CORPORATE AND M&A
+++ According to a LinkedIn post by VF Corp., the company has opened a new 2,500-sqm building at its EMEA headquarters in Stabio, Switzerland, expanding its campus for more than 1,000 associates and adding modern work, collaboration, wellbeing and sports facilities +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Vallon and Topo Designs have launched a limited-edition version of Vallon’s Howlin’ sunglasses, combining performance eyewear technology with Topo Designs’ signature outdoor-inspired design aesthetic in an exclusive release available through Topo Designs channels
+++ Packfire will debut its new compact Ember Fire Pit and a range of compatible accessories at Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, Oregon, while offering live demonstrations and event-exclusive discounts on both the Ember and original Packfire Fire Pit models
+++ Superfeet has upgraded its ME3D platform to allow consumers to order personalized 3D-printed insoles from an iPhone scan, introducing two new foam options tailored to different running footwear preferences and performance needs
+++ Amazfit, the global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health, has announced a new partnership with American explorer and photographer Chris Burkard
+++ A cryptic Van Deer social media post has sparked speculation that Marcel Hirscher’s ski brand may be close to signing another top female World Cup racer, with New Zealand’s Alice Robinson and Albania’s Lara Colturi emerging as the leading candidates
+++ Paddle BC has launched its first-ever Paddle BC Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses that contribute to a safer, more inclusive and sustainable paddling community across British Columbia, Canada, with nominations open through July 31 and winners to be announced on August 4, 2026
+++ Therabody has launched CryoTherm Palm, a scientifically validated handheld thermoregulation device that cools athletes’ palms to lower core body temperature, delay fatigue and improve performance, with early adoption by England’s national football team and international rollout planned for late 2026 +++
LEGAL & INSTITUTIONAL
+++ The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal Phase 1 review of eBay’s planned $1.2bn acquisition of fashion resale platform Depop, with a decision due by Aug. 6 on whether to approve the deal or open a deeper investigation
+++ South Korea’s privacy regulator has fined e-commerce giant Coupang 625 billion won (€398m), the largest data-breach penalty in the country’s history, after finding that more than 33 million customers’ personal data was exposed due to inadequate security measures and unlawful collection of user information +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Timberland has opened a new store at New Jersey’s American Dream Mall as part of its retail expansion strategy, showcasing footwear, apparel and accessories while using special activations and its new global mascot “Timmy the Rat” to drive consumer engagement
+++ UK-based outdoor clothing brand Trailberg has opened a new store at the Liverpool One shopping mall +++
TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS
+++ Pentland Brands has partnered with Graduate Fashion Week 2026 in London (June 15–18) to host a careers fair and connect emerging fashion talent with employment opportunities across its portfolio of sportswear, outdoor and lifestyle brands
+++ ASAP Fashion Show, the B2B event for ski and outdoor industry professionals, organized by Sportair in Annecy, France, will return on Nov. 26, 2026
+++ Next year’s edition of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX) will be held in Prague on June 23-27, 2027, following the upcoming edition in Barcelona on June 10-12, 2026 +++
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ USA Surfing has appointed longtime executive and surfer Greg Hulsizer as CEO, succeeding Becky Fleischauer as the organization prepares for the LA28 Olympic Games at Lower Trestles following its recent recognition as the sport’s official US governing body +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Skechers announced that its BOBS philanthropic brand has surpassed $14m in donations to animal welfare organizations worldwide, helping more than 2 million shelter dogs and cats find homes while extending its partnership with Best Friends Animal Society through a new $500,000 commitment in 2026 +++
E-COMMERCE & DTC
+++ Amazon has launched an AI-powered image generator within its shopping app that creates product visuals from text descriptions, allowing customers to refine searches visually and shop similar items, initially across apparel and home goods categories
+++ Flywheel has entered a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group to support the global marketplace growth of Authentic’s portfolio of more than 50 brands through retail media, advertising, data analytics and commerce optimization across digital retail platforms +++
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