Keep up by reading Industry Buzz. Here are today's top headlines:

Have a news tip? Email us at [email protected]

• Outdoor industry conference: Western North Carolina's Outdoor Gear Builders Association announced the second annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Western North Carolina, scheduled for Oct. 10. The conference has doubled in size and grown in scope with the help of the new Growing Outdoors Partnership, a regional economic development initiative focused on the outdoors sector. Tickets are available here.

• Brick-and-mortar news: Flagstaff Sports Exchange in Flagstaff, Arizona, is closing after 10 years in business because the owner says it is "no longer financially sustainable."

• Come August 25, L.L.Bean will have another storefront—this time in Oakville, Ontario.

• The American Alpine Club is partnering with Gearo, an automated gear rental platform, to offer discounted gear rentals to members.

• New gear app: A University of Utah student launched the app "Rexchanger," or recreation exchanger, allowing everyday people to rent out their own gear at a fraction of the price. Renters save money, while the gear owners make a little money. The startup recently debuted at Cotopaxi's Questival in Salt Lake City.

• Ski resort shakeup: Vail Resorts today announced it has entered into an acquisition agreement with Peak Resorts, Inc., owner and operator of 17 ski resorts in the East and Midwest. Passholders of the 2019-’20 Epic Pass will get unlimited, unrestricted access to the 17 resorts, in addition to unrestricted access to the 20 resorts throughout the U.S. and Australia already included on the pass.

• London is now the first National Park City, committing to being greener, healthier, and wilder. The National Park City Foundation is looking for at least 24 more candidates.

• More land for hunting: More than 100,000 extra acres are opening up for fall hunting season in Colorado as part of a multi-year expansion of the Public Access Program.

• Wigwam Mills Inc., through its “Run for Your Cause” event at Outdoor Retailer in June, donated 1,700 pairs of socks to 17 different nonprofit organizations. The events hosted 17 runners on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Each runner designated to a nonprofit pledged 100 pairs of "slightly imperfect" socks.