The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods

ISSUE 1450
DECEMBER 15, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
Group Publisher
Editor In Chief
James Hartford
[email protected]
303.997.7302
Senior Business Editor
Thomas J. Ryan
[email protected]
917.375.4699
ISSUE 1450
DECEMBER 15, 2014
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
Contributing Editors
Scott Boulbol, Fernando J. Delgado,
Charlie Lunan
Editorial & Creative Director
Teresa Hartford
[email protected]
Senior Graphic Designer
Camila Amortegui
[email protected]
Advertising Sales Account Managers
Buz Keenan
Northeast
[email protected]
201.887.5112
Katie O'Donohue
Southeast/Midwest
[email protected]
828.244.3043
Circulation & Subscriptions
[email protected]
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published weekly by SportsOneSource.
12
Photo courtesy Ecco
MAKING NEWS
VENDOR FOCUS
4 Movers & Shakers
Lululemon’s Q3 Earnings Slide
5 SportsOneSource to Acquire
VantagePoint Data Platform from
Outdoor Industry Association
6 By The Numbers
Columbus Running Company Wins
Running Store of the Year
7 The Running Event Tallies Largest
Attendance
22 Industry Calendar
14 Asics Readies Campus Headquarters
8 PRODUCT SHOWCASE
ANALYSIS I RETAIL
2151 Hawkins St. • Suite 200 • Charlotte • NC • 28203
SportsOneSource.com
10 Finish Line Meets Run Specialty
FEATURE
16 Running Outerwear Much More Than
Warmth
I AM…SGB
20 Fred Doyle
Co-founder, Athletics East Brand
ON THE COVER: Named after the
sure-footed Tibetan Yak, Yaktrax
stretch over a variety of shoes, from
casual walking, to running, to winter
boots. Abrasion-resistant, handwound stainless-steel coils cover the
bottom of shoes to bite into packed
snow and ice for stability and grip in
all directions.
DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
3
FINANCIAL
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Bell Helmets named Scott Sharples as
Marketing Manager for its bicycle business.
Big Agnes hired six employees including two
former managers from Eastern Mountain
Sports, Wes Green and Tony Roina, to support
growth fueled by strong demand for new
category launches, including its mtnGLO
collection of tents and camp accessories
featuring integrated LED lights.
Costa Sunglasses hired John Sanchez,
formerly President of Zeal Optics, as VP of
Product Development.
Genesco, Inc. announced that James S. Gulmi,
SVP and CFO, would retire at the end of its
current fiscal year.
Kenji Haroutunian, who recently stepped
down as a VP of Emerald Expositions and
Director for its Outdoor Retailer Show, has
established KenjiConsults, a consulting
business in service to the industry.
Nike, Inc. appointed Tom Peddie, VP and GM,
of its emerging markets geography.
NSGA announced that baseball Hall of Famer
Cal Ripken, Jr. would be the featured speaker
at its 51st Annual Management Conference &
17th Annual Team Dealer Summit in Austin, TX.
Peter Fox rejoined Fox Head, Inc. in the newly
created role of Chief Creative Officer and will
report directly to Interim CEO Scott Olivet.
Reebok formed a new partnership with
acclaimed hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar.
Together they hope to inspire and empower
youth through programs designed to provide a
positive alternative to the streets.
The Buckle appointed Kelli D. Molczyk as VP of
Women’s Merchandising and Diane L. Applegate
as VP of Supply Chain and Merchandising
Operations.
4 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
Lululemon’s
Q3 Earnings Slide
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. reported earnings declined 8.6 percent for the third
quarter ended November 2 to $60.5 million or 42 cents a share.
Net revenue increased 10 percent to $419.4 million from $379.9 million
In constant dollar terms, a three percent decline in same-store sales, and
27 percent increase in direct-to-consumer revenue blended to increase comparable store sales for the period by three percent in constant dollar terms.
Gross profit for the quarter increased three percent to $211.1 million, or
50.3 percent of net revenue down 360 basis points from 53.9 percent in the
third quarter of fiscal 2013.
Income from operations for the quarter decreased 12 percent to $81.2 million, and a percentage of net revenue was 19.4 percent compared to 24.3 percent a year ago.
"I am pleased that our third quarter results demonstrated sequential improvements as the quarter progressed with all key facets of our business brand, guest experience, and product - contributing to our momentum," said
Lululemon CEO Laurent Potdevin. "I am confident that our strong team,
coupled with strategic investments into our core business areas, has already
made a positive impact and placed us on a strong trajectory for further global
growth."
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, Lululemon expects net revenue to be
in the range of $570 to $585 million based on a total comparable sales increase
in the low single-digits on a constant dollar basis. The sales outlook relative to
previous guidance is expected to be impacted by approximately $15 million
due to the combined impact of West Coast port delays, a lower Canadian dollar, and delayed store openings. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be
in the range of 65 to 69 cents per share down from 75 cents a year ago.
For the full 2014 fiscal year, the company guided adjusted EPS in a range of
$1.74 to $1.78 on revenues of $1.765 billion to $1.780 billion compared with
the consensus estimates for EPS of $1.77 on revenues of $1.79 billion.
SportsOneSource
to Acquire VantagePoint Data Platform from
Outdoor Industry Association
The SportsOneSource Group (SOS, SportsOneSource) and Outdoor
Industry Association (OIA) have entered into an agreement that will
result in SportsOneSource taking full control and ownership of the OIA
VantagePoint retail point-of-sale, data-reporting platform. The transaction
is expected to close on December 31, 2014. The SportsOneSource Group’s
commitment to the outdoor industry will continue with a revised
VantagePoint web platform available to OIA members and other retailers
and vendors interested in outdoor industry data.
“This transaction comes at an important time for SportsOneSource,”
explained James Hartford, president & CEO at The SportsOneSource
Group. “SportsOneSource is introducing new branding and technology
across its various data products in 2015, and the inclusion of the VantagePoint platform aligns with that strategy.”
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“OIA’s goal is to provide the industry with the most comprehensive
view of the outdoor market and its consumers,” said Christie Hickman,
VP of Market and Consumer Insights at Outdoor Industry Association.
“To that end, we are re-evaluating our market insights offerings to determine how best to serve the industry with the changing landscape of retail
and consumer shopping behavior.”
OIA retail and vendor members will be able to access
complimentary VantagePoint category-level data through March 31,
2015. SportsOneSource will provide the VantagePoint category-level
data on a subscription basis effective April 1, 2015. All SOS reporting
retail partners will continue to have free access to the platform where
they contribute data. For more information, contact SportsOneSource
at 303.997.7302.
LIGHT.
VERSATILITY.
WWW.COGHLANS.COM
8/26/2014 4:17:04 PM
The Running Event
Tallies Largest Attendance
The Running Event held in Austin, TX on December 2-5 hosted 872 retail buyers from 24
countries representing 368 ownership groups up
12 percent from 2013 according to show organizers. Retail buyers and sales associates traveled to
the Austin Convention Center for educational
seminars and previews by 310 exhibiting manufacturers of new products for the running enthusiast.
“The retail attendance numbers were gratifying because it was a challenging year for run
specialty,” said Mark Sullivan, president Formula
4 Media. “The fact that the stores turned out in
such great numbers speaks to the vitality, resiliency, and strength of the channel”. Mark Yardley, North American leader for Gore Running
added, “Retailers come to Austin ready to learn
and looking for new brands to add to their collections.” Todd Andrews, president of Tasc Performance said, “We were busy the entire time with
high quality accounts. We opened many new
doors thanks to pre-event marketing that generated buzz for our bamboo performance technology.”
Seminars repeatedly echoed the importance of
customer service. Parker Karnan of the Independent Running Retailer Association (IRRA) told
store owners, buyers, and associates “The customer is an empowered buyer in control of the
purchase thanks to the information age…today,
6 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
consumers are in control.” Karnan said 70 percent
of the time customers research footwear online
but only purchase online 10 percent of the time.
“They understand the importance of receiving a
proper fit and like to shop in stores.”
Jim Knight, a training and development veteran for 30 years, said store associates need to
be “unapologetically authentic in their customer
obsession…to deliver personalized running experiences.” He continued, “memorable experiences help justify the price you’re charging.” Bob
Phibbs, The Retail Doctor said, “People don’t buy
products, they buy better versions of their lives.”
He advises sales associates to stop hiding behind
the sales counter and get out on the floor to ask,
“How can I make your run better?”
Retail trainer and consultant Jim Dion, added,
“Nobody needs to run, they need what running
does for them.” Said retailer Mort Nace of Medved
Running & Walking Outfitters, Rochester, N.Y.,
“We came looking to meet with current vendors
and keep an eye open for new products. We became energized by the breakout sessions and will
share that energy with our staff back home.”
Celebrity runners Meb Keflezighi and Kara
Goucher attended for Skechers and other brands
they represent; Nick Symmonds was there for
Brooks, Soleus and Run Gum, and competed in
Austin’s famed Beer Mile; Bart Yasso was in the
Runner’s World booth; and Hal Koerner made
appearances for The North Face.
At the Running Specialty Hall of Fame breakfast, presented by the Independent Running Retailer Association, the IRRA Shoe of the Year was
the Hoka One One, while honors for the IRRA
Vendor of the Year went to Brooks Sports, Seattle. Fleet Feet Roanoke won the Ubuntu Award
presented by Balega Sports while Fleet Feet Aptos won The North Face Never Stop Exploring
Award. Nike’s Just Do It Award went to Luke’s
Locker with 11 locations in Texas. Lady Sport
of Vancouver and Boutique Courir of Montreal
shared the Canadian Store of the Year award presented by New Balance Canada. Store of the Year
honors went to Columbus Running Company,
Dublin, OH.
During the Indie 5K race in nearby Zilker
Park, approximately 400 retailers braved a light
Texas mist. The Owners Club Award went to
Amanda Goetschius of OK Runner in Edmond,
OK (17.39) and Jimmy Wiggins of Classic City
Running, Buford, GA (19.41); the Supplier
Award went to Stephen Piper (14.32) and Kristen Arendt (16.54) of Newton Running, Boulder,
CO; the Best Overall Male winner - Retailer was
Scott Smith of OK Runner (14.42) and Amber
Andrews (17.30) of Runners Corner, Orem, UT;
the first place Team Award (top three finishers of
each store), went to OK Runner with a combined
time of 47.57.
BY THE NUMBERS
+3.6%
Columbus Running Company
Wins Running Store of the Year
The Columbus Running Company, serving the Central Ohio region was named the 2014 Running
Store of the Year by Competitor magazine at an event held during The Running Event this month in
Austin, TX.
The nomination process started with readers nominating their favorite shops on competitor.com.
A rigorous evaluation process including runner nominations, mystery shopping to assess customer
service, credit ratings from vendors, and assessments about local programs and community commitment determined the finalists and winner. The rankings are based on 20 criteria including retail
environment, shoe fitting, checkout process, credit worthiness, and community service.
Celebrating its 10th year, Columbus Running Company, now a four-store operation, earned the
nod because of its exemplary customer service, invigorating training programs and group runs,
strong credit ratings from vendors and community commitment to local races, schools, and charity
organizations. Ambitious initiatives include creating a Grasshoppers running club for kids in second
through sixth grades, developing a charity training program that recently donated $23,000 to Ronald McDonald House, and helping send several runners from its store in Dublin, OH to the Dublin
Marathon in Ireland.
“It’s not just about selling shoes, it’s more about getting people running,” Eric Fruth, owner
Columbus Running Company, told Competitor magazine. “The running world is a pie. Our thought
has always been, let’s bake a bigger pie by growing the sport. If the sport isn’t growing and changing,
it’s not thriving.” The other three finalists for the 2014 Running Store of the Year honor were Running
Central in Peoria, IL; Track Shack in Orlando, FL; and Fleet Feet Baltimore in Baltimore, MD.
The 50 Best Running Stores by state are Alabama -Fleet Feet, Huntsville • Alaska - Skinny Raven,
Anchorage • Arkansas - Rush Running Company, Bentonville • Arizona - Fleet Feet, Tucson; Sole
Sports, Tempe; Tortoise & Hare Sports, Glendale • California
- Sole 2 Soul, Visalia • Florida
- Fit
Niche, Lakeland; Fleet Feet Stuart, Stuart; Jacksonville Running Company, Jacksonville; Running
Zone, Melbourne; St. Petersburg Running Company, St. Petersburg; Track Shack, Orlando • Georgia
- Big Peach Running Company, Atlanta; Classic City Running, Buford; West Stride, Atlanta •
Idaho
- Schu’s Idaho Running Company, Boise • Illinois
- Dick Pond Athletics, Schaumburg; Fleet
Feet Chicago; Geneva Running Outfitters, Geneva; Naperville Running Company, Naperville; Running Central, Peoria • Indiana
- Fleet Feet Schererville; Runner’s Forum, Indianapolis; Three Rivers
Running, Fort Wayne; Tri-N-Run, Lafayette • Kentucky
- Tri State Running, Edgewood • Louisiana
Sports Spectrum, Shreveport • Maine
- Maine Running Company, Portland • Maryland
- Charm
City Run, Timonium; Fleet Feet Baltimore • Massachusetts
- Whirlaway Sports, Methuen • Michigan
- Playmakers, Okemos • Missouri
- Big River Running Company, St. Louis; The Running Well
Store, Kansas City; Ultra Max, Columbia • Montana
- Runner’s Edge, Missoula • Nebraska
- Red
Dirt Running, Omaha • New Hampshire
- Runner’s Alley, Portsmouth • New Mexico
- Bosque Running, Albuquerque • New York
- Fleet Feet Rochester, Rochester; Fleet Feet Syracuse, East Syracuse
• North Carolina
- Charlotte Running Co, Charlotte • Ohio
- Columbus Running Company, Dublin
- Vertical Runner, Hudson • Oklahoma
- Red Coyote Running, Oklahoma City • Pennsylvania
Emmaus Run Inn, Emmaus • Rhode Island
- Rhode Runner, Providence • Tennessee
- Fleet Feet
Brentwood, Brentwood • Texas
- IRun Texas, San Antonio; Luke’s Locker, Dallas • Utah
- Salt Lake
Running, Salt Lake City • Virginia
- Pacers, Arlington • Wisconsin
- Performance Running Outfitters, Brookfield.
7 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
Genesco, Inc. said lower than planned
sales and gross margin pressures at
LIDS in the third quarter and expected
continued margin pressure at the
segment in the fourth quarter would
cause it to lower its guidance for the
full year. Earnings from continuing
operations in the third quarter rose
3.6 percent to $28.8 million or $1.21 per
diluted share. The Journeys Group's
comparable same-store sales were ahead
6 percent and ahead of plan but LIDS
comps were up 1 percent and below plan.
+10.0%
Johnson Outdoors, Inc. reported sales
increased 10 percent to $84.9 million in
the fiscal fourth quarter ended October
3 due to double-digit growth in both
Marine Electronics and Outdoor Gear
units. Operating loss declined sharply
year-over-year due largely to the
increase in sales volume but not enough
to prevent the company from resetting
its three-year 2015 financial targets.
-11.0%
Quiksilver, Inc. reported operating
earnings before special items fell sharply
in its fourth quarter ended October 31.
Sales dropped 11 percent to $401 million.
Among brands, Quiksilver was down
12 percent on a currency-neutral basis,
Roxy declined 6 percent, and DC Shoes
fell 14 percent.
-27.1%
Freedom Group, the parent of
Remington, reported a loss of
$6.4 million in the third quarter ended
September 28 against earnings of
$30.6 million a year earlier. Sales slid
27.1 percent to $253.6 million from
$347.1 million a year ago according to
a filing with the Securities & Exchange
Commission.
-70.3%
Smith & Wesson reported earnings
slid 70.3 percent in the second quarter
to $5.05 million or 9 cents a share.
Revenues slumped 22.1 percent. Sales
of long guns, primarily modern sporting
rifles, declined 50.3 percent while
handgun sales declined 15.0 percent.
DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
7
P R O D U C T S H OWC A S E
Hoka One One Tor Ultra
High WP | $230
The crossover boot combines Hoka’s cushioning and Meta-Rocker geometry with supporting trekking upper. For dry/wet terrain,
includes Vibram MegaGrip outsole rubber
with 5mm lugs. Leather and nylon mesh upper and Event waterproofing.
Ampla Fly |$180
Empowers optimized mechanics with a full-length carbon
plate for ideal landings and
gathers kinetic forces for release
in the toe-off phase. Trackinspired last promotes unique
foot posture. While the spring-powered boost is built for speed, the unorthodox design also reduces risk of injury and improves running form.
Addaday Boomerang Roller |$46
Contours to the body for hard to reach areas. Directional rollers allow for
cross fiber friction massage in two density gears – Surface Skin Technolgy
(SST) and without SST for a harder massage.
Addaday Fly Roller |$25
Holds easily in one hand or can be used with a
two-handed grip for more pressure. Includes two
density gears - with SST and without for a harder
massage. Both gears can be used at the same time or
alone for a focused massage.
Samsara Fitness Trueform Runner | $6,000
Non-motorized treadmill features an innovative curved deck controlled
100- percent by the movement and force of the athlete to train and reward
technically sound posture, balance, and cadence. Runners can set their
own limits and measure efficiency.
8 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
Photo courtesy Nathan
Nathan Halo Fire
(228 lumens) | $120
Nebula Fire (192 lumens) |$75
LEDs and custom optical lenses are
combined for the perfect amount
of illumination. Auto-Strobe sensor, when activated, turns on a safety strobe to address ambient light
changes. A touch-free RunWave feature allows the user to cycle through
the five different lighting modes - low,
medium, high, sprint, and strobe.
Nathan Halo Fire
Nathan Nebula Fire
Crossover Kit |$85
For the Nebula, the Crossover Kit clip mounts
the headlamp to a belt, pack, waistband, or an
adjustable bounce-free bike handlebar mount.
Compatible with any road or mountain bike.
Glukos
A nutritional supplement with
glucose as its primary ingredient,
is the only sugar that absorbs directly into the bloodstream. Glukos will sell powders by early next
year and expand into gels, gummies, tablets, and beverages.
Run Gum
Delivers supplements through the
lining of the cheeks and gums for
fast absorption into the bloodstream. One piece contains 50mgs
of caffeine, equivalent to a half-cup
of coffee or energy drink, 20mgs of
taurine, B6 and B12.
E N D I N G H U N G E R A N D P OVE R T Y
W H AT YO U C A N D O
DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
9
A N A LYS I S I R E TA I L
Finish Line
Meets Run
Specialty
By Thomas J. Ryan
T
he Finish Line, Inc.’s opportunity in the run specialty channel and its
challenges were on full display at a speaking engagement held at the
The Running Event last week.
The opportunity came from Glenn Lyon,
CEO and chairman of The Finish Line, and
Bill Kirkendall, president of Running Specialty
Group (RSG), the company’s run specialty segment that has quickly grown to 66 locations in a
little over three years. Both talked up the potential of the run specialty industry to easily double in size to benefit The Finish Line, existing
Glenn Lyon, CEO
independent stores,
and chairman of The
Finish Line
and the industry’s
brands. With each
store’s staff expertise, commitment to communities, and dedication to the activity of running, run specialty is better poised to capitalize
on the burgeoning health & wellness trend on
the fit side than the many other channels chasBill Kirkendall,
ing the opportunity, Finish Line officials said.
president of Running
Specialty Group
For its part, Finish Line expects it will bring
sophisticated approaches and technologies to
what Lyon described as a channel that “has been somewhat lacking” in
such expertise to fully tap that opportunity.
“Its not just a checkbook we bring to the table,” said Lyon. “We have great,
great systems. We have great warehousing. We have a terrific group of merchants who have worked for us for a long time. We have some great operations people. But we have some core competencies that play in this world.”
The challenges came from what Lyon described several times as the
“skeptics”. Some carried doubts that a national chain could manage run
specialty stores at a local level. Others seemed concerned and some openly
angered at the prospect of a corporate giant transforming their community-driven landscape.
In a Q&A format, Lyon said the RSG opportunity is “not about dollars and cents for us” but “where the universe is today.” He noted that a
mall, where most of Finish Line’s stores reside, hasn’t opened in over ten
years. By contrast, run specialty is “right in the center” of the trends behind health & wellness as well as digital commerce with its community
connections.
“We don’t think of it monetarily,” said Lyon. “We just think of this as
the place in the universe where there’s going to be growth and opportunity
- opportunity for growth within our company and within the entire segment. You guys are in an unbelievable part of the world and we just want
to participate in it.”
10 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
Kirkendall said the active lifestyle consumer is “the sweet spot” for
many retailers and “the main activity and the foundation for this active
lifestyle consumer is running. So what could be better than the specialty
running space”.
Moreover, Lyon added that while he’s heard many estimates that run
specialty is a billion dollar industry currently, he expected it would get
much bigger. Lyon added, “The ability of us and the people in this room
to take a bigger share of the active lifestyle business is going to lead our
success and it’s out there and it’s out there to be had. And we’re happy to
share that with all of you.”
Addressing the skeptics at several points, Lyon said Finish Line has
been undergoing an “unbelievable learning experience” since getting into
the run specialty space with the 2011 acquisition of an 18-store chain of
specialty running shops operating under The Running Company banner.
It has since acquired Run On!, Blue Mile, Boulder Running Company,
Roncker’s Running Spot, Running Fit, VA Runner, Capital RunWalk, Richmond RoadRunner, Garry Gribble’s Running Sports, and Run Colorado.
The findings have come from extensive conversations with many of
the sellers, including industry legends such as Johnny Halberstadt, Bob
Roncker and Garry Gribble that stay on to offer council during the transition period. In August of this year, Bob Wallace, the former founder of
Run On!, was hired as RSG's senior adviser, strategic initiatives to strategically plan and integrate RSG’s growth opportunities.
Lyon noted that Finish Line is providing an exit strategy for many
in the industry. He elaborated, “We’re willing to come in and purchase
all the assets that they spent their lives building up. And if it’s good for
them, it’s good for us. And they stay on and they help us and they counsel
us. And I think they’ll tell you that we’re pretty good listeners. You can’t
always replicate everything they did over those years but boy the learnings we’re getting have been incredible.”
The sales also offer opportunities for existing staff to “move up” with
some getting transferred to other regions for bigger roles.
Lyon said Finish Line also fully understands that success in run specialty relies on connecting to the community. As an example, he noted
at its flagship Finish Line chain, its consumers will walk directly to Foot
Locker if it doesn’t have the Jordan launch product in their size. Said
Lyon, “At Finish Line, they’re only as loyal as smiling faces and size 8 in
the shoe that just came out yesterday.”
By comparison, through their running outreach programs and knowledgeable staffs, run specialty has a more “loyal” customer that allows
more “wiggle room” to complete a sale with an out of stock or special
order that keeps that customer coming back.
“We totally get it,” said Lyon. “This is about the ‘inside out.’ It’s about
what happens inside the store and inside the community.”
Lyon stated Finish Line’s goal for RSG is to build a “best in class”
organization. Across its acquired chains, some were stronger or weaker
in different disciplines, such as associate training, community engagement, or in-store conversation. The best practices will be shared across
banners.
But he also expected Finish Line’s expertise across many retail disciplines would improve the profitability of RSG stores. He noted that
since he became CEO and Sam Sato, president of the Finish Line brand
who joined the company about seven years ago, sales at the average
Finish Line store have improved to $2 million from $1.2 million.
An emphasis will be improving inventory turns, with a base goal
of turning inventory three times a year. Many of its acquired stores
are turning at two times. Said Lyon, “The margins will be higher and
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DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
11
it doesn’t have to come from discounts in the marketplace but rather
more productivity in our stores and for our brand partners.”
Addressing some of the aspects of its RSG strategy, Lyon said RSG
would fill-in markets with new stores in areas that are notably underpenetrated with run specialty stores. In the Dallas/Fort Worth market where
it acquired its first chain with Run On!, for instance, RSG has since added
five more doors. But the primary focus for expansion will be acquisition.
Said Lyon, “We inherit a profitable business and we are capitalized in a way
that we are happy to pay for that profitability.”
For merchandising, Lyon noted that although Nike, including Jordan
product, accounted for approximately 70 percent of the overall company’s
sales in its last fiscal year, the inventory makeup at RSG will be completely
based on customer demand in each market. Said Lyon, “We want to be
what the customer wants us to be.”
At Finish Line stores, the 18 to 29-year-old customer “votes for Nike” and
Nike “earns that every day.” By contrast, run specialty has “a very different
core customer” with the merchandise often varied significantly by region.
Lyon said, “We’re going to give the customers the products that they want in
the size and color that they want from the brands that they want.”
The merchandising differences are one of the primary reasons RSG is
run out of Denver and the core Finish Line business is run out of Indianapolis. Said Kirkendall, “We’re in a different business. We have different
customers. So we have to do what is right for the customer.”
In a bit of news, Lyon said RSG might shift to using one nameplate for
RSG instead of the 16 different nameplates the business currently uses.
It has engaged a branding consultancy to explore the issue and hasn’t yet
made a final decision. But Lyon said initial findings indicated that it’s
“not necessary” for a store to have the name of that individual town or
one that is unique to that community. Said Lyon, “What’s happening in a
store to create that local connection to the customer has very little to do
with what name is on the outside the building. From my point of view
it’s the ‘inside out.’”
Some attention was paid to the notion that a running independent’s
ownership in the business provides the best commitment to service the
community than a salaried employee. While Lululemon appears to be one
national chain able to instill community engagement at its locations, it was
also noted that the yoga-inspired chain pays its managers $90,000 per year,
much more than RSG pays.
Lyon said he doesn’t “know the difference sometimes between an ambitious young person who we pay $50,000 and someone who’s got 10 years
of experience in retail work that we pay $90,000.”
He also noted that “camaraderie, respect, and fun” also go into incentivizing and creating dedicated employees. Added Lyon, “In society today
versus 10 and 20 years ago it’s not as much about the money as it is about
the environment. So I know there are skeptics in the audience; I get that,
but that’s where we’re at.”
Finally, Lyon noted that Lululemon is able to pay its managers $90,000
because its stores do more than $4 million each. (In 2013, Lululemon’s
average 2,872 square foot store did $5.4 million in sales, according to financial flings.)
Lyon believes RSG’s locations can sell much higher than they are today
not only by tapping into Finish Line’s expertise but by extending more into
12 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
lifestyle merchandising opportunities with women becoming the dominant buyers in the run specialty channel.
Continuing the comparison, he suspected that Lululemon sells less than
25 percent its product for users of yoga. It’s done that by continually broadening its assortment “without losing the essence of what they stand for.”
He admitted that’s a “very hard thing to do” but running specialty has the
chance to go beyond the hard-core runner to reach those running once or
twice a week or primarily for social reasons as part of the robust health &
wellness trend.
“Our community is getting bigger,” said Lyon. “There are more people
who want to buy running shoes.” The growing running consumer base
gives run specialty “some elasticity to having the right kinds of shoes and
apparel that can be bought in a store.”
The tension was most evident in an outburst from one independent retailer that included an expletive to show his doubt around Finish Line’s
commitment to the local running community and its employees. Many
applauded.
Lyon apologized for his exuberance. But he also asserted that he’s not
“some corporate guy.” He and his team are “shopkeepers” with long experience in the department store and specialty channel that understands the
value of customer relationships.
“I can tell you we’re real people trying to do good things in our community and for our employees,” said Lyon. “And at the end of the day we
believe we can help this sector grow and the proof will be in the pudding.
And some people will join us and other people will remain skeptical about
who we are and how we represent ourselves and time will tell for them. I
would like to have everybody on our side but I know that’s not realistic.”
It was also obvious at the end of the session when another independent storeowner asked whether Finish Line would enable an RSG store
manager to sell four high school kids with little money but cross-country
aspirations shoes at cost. Lyon responded, “Absolutely not.”
The independent shot back, “That’s not local,” saying he would “take
whatever money they had” to get them on the path to running. Again,
many in the audience applauded.
After the session, another independent told SGB Weekly that he
wouldn’t sell at cost either and believed it wasn’t a great example of community commitment. A Finish Line insider, admitting that the session was
a botched opportunity, said it might have gone better if a formal presentation had been used to fully explain Finish Line’s approach and intentions
rather than the Q&A session. Others said Finish Line officials stood out a
bit in their suits with the crowd filled with Henleys and T-shirts.
Still, many store owners came up to Finish Line management and
thanked them, some appreciating their candor and the sophistication
the retailer would likely bring to the channel. A few expressed a willingness to work alongside them and some wanted to explore potential
sales talks.
Speaking to SGB Weekly, Lyon said he wasn’t surprised by the diverse reaction by many in the audience. “There are 300 business people
and they all react in different ways and I have nothing but respect for
them because this is their lives. And some see us as a benefit and as an
opportunity and others see us as an adversary and obstacle to their success. I don’t begrudge anybody of that. I really don’t.” ■
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DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
13
VENDOR FOCUS
Asics
Readies Campus Headquarters
In September 2008, Asics America moved into bigger headquarters at 29
Parker in Irvine, CA, adding 11,000 square feet to accommodate its recent growth spurt. The region has grown from $214 million in 2004 to
$423 million in 2007. With the eco-push in vogue, the building touted its
sustainable and recycled materials layered throughout the building; VOC
paints to reduce toxins, and a deconstructed perimeter to bring in more
natural light.
Under the direction of Kevin Wulff, who joined Asics America as COO
in August 2010 and eventually assumed
the role of president and CEO, Asics
America and its regional growth have
reached new levels. Sales are projected to
hit nearly $1 billion in 2014. The region
also remains on target to achieve its goal
under Asics Corp’s five-year growth mandate of $1.2 billion in the Americas Region
for 2015.
Kevin Wulff, President
& CEO, Asics America
While the new headquarters will up the
ante on sustainable design and eco-friendly features, a major focus will be on its employees. The new location –
covering 120,000 square feet of workspace across two adjacent buildings
14 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
– is aimed at turning Asics America’s headquarters into a “campus environment.” Asics’ employees moved in on December 1, 2014.
For the design of the new campus headquarters, Wulff tapped into his
experience working for other leading sporting goods brands and combined
that knowledge with what elite technology companies are offering their employees. “The new Asics campus was specifically designed to stimulate our
dynamic culture and provide a center of excellence to drive innovation, recruitment, and productivity,” he said in an interview with SGB Weekly.
Amenities include outdoor patios and eating areas equipped with wireless
access, BBQ pits and waterfalls for outdoor gatherings and dining, an expansive cafeteria providing fresh, nutritious foods prepared on site, and access to walking and running paths near and around the campus. Said Wulff,
“Employees will be encouraged to get out and explore, drawing inspiration
both inside and outside of the office.”
Underscoring its devotion to health, fitness, and wellness, treadmill desks
are available in the new buildings. Each treadmill moves at a speed of two
miles per hour with no incline, and meant to be used for working while
walking. All workstations include ergonomic Amia Chairs that can be adjusted by preference for maximum comfort. The complex will also include
volleyball courts, a track, a basketball court, a batting cage, and a muchmore robust fitness center. Added Wulff, “At Asics, we’ve always encouraged
our employees to work out, but the new fitness and wellness centers on-site
will provide more opportunities and flexibility to work out during the day.”
A special perk will be access to a training/hydro pool with a staff of physical therapists to assist with rehabilitation and injury management. While
these features are designed for its elite athletes like Ryan Hall and Gwen
Jorgensen, they will be offered to Asics employees as an added benefit.
The headquarters will also provide a company store, a “mother’s rooms” in
each building, and murals of the New York City and LA Marathon finishes
to encourage and inspire, along with sustainable and ergonomic furniture.
“Additionally, we are now centrally located and within walking distance
to a lot of amenities and conveniences for our employees,” said Wulff. “For
example we have several employees who commute into work from LA and
San Diego and are now walking distance to several mass transit options. As
you can imagine there also are a lot of runners at Asics and we are within
close proximity to great running paths and trails. When you run, you need
fuel so naturally we wanted a location that has nearby healthy dining options in addition to our new 10K café where you can get healthy fresh food
and enjoy it outside in the dinning area with a BBQ.”
Many aspects of the complex are designed specifically to create and foster a collaborative and interactive work environment including: Interactive work stations in each department to encourage active sharing of ideas;
common areas and coffee break stations to encourage employees to collaborate; and every eight workstations share a stool called a Buoy for quick
collaborative meetings.
Wulff said he felt it was important to create an interactive and collaborative work environment that is reflective of the Asic’s culture. “Our company
is about teamwork and the celebration of camaraderie and commitment to
athletics and continuous improvement, so it made sense to create a wellness
environment that embodies that spirit,” said Wulff. “The design of the space
offers a motivational environment with interactive work stations in every department to encourage the active sharing of ideas and impromptu brainstorms
to further fuel the innovation that has fueled Asics’ incredible growth.”
The new campus was inspired and fueled by Asic’s recent growth and
plans to continue on this same growth trajectory. “Recently, we’ve experienced 14 percent year-to-year growth and anticipate continued double-digit
growth, which will be aided by the new corporate offices and campus,” said
Wulff. Asics recently reported that sales in the fiscal nine months through
September 30 increased 17.9 percent and operating profits rose 23.2 percent.
In the U.S., Asics America’s net sales increase was also robust, coming in at
14.6 percent while operating income had increases of 6.1 percent.
Headlined by its new GEL-Nimbus and continued strength in its
Asics legend products, running footwear led the growth with a rise of
16.5 percent in the third quarter. Wulff also said “impressive growth” had
come from emerging categories such as Training, Tennis and its Lifestyle
brand, Onitsuka Tiger. Apparel and Accessories were also “significant”
contributors to third-quarter results. “We are on pace to finish with a
strong 2014,” said Wulff. “We continue to hold a leading position in running footwear, gain substantial traction in apparel, and in newer categories such as training and tennis.”
For 2015, Asics America expects to see a boost in its fitness/training
sales due to the expansion of its Spring 2015 fashion-forward studio line
with footwear, apparel, and accessories designed to transition easily from
work to streetwear.
For its retail partners, the new headquarters will include product
showrooms for convenience and to encourage visits and collaboration.
An on-site photo studio will support POP and other efforts. More amenities are planned for the future. “Our architects and designers have worked
diligently to make the overall feel of the campus a place where employees
not only want to show up to work, but are motivated to succeed every
single day,” said Wulff. “The design and décor of the building was chosen
to help strengthen the pride within our company. Most importantly, we
are encouraging our employees to share feedback on the new campus as
we are always looking for ways to continuously improve.” ■
Asics Seeks LEED Green Building Certification
Asics new corporate offices in Irvine will feature the latest in eco-friendly features with a target of receiving enough
LEED points to achieve building certification by late 2015 or early 2016. Primary sustainability features include: 10
waterless urinals saving up to 40,000 gallons per year • low-flow water fixtures and faucet aerators to reduce water
usage • filtered water dispensers and durable, multi-use water bottles to eliminate single-use water bottles (a total of
15,000 bottles per year) • LED lights in parts of the building that usually consume 70 percent less energy than regular
fluorescent bulbs • motion sensor lights in offices and conference rooms • three electric vehicle chargers • low emission
paint and carpet • environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and paper products • natural landscaping and tall trees for
shading in the summer and to cool the buildings naturally • windows for natural light at most work stations • recycling
units at each break area for paper, aluminum and plastic • juice bar and cafe providing natural and organic choices •
energy star appliances.
DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
15
Photo courtesy Craft
Running
Outerwear
Much More
Than
Warmth
BY Thomas J. Ryan
16 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
G
ood running outerwear is a lot about warmth but then again it’s much more than
warmth. Wind and water resistance become even more important for fall and
winter running. With dusk arriving earlier, reflectivity also becomes more critical. Features such as thumbholes or even fist mitts can make all the difference in a chilly run.
An accessible front zipper becomes immeasurable when conditions get too warm.
Stretch to provide the runner with full range of motion has become expected across
a runner’s active wear lineup, according to Robert Fry, global director of product merchandising and design at Mountain Hardwear but support and moisture management
are often overlooked.
“Too much moisture held in the fabric affects comfort and fit and will make a runner cold if improperly dispersed,” said Fry. “The best winter aerobic technology feels
dry to the touch no matter what the circumstances and never loses its shape. It relies
on mechanical stretch as much as it relies on elastane, which is rubber. You can imagine what too much rubber feels like in wintery aerobic situations.”
The Super Power Jacket, $90, for
instance is designed for cold weather
running and cross-training. The jacket
boasts thermal-weight stretch fabric
with a smooth face for durability
and microfleece backing for warmth.
It also features excellent moisture
management, two zippered pockets,
front and back reflectivity, and thumb
loops. The accompanying Super Power
Tight, $70, also boasts thermal-weight
stretch fabric, microfleece backing, and
moisture management with front and
back reflectivity and two secure back
pockets.
“With the Super Power collection
we've taken on, and solved, the classic problem that occurs when moisture
meets stretch,” said Fry. “Lots of fabrics
feel stretchy and supportive when dry
but due to too much elastane, they sag
or become uncomfortable when damp
with perspiration. We carefully tuned
Mountain
our fabric to offer an incredible level of
Hardwear
Super Power
support and stretch but with significantJacket and
ly less elastane. The fabric performs the
tight
same whether it's damp or not, and it's
nearly impossible to tell that it's damp in
the first place since it retains such a dry hand.”
Fry said the best way to encourage a sale is to have the customer try
the garment on to see its value above the running outerwear options they
may find at Old Navy and elsewhere. “Try them on, and concentrate on
the dry, warm feeling the fabric exhibits,” said Fry. “This means it's going
to stay comfortable later when in use in less than ideal conditions. Stretch
fabrics that feel too cool to the touch when on the rack, likely have too much
elastane and will underwhelm when put to the winter
use test. Focus on stretch, support, and a dry hand.”
Here is a roundup of key women’s running outerwear products just reaching
the selling floor:
The UA ColdGear Infrared
Vest, $90, from Under Armour
features lightweight insulation
that helps lock in body heat
without weighing you down.
ColdGear Infrared core uses a
soft, thermo-conductive inner Under Armour ColdGear
Infrared Vest
coating to absorb and retain
body heat. Other key features include reflective front
zipper with stand collar for extra coverage, double
pocketing detail with open welt and zippered storage
pockets, a hidden drawcord in the hem, and 360 degree
reflectivity for low-light safety.
For trail running and other high aerobic cold
Patagonia Wind Shield
weather activity, the Wind Shield Hybrid Soft Shell
Hybrid Soft Shell Pant
Pant, $99, from Patagonia provides lightweight soft-shell protection
with DWR (durable water repellent) while still allowing excess heat and
moisture to escape through its Capilene four panels. Features include
a reflective logo at the left hip, reflective
Patagonia
Houdini
icons below the back knees, and a secure
Pullover
zipper pocket with key loop at center
Jacket
back.
Also from Patagonia, the Houdini
Pullover Jacket, $89, offers a versatile, ultralight pullover silhouette. The zippered
chest pocket converts to a stuffsack with
a reinforced carabineer clip-in loop. The
fabric is a featherweight 100 percent nylon
ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Other features include lightweight snaps at center front, hardelastic cuffs, a drawcord hem and reflective logo on left chest and center
back neck.
From Icebreaker, a major selling point for
the brand is that merino wool resists odor
naturally and can be worn for multiple runs
without washing. Designed for high intensity sports, the Quantum Long Sleeve Zip
Hood, $190, is made from insulating midweight 260gm terry merino without restricting freedom of movement. Features include
eyelet mesh underarm gusset for breathability, reflective center front zip for visibility,
chest pocket with media port, shaped hood,
Icebreaker
Quantum
foldover hand-warmer cuffs, thumb loop,
Long
and drop tail hem.
Sleeve
The Flash Long Sleeve Half Zip, $110,
Zip Hood
(top) and
made from lightweight 150gm merino to
Flash
help regulate body temperature and includes
Long
Sleeve
eyelet mesh panels, a handy stash pocket,
Half Zip
anti-chafe free seams, and zip neck collar for
temperature regulation.
Helly Hansen’s Challenger Jacket 2, $150, is
infused with its H2Flow temperature regulation technology
adding weight-free insulation by trapping
air between the elevated knitted pods. The
three-layer waterproof soft shell features a
windproof fabrication on the front and fullstretch back panel for freedom of movement
and breathability and 360-degree reflectivity.
Front zippers allow the wearer to self-regulate body temperatures.
The Pace ½ Zip Lifa Flow LS 3, $70, upgrades Helly Hansen’s best-selling Pace 1/2
Helly
Zip LS with the addition of Lifa Flow. The
Hansen
main body features an internal construcChallenger
tion of positive and negative spaces to suJacket 2
(top) and
percharge the fiber’s ability to keep skin dry
Pace 1/2
by rapidly wicking moisture away from the
Zip Lifa
body and into the next layer. Other features
Flow LS
DECEMBER 15, 2014 | SGBWeekly.com
17
include quick-drying mesh on the back and underarms for added breathability and flatlock seams, UPF 40 protection, and 360-degree reflectivity.
Asics Storm Shelter Jacket, $130, is a10K/10K water and wind proof
jacket featuring a reflective yarn dyed plaid design with a removable hood
with adjusters. The seam-sealed, fully lined, jacket includes zippered body
vents, 360-degree 3M reflectivity and thumbholes on Lycra wrist gaiters.
Lightweight and breathable, the Accelerate Jacket, $160, is a waterproof
and windproof two-layer stretch fabric jacket with waterproof zipper and
reflective taping, protective wind panel, zipper garage, ventilation with
welded hem, 360-degree reflectivity, internal knit collar, and fitted knit
cuffs with thumbholes.
fabric, a cropped back hem, and
articulated elbows.
From Pearl Izumi, the Fly Softshell
Run Hoody, $140, features stretch
Thermal windblocking fabric panels
and thermal fleece. The windblocking hood adds coverage without restricting vision. Internal fist mitts offer protection from the cold.
The Fly Thermal Run Top, $75, is
equipped with Thermal Fleece fabrication for breathability and warmth.
Brooks PureProject Shelter Jacket
The center front zip is designed to regulate temperature, and the higher cut
neck offers protection.
Pearl Izumi
Fly Softshell
Run Hoody
(left) and Fly
Thermal Run
Top (right)
L to R: Asics Storm Shelter Jacket, Accelerate Jacket and Thermostripe 1/2 Zip
Asics Thermostripe 1/2 Zip, $80, with Thermopolis fabric is now available in a yarn-dye stripe with a zippered mock neck, zipper garage, and
zippered stash pocket with media cord opening. Ergonomic flat seams
contour to the shape of the body to reduce chafing.
The Thermo Windblocker, $125, includes
a quilted sonic-welded PR Shleter windresistant fabric over Asics multi-weather
brushed fabric, ribbed fabric insets for
expanded range of movement, protective
wind panel, zipper garage, and zippered
hand pockets.
Craft PR
Brilliant
Thermal
Wind
Top
From Craft, the PR Brilliant Thermal Wind Top, $110, provides a warm
high-visibility thermal top with wind
panel and headphone cord solution.
Other features include brushed, soft,
thermal fabric for warmth, ergonomic
design for freedom of movement, a
front zipper for easy access and extra
ventilation; and zippered back pocket.
Craft PR
Brilliant
Light
Jacket
Asics Thermo
Windblocker
Made from water-resistant,
stretch woven fabric with polyfill
insulation, Brooks Adapt Jacket,
$180, holds in the heat without
weighing the runner down.
Stretch thermal panels under the
Brooks Adapt Jacket
arms and in the shoulders offer
full range of motion, while the stowable balaclava and front draft flap are present the weather turns nasty. Thumbholes on the sleeves, side zip pockets, an
internal media pocket and reflective highlights on the front and back round
out the thoughtfully designed blend of style and function.
Take a suit jacket, make it runnable, add functionality, and you have
Brooks’ PureProject Shelter Jacket, $200 with water- and windproof
herringbone fabric, a Drirelease liner, 360-degree reflective woven into
18 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
The PR Brilliant Light Jacket, $100, is
a lightweight high-visibility jacket with
high wind protection and ventilation.
Featuring an ergonomic fit, wind-repellent and ventilating fabric, ventilation
panels at sweat zones, two front pockets
with integrated music and key pockets,
and elastic panels for optimal fit.
"Obviously both of these pieces are a
smart sell in winter due to the high visibility and reflectivity, plus the wind- and waterproof front panels," said Meagan Nedlo, run sales manager at Craft Sportswear North America. "But
the Brilliant Thermal Top in particular really sells itself once you consider
that it's actually a midlayer and outer layer in one. You've got the weatherproofing on the outside and warm, soft thermal brushed fabric on the
inside. Start with a baselayer underneath, and you're prepared for even the
harshest winter conditions!" ■
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Fred Doyle receiving his award form
Todd Dalhauser, senior VP of North
American Sales for Saucony
I AM... SGB
Fred Doyle
Co-founder
Athletics East Brand
Recently retired from Saucony, Fred Doyle over the past eight
years helped to strengthen its position in run specialty, first
as a VP of field sales. Saucony president Richie Woodworth
recently stated that Doyle all by himself was worth a point of
market share because of his warm and enduring relationships
with storeowners. Prior to Saucony, Doyle spent 24 years at
Nike and was seen as instrumental in maintaining that brand’s
focus on the specialty run channel in the 1980s and 1990s.
F
red Doyle was once an elite runner who took the tenth best marathon time for
the Greater Boston Track Club and is regarded as a great source of history in
Massachusetts track and field. In 2009, Doyle was inducted into the Independent
Running Retailers Running Specialty Hall of Fame.
Doyle is actually only semi-retired. In August, he co-founded Athletics East Brand,
a maker of custom team uniforms and training gear based in Easton, MA.
Recently presented with an award by Todd Dalhauser, SVP of North American
sales for Saucony at this year’s Running Event, it was noted that Doyle’s most impressive attribute is his uncanny ability to remember the names of people’s spouses and
kids, even down to their personal stories.
20 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
In his acceptance speech, Doyle reminisced on how the industry had changed since the 60s’ and 70s’ when many entrepreneurs (not only Phil Knight) were selling running shoes out
of the trunk of their cars during the first running boom. By the
80s’, the industry became slightly more organized with greater
uniformity around store fronts and shoe walls although, Doyle
joked, “You still had a cigar box for a cash register and the bell
on the door to let them know they’d have to stop taking that
afternoon nap because a customer was coming in.”
In the 90s’, more sophistication arrived with merchandising and marketing coming more strongly into play. Around
the turn of the century, training programs began appearing to
support the widening crop of runners. Progress continued to
be made around merchandising and marketing with outreach
only recently taking another leap forward with the arrival of
social media.
Even between stores and vendors, communications have significantly improved over his career. For example, Doyle pointed
to how in his early days his team had to work with a retailer
from Kentucky with no phone. Said Doyle, “The rep would
send him a postcard three weeks in advance detailing when his
appointment was going to be. If the owner didn’t send a postcard back saying he wouldn’t be there, the rep would keep that
appointment.”
He also touched on how shoe technology always continues
to reinvent the wheel with Velcro and barefoot straps and other
midsole experiments arriving well before the recent minimalism and maximalist trends. He added, “All of these ideas were
supposed to revolutionize the business but what happens is the
pendulum always shifts back. The running industry is weird in
that way.”
Doyle also remarked on what was once a cottage industry
has grown into major enterprise. He thanked Woodworth, who
“assembled an outstanding team at Saucony.” He added, “When
I came, it was probably fifth in the mix. Their shoes were good
but sometimes you only wanted to run late at night or early
in the morning with them. And what Pat O’Malley and his
product team have done has really made a huge difference. The
brand is on the rise and pushing hard towards number two and
no doubt will make a strong push toward number one in the
future.”
He acknowledged his wife, Joy, who “made sure the book
reports and homework got done and PTA meetings were attended” while he was on the road visiting stores, expos, and
trade shows. He quipped, “We had our anniversary last year.
And someone asked her how long we’ve been married and she
responded, “27 wonderful years.” That sounded good until they
found out we’ve been married 37 years. Only 27 turned out to
be so wonderful.”
Finally, he thanked all the retailers he’s visited over the years
and the deeper relationships formed with each store visit, as
well as his friendships with other competing vendors who have
influenced and helped his career.
Doyle concluded, “What started out as a business relationship grew much deeper into friendships and into people who
I’ll always remember and always appreciate.” ■
WINTER TRACTION FOR
ALL YOU DO
1.866.YAKTRAX | WWW.YAKTRAX.COM
©2014 Implus Corporation. Yaktrax® is a registered trademark of Implus Corporation. 12.14
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS
CALENDAR
For full year calendar go to
sportsonesource.com/events
Photo courtesy Helly Hansen
December
February
2-4
EORA Southeast Market
Asheville, NC
2-3 SIA On-Snow Demo Ski-Ride Fest & Nordic Demo
Copper Mountain Resort, CO
3-5
FFANY
New York, NY
3-5
FFANY
New York, NY
9-10
EORA Southeast Market
Ellicott City, MD
5-8 ISPO
Munich, Germany
10-11
Atlanta Fashion Shoe Market
Atlanta, GA
8-12 Worldwide Spring Show
Reno, NV
18-21 Sports Inc. Outdoor Show
Phoenix, AZ
18-23 NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market
Fort Worth, TX
January
6-9 SFIA Sports Tech Conference & Marketplace
Las Vegas, NV
8-10 ATA Trade Show
Indianapolis, IN
8-10 Surf Expo
Orlando, FL
13-17 NBS Winter Market
Fort Worth, TX
14-16 Sports Licensing &
Tailgate Show
Las Vegas, NV
16-18
Imprinted Sportswear Show
Long Beach, CA
20-23 SHOT Show
Las Vegas, NV
20 All Mountain Demo Day
Solitude, UT
21-24 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market
Salt Lake City, UT
29-Feb 1 SIA Snow Show
Denver, CO
22 SGBWeekly.com | DECEMBER 15, 2014
March
3-4 SFIA National Health Through Fitness Day
Washington, D.C.
13-15 Imprinted Sportswear Show
Atlantic City, NJ
May
3-6 NSGA Management conference and Team Dealer Summit
Austin, TX
Athletic Dealers of America
1395 Highland Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32935
t 321.254.0091
f 321.242.7419
athleticdealersofamerica.com
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Flintlock Ridge Office Center
11 Mile Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470
t 203.426.1320
f. 203.426.1087
nssf.org
National Sporting Goods Association
1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
t 847.296.6742
f 847.391.9827
nsga.org
Nation’s Best Sports
4216 Hahn Blvd.
Ft. Worth, TX 76117
t 817.788.0034
f 817.788.8542
nbs.com
Outdoor Industry Association
4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300
Boulder, CO 80301
t 303.444.3353
f 303.444.3284
outdoorindustry.org
Sports & Fitness Industry Association
8505 Fenton St., Suite 211
Silver Spring, MD 20910
t 301.495.6321
f 301.495.6322
sfia.org
Snow Sports Industries America
8377-B Greensboro Drive
McLean, VA 22102
t 703.556.9020
f 703.821.8276
snowsports.org
Sports, Inc.
333 2nd Avenue North
Lewistown, MT 59457
t 406.538.3496
f 406.538.2801
sportsinc.com
Sports Specialists Ltd.
590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110
Victor, NY 14564
t 585.742.1010
f 585.742.2645
sportsspecialistsltd.com
Team Athletic Goods
629 Cepi Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63005
t 636.530.3710
f 636.530.3711
tag1.com
Tennis Industry Association
1 Corpus Christi Place, Suite 117
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
t. 843.686.3036
f. 843.686.3078
tennisIndustry.org
Worldwide
8211 South 194th
Kent, WA 98032
t 253.872.8746
f 253.872.7603
wdi-wdi.com
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Take the demanding trail - Sorbothane® Performance Insoles
will be with you step after step.
• Sorbothane® Makes The Difference
• Actually cradling the foot in natural comfort
• Sorbothane® protects the entire body by absorbing
up to 94.7% of impact shock
• Recommended for over 30 years
Sorbothane® insoles provide comfort and are your best defense
against impact related pain and injury.
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Find out more:
800.838.3906
insoles-sorbothane.com
100% MADE IN USA
Y O U
R E S P O N D
T O
T H E
T E R R A I N .
S O
SHOULD YOUR SHOE.
E C C O
B I O M
T R A I L
F L
G T X
Flexibility and responsiveness. BIOM technology for a natural running feel.
Waterproof GORE-TEX® upper. Low profile construction and outstanding grip for
maximum responsiveness on any surface.
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