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Todd Spaletto tapped to lead new Dick's Sporting Goods outdoor concept stores
In an internal memo circulated to employees this week, Dick's Sporting Goods has announced that Todd Spaletto, the former group president of Wolverine Worldwide and global president of The North Face, has been hired as president of Public Lands, the new specialty outdoor chain ...read more
2020 SNEWS Retailer Survey results, part 2: Best manufacturers
This is part two of a multi-part series. The next installments will be published in the coming weeks. You can read part one, about annual sales volume, here. Parts two and three of our 2020 SNEWS Retailer Survey are all about manufacturers—the best and the worst of the bunch. ...read more
The Backcountry trademark fiasco, one year later
Additional reporting and writing by SNEWS contributing editor Kiran Herbert On October 31, 2019, The Colorado Sun broke a huge story that became one of the year’s biggest scandals in the outdoor industry. According to the Sun, the large online retailer Backcountry.com had engaged ...read more
Why representation matters in adventure travel and how brands can do better
Monet Hambrick of The Traveling Child journeys around the world for a living with her children. In 2019, she authored The Traveling Child Goes to Rio de Janeiro, a children's book that teaches culture through the eyes of two traveling sisters. And earlier this year, she became a ...read more
Recent Press Releases
Since 1984, SNEWS has been the outdoor industry’s most trusted source for trade news, company and retailer profiles, outdoor politics and issues, gear trends, and important interviews with power players.
Catch up on all the stories that are making news in the outdoor industry
Industry Buzz: Patagonia's bold new ad, How to get a job in the outdoor industry, augmented reality goggle try-on, new national park hiking record, earning college credits while hiking
Industry headlines: Intriguing reads from around the web Patagonia’s eye-catching new ad: One of the industry’s most daring and outspoken brands has taken out a full-page ad in The New York Times that’s sure to make people pause. [Fast Company] How to get a job in the outdoor ...read more
In case you missed them, here are the top stories we published last month
It was another busy month for the industry. We can't deny it—some of the biggest news in November was quite tragic. We lost a beloved member of our community, Jim Ramey, and saw one of our favorite gear shops, Townsend Bertram & Company, say goodbye after 32 years in the ...read more
Dick's Sporting Goods to launch new outdoor stores in 2021
In a call with investors last week, the outgoing CEO of Dick's Sporting Goods, Ed Stack, announced a new initiative for his company, set to begin in the latter half of next year. As early as August 2021, Dick's plans to open two outdoor-only retail concepts, called Public Lands, ...read more
Industry Buzz: Lindsey Vonn’s TV show, bike recall alert, death in Great Smoky Mountains, support indigenous outdoor groups, diversity in mountain biking
Industry headlines: Intriguing reads from around the web Lindsey Vonn’s new show: The retired skiing icon is now hosting a reality TV show on Amazon called “The Pack,” about the bond between humans and dogs. [Outside Online] Bike recall: Santa Cruz Bicycles has recalled some of ...read more
OIA's new continuing education program can help industry professionals level up their skills
The power of the outdoor economy is no joke, and universities around the country are starting to pay attention. In the last five years, the industry has seen a spike in educational offerings geared towards jump-starting careers in the outdoor space. For those who’ve already ...read more
Biden taps John Kerry for new cabinet position: presidential climate envoy
As president-elect Joe Biden begins naming officials to fill his cabinet, leaders in the outdoor industry are keeping a close eye on individuals who will influence climate policy over the next four years. Most notable thus far: John Kerry, whom Biden has tapped to fill the newly ...read more
Industry Buzz: REI's new location, air changes on Everest, holiday sales predictions, support the outdoor places you love, oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Industry headlines: Intriguing reads from around the web REI’s newest location: The retailer plans to open its first store in central Pennsylvania next year. [Penn Live] Oxygen levels on Everest: How global warming is altering air composition on the world’s highest peak. ...read more
Poll: Who makes the best ski and/or snowboard helmets?
We're helmet fans here at SNEWS. Skiing or snowboarding without something to protect your noggin is a risk no one should take, especially when the industry puts out so many awesome models to choose from. There are a lot of different helmet types and features out there—in-mold, ...read more
Straight Talk: Video interview with Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert
Cant see the video above? Click here In this edition of Straight Talk, Editorial Director Kristin Hostetter sits down for a candid Zoom conversation with Ryan Gellert, the new CEO of Patagonia. It's his first U.S. interview since taking the helm. Key takeaways include: ...read more
Industry Buzz: Big changes coming to ski resorts, skiing's return to its roots, Outdoor Research's new president, hunting groups support conservation, 100 years of outdoor catalogs
Industry headlines: Intriguing reads from around the web Plan for a different kind of ski season: What will the winter season look like for skiers and snowboarders? Here are some of the changes to expect. [The New York Times] Skiing returns to its roots: In another take on the ...read more
Industry Buzz: Fresh leadership at Patagonia, Selena Gomez to play mountaineer in upcoming film, new GOA members, plastic use during the pandemic, small business giveaway
Industry headlines: Intriguing reads from around the web New leadership at Patagonia: The company has hired Beth Thoren as its new environmental action and initiatives director. A mountaineering icon on film: Selena Gomez has signed on to play the mountaineering legend Silvia ...read more
Poll: How are you planning to shop this holiday season?
It's going to be a chaotic year for holiday shopping, that's for sure. Local stores are doing their best to keep customers safe, as they have been for months, but it looks like Amazon will be poised to capitalize (once again) on a difficult situation. Read more: The outdoor ...read more