Hall Shows Long Beach, CA

15-17 ASA-ICAST Saltwater Fishing Expo Somerset, NJ

21-24 ASA-ICAST Fred Hall Shows San Diego, CA

22-24 ASI Long Beach Long Beach, CA

APRIL 2013

12-14 SGB Golf Outing Charleston, SC

MAY 2013

2-5 SOS Leadership Development & SGB 40 Under 40 Awards South Beach Miami, FL

Athletic Dealers of America1395 Highland AvenueMelbourne, FL 32935t 321.254.0091f 321.242.7419athleticdealersofamerica.com

National Shooting Sports FoundationFlintlock Ridge Office Center11 Mile Hill RoadNewtown, CT 06470t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087nssf.org

National Sporting Goods Association1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300Mount Prospect, IL 60056t 847.296.6742f 847.391.9827nsga.org

Nation’s Best Sports4216 Hahn Blvd.Ft. Worth, TX 76117t 817.788.0034f 817.788.8542nbs.com

Outdoor Industry Association4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300Boulder, CO 80301t 303.444.3353f 303.444.3284outdoorindustry.org

SGMA 8505 Fenton StreetSilver Spring, MD 20910t 301.495.6321f 301.495.6322sgma.com

Snow Sports Industries America8377-B Greensboro DriveMcLean, VA 22102t 703.556.9020f 703.821.8276snowsports.org

Sports, Inc.333 2nd Avenue NorthLewistown, MT 59457t 406.538.3496f 406.538.2801sportsinc.com

Sports Specialists Ltd.590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110Victor, NY 14564t 585.742.1010f 585.742.2645sportsspecialistsltd.com

Team Athletic Goods629 Cepi DriveChesterfield, MO 63005t 636.530.3710f 636.530.3711tag1.com

Worldwide 8211 South 194thKent, WA 98032t 253.872.8746f 253.872.7603wdi-wdi.com

Page 19: SGB WEEKLY 1252

Focused on brands core to outdoor performance and lifestyle,

Outdoor Retailer offers both technical and fully m

erchandised product views,

making it the “one-stop” shop for retailers looking for future grow

th.

FIND YO

UR ED

GE

Register Now | January 23-26, 2013

Salt Palace Convention Center | Salt Lake City, Utah

All M

ountain Dem

o | January 22, 2013 | Solitude Mountain Resort, U

tah

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

SGB_9x10.875_printready.pdf 1 10/10/12 9:07 AM

Athletic Dealers of America1395 Highland AvenueMelbourne, FL 32935t 321.254.0091f 321.242.7419athleticdealersofamerica.com

National Shooting Sports FoundationFlintlock Ridge Office Center11 Mile Hill RoadNewtown, CT 06470t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087nssf.org

National Sporting Goods Association1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300Mount Prospect, IL 60056t 847.296.6742f 847.391.9827nsga.org

Nation’s Best Sports4216 Hahn Blvd.Ft. Worth, TX 76117t 817.788.0034f 817.788.8542nbs.com

Outdoor Industry Association4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300Boulder, CO 80301t 303.444.3353f 303.444.3284outdoorindustry.org

SGMA 8505 Fenton StreetSilver Spring, MD 20910t 301.495.6321f 301.495.6322sgma.com

Snow Sports Industries America8377-B Greensboro DriveMcLean, VA 22102t 703.556.9020f 703.821.8276snowsports.org

Sports, Inc.333 2nd Avenue NorthLewistown, MT 59457t 406.538.3496f 406.538.2801sportsinc.com

Sports Specialists Ltd.590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110Victor, NY 14564t 585.742.1010f 585.742.2645sportsspecialistsltd.com

Team Athletic Goods629 Cepi DriveChesterfield, MO 63005t 636.530.3710f 636.530.3711tag1.com

Worldwide 8211 South 194thKent, WA 98032t 253.872.8746f 253.872.7603wdi-wdi.com

Page 20: SGB WEEKLY 1252

Retailers! Come take a test drive at our Lab at Outdoor

Retailer UniversityJanuary 22, 2013

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Access the weekly sales landscape of the outdoor industry and be outfitted with data to guide your company’s strategic decisions with OIA VantagePoint™: The only retail

point-of-sale reporting platform exclusively for the active outdoor lifestyle industry. We swiftly deliver critical trend and detailed business data to brands and retailers.

Sharpen Your Perspective

Start Seeing ClearlySCHEDULE A DEMO TODAY

COME SEE US AT OUTDOOR RETAILER

BOOTH #56030

[email protected] • 303.987.7302