E-COMMERCE & DTC
+++ Klarna has surpassed one million merchant partners globally – up 47% year over year – driven by expanding payment integrations and strong growth in high-frequency categories such as leisure, sports, and wellness
+++ Klarna also announced that its Klarna Card has reached 5 million active users globally, driven by demand for flexible, debit-based payments with optional installment features and rewards without traditional credit card debt +++
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ Brooks has reshuffled its leadership team with several C-suite promotions, including appointing Mike Billish as SVP and GM of the Americas, expanding Melanie Allen’s role as CMO, and elevating Carson Caprara to Chief Product Officer, as the company reported 16% revenue growth
+++ eBay has appointed former HomeAway CEO Brian Sharples to its Board of Directors, adding technology and marketplace expertise to support its next phase of growth
+++ Evoc Sports has appointed Rafael Erath, formerly head of hardgoods at Vaude, as Head of Product Management to lead product strategy across its pack, protection and travel categories +++
FINANCIAL REPORTING
+++ S&P Global has upgraded GSM Outdoors’ outlook to stable from negative while affirming its B credit rating, citing revenue growth, improved margins driven by subscription sales, stronger cash flow and expectations of continued performance and acquisitions
+++ Alibaba reported declining profits as aggressive retail promotions failed to deliver expected sales growth, highlighting ongoing pressure on its core e-commerce business +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Superfeet has launched Run Pacer, a $44.99 performance insole using advanced SuperRev foam to deliver cushioning and energy return at a more accessible price point for a growing new generation of runners
+++ Peak Design has been named to Fast Company’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, ranking No. 8 in the “Small and Mighty” category, reflecting its recent product innovation and design-driven approach
+++ Lowa has signed Austrian twin trail runners Manuel and Hans-Peter Innerhofer to its trail running team to strengthen its presence in the category and support product development and brand representation +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Regatta Great Outdoors has expanded its partnership with PGL, the UK’s biggest outdoor education provider, into a second year, supplying 6,000 waterproof garments and supporting education programs to help more children access outdoor experiences regardless of weather or financial barriers +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Cotopaxi has opened a new retail store in Jackson Hole’s Town Square, expanding its global presence to over 20 locations and citing the area’s outdoor culture and alignment with the brand’s mission as key factors
+++ US brand Cotopaxi has also opened a pop-up store at Milano Centrale, Milan’s main railway station, which will operate until April 4
+++ Hamburg-based wholesaler TTP will distribute British outdoor changing robe brand Dryrobe B2B across the DACH region
+++ Santini Cycling will start direct distribution in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg as part of its global expansion
+++ Italian mountain sports brand La Sportiva has announced the opening of a new brand store in Arco (Trento), a popular rock-climbing destination
+++ REI’s $30 lifetime Co-op Membership combines an annual 10% purchase reward with services, extended returns and community-driven programs, positioning customers as long-term participants rather than one-time buyers
+++ Wilderness Exchange, a Denver-based retailer known for affordable used outdoor gear, will close after 26 years in business, with owner Don Bushey citing no specific reason, Denver Post reports
+++ Protest Sportswear has partnered with Diadema Distribution to represent and grow its business in Italy, replacing long-time distributor Option Sports as part of a strategy to strengthen its market position and drive future growth +++
TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS
+++ Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the first Amazon Marathon, a new endurance running event taking place on Sept. 9, 2026 in Puerto Maldonado, on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest +++
OBITUARY
+++ Whistler skier Kai Smart, 23, has died after being buried in an avalanche in Japan, leaving behind a legacy as a passionate and widely admired young athlete and adventurer +++
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