CORPORATE AND M&A
+++ eBay has agreed to acquire fashion resale platform Depop from Etsy for approximately $1.2bn in cash to strengthen its consumer-to-consumer business and expand its reach among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approval
+++ Shanghai-based outdoor brand Outopia has completed a Series B funding round led by Meridian Capital, with participation from Challenger Capital, Ventech China and repeat investor Shunwei Capital, to support its expansion in the professional outdoor sports market +++
FINANCIAL REPORTING
+++ Etsy reported lower revenue and gross merchandise sales in the fourth quarter and full year 2025, citing continued pressure on discretionary consumer spending while outlining cost controls and strategic investments to stabilize performance in 2026
+++ JPMorgan downgraded VF Corp to Underweight and cut its price target to $18 on Feb. 23, citing slower-than-expected revenue growth, continued weakness at Vans and a longer path to margin recovery than management’s targets +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Amer Sports has been certified as a China Top Employer 2026 for the second consecutive year, recognizing its continued investment in talent development, employee engagement and organizational growth in the region +++
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ Sport England has announced a restructuring and leadership team overhaul, including new executive roles and portfolio changes, to align the organization more closely with its upcoming operational plan and long-term strategy
+++ Mammut North America has appointed former The North Face executive Emily Buck as Director of Marketing to lead brand growth, storytelling and community engagement across the US and Canada +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Vibram is bringing its “Mountains of Milano” film tour to the US, showcasing climbing and mountain culture through a series of events aimed at connecting with the outdoor community
+++ Zamberlan is expanding its lightweight hiking and approach lineup for Spring 2026 with three new models – the Exotrail GTX, Free Blast Pro and Muir RR – designed to deliver versatile, fast-moving performance across trail, mountain and everyday use
+++ Norwegian women’s performance apparel brand Kari Traa has signed on as title sponsor of Twelve, a women-led ski film following two friends committed to skiing together every month for a year, with a planned release in early winter 2027
+++ Keen is expanding its trail running category with the launch of the versatile Roam model alongside its Seek shoe, building on its “Consciously Created” approach with durable, high-mileage designs for varied terrain
+++ Fristads has signed a four-year agreement to supply Norsk Scania AS’s 45 Norwegian locations with a comprehensive, sustainability-focused workwear range, expanding an existing international partnership between the two companies
+++ La Sportiva will be present at Skimofestival in Santa Caterina Valfurva, Italy, on March 6-8, 2026, with a series of brand activations, including Skimo Sotto le Stelle (March 6), Skimo Adventure (March 7) and Skimo Challenge (March 8)
+++ Kuiu has expanded its workwear line with the new Groundwork Stretch Woven Pant, a durable, water- and odor-resistant pant with reinforced panels, ventilation and removable knee pads designed for high-mobility use in demanding outdoor and trade environments +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Portland-based outdoor brand collective Minimal Gear has added Cowboy Camping – an ultralight backpacking accessories brand founded by Whitney “Allgood” La Ruffa and made from HDPE flashspun fabric – to its portfolio alongside Cnoc Outdoors and Diorite Gear, introducing products such as groundsheets, sit pads, stuff sacks and zip cubes
+++ Swiss sportswear brand On has opened its first store in Kuwait at The Avenues Mall, marking its second Gulf location and part of a plan to expand to nine GCC stores while strengthening local community ties and athlete partnerships
+++ Swedish sporting goods retailer Sportshopen is expanding its footprint with three new store openings in Västerås, Sundsvall and Storlien following a challenging period, signaling renewed growth and confidence in its retail strategy
+++ E-bike brand VanMoof has chosen Tandem Group as its new exclusive distributor for the UK +++
TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS
+++ Emerald’s Overland Expo SoCal returns to Costa Mesa on March 14–15, 2026, bringing more than 400 exhibitors, extensive educational programming and community events to launch the overlanding season in Southern California +++
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