At Outdoor Retailer Summer this June, I visited lots of brand booths to find the best gear on the floor. Here are my product picks from the show: Restube Beach This new water safety product is basically a small inflatable version of a lifeguard’s rescue tube. It’s...
Former Sole Tech employees who are now peppered in leadership jobs around the industry share what they learned at the influential skateboard company. Also, store owners and industry insiders discuss the impact of the Sole Tech brands.
Helen of Troy, the owner of Osprey Packs, Hydro Flask, and myriad other consumer brands, recorded softer than expected quarterly results, with a significant portion of the weakness coming in the outdoor category, specifically the Osprey Packs business, the company...
While it’s not an easy time for outdoor brands or retailers, Arkansas-based Gearhead Outfitters continues to expand, including recently opening its first two stores in Colorado. The chain now operates 22 stores and is celebrating its 26th anniversary. While Gearhead...
New owner the Arena Group wants to re-establish SURFER as the authority on all things surf, and has hired Jake Howard to lead the way.
With strong brand recognition, especially in the Southeast, and an experienced leadership team under longtime Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell, Salt Life’s fate is now in the hands of the bankruptcy court thanks to the struggles of parent company Delta Apparel.
Editor's note: Since the below was published, the Vista Outdoor board negotiated a higher price from CSG, and pressure mounted from both TIG Advisors and Gates Capital to turn down the offer from CSG and instead engage with a competing offer from MNC Capital to buy...
The group of chemicals known as PFAS were developed as coatings to protect consumer goods from water, stains, and corrosion, and in the outdoor industry they’re mostly used to repel water and oil. “We have used them as an industry and as a society because they’re...
It's June, which means Spring line showings have already happened and too-early order deadlines are just around the corner in the outdoor industry. As we survey the landscape, it's clear there are many challenges. Everything has already been on sale, and we’re still...
Patagonia and Bolder Industries are transforming old natural rubber wetsuits into material used in new wetsuit construction.
In his new expanded role as CEO of Outerknown, Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs, Dylan Slater just made a significant hire that underscores the ambitions of the newly merged company.
Outdoor Retailer announced the winners of the coveted Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards Tuesday at Outdoor Retailer Summer in Salt Lake City. An independent panel of judges evaluated 137 total entries to determine the 13 winners. Products from the finalists are on...
