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
+++ Escalade, a US-based sporting goods and recreational equipment manufacturer and marketer, has appointed Patrick J. Griffin, who has been serving as interim Chief Executive Officer and President, as full-time Chief Executive Officer and President, effective March 5, 2026
+++ Jason Archer has joined Canada Goose as Senior Vice President of Operations and Business Development for APAC, where he will oversee regional expansion, operations and go-to-market execution as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy in the region +++
CORPORATE AND M&A
+++ Foot Locker is reportedly laying off employees in New York and Florida as part of ongoing restructuring efforts tied to its repositioning strategy and evolving partnerships, including changes involving Champs Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods +++
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
+++ American Outdoor Brands has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in a US federal court against Eposeidon Outdoor Adventure and its KastKing brand, alleging unauthorized use of patented technology in its Bubba fillet knife products and seeking damages and injunctive relief +++
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
+++ POC has partnered with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming as its official safety equipment provider, supplying helmets, eyewear and body protection for year-round resort operations starting in March 2026
+++ Nomadix has partnered with Brooks Running to launch its first run-focused collaboration, introducing a capsule of seven warm-weather performance products, including a co-branded Ghost Trail shoe and complementary gear for pre-, during- and post-run use
+++ Colorado-based Alpacka Raft has introduced the Pocket Packraft, a roughly 1.2-meter, 900-gram whitewater-capable model designed for extreme packability and maneuverability in tight conditions
+++ Peak Performance and the Freeride World Tour have extended their partnership through 2031, continuing their collaboration to support athlete development, product innovation and the growth of the global freeride community +++
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
+++ Decathlon has opened a new store in Valencia’s Arena shopping center, bringing its total to eight locations in the metropolitan area as part of its ongoing expansion and proximity-focused retail strategy in Spain
+++ Decathlon is promoting its UK BuyBack program, allowing customers to trade in used sports equipment from any brand for instant cash or store credit, with additional incentives such as a limited-time bonus on bikes, as part of its circular retail strategy
+++ A new Intersport Superstore in Halle, Germany, offers a broad multi-category assortment supported by omnichannel services, experiential retail design and a permanent “Super Sale” area, while serving as a strategic flagship for the group’s planned expansion to 100 new locations by 2030 +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ DyStar has achieved ISO 14001 certification for its Gabus plant, reinforcing its sustainability strategy through improved environmental management, resource efficiency, and reduced operational impact +++
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