News & Features - Editorials

SNEWS View: Is the fitness industry killing its own show?
Jul 1, 2009
Rumors and questions about the potential demise of the Health & Fitness Business show started filtering into the SNEWS® offices as early as last fall, but the ol' rumor mill ramped up into high gear in the last few weeks. It began to feel like a junior high school dance. Sorry, not even mature enough for a high school analogy. Everybody is buzzing about whether the other person was going, then nixing attendance for fear they'd be the "only" ones there. Like a speeding swirl of water rushing down a toilet bowl, so the industry has started to flush its own show into oblivion. Is that a cold slap in the face? You bet it is.
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SNEWS Special Report: A broken supply chain? The retail perspective
Jun 8, 2009
The quest to help facilitate the discussion around finding a solution to a badly flawed outdoor industry supply chain began with an email plea to SNEWS® in March from a number of retailers. The email called out a list of challenges to the way we buy and sell, from a retailer's perspective. After months of investigation, we found one common thread in this complexly woven tapestry: Everyone shares some responsibility for how we arrived at the current supply chain problem and everyone must act collectively to find a solution.
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SNEWS View: Industry needs to avoid finger-pointing, witch-hunting in treadmill tragedy
May 29, 2009
In the hours and days after Mike Tyson’s 4-year-old died tragically on May 26 by strangling on a cord hanging off a home treadmill, the industry seems to have decided that a frenzy of finger-pointing and witch-hunting is the best response. Not only does this need to stop … now … the industry needs instead to use this accident as an impetus to band together and to educate the public.
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Whatever happened to valuing time away from work?
May 22, 2009
"There’s a long weekend ahead of us – Memorial Day. For me, it is three days of not answering my email, checking into the office, opening my laptop, or otherwise thinking about work. Finding time to take time applies to us all. My long-term creative energies, passions, imagination, and health depend on it. I would suspect yours do too, whether you choose to acknowledge that now or not. If your days are so full that you feel you cannot carve out time to listen to birds, watch a sunset, revel in the sound of a bubbling stream or the laughter of little ones, walk with a loved one, or simply sit and let your mind wander creatively, then your days are too full of things that don’t really matter in the long run..."
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SNEWS View: But the New York Times gave it a great review…
Apr 24, 2009
Somehow, flogging a favorable review has become an acceptable and even favored pitch from companies seeking to gain our interest in reviewing a product on SNEWS® -- “The New York Times said it was the best,” “Outside magazine rated it tops,” or “Health magazine said it was a great buy.” Since when did we all become lemmings?
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SNEWS View: We are in extraordinary times, but beware of decisions for short-term gain
Feb 25, 2009
There is no doubt we are in most extraordinary times. With the New Year have come more layoffs, continued belt-tightening, disappointing financial reports, and increasing challenges as companies struggle to maintain a balance of budgetary mindfulness and investment for the future. Retailers across the board are running with lean inventories. As sales have slowed dramatically, inventories have often swelled in manufacturer warehouses. Unsold inventory, especially last year’s models, is not a healthy item to keep on a company’s books, so we understand that manufacturers must find creative ways to manage excess inventory levels. However, some ways are clearly better than others.
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Guest Editorial: Amazon is a community-powered platform
Feb 2, 2009
Thanks again to SNEWS® and Doug Schnitzspahn for providing a forum for the industry to discuss and debate Amazon and its place in the outdoor industry in the recent SNEWS Winter Outdoor magazine article, "Friend or Foe? Will Amazon.com help or hurt the outdoor industry?" A number of opinions were shared on all sides of the issue, but more than anything I’m just grateful for the dialogue. If you haven’t seen it, you can find the full article on www.snewsnet.com. I’ve decided to share some brief comments on the article here.
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Guest Editorial: Sustainability is a team sport, not a spectator one
Dec 29, 2008
As we head into the New Year and 2009, I wanted to reach out to our community and share some thoughts on the importance of OIA Eco Working Group project and why—more than ever—the trail we are on is critical for our respective companies, industry, communities and the planet.
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Guest Editorial: Canoe Rack is just the canary in the coal mine, vendors need to pay attention
Dec 16, 2008
Todd Frank, owner of The Trail Head in Missoula, Mont., shares his point of view on the closing of the Canoe Rack and vendors' influence on the area's boat market.
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SNEWS View: Paddlesports associations seek to unite, but at what cost?
Sep 11, 2008
The more things change, the more they stay the same. That cliché certainly applies to the recent announcement by the Paddlesports Industry Association (PIA) and the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS) that the two associations during Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008 had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pursue a merger -- again.
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SNEWS® View: OIA’s new online directory great idea -- with a few wrinkles still to smooth
May 9, 2008
We applaud OIA for embarking on the creation of a complete online directory for the outdoor industry (http://outdoorindustrydirectory.com). Naturally, however, with any launch come a few hiccups. We believe, in its eagerness to launch, there are a few things OIA did not get right and needs to address quickly to maintain the level of professionalism, member service, and integrity we have come to and should expect from our member-driven trade association.
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SNEWS® View: BPA reaction driven by the power of consumer perception, right or wrong
May 5, 2008
Since SNEWS® first addressed the issue of BPA leeching into water in a Nov. 12, 2003, story, "Sierra magazine story causes stir over Lexan safety," the curiosity and mild concern over possible human health impacts has turned into a feeding frenzy whipped up by government and media reports and devoured by consumers.
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Will those confidentiality statements at the bottom of emails hold weight in a court of law?
Mar 17, 2008
We’ve all seen it at one time or another on the emails that come across our computer. A glaring warning statement that reads: “This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the intended recipient, are confidential, and may be privileged.” Weighty words, but will they stand up in a court of law when push comes to shove? To understand the court’s final verdict about email confidentiality statements, we first need to understand what confidential and privileged communications are and the differences between the two.
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Industry View: Challenges facing fitness, possible solutions, call for collaboration
Feb 11, 2008
The SNEWS® View column is an occasional editorial by the editors at SNEWS®, but we also welcome guest editorials on topics pressing to our industries. This one is offered by Steve Lindenau, president of Diamondback Fitness, about the current state of the fitness industry, the competition and challenges we face, and some solutions that could help the industry move forward, including the suggestion for industry-wide collaboration on some kind of industry advisory board.
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The SNEWS® View: Christmas cards and fruitcake -- time for a change
Jan 7, 2008
Like the company party, holiday gift exchanges and that ever endearing fruitcake, the Christmas card has become ubiquitous with the season of giving. For many, both companies and individuals, it is the one time of the year when a personal message conveying thank you and best wishes is conveyed.
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Makoto Xergame
Jun 29, 2009
When the current owners of Makoto USA saw the game that would become Makoto at an arcade in 2002, they immediately realized its potential to provide both physical and mental fitness for anyone, from athletes to the elderly to folks in rehab. The SNEWS® team first saw a Makoto at the Health & Fitness Business show in Denver several years ago and, after playing it (over and over, we must admit), we had to get one for the office.

Coleman LED Quad Lantern
Jun 22, 2009
Pardon the pun, but Coleman's LED Quad Lantern presents one of the brightest ideas we've seen when it comes to lighting. It's unique because the body of the lantern has four detachable panels, each of which has six 5 mm, white LED lights. We tested the lantern during several car-camping trips and found that it was really handy when we had several people sharing a campsite.

Teva Sunkosi 2 water shoe
Jun 15, 2009
As a concept, water shoes are a fine idea. But we've suffered painful scrapes and blisters from poorly designed amphibious footwear, and frowned over many models that didn't dry as quickly as advertised. But Teva's Sunkosi 2 performed well, and proved to be exceptionally comfortable during numerous paddling trips, including an 18-day rafting journey down the Grand Canyon. Our testers said these shoes were not only easy on the feet, but they were also some of the most durable water shoes they've worn.

WS 100 endurance run observations: Product, privacy and sloshing packs
Jul 1, 2009
"I was hanging out helping brain-dead runners summit the Devil’s Thumb climb in the Western States 100 last Saturday, June 27. It’s a nasty, rocky, 1,500 foot climb over 1.8 miles that comes for most in the hottest part of the day. And it was pretty hot, dry and dusty last weekend. As I escorted runner after runner from the top to the medical aid weigh-in, got their bottles and packs refilled, and made sure they were in OK shape for the remaining 52.2 miles, I found myself taking a look at the apparel, gear, food and product they all had. OK, SNEWS® is sick. We are always looking at brands."
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Sleeping bag manufacturers provide technical and durable features at a reasonable price point.
Jun 27, 2009
In the SNEWS Outdoor 2009 Magazine, our coverage of the hardgoods market included a trends and product report on tents and packs debuting for the spring 2010 season. Below, is the latest on the sleeping bags segment that was not included in the magazine. As with tents and backpacks, weight remains a key selling point for sleeping bags. Keep your eyes peeled for new collections, as well as updates to lines that have sold well for the past few years.
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Young Guns: Peek into the minds of designers whose innovative ideas are changing the industry
Jun 27, 2009
What will outdoor gear look like in the future? Peek into the minds of these designers whose innovative ideas are changing the industry. Originally published in the SNEWS Outdoor Summer '09 magazine, this special web feature includes two additional profiles of designers Tae Kim and Alan Yiu, as well as expanded coverage from each designer -- Hanna Boone, Josh Guyot, Ian Iverson, and Chris Miksovsky -- voicing his or her perspective on the outdoor industry's future. Also, look into the world of Project OR and its influence on student designers in a special added feature.
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Seamless Dry-Tec Camaro drysuit
Jun 27, 2009
The new Komperdell Camaro drysuit for kayak is out of an extra soft and elastic 3-layer-material

Santini Carbon Bike Bib
May 8, 2009
Knitwear pioneer ESCHLER introduces an innovative fabric development for bikewear

Tilley TM10 Mesh Hat
Dec 16, 2008
Tilley TM10 Mesh Hat weighs only about 5 ounces! Tilley Mesh Hats are lightweight, cool and comfortable because the crowns are made of strong ‘3-D’ polyester mesh which blocks sunlight, but allows air to pass easily.

Purchasing and Inventory Manager - Osprey Packs
Listed - 07/03/2009

Velo Vie Bicycles - Velo Vie Bicycles
Listed - 07/02/2009

Accounting - Niner Bikes
Listed - 07/02/2009

Category Business Manager, Top-of-Car - Yakima Products, Inc.
Listed - 07/02/2009

Kodiak Boots / Terra Footwear / Unity - Kodiak-Terra USA, Inc.
Listed - 07/01/2009

Mechanical Draftsperson - Crank Brothers
Listed - 06/25/2009

Retail Store Manager- Lincoln City, OR - Columbia Sportswear Company
Listed - 06/23/2009

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Did you hear?...Health magazine announces fitness/gear award winners
Jul 2, 2009
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Power Players' Lounge: Opportunity knocks -- do you hear it?
Jul 1, 2009
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Business Solutions Forum: It seems my biz life is one emergency after another…how do I break the cycle?
Jun 29, 2009
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Boulder Outdoor Specialty Group grows design team, brings R&D in-house
Jul 1, 2009
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Highgear Receives Health 2009 America's Healthiest Fitness Award
Jul 1, 2009
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Hydration at Elevation: nuun and Mountain Madness Team Up
Jul 1, 2009
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Think About It: OIWC asks, what is the best way to get what you want?
Jun 17, 2009
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You are more important than “just a….”
Jun 17, 2009
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SNEWS Mini-Survey gives glimpse at how stores view customer buying motivation
Jun 15, 2009
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Makoto Xergame
June 29, 2009
When the current owners of Makoto USA saw the game that would become Makoto at an arcade in 2002, they immediately realized its potential to provide both physical and mental fitness for anyone, from athletes to the elderly to folks in rehab. The SNEWS® team first saw a Makoto at the Health & Fitness Business show in Denver several years ago and, after playing it (over and over, we must admit), we had to get one for the office.
See all Product Reviews

SNEWS Readers' Choice: Our readers pick their top 25 products of the last quarter-century
Jun 22, 2009
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Grassroots Outdoor Alliance's Early Show offers early preview of trends and potential top sellers
Jun 19, 2009
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Outdoor Retailer Winter Market ’09: You want new and cool?
Mar 23, 2009
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Outdoor Retailer Winter Market '09: Layer up
Mar 4, 2009
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Outdoor Retailer Winter Market '09: Outerwear makers shell out jackets and pants -- and kids get in on the action too
Feb 27, 2009
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Outdoor industry rugby players unite for match against Utah locals during Outdoor Retailer
May 27, 2009
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SCAM Alert: Did you book your hotel rooms at OR or HFB with Travel House Services?
Jun 26, 2009
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EU iodine ban worries -- SNEWS provides the facts
Jun 26, 2009
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Did you hear?...Health magazine announces fitness/gear award winners
Jul 2, 2009
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Business Solutions Forum: It seems my biz life is one emergency after another…how do I break the cycle?
Jun 29, 2009
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WS 100 endurance run observations: Product, privacy and sloshing packs
"I was hanging out helping brain-dead runners summit the Devil’s Thumb climb in the Western States 100 last Saturday, June 27. It’s a nasty, rocky, 1,500 foot climb over 1.8 miles that comes for most in the hottest part of the day. And it was pretty hot, dry and dusty last weekend. As I escorted runner after runner from the top to the medical aid weigh-in, got their bottles and packs refilled, and"

Read Comments

"denver show " by fabio ravasi (07/03/2009 16:22 MDT)
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"HFB " by John Price (07/02/2009 10:03 MDT)
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"Denver show. " by Dan Sharshel (07/02/2009 09:14 MDT)
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