RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Columbia Sportswear has opened a new store at Marineda City in A Coruña, further expanding its retail footprint in Spain as part of a broader growth strategy supported by retail partner Experience Group
+++ French outdoor brand Millet opened a 280 sqm store in Toulouse, on 19 rue des Puits Clos +++
CORPORATE AND M&A
+++ The largest specialty retailer of boating and marine products in the US, West Marine, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to close 59 stores as part of a restructuring effort, underscoring ongoing financial pressures across the outdoor retail sector that have also affected companies such as Big Rock Sports and Orvis
+++ Perfect Moment, the UK-based luxury skiwear and lifestyle brand, will move its stock from the NYSE American to the OTCQB market after failing to meet the exchange’s minimum equity requirements, a move the company says will reduce costs and allow greater focus on growth initiatives and international expansion +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Aventon has signed World Cup downhill racer Angel Suarez Alonso as title sponsor of his privateer program through 2026, with the Spanish athlete also serving as a brand ambassador, content creator and technical advisor for the development of future Aventon e-MTB platforms
+++ Bike Park Kronplatz has become the official destination partner of Cube’s Enduro World Cup team, with the team choosing the South Tyrolean venue as its exclusive training bike park as Kronplatz expands its trail network, upgrades infrastructure, and prepares to open the 2026 season on June 20
+++ Sanuk has partnered with Dippin’ Dots to launch a limited-edition collection of kids’ Bubblecush flip-flops inspired by the ice cream brand’s signature beaded treats, available in the US in two flavor-themed colorways starting at $39
+++ MSR will expand its cookware range in spring 2027 with the ultralight Titan Pour Over and a new plastic-free French Press system, targeting backpackers and stove users seeking a premium backcountry coffee experience
+++ Crazy Creek has expanded its water-sports seating range with the launch of the self-inflating, waterproof Paddle Chair XL, a larger version of its Paddle Chair designed for kayaks, paddleboards and other on-water activities
+++ PackTowl has expanded its Artist Series collection for spring 2027 with three new nature-inspired towel designs – Sol Duc, Lake Days and Big Bend – featuring artwork from outdoor-focused artists and printed on its recycled, quick-drying Personal Towel +++
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ Evolution Outdoor, a Texas-based manufacturer of fishing tackle storage systems, hunting gear and outdoor equipment, has appointed former St. Croix Rods executive Steve Self as VP of Sales, tasking the 40-year industry veteran with leading buying group, distributor and international sales growth initiatives
+++ The General Assembly of the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of the organization +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Marseille’s second Slow Fashion Week highlighted the city’s grassroots, community-driven approach to sustainable fashion by showcasing locally made, upcycled clothing and accessories through accessible public events aimed at reducing textile waste and promoting more responsible consumption +++
EVENTS
+++ Registration has opened for the 15th edition of La Stelvio Santini, scheduled for June 5–6, 2027, featuring discounted early-bird entries, an updated and more accessible gravel route, the return of its three established road courses, and a special anniversary offer on Santini’s new Sensation bib shorts +++
ADVENTURE TOURISM
+++ SQlab and Austria’s Dips&Drops bike hotel in Flachau have launched what they describe as Europe’s first bike ergonomics test center within a hotel, offering guests individual bike-fit measurements and on-site testing of ergonomic components to improve comfort, health and riding performance +++
Click here to access our Short Stop archive
