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Cartoons & Humor | Editorials | Financial News | Fitness Headlines | Green Scene / Social Responsibility | Outdoor Headlines | SNEWS Live | SNEWS TV | Surveys | WinterSports Headlines | Other |

Cartoons & Humor

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Article Thumbnail OutsidePR wins Oakland Marathon Relay – sets course record
Mar 30, 2011
What does your company do on its days off? If you’re OutsidePR, a weekend off is the perfect opportunity to engage in a little trash-talking with clients (notably GU in this case), as well as throwing down the race gauntlet to all comers during a large running event.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS® Reader Poll: When would YOU most like a Yuppie 911 button?
Nov 24, 2009
Wouldn’t it be great if we could use something like a SPOT to help us out at all times in our lives? You know, times like when the washer is halfway through the wash cycle and you suddenly wonder, "Did I put that $200 dry clean only sweater in the wash by mistake?" What are your favorite ideas for Yuppie 911 moments in life?
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Article Thumbnail The SNEWS View: Health club membership manager tops on list of stressful jobs with low pay
Nov 11, 2009
Think your job is stressful and pays crap? Well, you’re in good company. Apparently, all kinds of jobs cause headaches and offer less-than-inspiring pay. Is your job as stressful as a music ministry director? Find out.
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Article Thumbnail The SNEWS View: Help me…I'm having a stupid moment
Nov 4, 2009
Now dubbed Yuppie 911, personal locator beacons are helping too many unprepared folks seek their inner Indiana Jones. We have a few suggestions for features manufacturers could consider to help these people avoid stupid moments.
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Article Thumbnail Did you hear?... Precor elliptical makes appearance in “male enhancement” ad
Oct 7, 2009
Could it be that those who are interested in male enhancement have been deemed a related television market segment to those who might want to use, say, a Precor elliptical? Is this another way to look at Precor’s tagline, “Inspiring a Life in Motion"?
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Editorials

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Article Thumbnail Op-Ed: The Vermont Way
Sep 6, 2011
Parker Riehle, president of Ski Vermont, reflects on what the Hurricane Irene Disaster says about the culture and community of the state.
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Article Thumbnail Youth SNEWS View: Invest in getting youth into the local outdoors
Sep 2, 2011
Our SNEWS Youth Reporting Team member Lorin Paley discovers the outdoors are a lot more accessible to urban youth than most people would think. A look at how she and others Outdoor Nation plan to partner with the industry to educate youth on local outdoor experiences, wherever they may be. speaks her mind on the power of the youth, the projects and opportunities that exist, and why the industry should invest in youth.
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Article Thumbnail Whatever happened to valuing time away from work?
Jul 4, 2011
SNEWS President Michael Hodgson shares his thoughts on why July 4 isn't just Independence Day for the country, but also time to reflect on independence from work.
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Article Thumbnail Columbia backpacking trip turns SNEWS reporter from ‘little bitch’ to outdoor badass
Jun 24, 2011
SNEWS editor Ana Trujillo took her first backpacking trip along Yosemite’s North Rim on a Columbia Sportswear media trip and went from a “little bitch” to an outdoor badass. PLUS tips for retailers on how to make a backpacking newbie feel welcome.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS® View: No time to talk, but if you don’t mention my products, you'll be hearing from me
May 20, 2011
Why is it that so often, the companies that scream the loudest about not getting coverage in a publication are the same ones the writer or editor could not get a response from when the article was being researched? You want to get noticed, we trust, and we want to write about you...but we need your help.
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Financial News

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Article Thumbnail Cybex settles product liability suit; stock price soars
Feb 6, 2012
Cybex has settled what had been a $66 million product liability suit verdict, reducing the sum to $19.5 million, which most likely will keep the company afloat, officials said.
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Article Thumbnail Outdoor financials: Columbia sees record 4Q, but is cautious heading into 2012; plus LaCrosse revenue, profit slips
Feb 2, 2012
Columbia reported record fourth-quarter and year-end 2011 earnings, but warned of slower growth to start 2012. Meanwhile, bootmaker LaCrosse's earnings dipped on a reduction in military contracts and weaker winter consumer sales.
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Article Thumbnail Amer Sports' Fitness 4Q sales jump
Jan 31, 2012
Amer Sports’ fitness sales, which primarily consist of its Precor brand, jumped 22 percent in the fourth quarter 2011 with strong sales at both the commercial and consumer level.
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Article Thumbnail Outdoor financials: Weak start to winter hurts Salomon, Atomic parent Amer Sports; plus revenue up for Wolverine, Under Armour
Jan 31, 2012
Amer Sports sees its revenue, profit down on slow start to winter; Wolverine's revenue up, but profit slips; Under Armour continues to roll.
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Article Thumbnail Higher 4Q Life Fitness, Hammer Strength sales help Brunswick
Jan 26, 2012
An 11 percent increase in Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment sales helped parent company Brunswick (NYSE:BC) report an 8 percent rise in revenue for the fourth quarter 2011.
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Fitness Headlines

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Article Thumbnail Anytime Fitness releases Weight of the Union report
Feb 8, 2012
Anytime Fitness finds that while two out of three people in the United States are overweight, and one in three is obese, its members are logging more workouts at 24-hour facilities. SNEWS brings you highlights from the Anytime Fitness Weight of the Union report.
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Article Thumbnail Cybex settles product liability suit; stock price soars
Feb 6, 2012
Cybex has settled what had been a $66 million product liability suit verdict, reducing the sum to $19.5 million, which most likely will keep the company afloat, officials said.
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Article Thumbnail Apple eyes greater role in fitness equipment technology
Feb 3, 2012
A recent patent filing by Apple suggests the company is working on technology to better transfer and share fitness equipment data to media devices and others in real time.
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Article Thumbnail Women’s apparel could be good for fitness retailers
Feb 3, 2012
Women control approximately $12 trillion of the overall $18.4 trillion in global consumer spending, according to the Boston Consulting Group. Carrying women’s-specific sportswear could help some specialty fitness retailers get a piece of the $157.2 million women spent on sportswear in specialty outdoor stores in 2011.
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Article Thumbnail Accessories to keep your customers’ muscles well
Feb 1, 2012
Sore muscles plague your customers after grueling workouts or long days hiking or snowboarding. SNEWS spotted a few items at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market you can offer to keep their aches at bay.
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Green Scene / Social Responsibility

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Article Thumbnail Germany’s ‘Consumer Reports’ wallops brands, reveals alleged harmful chemicals in equipment
Feb 28, 2011
Forget the usual debate over equipment rankings, the brouhaha in Germany at the ispo show was over tests by its country’s version of Consumer Reports’ showing alleged harmful chemicals in handgrips. SNEWS reads the report to find out more.
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Article Thumbnail Arc’teryx becomes caped crusader once a year
Feb 18, 2011
One company’s trash can indeed become another person’s treasure -- that is if you are homeless in Vancouver, and are lucky enough to have been given a Gore-Tex cape manufactured by Arc’teryx.
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Article Thumbnail Eco Index tool still fine-tuning, taking feedback after six months
Feb 2, 2011
After six months in beta, administrators of the Eco Index product assessment tool are still gathering feedback from users. A full launch is likely another year away -- but don’t hesitate to dive in and give it a whirl. SNEWS takes a look at what is happening and what will happen.
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Article Thumbnail OrganicExchange becomes TextileExchange; expands mission
Jan 31, 2011
OrganicExchange, established in 2001, changed its name to TextileExchange, and relaunched itself at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011. Goal: to broaden its mission to educate industry partners about sustainable issues, in addition to organic cotton issues.
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Article Thumbnail U.S. beware: Fair labor activism centered in Europe may be headed here
Dec 17, 2010
With its pristine images and nature themes, the outdoor industry in Europe has become a prime target for activist groups using negative campaigns to promote fair labor practices. Is the U.S. the next target? SNEWS® explores.
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Outdoor Headlines

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Article Thumbnail Boot, bindings advance in weight, walking modes
Feb 8, 2012
Strong backcountry boot and binding sales have led to advances in weight and walking modes for next season's products in the category. SNEWS provides a rundown from Outdoor Retailer Market 2012.
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Article Thumbnail Cross-country races boosting sales, new products
Feb 8, 2012
Cross-country ski manufacturers hit the floor at Winter Market with plenty of new products that celebrate the diversity of the sport. From classic to skate to off-trail backcountry skiing, brands are introducing a number of new boots and skis aimed at striding into a particular Nordic niche.
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Article Thumbnail Keep kids going even after they tire
Feb 8, 2012
Offer your customers with kids older than 2 a pick-me-up for long hikes. Wayne and Jonny Lifshitz designed a product to do help you keep going. Wayne Lifshitz shares the Piggyback Rider story with SNEWS.
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Article Thumbnail Ski manufacturers build for versatility, soft snow
Feb 8, 2012
The latest backcountry skis for 2012/13 are being built with traits for more powder days, including more rocker technology. SNEWS recaps the new gear at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2012.
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Article Thumbnail Telemark skiing turns toward youth market
Feb 8, 2012
Telemark skiing isn’t dead. It’s actually getting younger. With a new focus on freeriding, in-bounds skiing, halfpipes and terrain parks, what was once Outdoor Retailer’s go-to granola market is gaining attitude and energy from a new wave of hard-charging riders.
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SNEWS Live

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Article Thumbnail SNEWS TV: Take a tour of HFB and check out changing ellipticals on 2 new episodes
Nov 5, 2010
SNEWS TV's latest episodes find talking elliptical for her latest TNT program, and taking a tour of HFB with Andy Tompkins at the Health & Fitness Business Show...very fun viewing!
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS TV -- Hodgson gets in tune with a nail mat, plus balance
Oct 22, 2010
SNEWS TV's latest "What's Hot" episode finds Michael Hodgson finding his balance and inner bliss at the Health & Fitness Business Show...seriously fun viewing!
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS TV -- Hodgson gets confused on treadmills, Iknoian finds balance
Oct 4, 2010
SNEWS TV's latest episodes finds Michael Hodgson getting pumped up and just a bit confused in a strength and treadmill segment from HFB and Therese Iknoian talking about the importance of balance training in her popular TNT with Therese segment.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS TV @ Interbike/HFB: ‘TNT’ on treadmills, balance training & more, plus ‘What’s Hot’ product picks
Sep 27, 2010
SNEWS TV had a wild ride at the Interbike and Health & Fitness Business shows Sept. 21-24, covering hot products, events, trends and more. Don’t miss your fix: Michael Hodgson’s What’s Hot, TNT with Therese Iknoian, and the Daily Juice...nine episodes in all live during the show, Sept. 22-24, and more coming Sept. 27 and beyond.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS TV @ Interbike/HFB, days 2 & 3: Daily Juice, ‘TNT’ on women's cycling, plus ‘What’s Hot’ product picks
Sep 24, 2010
SNEWS TV continues its wild ride at the Interbike and Health & Fitness Business shows covering hot products, events, trends and more. Don’t miss your daily fix! Michael Hodgson's What's Hot, TNT with Therese Iknoian, and the Daily Juice...all live for Day 2 and 3, Sept. 23 and 24.
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SNEWS TV

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Article Thumbnail What's Hot with Michael Hodgson - The North Face Torrent Series Pack
Sep 20, 2011
During Interbike 2011, What's Hot with Michael Hodgson visits with Stephen Barnes from The North Face to talk about the company's all new Torrent Hydration Pack.
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Article Thumbnail TNT with Therese Iknoian -- HealthCare International's Proteus brand iPad compatibility
Sep 20, 2011
During Health & Fitness Business 2011, TNT with Therese Iknoian looks at iPad iOS compatibility with HealthCare International's Proteus brand.
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Article Thumbnail TNT with Therese Iknoian - Diamondback iOS Connectivity
Sep 17, 2011
TNT with Therese Iknoian checks out the new directions and trends in adding iOS device connectivity to the latest fitness equipment from Diamondback.
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Article Thumbnail What's Hot with Michael Hodgson - Scosche myTREK
Sep 17, 2011
Michael Hodgson takes this What's Hot episode into the world of Scosche myTREK with the company's very cool wireless pulse monitor that works with a smartphone.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS TV -- Interbike 2011 Virtual Tour
Sep 16, 2011
Andy Tompkins, Show Director for the Interbike and Health & Fitness Business Shows, takes Michael Hodgson and you on an in-depth tour of the 2011 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.
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Surveys

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Article Thumbnail Multiple surveys reveal shopping moods, trends via email and mobile communications
Nov 28, 2011
If your retail store or business is engaged in communicating with consumers via opt-in email or mobile promotions, you need to read the SNEWS summary report taken from several surveys on what consumers prefer when it comes to emails, coupons and more. You may be quite surprised.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS 2011 Fitness Retailer Survey - Part 4: accessory brands, plus what wastes your time?
Sep 12, 2011
This week we present the fourth and final part from the 2011 edition of our annual SNEWS Fitness Retailer Survey. This segment covers top brands in the accessory category, as well as what retailers say wastes their time. Miss a part? The links to this year's other three parts, plus previous years are here too.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS 2011 Fitness Retailer Survey - Part 3: 'best' strength equipment brands; kettlebell update
Sep 7, 2011
This week we present the third of four survey parts from the annual SNEWS Fitness Retailer Survey. This segment covers top brands in strength equipment, and there are a few changes … again. Already posted: "best" and "most difficult" fitness suppliers, plus cardio trends and winners. Still to come: accessories.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS 2011 Fitness Retailer Survey - Part 2: 'best' cardio equipment brands by category
Aug 31, 2011
This week we present the second of four survey parts from the annual SNEWS Fitness Retailer Survey with this segment covering top brands in cardiovascular equipment categories. All the parts of our survey report will come just as you are planning your visit to the Health & Fitness Business show in mid-September. "Best" and "most difficult" fitness supplier survey results were presented Aug. 24. Coming yet are segments on strength, accessories and more.
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Article Thumbnail SNEWS 2011 Fitness Retailer Survey - Part 1: best, 'most difficult,' plus sales trends
Aug 24, 2011
Finally, the first part of the results from the SNEWS Fitness Retailer Survey you’ve been waiting for. Just in time to size up before the coming Health & Fitness Business show and the 2011-12 busy season, you’ll find the first of four parts of our survey focusing on the “best” and “most difficult” suppliers, and analysis on certain sales and revenue trends. Surprises? You betcha. Results still coming in the next weeks: cardio, strength, accessories, and more.
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WinterSports Headlines

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Article Thumbnail Boot, bindings advance in weight, walking modes
Feb 8, 2012
Strong backcountry boot and binding sales have led to advances in weight and walking modes for next season's products in the category. SNEWS provides a rundown from Outdoor Retailer Market 2012.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all WinterSports Headlines articles

Article Thumbnail Cross-country races boosting sales, new products
Feb 8, 2012
Cross-country ski manufacturers hit the floor at Winter Market with plenty of new products that celebrate the diversity of the sport. From classic to skate to off-trail backcountry skiing, brands are introducing a number of new boots and skis aimed at striding into a particular Nordic niche.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all WinterSports Headlines articles

Article Thumbnail Ski manufacturers build for versatility, soft snow
Feb 8, 2012
The latest backcountry skis for 2012/13 are being built with traits for more powder days, including more rocker technology. SNEWS recaps the new gear at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2012.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all WinterSports Headlines articles

Article Thumbnail Telemark skiing turns toward youth market
Feb 8, 2012
Telemark skiing isn’t dead. It’s actually getting younger. With a new focus on freeriding, in-bounds skiing, halfpipes and terrain parks, what was once Outdoor Retailer’s go-to granola market is gaining attitude and energy from a new wave of hard-charging riders.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all WinterSports Headlines articles

Article Thumbnail What fits at Outdoor Retailer?
Feb 6, 2012
As the Outdoor Retailer trade shows continue to grow, SNEWS takes a look at the growing debate of what companies and products define the industry, and how show organizers determine who's in and who's out.
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Other

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Article Thumbnail Moving Comfort Alexis Sport Bra
Jul 13, 2009
The SNEWS® team has some very active females who are always on the lookout for a supportive, well-fitting sports bra for pursuits like trail running, hiking and working out. We got our hands on Moving Comfort's Alexis sport bra to see how it would meet our testing.
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Article Thumbnail Merchandising Know-How: Enhancing your store appearance with appropriate fixture and product placement
The key to creating a visually compelling store appearance is appropriate fixture and product placement. Even with limited fixture budget, improved results are easily achievable through better product placement. Making product more visible and providing easy accessibility to that product immediately impacts sales and improves the overall customer experience.
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Products and Trends
Industry News Releases
Julbo Glen University Session Commences with POW 101 Photo Contest
Feb 8, 2012
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Westcomb Apparel Names John Evans as Chief Operating Officer
Feb 8, 2012
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Aussie Dogs Offers Young Women Affordable, Stylish Sheepskin Footwear
Feb 7, 2012
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Eddie Bauer and CORDURA(R) Brand Team Collaborate on First Ascent Line
Feb 7, 2012
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NOLS to lead African American expedition on Denali
Feb 7, 2012
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Ortovox To Offer Own ABS Backpack In 2013
Feb 7, 2012
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SNEWS Headlines
Boot, bindings advance in weight, walking modes
Feb 8, 2012
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Cross-country races boosting sales, new products
Feb 8, 2012
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Keep kids going even after they tire
Feb 8, 2012
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Community Chat
"Settlement " by Leo Clark (02/08/2012 09:04 MST)
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"good thoughts " by eco bag gal (02/08/2012 07:43 MST)
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Featured Content
Trend Reports
Brands debut water–resistant down at Winter Market
Jan 25, 2012
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