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Article Chat & DiscussionThreadsPostsLast Post
Article Discussions
The SNEWS® CHAT section for comments, ideas, opinions, and engaging thoughts inspired by our articles. Each chat is displayed directly below each article for easy reference and discussion efficiency. Click on the chat the sparks your curiousity below, and chime in. 151 385 denver show
(fabio ravasi) - 07/03/2009 16:22:25 MDT
Recent Threads:
SNEWS View: Is the fitness industry killing its own show?, 5 Posts, 07/03/2009 16:22:25 MDT by fabio ravasi
In memoriam: Andy Knapp has departed on his next grand adventure, 15 Posts, 06/28/2009 11:25:34 MDT by Phillip Carey
Did you hear?...Car crashes into Florida Gyms to Go store, 1 Posts, 06/24/2009 15:57:10 MDT by charles hoffman
Precor moves Houston distributorship to Busy Body, HEST's future still unknown, 1 Posts, 06/23/2009 11:14:11 MDT by Samuel Baruch
Outdoor industry rugby players unite for match against Utah locals during Outdoor Retailer, 3 Posts, 06/20/2009 10:22:38 MDT by Darren Bush
The HerdThreadsPostsLast Post
Herd in the Street...or Wherever...
Our Herd is standing by for your humorous, ridiculous, off-beat, wacky, or irreverent tips and emails (photos are absolutely encouraged, especially of parties or stupid industry stunts). And "shhhhhhh," your secret is safe with us. Sources are never revealed, naturally. Pssst…that email is: Herd@snewsnet.com. Become a member of the Herd. Who knows, maybe we'll even come up with a special Herd T-shirt as a thank you for really creative submissions. 33 61 Cracking the Trade Show Li...
(Darren Bush) - 01/20/2009 07:33:12 MST
Recent Threads:
Industry trade show language dictionary, 3 Posts, 01/20/2009 07:33:12 MST by Darren Bush
Defining a bad day in PR, 4 Posts, 09/11/2008 04:18:44 MDT by Anonymous
How NOT to communiate with the media, 1 Posts, 07/30/2008 10:23:10 MDT by The Herd
Exercise, but only if you don't breathe, 2 Posts, 06/30/2008 20:33:31 MDT by Anonymous
A new post-workout fuel -- Cajun daquiris, 1 Posts, 06/18/2008 16:41:01 MDT by The Herd
This N ThatThreadsPostsLast Post
Our Nod to The Piton
Love it or hate it, The Piton, once, sadly, faded to black, and then came back (hey, Dr. Seuss move over). This forum is our nod of appreciation to The Piton's sometimes sophomoric, most often hillarious, and occasionally thought-provoking pokes in the eyes of our industry. Let it rip gang. 1 3 Jeeze, Glavin...
(Darren Bush) - 09/11/2008 07:40:22 MDT
Recent Threads:
Final rant misses the mark, 3 Posts, 09/11/2008 07:40:22 MDT by Darren Bush
Stop ripping us off!
Innovation by replication or duplication has got to stop. Tolerance of Chinese factories ripping off innovative products almost as soon as they come to market has to stop. This is your place to sound off with rants, raves and solutions to restoring innovation and stamping out duplication. 2 17 knock offs
(Dan Sharshel) - 06/27/2009 11:23:26 MDT
Recent Threads:
No more toleration of copying, product duplication, product rip-offs!, 15 Posts, 06/27/2009 11:23:26 MDT by Dan Sharshel
When product knock-offs end up in court, 2 Posts, 11/17/2006 15:12:44 MST by shouldbeoutside
Reviews, product testing and more
If you want to vent a bit about magazines or online sites that "rate" product and give "best buy" awards, reviews you've read online or in print, or claims that have been made by a company, this is your stop. 1 2 Hello Ger!
(Mike Cochrane) - 08/12/2005 07:42:07 MDT
Recent Threads:
Consumer Digest's and Consumer Guide's are a joke, 2 Posts, 08/12/2005 07:42:07 MDT by Mike Cochrane
State of the Market
From companies being sold and bought, to presidents being fired and hired, this is your forum for sounding off on the state of the market as you see it. 4 14 No conflict here...
(Tom Chelstrom) - 02/10/2008 13:36:51 MST
Recent Threads:
Carbon off-sets?, 0 Posts, by Anonymous
REI expansion / industry consolidation, 10 Posts, 02/10/2008 13:36:51 MST by Tom Chelstrom
Moonstone struggling to remain relevant and alive, 3 Posts, 03/24/2006 11:52:27 MST by SNEWS Source
POPULAR OUTDOORS DEMISE, 1 Posts, 02/21/2006 06:46:25 MST by oldtimer
A heartfelt tribute: OD's contribution to the sports industry
Dennis "OD" O'Donnell, a good industry friend to many, has been fighting ALS for about three years. Officially called "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" but best known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS still has not found a cure, although efforts are moving faster. SNEWS® decided to spearhead a heartfelt tribute to OD, giving a few of his many industry friends and colleagues a chance to tell him and others what they love about him, the funny stories they recall, and his beautiful sense of humor. In our request for stories, we also received dozens of messages of best wishes. 1 5 O'D
(Anonymous) - 12/04/2006 14:34:48 MST
Recent Threads:
OD on Thanksgiving, 5 Posts, 12/04/2006 14:34:48 MST by Anonymous
When sponsored athletes or employees do something stupid
On Sunday, May 7, Patagonia ambassador and climber Dean Potter created a firestorm of controversy by publicly climbing the most famous rock formation in Utah - Delicate Arch. His act has been widely condemned as selfish and thoughtless...and Patagonia has yet to really make any stand that would publicly admonish Potter. Sponsored athletes and employees are far from perfect. Sometimes, they do clueless things for inexplicable reasons. 1 7 a letter to the editor
(Tom Diegel) - 06/13/2006 16:09:43 MDT
Recent Threads:
Potter has some serious explaining to do, 7 Posts, 06/13/2006 16:09:43 MDT by Tom Diegel
CEOs come and CEOs go
CEOs come and go, but one thing typically remains the same -- there is no such thing as a hiring, resignation or firing without the accompanying flag-waving or hand-wringing. PR and Dilbert speak aside, this is your forum for sounding off about any change in leadership. 1 3 Jim Clark
(Robert Ackerman) - 06/08/2006 09:10:13 MDT
Recent Threads:
Clark and Yakima, 3 Posts, 06/08/2006 09:10:13 MDT by Robert Ackerman
Trade Show ChatThreadsPostsLast Post
Health & Fitness Business
Have a comment, concern, or just an opinion you want to begin a chat about regarding the Health & Fitness Business trade show? 2 2 Education good or bad at s...
(Therese Iknoian) - 08/25/2006 16:05:31 MDT
Recent Threads:
Education good or bad at show?, 1 Posts, 08/25/2006 16:05:31 MDT by Therese Iknoian
The beer was good..., 1 Posts, 12/05/2005 20:14:58 MST by Mike Cochrane
Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter Market
Have a comment, concern, or just an opinion you want to begin a chat about regarding the Outdoor Retailer trade shows? 8 59 OR Winter Market-Kudos
(eco bag gal) - 01/29/2009 12:34:53 MST
Recent Threads:
OR Winter Market-Kudos, 1 Posts, 01/29/2009 12:34:53 MST by eco bag gal
Where should Outdoor Retailer Summer Market go?, 22 Posts, 08/18/2008 21:42:20 MDT by Dave Trendler
Hummer at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market? Yikes!, 18 Posts, 03/04/2007 00:42:00 MST by Captain Granitic
What impact will Columbia's move to pull from trade shows have?, 7 Posts, 02/01/2007 15:43:03 MST by Dan Gulden
Ramp It Up was not fun and games for all, 5 Posts, 08/29/2006 22:11:07 MDT by Captain Granitic
SIA
Have a comment, concern, or just an opinion you want to begin a chat about regarding the SIA trade show? 1 1 SIA is too early! Buying C...
(SNEWS® Editors) - 01/08/2007 14:40:22 MST
Recent Threads:
SIA is too early! Buying Cycles Are Too Early!, 1 Posts, 01/08/2007 14:40:22 MST by SNEWS® Editors
Retailer CornerThreadsPostsLast Post
Business practices, challenges, issues and concerns
Overstocks, Costco, Walmart, disappearing margins, product dumping -- this is your thread to find out what other retailers think. 8 27 Just Want to Sell Kid-spec...
(OutdoorKid) - 10/09/2007 00:22:08 MDT
Recent Threads:
Just Want to Sell Kid-specific Items, 1 Posts, 10/09/2007 00:22:08 MDT by OutdoorKid
ROI becomes Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, 3 Posts, 01/03/2007 09:03:15 MST by Mark McKnight
Costco selling outdoor products, 9 Posts, 07/18/2006 08:41:12 MDT by Michelle Repecka
Economic incentives by governments for big retailers -- good or bad?, 1 Posts, 07/18/2006 08:38:55 MDT by Michelle Repecka
REI does take business away, 3 Posts, 12/18/2005 11:34:53 MST by SNEWS Source
Specialty Stores -- dying, healthy, in need of a change?
What does it take to survive and prosper as a specialty store these days? 2 10 Specialty store arrogance
(Bruce Cavan) - 05/01/2006 21:55:45 MDT
Recent Threads:
Are specialty stores really arrogant? Does it matter?, 6 Posts, 05/01/2006 21:55:45 MDT by Bruce Cavan
Are heirloom specialty stores dying?, 4 Posts, 05/17/2005 09:24:58 MDT by Keith Roush
Unforgettable customers -- from worst to best
We hear tales all the time of unforgettable customers, like the man who entered a store, went to the back, and simply clapped, loudly, until a salesperson offered assistance. Or the man who, after visiting the dressing room, left a stench so strong the staff had to light incense and candles just to restore harmony. Of course, there are also many customers who bring smiles to your day. We want to hear about any and all of them. And no worries -- this forum can only be read by SNEWS subscribers so your customers will never know. 1 1 Customer rebuts story in S...
(SNEWS® Editors) - 12/18/2006 19:17:15 MST
Recent Threads:
Customer rebuts story in SNEWS Writing Contest, 1 Posts, 12/18/2006 19:17:15 MST by SNEWS® Editors
SNEWS® Retail Merchandising Training 101
The Retail Merchandising Training series produced by SNEWS® is a 10-part series dedicated to providing basic store merchandise planning knowledge necessary to be an effective buyer, store owner, manager in an easy-to-read and understand format. But we also know that no article or series of articles can provide all the answers. Heck, we'll be happy if we can answer just a few. To that end, we have set up this forum, only viewable by SNEWS® subscribers. This is your section to ask us a question, ask each other questions, post comments, discuss business practices and more. If it has to do with gross profit, margins, markup, GMROI, markdowns, and various other assundry and somewhat arcane caclulations that will help a retailer to run a more profitable and successful enterprise, let the discussions begin. We have a panel of experts standing by to chime in if asked. The floor is, as they say, yours... 1 1 General feedback-
(Joe Butler) - 03/27/2007 07:12:05 MDT
Recent Threads:
General feedback-, 1 Posts, 03/27/2007 07:12:05 MDT by Joe Butler
Mergers and AcquisitionsThreadsPostsLast Post
Fitness Consolidation
Busy Body still gobbling up retailers. Is bigger better? What about the small guys? Affects on suppliers? Or will that push their consolidation along too? 2 6 Job Elimination
(snickr) - 12/16/2008 20:45:17 MST
Recent Threads:
Johnson fitness, 5 Posts, 12/16/2008 20:45:17 MST by snickr
Makes you think, 1 Posts, 10/03/2005 20:21:45 MDT by Mike Cochrane
Outdoor
Prana, Marmot, K2, CamelBak, The North Face, Yakima -- there's so much to talk about. If it has to do with a merger or acquisition this is your space to be heard and to debate in... 1 0  
Recent Threads:
Prana acquired by Liz Clairborne, 0 Posts, by Anonymous
Paddlesports
Confluence, Watermark, Johnson Outdoors -- there's so much to talk about. This is your space to be heard and to debate in... 4 23 I want boats
(Michelle Repecka) - 07/18/2006 08:34:10 MDT
Recent Threads:
I want boats, 1 Posts, 07/18/2006 08:34:10 MDT by Michelle Repecka
Johnson needs to leave former employees alone, 1 Posts, 07/09/2005 16:16:59 MDT by SNEWS Source
Confluence -- it's never a dull moment, 15 Posts, 06/21/2005 13:19:14 MDT by rcw
Watercraft weighing down Johnson, 6 Posts, 01/29/2004 23:34:55 MST by Anonymous
Trade AssociationsThreadsPostsLast Post
Outdoor Industry Association
If there is anything you want to ask, know or sound off about regarding the Outdoor Industry Association, this is your forum. 3 14 Public humiliation at Rend...
(Eric Hansen) - 11/02/2005 09:41:54 MST
Recent Threads:
Public humiliation at Rendezvous uncalled for, 1 Posts, 11/02/2005 09:41:54 MST by Eric Hansen
Industry Leaders Endorse Kerry, 9 Posts, 10/15/2004 07:45:05 MDT by Anonymous
OIA and Leavitt, 4 Posts, 05/28/2004 10:35:38 MDT by Anonymous
SNEWS FeedbackThreadsPostsLast Post
SNEWS Feedback
Sound off. Speak Out. Let us know what you think about how we are serving you and the industry. Anything is fair game -- let us know how you feel about our reporting skills, or perceived lack of it on key stories. Let us know what can we be doing better, more of, less of...anything at all. We do listen. 6 14 Article: Stolen Identity
(Lindy Spiezer) - 02/23/2006 08:59:19 MST
Recent Threads:
Congratulations on excellent stories and coverage, 3 Posts, 02/23/2006 08:59:19 MST by Lindy Spiezer
Kudos for uncovering Ridgebound!, 4 Posts, 11/08/2005 13:52:11 MST by Michael Hodgson
Nautilus acquires Pearl Izumi article misses the mark, 1 Posts, 06/21/2005 13:46:32 MDT by gerald vincent
How fit is the Fitness Industry?, 2 Posts, 02/19/2004 13:16:28 MST by Anonymous
Lexan and Nalgene Safety, 2 Posts, 11/20/2003 13:50:47 MST by Michael Hodgson
Law ReviewThreadsPostsLast Post
Law Review
Have a legal question? Concerns about business practices? Wondering what other businesses in the industry might do if faced with the situation you're dealing with? This is your chat room. 2 6 Knockoffs
(Michael Jewell) - 08/17/2007 23:56:58 MDT
Recent Threads:
Knockoffs, 1 Posts, 08/17/2007 23:56:58 MDT by Michael Jewell
Ask A Lawyer, 5 Posts, 06/27/2005 20:28:12 MDT by Mike Cochrane
Hurricane KatrinaThreadsPostsLast Post
Katrina Relief Forum
We have established this forum to serve as a communications clearinghouse for the outdoor and fitness industry to be able to communicate with those who are coordinating assistance regarding resources that can be offered up (sleeping bags, tents, insect repellent, radios, water purification, clothing, flashlights, batteries, etc.) and resources that are needed. 2 6 Duffle Bags Arrived
(Anonymous) - 09/13/2005 09:52:40 MDT
Recent Threads:
Request for donated products, 4 Posts, 09/13/2005 09:52:40 MDT by Anonymous
Available Staging Areas, 2 Posts, 09/06/2005 13:34:39 MDT by Anonymous
Products and Trends
GearTrends Ad Marketplace
Category Thumbnail
Camaro Bamboo Shirts Camaro Bamboo Shirts
Jun 27, 2009
Camaro bamboo shirts by Komperdell are breathable, odor-neutralizing, and funcitonal.
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Minx GTX Minx GTX
Apr 25, 2009
TheNorth Face Minx GTX is a perfect lightweight trail shoe for hikers who want to move quickly.
Category Thumbnail
Santini Carbon Bike Bib Santini Carbon Bike Bib
May 8, 2009
Knitwear pioneer ESCHLER introduces an innovative fabric development for bikewear
SNEWS Headlines
Did you hear?...Health magazine announces fitness/gear award winners
Jul 2, 2009
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Power Players' Lounge: Opportunity knocks -- do you hear it?
Jul 1, 2009
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Business Solutions Forum: It seems my biz life is one emergency after another…how do I break the cycle?
Jun 29, 2009
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Industry Releases
Boulder Outdoor Specialty Group grows design team, brings R&D in-house
Jul 1, 2009
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
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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Featured Content
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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Product Reviews
Review ThumbnailMakoto 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
Trend Reports
SNEWS Readers' Choice: Our readers pick their top 25 products of the last quarter-century
Jun 22, 2009
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Product Trends
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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Most Viewed Stories
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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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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Did you hear?...Health magazine announces fitness/gear award winners
Jul 2, 2009
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SNEWS Reader Poll
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SNEWS Blog
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"

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Community Chat
"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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