The latest news, analysis and data on key outdoor segments including trail running, climbing, b/c snowsports, cycling, kanu & kayak, camping, adventure travel, urban outdoor, hunting & fishing and more.
Jack Wolfskin’s CEO resigns
Jack Wolfskin confirmed to SGI Europe that Richard Collier has resigned as CEO to pursue another opportunity and be closer to his family in Oslo, Norway. He will remain in his position until the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition and continuity of leadership.
Arc’teryx re-opens refreshed Boston store
Canadian brand Arc’teryx has reopened its 280-sqm retail store in Boston’s popular Newbury Street shopping district. The newly designed space also features a unique art installation that tells the story of how Arc’teryx’s innovative products are created from concept to development and then tested under the harshest conditions.
New Country Manager for Helly Hansen Italy
Michele Battocchio is the new country manager for Italy of the Norwegian brand Helly Hansen. Battocchio has more than 25 years of experience in sporting goods, footwear and fashion at the national and international level. He previously worked for UYN, Garmont and Northwave. Battocchio will be based at Helly Hansen’s ...
Lagoped raises €5.7 million
French outdoor clothing brand Lagoped has announced the completion of a funding round worth €5.7 million. The company raised around €3.2 million from private equity firms HPF and Vox Capital. Christophe Cordonnier, the company’s co-founder with Julien Désecures and Pierre Derieux, has retained a majority stake. In addition, Lagoped obtained ...
Arc’teryx re-opens refreshed Boston store
Canadian brand Arc’teryx has reopened its 280-sqm retail store in Boston’s popular Newbury Street shopping district. The newly designed space also features a unique art installation that tells the story of how Arc’teryx’s innovative products are created from concept to development and then tested under the harshest conditions.
Lagoped raises €5.7 million
French outdoor clothing brand Lagoped has announced the completion of a funding round worth €5.7 million. The company raised around €3.2 million from private equity firms HPF and Vox Capital. Christophe Cordonnier, the company’s co-founder with Julien Désecures and Pierre Derieux, has retained a majority stake. In addition, Lagoped obtained ...
Deuter donates €5,000 to EOCA project
As part of Deuter’s 125th anniversary, a limited edition Guide 34+8 backpack set off on a 60-day journey across the countries of Germany, Austria, Italy and Portugal under the title “Deuter Anniversarally,“ which started in mid-June 2023. On eleven different stages, around 2,174 km were covered on land, on water ...
Columbia Sportswear releases 2022 Impact Report
Columbia Sportswear Company has released its Impact Report 2022, which highlights the company’s performance and progress across the three pillars of its corporate responsibility strategy: Empowering People, Sustaining Places and Responsible Practices.
Former Thule CEO appointed to Hestra’s board
Magnus Welander has been appointed to the board of the Swedish company Hestra Gloves. Welander joins Hestra after 14 years as CEO of Thule Group. Under his leadership, the outdoor company has achieved impressive growth, with an increased brand presence and several new product segments. Before Hestra, he spent many ...
Snowboard binding and other everyday items reconceived for the closed loop
UPM Biochemicals has teamed up with the College of Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London (UAL) to develop prototypes of products for a “world beyond fossils,” including a modular, interchangeable snowboard binding. The idea is to reduce the amount of materials used while substituting renewables for ...
Jack Wolfskin’s CEO resigns
Jack Wolfskin confirmed to SGI Europe that Richard Collier has resigned as CEO to pursue another opportunity and be closer to his family in Oslo, Norway. He will remain in his position until the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition and continuity of leadership.
Arc’teryx re-opens refreshed Boston store
Canadian brand Arc’teryx has reopened its 280-sqm retail store in Boston’s popular Newbury Street shopping district. The newly designed space also features a unique art installation that tells the story of how Arc’teryx’s innovative products are created from concept to development and then tested under the harshest conditions.
Salomon is welcoming seven para athletes as brand ambassadors
Salomon has announced the inclusion of seven amputee athletes as brand ambassadors. The team is comprised of hikers, snowboarders, runners, cyclists and a dancer, all with a unique story while sharing a common love for the outdoors.
Icebug starts collaboration with Danish supplier of sustainable leather
By using fully traceable leather from Scandinavia, Swedish footwear manufacturer Icebug can further reduce its carbon footprint. This is possible thanks to a collaboration with Spoor, a Danish company specializing in sustainable leather.
UTMB launches new sustainability roadmap, “UTMB for the Planet”
UTMB Group has launched “UTMB for the Planet,” a new action plan focusing on regenerating our planet and UTMB communities. The project builds on the actions in place at the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc since 2003. UTMB for the Planet will guide all the sustainability actions of UTMB Group and will ...
Trade show organizer Raccoon Media acquired by investment company
Cuil Bay Capital, a new U.K.-based investment firm led by exhibition entrepreneur Doug Emslie, has announced its first investment with the acquisition of a majority stake in U.K.-based Raccoon Media Group. Raccoon was founded in 2016 and achieved great success with the launch of the National Running Show. Since then, ...
Janne Mahlamäki appointed GM EMEA at Grundéns
Swedish fishing apparel and footwear manufacturer Grundéns has appointed Janne Mahlamäki as new General Manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Mahlamäki brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the outdoor and fishing industries and will continue Grundéns’ growth and transformation journey in ...
Bid entered for Clarus’ Precision Sport segment
Clarus has received from its own executive chairman a “non-binding indication of interest” to acquire for about $160 million the Precision Sport segment, which includes the Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets subsidiaries. Warren B. Kanders filed his statement of beneficial ownership with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on ...
Grundéns appoints Nicolas Cederström Warchalowski as CEO
Fishing apparel and footwear manufacturer Grundéns has hired Nicolas Cederström Warchalowski as its new CEO, effective Sept. 11. Warchalowski most recently served as the CEO of sport fishing company Rapala, a role he held since March 2020. A Swedish national, Warchalowski has more than 25 years of leadership experience in ...
Vista Outdoor announces public filing to spin off its outdoor product brands
Vista Outdoor Inc., the parent company of 41 sports and outdoor brands, filed a public registration statement on Form 10 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Sept. 5, 2023, in connection with its previously announced plan to separate its Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments into two independent, ...
Northwave launches sustainably designed mountain bike shoe
Italian brand Northwave presents the Tailwhip Eco Evo, a new shoe designed using sustainable materials and focusing on circular economy and durability. Northwave calls the shoe an ecological evolution of the existing performance model Northwave Tailwhip, a flat pedal mountain bike shoe very popular with freeride and all-mountain enthusiasts.
Spanish booking platform expands from snow to sun
Vivra hopes to become for sports classes what Playtomic has become for tennis and padel – the top online bookings platform. Founded in 2022 as a booking site for ski classes, the company has expanded from winter to summer sports and put together a network of 50 partner companies operating ...
A glimpse into a neighboring industry
Stephan Brutscher from Sunlight explains why collaborations between camper manufacturers and outdoor brands are the perfect match.
Jenny Tough on the outdoors, diversity and sustainability
Endurance athlete and solo adventurer Jenny Tough on how she rates the industry progress in sustainability and diversity, and her wish for the Outdoor sector.
Leatt announces new hires focusing on MTB market
South African protective gear maker Leatt Corp. has strengthened its sales and marketing team with two new hires, Bastian Dietz and Dain Zaffke, focusing on the mountain biking (MTB) market. Dietz will serve as International Marketing Manager, MTB, while Zaffke will serve as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, MTB.
Deuter donates €5,000 to EOCA project
As part of Deuter’s 125th anniversary, a limited edition Guide 34+8 backpack set off on a 60-day journey across the countries of Germany, Austria, Italy and Portugal under the title “Deuter Anniversarally,“ which started in mid-June 2023. On eleven different stages, around 2,174 km were covered on land, on water ...
New Cycle becomes shareholder and partner in Freebike
Oldenburg, Germany-based New Cycle GmbH (formerly Cycle Union) has joined Dutch e-bike provider Freebike B.V., based in Rosmalen, as a minority shareholder. Details of the acquisition, what minority stake New Cycle is now holding in Freebike and what was paid for it were not disclosed.
Mavic bolsters OEM offering with business unit manager
Targeted investment in the modernization of domestic production facilities at its historic Saint-Trivier sur Moignans production site will enable Mavic, the traditional French bicycle components brand to respond even faster to the changing needs of its customers, the company said. In this context, François Joly was appointed to the team ...
Solo Brands lifts Ebitda margin as Q2 wholesale revenues soar
Solo Brands lifted its annual Ebitda margin target after a strong rise in second-quarter earnings and wholesale revenues. The owner of four lifestyle brands said wholesale revenues increased 57 percent to $31.3 million in the three months to June 30, compared to $19.9 million a year ago.
U.S. action sports show Surf Expo will feature select outdoor product segments
Trade shows around the world continue to look for ways to redefine themselves or strengthen their presence in the order market, which is increasingly dominated by digital or exclusive events. The latest example is Florida’s Surf Expo, a three-day action sports trade show in Orlando produced by Emerald X, the ...
OutDoor by ISPO provided community and inspiration again in 2023
Three days, over 650 exhibitors and satisfying visitor numbers. OutDoor by ISPO 2023 is over and has been hailed as a success. Now in its second year at the MOC Event and Order Center, the mood was once again that of a community coming together, whether that be for business ...
AirMarker Balloon: A new innovative mountain rescue device from Switzerland
AirMarker, a start-up from Switzerland, has unveiled the AirMarkers R.One, the world’s first balloon rescue system – a portable, ultra-light signal balloon. The system speeds up the search process for accident victims or missing persons and represents a new category of its own in the outdoor market. The AirMarker system ...
Jack Wolfskin’s CEO resigns
Jack Wolfskin confirmed to SGI Europe that Richard Collier has resigned as CEO to pursue another opportunity and be closer to his family in Oslo, Norway. He will remain in his position until the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition and continuity of leadership.
The final program of EOS 2023 in Berlin
The European Outdoor Summit (EOS) is held annually for around 300 delegates to learn more about and discuss the issues that we, as an industry, collectively face. The topics are always related to industry needs and focus on current and future economic, technical and social trends, to develop a theme ...
Spanish booking platform expands from snow to sun
Vivra hopes to become for sports classes what Playtomic has become for tennis and padel – the top online bookings platform. Founded in 2022 as a booking site for ski classes, the company has expanded from winter to summer sports and put together a network of 50 partner companies operating ...
Application phase for Fjällräven Polar starts end of October
In April 2024, Fjällräven Polar will offer 20 people from all over the world the chance to experience a 300 km expedition through the Arctic tundra of Scandinavia. For five days, the adventurers will steer their dog sleds through the vast icy landscapes, immersing themselves in a world completely different ...
Cascade Design appoints new VP of HR
Cascade Designs, the parent company of MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl and Varilite, has hired Minor Harris as its new vice president of human resources. Harris will be based in the brand’s Reno, Nevada office and will be responsible for the company’s human resources and culture strategy. He has more ...
Pelican appoints new CEO
Pelican Products, a U.S.-based manufacturer of rugged, mission-critical protective cases, coolers, outdoor accessories and temperature-controlled packaging, announced the appointment of James “JC” Curleigh as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Phil Gyori, who has led the company since 2016.
The final program of EOS 2023 in Berlin
The European Outdoor Summit (EOS) is held annually for around 300 delegates to learn more about and discuss the issues that we, as an industry, collectively face. The topics are always related to industry needs and focus on current and future economic, technical and social trends, to develop a theme ...
Helinox signs SME Climate Commitment
Helinox, the South Korean maker of lightweight, packable outdoor furniture, has continued its efforts in sustainable business practices by taking an important pledge as part of the United Nations’ global Race to Zero campaign. The brand has joined the SME (small to medium sized enterprise) Climate Commitment and will integrate ...
Indigenous footwear brand Manitobah is B Corp certified
Manitobah, an Indigenous-rooted footwear brand internationally known for its Manitobah mukluks and founded in Winnipeg in 1997 by Sean McCormick, has received its B Corporation certification. One of more than 7,400 companies worldwide, Manitobah is now part of a global community committed to renewing corporate success through an emphasis on ...
Jack Wolfskin’s CEO resigns
Jack Wolfskin confirmed to SGI Europe that Richard Collier has resigned as CEO to pursue another opportunity and be closer to his family in Oslo, Norway. He will remain in his position until the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition and continuity of leadership.
Houdini expands circularity platform, launches “Houdini Circle”
Swedish sportswear company and sustainability pioneer Houdini is expanding its circularity platform, opening “Houdini Circle,” the first retail concept of its kind, in Stockholm on Sept. 28.
National Geographic opens first outdoor clothing store in China
National Geographic Apparel has inaugurated a new store in Nanjing, at the Deji Plaza shopping mall. It is the brand’s first flagship store in Mainland China. Its pop-up store in Beijing will conclude the pre-opening business in October and start official operations in October. The Nanjing store features large-scale nature ...
VW’s financial service takes a stake in Pon’s bike leasing subsidiary
On Sept. 4, the Volkswagen Group announced in a side sentence at a press conference (much of which was about cars and less about bikes) at the IAA Mobility press day in Munich that it planned to enter the bike leasing business. Pon Holdings B.V., a company familiar with the ...
KSR Group files for court-supervised restructuring proceedings
Austrian two-wheeler wholesaler and importer KSR Group announced on Sept. 6 that it will file for court-ordered restructuring proceedings. Due to increased energy prices, high inflation and the loss of customers’ purchasing power, the economic situation has changed drastically over the past year in the markets served by the family-owned ...
Thule opens pop-up in Taipei with Hong Kong artist Shawn Yue
In late August, Thule announced the opening of its pop-up store in Taipei’s vibrant Xinyi District. It is located in A13, Far East Departure Store, a prime department store in Taiwan, similar to Galerie Layette in Paris. The temporary store opened on Aug. 25 and will operate until Sept. 17, ...
Pierer reports strong H1 sales and revenue, PTWs offset bicycle sales
Pierer Mobility AG achieved record sales of EUR 1.39 million in the first six months of the year (+20.2 percent compared to the first half of the prior year). This result is mainly due to the excellent development of the PTW (Power Two-Wheelers = motorcycles and e-bikes) business.
Former Thule CEO appointed to Hestra’s board
Magnus Welander has been appointed to the board of the Swedish company Hestra Gloves. Welander joins Hestra after 14 years as CEO of Thule Group. Under his leadership, the outdoor company has achieved impressive growth, with an increased brand presence and several new product segments. Before Hestra, he spent many ...
Indigenous footwear brand Manitobah is B Corp certified
Manitobah, an Indigenous-rooted footwear brand internationally known for its Manitobah mukluks and founded in Winnipeg in 1997 by Sean McCormick, has received its B Corporation certification. One of more than 7,400 companies worldwide, Manitobah is now part of a global community committed to renewing corporate success through an emphasis on ...
Worldly appoints new CFO
Worldly, the integrated software platform that helps companies take responsibility for their supply chain impacts (formerly known as Higg) announced the appointment of Francois Thrower as its new Chief Financial Officer. The California-based company focuses on providing social and environmental sustainability data technology to consumer brands. Thrower’s career spans more ...
Tatonka installs photovoltaic system at Vietnam manufacturing facility
Tatonka commissioned a 550 kWp photovoltaic system at its manufacturing facility in Binh Dinh, Vietnam, in August 2023. The system with 828 solar panels provides an average of 2,300 kilowatt hours of energy per day. According to the company, the electricity generated will be consumed immediately and cover about 65 ...