http://www.snewsnet.com/ If it happens in the outdoor and fitness markets, SNEWS® is there so you can listen in. Always insightful, sometimes humorous, absolutely invaluable. No one covers the outdoor and fitness markets better than we do, period. In print since 1983, on the web since 2000, and now in audio for your listening pleasure. Interviews, special reports, event coverage, and more. en Copyright SNEWS® LLC, all rights reserved Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:30:03 -0600 60 http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Racks4cheap_is_Thule_selling_Yakima.html Thule selling Yakima product on the web, at a deep discount? Really? Believe it. Several weeks ago, a website suddenly appeared, www.racks4cheap.com, and began selling deeply discounted Yakima product. Retailers began to wonder who was behind this mysterious website, since there was no contact information listed on it at all, and absolutely no indication of who owned the site. SNEWS has the inside scoop. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Racks4cheap_is_Thule_selling_Yakima.html Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Canoecopia_signals_better_days_ahead_paddlesports_market_031710.html Higher attendance and strong sales at this year’s Canoecopia expo suggest that the paddlesports market may be on the upswing after a tough 2009. SNEWS has the inside scoop on the Paddle Advisory Council meeting from the show as well. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Canoecopia_signals_better_days_ahead_paddlesports_market_031710.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/The_Lizard_Lounge_Way_Spring_merchandising_031710.html If you want your customers to feel good about spring and buying new products, you have to inspire them with creative merchandising in fresh, bright colors. The Lizard Lounge team has four great tips with superb visuals to help SNEWS readers navigate their way. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/The_Lizard_Lounge_Way_Spring_merchandising_031710.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_West_Marine_031710.html West Marine narrows Q4 loss, Outdoor Channel posts 88.1 percent increase in Q4 revenue, Garmin to move incorporation to Switzerland and new Suunto president named. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_West_Marine_031710.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_Quiksilver_031510.html Quiksilver narrowed its Q1 loss, West Marine delayed its Q4 report, Hibbett Sports said its fourth-quarter profit surged by 55 percent, and Jarden declared a cash dividend. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_Quiksilver_031510.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Ardica_safety_recall_Mountain_Hardwear_heating_systems-031510.html Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still several days away from issuing a formal announcement of a safety recall of heating systems in Ardica Enabled jackets, SNEWS® is alerting retailers that Mountain Hardwear Radiance and Refugium jackets, as well as the Sitka Dutch Oven vest, will be affected. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Ardica_safety_recall_Mountain_Hardwear_heating_systems-031510.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/ROTY_winner_Dynamic_Earth_inspired_Springfield_031510.html Dynamic Earth, the recipient of the 2010 SNEWS®/Backpacker Retailer of the Year Award for the sustainable category, has convinced local officials and members of the building trade that green building benefits the environment and their bottom line. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/ROTY_winner_Dynamic_Earth_inspired_Springfield_031510.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Business_Solutions_Forum_risk_into_perspective-031510.html I am a relatively new manager and I am challenged with the tough decisions I have to make. I really want to do a good job and don’t want to make any mistakes. Yet, I feel paralyzed by decisions that involve risk... http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Business_Solutions_Forum_risk_into_perspective-031510.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Seven_Dawn_Patrol_employees_killed_Bataan_accident_031210.html One week after Black Diamond Equipment staff and Dong In Entech Co. factory employees celebrated the grand opening of its new Philippine-based factory, D.I. Dawn Patrol, seven members of the newly established factory’s management and administrative staff were killed in a car accident. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Seven_Dawn_Patrol_employees_killed_Bataan_accident_031210.html Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Consumer_Intentions_survey_bright_spot_sporting_goods_031210.html While consumers still indicate they are nervous about the economy, according to the results of the BIGresearch Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey, there is a mild thaw afoot...but don't expect a rebound anytime soon. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Consumer_Intentions_survey_bright_spot_sporting_goods_031210.html Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Mystery_Shopper_product_selection_doom_footwear_sale_031210.html Our Mystery Shoppers get frustrated when they encounter an outdoor specialty store that essentially carries one brand of boots, while its well-meaning salesperson struggles due to a lack of fitting expertise and tools. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Mystery_Shopper_product_selection_doom_footwear_sale_031210.html Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Merchandising_Tour_Natural_display_Winter_Market_031010.html It was interesting to see how much barn wood, rough-finished wood and pallets were used in booths at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. It may be a reaction to the present state of the economy but, regardless of the reason, it worked. In this first of six articles from the Merchandising Tours at Winter Market, we have visual examples you can incorporate now in your store. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Merchandising_Tour_Natural_display_Winter_Market_031010.html Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_Jarden_031010.html Collective Brands reported a smaller loss for its fourth quarter, Jarden increased a stock repurchase by 50 percent, Dick's Sporting Goods said it returned to a profit in the fourth quarter, Hibbett Sports said its chairman and CEO would step down, and Amer Sports appointed a new chairman and vice chairman. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_Jarden_031010.html Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Chinese_web_users_outnumber_entire_US_population_031010.html Stats out of China say that country's web users outnumber the entire population of the United States. Will the TV be replaced by computers and mobile devices? http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Chinese_web_users_outnumber_entire_US_population_031010.html Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outside_the_Cubicle_Katherine_Smith_Half-Moon_Outfitters_030810.html While plenty of people volunteer at soup kitchens during the holidays, one Half-Moon Outfitters employee dedicates her weekday mornings at least twice a month to serve lunch at Crisis Ministries in Charleston, S.C. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outside_the_Cubicle_Katherine_Smith_Half-Moon_Outfitters_030810.html Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/SNEWS_FAQ_Sharing_passwords.html We know you love what you see in SNEWS® so much that you want all your friends and colleagues to enjoy it too. We thank you for your enthusiasm, but there is one thing to remember... http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/SNEWS_FAQ_Sharing_passwords.html Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_Dick_s_030810.html Analysts said they expect Dick's Sporting Goods to post a strong report due to the company's healthy seasonal apparel sales as a result of a cold, snowy winter, as well as new revenue growth from expansion into the Pacific Northwest. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Outdoor_financials_Dick_s_030810.html Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Wearable_Technology_showcase_sports_fitness_products_030810.html Garments and gear with built-in electronics are the way of the future in the sports, health, fitness and outdoor industries. SNEWS® explores the “Wearable Technology” platform and its new conference and award for products using Bluetooth low-energy. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Wearable_Technology_showcase_sports_fitness_products_030810.html Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Three_studies_reveal_shift_in_social_media_use_patterns_030810.html Three recent studies provide a window into a shifting social media market, with some surprising results. Could it be that middle-aged adults are actually using their mobile phones more than youth to access social media sites? Do you think social media users would rather give or receive product advice? SNEWS has the summary results and links to the studies. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Three_studies_reveal_shift_in_social_media_use_patterns_030810.html Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Photo_market_opportunity_for_retailers-030510.html The taking of images and recording of memories has become ever more important to a wider audience -- thanks in large part to cameras on most every mobile phone these days. And it is because of this trend that outdoor retailers have a real opportunity...SNEWS sent two reporters to a recent photo show and they brought back valuable insights. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/Photo_market_opportunity_for_retailers-030510.html Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST