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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Lole brand’s ‘workshop’ locations aim to promote lifestyle over product
Oct 25, 2010
Lole, the maker of women’s technical and lifestyle apparel, is looking to turn retail on its head by opening so-called “ateliers” -- literally “workshops” in French -- across North America where it will be more about promoting lifestyle rather than selling product. SNEWS takes a look at how the brand is rethinking retail by shunning the usual conventions of a retail store.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Stand-up paddleboarding a means to retail, gym partnerships
Jun 23, 2010
The Rutabaga paddlesports shop is targeting the fitness crowd to build participation in stand-up paddleboarding -- and sees a natural means to partner with the likes of gyms and fitness retailers.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Columbus Fitness takes on web equipment reviewers single-handedly
Feb 22, 2010
Every retailer knows the routine: A customer wanders in clutching the latest magazine or web review, points and says, “I want that.” Frustrated by misinformation floating around, the owner of Exercise Equipment Experts in Ohio has decided to put his money where his mouth is.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: NOC’s Great Outpost inspires Gatlinburg tourists to explore the outdoors
Feb 17, 2010
More than 11 million people visit Gatlinburg, Tenn., each year, but less than half set foot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The new Nantahala Outdoor Center store opening this spring in Gatlinburg hopes to change that.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Aloyd Fitness finds success in humorous ads
Jan 15, 2010
There’s not much too subtle about a photo of a guy wearing a thong peeking out from under his gym pants as he’s resting between sets in the gym. See how one retailer is cashing in on funny ads that "get in your head."
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Rethinking Retail: Not just a treadmill, but a one-stop shop for outfitting workout rooms
Oct 2, 2009
Coast Fitness takes setting up fitness equipment to the next level -- they'll even run the wiring for the entertainment center, do the flooring, put in the fan...but do they do windows?
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Rethinking Retail: Zirkel Trading succeeds by highlighting the heritage of its brands
Sep 18, 2009
More than 3,000 miles and 6,000 feet of elevation separate Honolulu from Steamboat Springs, Colo., the home of Zirkel Trading, a men's sportswear shop. So, it's a bit surprising that Hawaiian shirts manufactured by Kahala have been best sellers at Zirkel Trading since the store opened in November. But by leveraging the heritage of brands such as Kahala, Filson and Scott Barber, owner Steve Hitchcock successfully sells an unusual assortment of high-end men's apparel, even during tough economic times.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Hardware goes glam in San Francisco. Your windows can too.
Jul 29, 2009
Who ever thought toilet plungers, garbage cans and weed whackers could be sexy? A hardware store in San Francisco makes it so with colorful, creative, eye-catching window displays that bring passersby to a grinding halt. "The concept is to get people to stop and look," said Noelle Nicks, Cole Hardware's visual merchandiser. The goal, she says, is "to get people to come in even if they had no intent of buying something," noting hardware stores are shopping destinations.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Midwest Mountaineering dabbles in non-typical outdoor activities to attract new customers
Jun 24, 2009
Considered one of the most successful and highly respected outdoor specialty stores in the country, Midwest Mountaineering has succeeded in part because its owner and employees are willing to take risks and explore activities that are emerging, or not traditionally supported by outdoor shops. In its 39 years, the store has embraced a wide range of things, from adventure racing to Nordic walking and snowkiting and, now, yoga and Tai Chi. New customers, more community exposure and increased sales and profits are, of course, the ultimate goals.
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Article Thumbnail Rethinking Retail: Two retailers discover ladies nights are inviting
Jun 19, 2009
If you're looking to add a little buzz to your store's community vibe and a bit of kick to your bottom line, you might do well to start focusing on the ladies. As two retailers SNEWS® recently chatted with have found, when it is ladies' night, the feeling's right and it makes for quite a night -- with apologies to Kool & the Gang, naturally. Both Pennsylvania's Appalachian Ski & Outdoors and Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI Fitness) have attracted sell-out crowds to women's-only events that offer education, seminars and networking.
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Products and Trends
Industry News Releases
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Welcomes Icebreaker as a Vendor Partner
Dec 22, 2011
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Jetboil Expands Management Team
Dec 22, 2011
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Switch Vision Joins 2012 East Coast Adventure Racing Series
Dec 22, 2011
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BioLogic Helps Social Networking Cyclists Track Data on the Go
Dec 21, 2011
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Liberty Mountain Joins Grassroots Outdoor Alliance as Vendor Partner
Dec 21, 2011
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National Ski Patrol makes branding move to unify divisions and patrols
Dec 21, 2011
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SNEWS Headlines
Mountain travel bookings continue uphill surge
Dec 22, 2011
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Gramicci leverages Haggar to lower prices on fall 2012 products, predicts consumers will reduce spending
Dec 21, 2011
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Outdoor: Movin' & Shakin' - Igloo names a new president; plus new hires at Backcountry.com, Leisure Trends, Mountain Hardwear, American Rec and more ...
Dec 19, 2011
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