EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ Alterra Mountain Company announced that CEO Jared Smith plans to step down at the end of the current season, with an interim Office of the CEO led by board representatives overseeing operations while the company conducts a search for his successor +++
LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL
+++ The North Face has joined Assosport, the Italian sporting goods industry association
+++ Norwegian heritage brand Brynje, founded in 1887 and known for its high-performance mesh baselayers used since the 1953 Everest ascent, has joined SOG as a new member +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Swiss freeride legend Sam Anthamatten has joined the La Sportiva Skimo team, where he will contribute his alpine expertise to the development of the brand’s touring product category and support its evolving vision of modern ski mountaineering
+++ Scott has signed Spanish trail runner Nicolás (Nico) Molina to its running team
+++ French outdoor brand Aigle is teaming up with Satoshi Kuwata, founder of Setchu and 2023 LVMH Prize winner, on a capsule collection debuting in September 2026
+++ Arcade Belts has launched the Hardware Slim, a lighter, low-profile version of its utility work belt designed for professional and outdoor use while maintaining durability, stretch support and a micro-adjustable fit
+++ Discount retailer Lidl is launching the CarbonLite 1.0 running shoe, a €70 carbon-plate trainer designed to offer performance features similar to premium racing shoes ahead of the marathon season
+++ Austrian bike leasing provider Firmenradl has partnered with UNIQA and Knapp Digital to introduce a new insurance solution for service bike leasing contracts starting Feb. 1, 2026, featuring expanded coverage, higher insured bike values and simplified digital processes for employers and employees
+++ Sustainable apparel brand Paka launched its Women’s Original Crew alpaca sweater for International Women’s Month, highlighting the role of women artisans, farmers and team members who contribute to the brand’s products and community initiatives +++
TRADE SHOW & EVENTS
+++ Yarn Expo in Shanghai on March 11-13, organized by Messe Frankfurt and running concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai, saw a 9 percent increase in exhibitors compared to the spring edition in 2025
+++ The Life Time Sea Otter Classic, the world’s largest cycling festival, will return to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County for four days of racing, rides, expo events and family activities, including a new trail run +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Swiss sportswear brand On has opened its first standalone retail store in South Korea, a three-level flagship in Seoul’s Hannam district designed around the city’s night running culture and intended to serve as a hub for the local running community
+++ US performance footwear brand Hoka will open its first store in Italy this summer on Corso Garibaldi in Milan, marking another step in its European retail expansion following recent openings in London and Paris
+++ California-based apparel brand Vuori is planning to open a roughly 520 sqm store at Tampa’s International Plaza, according to city permit filings for a $950,000 renovation project
+++ Salomon has opened Casa Salomon, its first Latin American flagship store and community hub for runners and creatives, in Mexico City’s Roma Norte district +++
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