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FEBRUARY 18, 2013 ISSUE 1307 The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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SGB WEEKLY 1307
Transcript of SGB WEEKLY 1307
FEBRUARY 18, 2013ISSUE 1307
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
FOR THE SIXTH ANNUAL SGB ‘40 UNDER 40’
AWARDS*
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE.CONTACT KATIE O’DONOHUE AT 828.244.3043 OR EMAIL [email protected]
FINALISTS WILL BE HONORED IN THE MAY ISSUE OF SGB MAGAZINE
SGB40UNDER40.COM
THE AWARDS ARE OPEN TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 40 ACTIVELY WORKING IN THE SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY.
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!
*To be eligible, candidates must be born on or after January 1, 1973 and work in the sporting goods industry. Candidates can represent suppliers, distributors, agencies, manufacturers, or trade associations. They can be CEOs, key retail executives, buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, managers, marketing/PR agents and/or sales reps.
Ultra-Wide Wheel - Stabilizes movement
to carve left, right and center
Performance Grips - Rubberized non-slip ergonomic grips for
stability control
Kinetic Engine - Carbon Steel Spring turbocharges abdominal and arm workouts
Foam Kneepad - High-Density foam for superior comfort
CARVEyouR
CoRE
AB-CARVER™ PRO
800 446 7587 | [email protected] | www.abcarverpro.com | www.perfectonline.com
©2013 Implus Footcare LLC. Perfect® is a division of Implus Footcare LLC. 1.13
FOR 45 YEARS WE’VE BEEN DRIVING INSOLE TECHNOLOGY FORWARD. There’s no question that gel insoles provide great comfort. But even though they feel great,
there are trade-offs: flat gel insoles are often bulky and just don’t have the deep heel cupping
and arch support needed for lasting comfort. That is until now. Using the contours of our
best-selling TOTAL SUPPORT™ Insole, we’ve built a gel insole your customers will love:
Spenco® ProForm Gel. Ultra-Thin Gel cushioning with flexible arch support.
Maximum margins for you and fantastic value for your customers.
Yes, This is Spenco
Find us online!
For more info or to request a sample, call 1-800-877-3626 or visit spenco.com
Spenco®
Love Your Feet™
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Look for Spenco at the following shows!Outdoor Retailer Booth #60FN PLATFORMBooth #62135
SpencoGel_SGBW_Dec2012.pdf 1 12/4/12 8:02 AM
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 5
FOR 45 YEARS WE’VE BEEN DRIVING INSOLE TECHNOLOGY FORWARD. There’s no question that gel insoles provide great comfort. But even though they feel great,
there are trade-offs: flat gel insoles are often bulky and just don’t have the deep heel cupping
and arch support needed for lasting comfort. That is until now. Using the contours of our
best-selling TOTAL SUPPORT™ Insole, we’ve built a gel insole your customers will love:
Spenco® ProForm Gel. Ultra-Thin Gel cushioning with flexible arch support.
Maximum margins for you and fantastic value for your customers.
Yes, This is Spenco
Find us online!
For more info or to request a sample, call 1-800-877-3626 or visit spenco.com
Spenco®
Love Your Feet™
®R
egis
tere
d a
nd
™Tr
adem
ark
of
Sp
enco
Med
ical
Co
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on
. ©20
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Look for Spenco at the following shows!Outdoor Retailer Booth #60FN PLATFORMBooth #62135
SpencoGel_SGBW_Dec2012.pdf 1 12/4/12 8:02 AM
Copyright 2013 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB WEEKLY are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB WEEKLY is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB WEEKLY may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB WEEKLY is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB WEEKLY , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450
Senior Business Editor
Thomas J. Ryan
917.375.4699
Contributing Editors
Aaron H. Bible, Fernando J. Delgado,
Charlie Lunan, Matt Powell
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704.987.3450 (x105)
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704.987.3450 (x103)
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Circulation & Subscriptions
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The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
FEBRUARY 18, 2013ISSUE 1307
NEWS 6 PUMA’S New Cradle to Cradle Collection Boasts Sustainability8 MOVERS & SHAKERS WOOLRICH Vows to Boost Domestic Manufacturing10 BY THE NUMBERS ASICS Becomes Title Sponsor of the LA Marathon11 WRESTLING Dropped From 2020 Olympics
FEATURES12 KEEN Opens Innovative Retail Space Beneath New Headquarters in Downtown Portland16 UNDER ARMOUR Defines WILLpower20 ADIDAS LOOKS BEYOND EVA Adidas Introduces Energy Boost Cushioning Technology
DEPARTMENTS27 JOB CLASSIFIEDS
THIS PAGE: Under Armour’s “I WILL." campaign features a host of UA athletes including Bryce Harper the reigning National League Rookie of the Year
ON THE COVER: Keen reopened its Keen Garage PDX retail space on the first floor of its new headquarters in the heart of downtown Portland’s Pearl district.
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NEWS
Puma announced the launch of InCycle, the brand's first closed-loop collection of footwear, apparel and accessories, all of which have earned the "Cradle to Cradle Certified [CM] Basic" certification. Puma's InCycle products are, according to the company, all entirely biodegradable or recyclable.
The introduction is a step toward the company's mission to become a sustainable and desirable Sport-lifestyle brand and the InCycle Collection was born from Puma's challenge to produce a fully recyclable or biodegradable collection as part of the learning journey to improve the sustainability of its products.
All products in the collection have been certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, whose mission is to provide a continuous-improvement quality program to guide manu-facturers and designers in making safe and healthy products.
Cradle to Cradle has created a rigorous certification program that rates products against five sustainability factors:
1. The use of environmentally safe and healthy materials 2. Design for material reutilization including recycling and composting 3. Renewable energy and management of carbon 4. Water stewardship 5. Social fairness
"We are delighted to have Puma, such a powerful global brand, showing consumers and industry peers exactly what is possible through the adoption of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program," said Bridgett Luther, president of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
A precondition of biodegradable products is that they must be made only of biodegradable materials including organic fibers without toxic chemicals, and they have to follow certain international standards for composting. Puma's recyclable InCycle products include the Puma Track Jacket and the Puma Backpack, which use homogenous materials to ensure they are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespans. The Puma Backpack is made of polypropylene, which can be broken down to the original substance and used again to make new backpacks. The recyclable Puma Track Jacket is made from recycled polyester deriving from used PET bottles. To fully ensure the homogeneity of materials, the Track Jacket's zipper is made from recycled polyester, as well.
To aid in the product collection and recycling process, Puma has launched the "Bring Me Back" program globally within Puma Stores and Puma Outlets. Puma has installed recycling bins in-stores where customers can return used shoes, clothing and accessories of any brand. Puma's InCycle collection will be available in stores in March and online at puma.com. For more information about the InCycle Collection and the Bring Me Back Program, visit puma.com/bringmeback.
PUMA’S NEW CRADLE TO CRADLE COLLECTION BOASTS SUSTAINABILITY
The Puma InCycle Backpack is made of polypropylene, which can be broken down to the original substance and used again to make new backpacks.The upper of the Puma Basket lifestyle sneaker is
made from a mix of organic cotton and linen while the sole is composed of the biodegradable plastic APINATbio©, a new material innovation that's biodegradable. APINATbio can be shredded into its component materials and composted into natural humus that goes back into the ecosystem.
The recyclable Puma Track Jacket is made from recycled polyester deriving from used PET bottles. To fully ensure the homogeneity of materials, the Track Jacket's zipper is made from recycled polyester, as well. The InCycle Puma Track jacket can be turned back into polyester granulate which then serves as a secondary raw material for other products made of recycled polyester, reducing the need for crude oil, energy and the amount of waste created.
NEWSNEWS
MOVERS & SHAKERS
WOOLRICH VOWS TO BOOST DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING
Woolrich, which operates the oldest continually running textile mill in America, vowed to increase the wool and garments it produces domestically over the next three years.
“As proud as we are of our manufacturing legacy, it’s true that we don’t make 100 percent of our products in the USA as we once did. As the global economy grew and matured over the last 20 years, many core mill customers took their woolen business overseas. To remain relevant, competitive and solvent, we made the same difficult choice,” the company said last month. “In today’s world, the hard reality is that making things here is hard to do. But like our customers who embrace adventure every day, Woolrich is preparing to tackle a new challenge, bringing manufacturing back to Pennsylvania, one step at a time.”
Some of the company’s goals are:
• Increase the yardage of wool produced in its woolen mill by 50 percent in 2013 • Introduce a 100 percent American-made apparel collection in Fall 2013 • Increase its American-made product offerings by 2015, ensuring that more
than 50 percent of Woolrich woolen garments include American-made wool
Woolrich president Nick Brayton says it is his hope that other manufacturers follow the family-run company’s lead. “If we are going to bring manufacturing back to America in a meaningful way we have to do it together,” he said.
“We are already beginning to see some the essential elements take shape,” Brayton continued on how U.S.-based manufacturing is possible. “Rising costs in Asia is definitely the major factor driving many companies to evaluate domestic production, as is the rising demand from consumers for U.S. made goods. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done, especially in textiles, as we have lost much of the infrastructure and trained workers who produced much of the cut and sew products. If we are to have a major migration, this infrastructure and an experienced workforce needs to be rebuilt.”
Nick Brayton, Woolrich president
Igloo Products Corp. appointed David C. Thornhill as its new executive vice president & chief operating officer.
Cleveland Golf / Srixon named Scott Carlyle as vice president of business development for Cleveland Golf / Srixon - USA.
Amer Sports Winter and Outdoor Americas appointed Evin Catlett as its new digital marketing manager.
Gordmans, Inc., a Nebraska-based apparel and home decor retailer, named Michael Morand executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.
Rawlings executive Art Chou was named chairman of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) newly created Football Council.
The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announced that the new OIA Business Advisory Council (OIABAC) will be chaired by Marc Berejka, director of government affairs for REI.
Quiksilver notified the New York Stock Exchange that it has initiated a search and intends to appoint an additional independent director in the next 60 to 90 days to replace Paul Speaker who resigned from the company on February 5.
Jack Keegan, representing Cutter & Buck in the Carolinas territory for the past six years, has been named 2012 Corporate Salesperson of the Year.
8 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013
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38%Skechers USA, Inc. reported revenues jumped 38.2 percent in the fourth quarter, to $395.6 million from $283.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating earnings reached $8.0 million, rebounding from a loss of $103.1 million a year ago. Meanwhile, net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $4.0 million compared to a net loss of $57.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.
12%Boosted by double-digit sales growth in Asia and North America, Puma's consolidated sales increased by nearly 12 percent in Euro terms, or 8.7 percent currency adjusted to €804.7 million ($1.0 bn), in the fourth quarter. Puma posted a loss in Q4 as a result of charges tied to its "transformation and cost reduction program," as net earnings came in at €-42.6 million ($53.0 mm), impacted by special items.
- 19%Nielsen Holdings N.V. said revenues at its Expositions segment, which owns the Outdoor Retailer and Interbike trade shows, fell 19 percent in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012. Nielsen said the fourth quarter was a tough environment for corporate spending, but attributed the decline at its Exposition segment primarily to the timing of trade shows. For the full year, Exposition revenues increased 2 percent.
$35.3 millionGildan Activewear, Inc. reported net earnings of $35.3 million, or 29 cents per share, in its first quarter ended December 30, 2012, compared with a net loss of $46.1 million, or 38 cents, a year ago. The results just surpassed company guidance issued in November 2012, when the company anticipated net earnings of 28 cents to 31 cents per share for Q1. Results were slightly more favorable than projected due to lower-than-forecast promotional discounting in Printwear.
8%Columbia Sportswear Company reported an 8 percent increase in net income and a 5 percent decline in net sales for fourth quarter 2012 compared to fourth quarter 2011. Full year 2012 net income declined 3 percent on a 1 percent decline in net sales compared to 2011. Mild winter weather in North America during most of the holiday shopping period and general consumer caution resulted in reduced retail traffic and a more promotional environment in key markets, which caused higher order cancellations and fewer reorders from wholesale customers, as well as lower than expected direct-to-consumer sales, primarily in the U.S.
BY THE NUMBERS
ASICS BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR OF THE
LA MARATHON
Asics signed on as title sponsor of the Los Angeles Marathon through 2015. Asics will lend its name and support to the city's premier running event, the 27th edition of which took place in March last year, now called the “Asics LA Marathon.”
Asics replaces Honda as the featured sponsor of the event which has grown in prominence both nationally and internationally thanks to the iconic Stadium to the Sea course. Asics was a product category sponsor of last year’s LA Marathon.
Los Angeles is the first U.S. marathon where Asics holds a title sponsor-ship. The company is affiliated with several of the world's top marathons, including New York, Paris, and Tokyo.
"With our U.S. home located in Southern California, the LA Marathon is the ideal place for us to show support for runners of all levels competing right here in our own backyard," said Kevin Wulff, CEO of Asics America. "Our experience in Los Angeles last year showed us first-hand that this race is a crown jewel. We are thrilled to be the title sponsor and have this long-term association."
NEWS
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 11
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced wrestling will be dropped from the 2020 Summer Olympics. While both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling will be included at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, it was cut from the games in 2020, which have yet to be awarded to a host city.
The IOC board acted after reviewing the 26 sports on the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the IOC to add a new sport to the program later this year.
“This is a process of renewing and renovating the program for the Olympics,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams told the Associated Press. “In the view of the executive board, this was the best program for the Olympic Games in 2020. It’s not a case of what’s wrong with wrestling, it is what’s right with the 25 core sports.”
Adams said the decision was made by secret ballot over several rounds, with members voting each time on which sport should not be included in the core group.
“I’m outraged by the International Olympic Committee’s arbitrary decision to drop wrestling from the Olympic games. Wrestling is one of the oldest Olympic sports, dating to the games of the ancient Greeks,” said U.S. Representative Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) in a statement.
The decision was based on a report that analyzed 39 criteria, including television ratings, ticket sales, anti-doping policy and global participation and popularity. The final decision by the 15-member board was also subject to political, emotional and sentimental factors.
The committee said in a statement it wanted to make sure the Games remained "relevant to sports’ fans of all generations."
Wrestling featured 344 athletes competing in 11 medal events in freestyle and seven in Greco-Roman at the 2012 London Olympics. Women’s wrestling was added to the Olympics at the 2004 Athens Games.
Wrestling will now join seven other sports in applying for inclusion in 2020. The others are a combined bid from baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu. They will be vying for a single opening in 2020.
The IOC executive board will meet in May in St. Petersburg, Russia, to decide which sport or sports to propose for 2020 inclusion. The last sports removed from the Olympics were baseball and softball in in 2005. Golf and rugby will be joining the program at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
"We knew that today would be a tough day for American athletes competing in whatever sport was identified by the IOC Executive Board," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement. "Given the history and tradition of wrestling, and its popularity and universality, we were surprised when the decision was announced. It is important to remember that today's action is a recommendation, and we hope that there will be a meaningful opportunity to discuss the important role that wrestling plays in the sports landscape both in the United States and around the world.”
WRESTLING DROPPED FROM 2020 OLYMPICS
By Aaron H. Bible
OPENS INNOVATIVE RETAIL SPACE BENEATH NEW HEADQUARTERS IN DOWNTOWN PORTLAND
KEEN
12 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Photos courtesy of Keen
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 13
In December, Keen reopened its Keen Garage PDX retail space on the first floor of its new headquarters. The building - in the heart of down-town Portland’s Pearl district - is located at the corner of 13th Avenue and Glisan Street at 505 NW 13th Avenue.
The new retail store is four times the size of its original location, but more importantly, was designed to incorporate locally harvested and upcycled materials. The base of the counter of cash registers is wrapped in outsoles from its Portland factory. It sits below a suspended roof of sculpted Oregon street signs.
The Garage, so named to illustrate the space as an extension of the Keen home headquarters, is filled with playful elements of discovery to spark customers’ curiosity and exploration. Oversized glass pane garage doors facing Glisan Street open to reveal the 4000-square-foot retail space (2,700 of that is selling space), which houses more than 300 styles of Keen footwear, bags and socks.
Keen purchased the five-story, 50,000-square-foot building in February 2012 for its global headquarters, demonstrating the company’s commitment to building its business in the heart of Portland. After renovating the 105-year-old building - and generating less than one dumpster full of waste - the company moved its operations into the top four floors in October.
In Portland since 2006, the company had rented its previous 30,000-square-foot office space on NW 13th Avenue, enabling the team to grow its product offering and support its expanding fan base from around the world. “When we moved the brand to Portland from California in 2006, [the city] was an immediate fit for Keen,” said Linda Balfour, a long-time employee who moved with Keen to Portland. “This purchase provides another exciting milestone in our short history; we are thrilled to create a custom space for our team and to make Portland our permanent home.”
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Keen said the new building is a leap forward to provide scalability for continued growth; and the ability to own versus rent enables the company to infuse the “Keen Factor” into its offices, customizing and creating new and culturally meaningful space for meeting rooms, showrooms and expanded retail.
"At Keen we’re always trying to repurpose for a purpose and this is one example of how we are converting that vision into a reality,” said former Keen CEO James Curleigh. “It represents a sizable investment for Keen; a long-term investment in our brand, our place and our people.”
The Garage offers an inviting retail space where friends and families can gather to get outfitted and inspired for their next adventure. It sits alongside the company’s Great Room, which serves as an employee gathering-place and a place for Keen non-profit partners to meet.
It will also serve as an invaluable retail testing ground and a way for Keen to interact directly with consumers on a daily basis, receiving
product feedback, testing retail design and refining marketing programs.“The Keen Garage is a place for current and future Keen fans to gather and
experience the Keen brand in its entirety,” said Christa DePoe, VP of global online and retail. “Fans are exposed to the entire Keen product line in this space, and are encouraged to share their Keen stories with our store staff. Our philosophy is that the more we engage directly with our fans, the better we can be.”
Keen has quietly become a household name over the last ten years, with roots in boating footwear, then moving on to conquer hike, street, run, bags and socks; and the company has tied its future to Portland and sustainable urban revitalization.
The five-story building includes the ground floor Garage retail space, a lower level recreation room for employees (6,000 square-feet) and four floors of office space (approximately 10,000 square-feet each). The com-pany designed the space to incorporate existing innovations such as its
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 15
Recess Hub while planning an environment that inspires future creativity.Store design features include a gravity chute that team members
use to whoosh shoeboxes down from the mezzanine stockroom to the cash register where the awaiting customers can catch them. One of the doors between the Keen offices and Keen Garage is a sliding wooden door from a dilapidated barn in Corvallis. There’s a table made from an old bowling alley, complete with shoes arranged like bowling pins at the end. Customers can crank a wheel to make the shoes move up and down. Keen constructed the displays for its Utility boots out of recovered scaffolding. And there is a sock rack with handles that acts like the old Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robot game.
The playground-inspired kids area incorporates swings and a shoe display like monkey bars. The shoe rotisseries from the old store feature an improved design, and the old Coquille, OR, high school bleachers also have a place in the new Garage. Many other items in the store were harvested from various places in the Northwest, which would have ended up in the landfill as well.
During the renovation process, Keen Garage employees were dispatched to scrounge for discarded materials that could be used in the store. “Designing this store with these materials has been like putting together a living, breathing Keen jigsaw puzzle,” said DePoe.
Two other Keen Garages are located in Tokyo and Toronto. In addition to the headquarters and retail space, Keen also operates the Keen Factory on Swan Island in North Portland, located less than five miles from the Keen headquarters and Garage.
“We are deeply committed to strengthening our foothold and
continuing to build our business here in Portland,” said DePoe. “How many other companies house their headquarters, retail space and a manufacturing facility all in one city?”
Founded in 2003 with the launch of the Newport sandal, known for its patented toe protection technology, Keen creates innovative and comfortable products that transition from work to play. Through its Hybrid.Care giving program, Keen supports social and environmental organizations around the world. The company recently launched the Keen Recess Revolution, encouraging adults to take 10-minute outdoor "Recess" breaks every day to re-energize at work and be healthier and happier. Named one of "America's Best Places to Work" by Outside magazine, Keen products are available in more than 5,000 retail locations in 60 countries. ■
At an event held last week in Little Italy in New York City, Under Armour unveiled its first training device, the Armour39, as part of the overall launch of "I WILL.," its largest-ever global marketing campaign.
Not so coincidentally, what’s most unique about the Armour39 system is it provides a ‘WILLpower’ score, or a measure of an individual's overall effort during a workout session.
At the event, COO Kip Fulks said the performance monitoring system, launching in March 2013, includes a strap with sensors on the back that fits snug around the stomach. It tracks heart rate, calories burned, and intensity, of an athlete’s current heart rate as a percentage of their maximum heart rate to read how hard they’re working relative to their peak capabilities.
Armour39 detects and responds to every move an athlete makes from any direction, speed or position. But the biggest
difference between Armour39 and other training devices is that it cumulatively measures how hard the athlete is working out to represent the “First True Measure of an Athlete,” said Fulks.
“If you’re not measuring yourself, it doesn’t count,” said Fulks. “Measurements are everywhere in your life. You have to measure your workout. You can’t just say, ‘I had a good workout.’ You need a number.”
After each workout, the athlete receives a single WILLpower score ranging from 0.0 to 10.0, based on a proprietary algorithm that combines a range of inputs, including workout duration, body position, user profile, and key heart rate measures. Results can also be viewed in real time as the athlete is working out. The body strap transfers the workout data to an accompanying watch or phone through a mobile app.
Under Armour Defines WILLpower By Thomas J. Ryan
16 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Photos courtesy of Under Armour
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 17
Under Armour Defines WILLpower
Kevin Plank, Under Armour’s president and CEO, said the device provides an athlete with some facts to judge how good their workout was beyond “how soaked they are.”
The Armour39 Module and Strap have a list price of $150 while the accompanying watch costs $200. Fulks said Under Armour is considering putting the technology on a shirt in the future.
NFL Pro Bowler Arian Foster and former MMA Champion and Hollywood star Gina Carano were brought out to help introduce Armour39. Foster was impressed with the WILLpower measure. He noted that even professionals during some workouts, “can go through the motions” and it’s critical to gauge “how hard you’re actually pushing yourself.”
The event also marked the launch of the first of three “Holidays” planned by Under Armour for this year. Likening it to a day similar to the 4th of July where the event dominates all other activities, Plank defined a Holiday as a time “when your brand voice is louder and stronger than any other time of the year.”
The first Holiday will focus on the ‘I WILL’ campaign and new Under Armour innovations to hit retail in the first half of 2013.
Fulks noted that the ‘39’ in Armour39 references the style number of the first compression t-shirt that he and Kevin Plank sold in 1996 to launch Under Armour. The Original Compression was on display
in a pop-up innovation museum at the event that also included the Original Coldgear Mock from 1998 and a number of more recent introductions such as the UA Bra, the UA Armour Highlight Cleat and the UA Charged Cotton Storm.
Besides Armour39, management previewed the ColdGear Infrared Insulated Apparel collection. Fulks said the idea for the collection came from a ceramic powder that was used to coat the Stealth Bomber.
Armour39 ensemble
NFL Pro Bowler Arian Foster and former MMA Champion and Hollywood star Gina Carano help introduce Armour 39 with Kevin Plan, Under Armour president & CEO.
18 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Internally, the “I WILL.” response also speaks to the company’s commitment to being the thought leader around driving the game-changing innovations that provide real performance advantages for athletes.
While the ‘I WILL.” television spot will largely focus on its star athletes, with many utilizing the Armour39 monitoring system, the spot ends with a vision for the future. A woman is shown swiping her wrists to adjust the thermostat of her shirt. She then swipes it again to change the color of the shirt from an opaque aqua to a deeper blue. A voiceover intones, “The next great innovation isn’t available yet but it's being built at Under Armour right now.”
“That future exists for some of us, and who do you think is out there thinking about it?” Plank asked the group rhetorically. “That’s the role, the positioning, the attitude and the direction that our business is heading. It might be months, might be years, might be decades - but that’s where we’re headed.” ■
In April, Under Armour will launch its first minimal shoe, the Micro Toxic 6. Dombrow called it “anatomical and ultra light, with a striking look,” then teased the crowd with the promise of a coming launch that would “change the footwear game later this year.” He offered clues noting that the focus would be on “precision fit” and the item would not be built in a factory. He wouldn’t say whether it could be defined as a ‘shoe,’ only stating, “we will clothe your feet.”
Finally, Plank unveiled Under Armour’s “I WILL." campaign, which launched February 12 globally online and is scheduled to debut on television in the United States on Saturday, Februrary 16 on TNT during the NBA All-Star Weekend. The spot will feature a host of Under Armour athletes, including Canelo Alvarez, boxing's Welterweight World Champion; Sloane Stephens, the only teenager ranked in the top 20 by the World Tennis Association; Bryce Harper, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year; and Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets. The spot will also air on multiple networks including ESPN and MTV. Other elements include digital, OOH, grassroots, international extensions, a social competition and a new microsite, IWILL.ua.com launching on February 15.
‘I WILL.’ represents the “resounding answer” to the ‘Protect This House’ campaign launched in 2003 that spoke to the passion and determination that drives all athletes, said Plank. But he said that since the launch of the ‘Protect This House’ campaign, the ‘I WILL.’ response has become even more determined. Said Plank, “It’s not, ‘I will try,’ it’s ‘I WILL.’ and that period at the end is a confirmation, it’s a commitment, it’s a promise.”
The ceramic coating seeks, absorbs, and retains a body’s own heat then circulates it to where it’s needed most. The collection will launch in July 2013.
In footwear, Under Armour previewed the UA Spine Venom and Micro G Toxic Six. Dave Dombrow, senior director of footwear called the Spine, which was recently launched, “the perfect blend of flexibility and structure. Weighing in at around 9 ounces…for this level of support, there’s nothing like it on the market.”
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Click to view the Under Armour new I WILL. campaign
Spine Venom
Micro G Toxic Six
YOU CAN’T REFUSE.AN OFFER
3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation with trusted warmth from the brand you know.
The original warmth-without-bulk insulation, 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation enhances your ability to enjoy the outdoors, providing:• Breathable, lightweight warmth and durability• Up to nearly twice the warmth of other synthetics and one-and-a-half times the warmth of 550 fill down when equal thicknesses are measured• Highly breathable, “keep dry comfort” under damp, sweaty or rainy conditions• The freedom of movement to enjoy your time outdoors with less restriction• Dependable thermal performance through repeated washings
Elasticized back combined with fully gusseted arm sockets create Wolverine’s entirely functional bi-swing back for optimum comfort and wear
Fully gusseted arm sockets for maximum flexibility without bulkiness
Articulated elbow pleats offer greater range of motion
150 grams of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation provides warmth in the harshest elements
12 oz. heavy duty cotton duck canvas with Wolverine DuraLock™ Defend technology for water and oil resistance
Triple needle stitching adds durability
Multiple interior and exterior pockets designed to securely store everything for the job
Front kangaroo pockets lined with taffeta for wind resistance
Concealed ribbed storm cuffs keep warm air in and cold air out
Three-piece lined hood with draw cord provides extra warmth and protection
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3M and Thinsulate are trademarks of 3M
brand, a recognized leader in innovation for 130 years, has designed and built the best quality products since its inception in 1883 and continues to lead the market today. Fall 2013 is no different with the launch of the new Cameron and Rockford jackets.
There are many duck canvas jackets on the market priced foraround $100 that are very basic in nature, with minimal features and no technology. Wolverine believes that if you pay $100 you deserve $100 worth of jacket, which is exactly what these jackets deliver.
“There are a lot of jackets on the market but the Cameron and Rockford jackets are truly different,” said Lisa Stoepker, Wolverine Product Manager. “We utilized 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation for warmth and 12 oz. heavy duty cotton duck canvas
with DuraLock™ Defend technology for water and oil resistance. The jackets also feature Wolverine’s bi-swing back and fully articulated elbows for greater range of motion, and multiple interior and exterior pockets designed to meet the needs of every job. Combine all these elements and we’ve created the absolute best jackets for the price.”
Wolverine has always backed its newest footwear technologies with a 30 day comfort guarantee. And Wolverine is backing the Cameron and Rockford jackets with the same confidence, a rare find in the apparel industry.
“For $100 retail combined with all the features and functionality, we know consumers will feel these jackets are worth every penny,” said Todd Yates, President of Wolverine Brand. “We’re so confident, that if your customers are not
completely satisfied with this jacket, we’ll take it back directly from them, no questions asked. We think that’s an offer you can’t refuse.”
If you haven’t seen Wolverine’s Fall 2013 footwear and apparel line, contact us at 616.863.4774 or stop by our booth at one of the following shows: SHOT Show (booth # 10540), Outdoor Retailer (booth # 32155) or MAGIC.
WOLVERINE
Advertorial Single Page WBS Jacket.indd 1 12/21/12 10:46 AM
ADIDAS LOOKS
BEYOND EVABy Thomas J. Ryan
ADIDAS INTRODUCES ENERGY BOOST CUSHIONING TECHNOLOGY
At a global media event held last week in New York City’s Jacob Javitz Convention Center, Adidas unveiled Energy Boost, declaring it such a game-changing cushioning technology that it will one day replace the EVA midsole.
Boasting Boost foam has the capacity to “change running forever,” Eric Liedtke, Adidas’ head of sport performance, noted that for years the industry “had endeavored to make the perfect shoe - a shoe that has equal parts cushioning and comfort with equal parts energy return. Until today, all current foam has been inadequate.”
The problem with current foam is that runners had to choose either to have cushioning or energy return. The problem ran across running shoe walls since 90 to 95 percent of athletic footwear utilizes EVA foam.
20 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 21
“With Boost, we crack the code,” contended Liedtke at the presentation in front of nearly 400 journalists. “With Boost, we give maximum cushioning and maximum comfort combined with maximum responsiveness and energy return. The two have never been together before.”
Part of a new Adidas segment called Energy Running, the Energy Boost’s technology promises to deliver the “energy,” or responsive-ness that gives the athlete the extra gear to excel.
“In sport, energy is the great differentiator,” stated Liedtke. “Whether you’re trying to run a marathon, finish out a season or drop a few pounds, energy is what keeps you going and delivers you to the promised land.”
The foundation of the Boost innovation is centered on its cushioning material. Based on a development process first created in 2009 by BASF, solid granular material (TPU) is literally blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules which make up the footwear’s distinctive midsole. With their unique cell structure, these capsules store and unleash energy more efficiently in every stride.
James Carnes, creative director, sports performance, said the traditional EVA shoe has one piece of foam while the midsole of the Boost has little capsules molded together that are able to absorb energy and then unleash that energy at a consistent rate over and over. Said Carnes, “Every time you step down you feel that, it’s an amazing, unbelievable feel compared to anything else.”
He likened the softness to a “fluffy pillow or couch that you just sink into” while the responsiveness acts more like a Formula One car where you ”feel like you have good control, feel light on your feet.”
Also noting that those two pairings haven’t been felt in a running shoe before, Carnes compared the effect to the tension and elasticity that exists in the human body. Said Carnes, “One of our athletes talked about the feeling when you put on one of these shoes as being like you’ve got something alive on your foot. We love that.”
Another unique feature of the shoe is that the mingling of soft/respon-siveness works regardless of the climate. Tests revealed that, when taken from +40 to -20 degrees Celsius, Boost foam is three times more temperature-resistant than standard EVA material, providing a more consistent run. Said Carnes, “That same responsiveness of the small energy capsule holds true in any temperature.”
James Carnes, creative director, sports performance at Adidas
The shoe is also durable. While typical running shoes wear out and “lose that spring feel” after logging miles, the Energy Boost from the “first kilometer you run retains its response to the 500th. You have exactly the same properties coming out of the energy capsules from the very beginning.”
Beyond the midsole, the upper on the Energy Boost features Adidas Techfit technology with highly durable and elastic polyurethane,
providing optimal comfort and support to the entire foot while in motion. A stretch, breathable mesh material offers the fit of a sock while engineered powerbands across the upper provide targeted support and stabilize the foot where needed when moving.
Mikal Peveto, director of running, Adidas America, further noted that a cross-section of an EVA shoe shows “pockets of nothing” alongside the EVA material. As a result, the midsole is bound to break down over time with the pounding of running. The Boost has 2,500 “little energy capsules” in a size nine shoe, “so it’s almost like 2,500 little midsoles.”
The process in making the midsole is also unique and is very similar to the way a bike helmet is constructed. Said Peveto, “It’s done through steam. It’s not done through pressure with the mold. It’s a unique and new way for us to build product but it gives us a chance to change the paradigm.”
He also played up the durability attributes. Intentionally referencing language his kids may use, he described the result as, “Flubber meets the everlasting gobstopper.”
Peveto added, “The moment you try it on, you’re done. I’ve been doing this a very long time and it’s one of the rare times it all pays off the way you want it to.”
Adidas brought out Yohan Blake, the current 100m-world champion, and Haile Gebrselassie, the legendary long-distance runner who holds
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 23
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24 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013
27 world records, for the launch. Asked about his thoughts after trying on an Energy Boost shoe, Gebrselassie joked, “Is it legal?”
Energy Boost will be available worldwide at Adidas Sport Performance stores and select retailers on February 27. Chris Brewer, running manager, Adidas America, said Adidas is being selective in introducing the product, with a heavy focus on establishing it in the run specialty channel.
“With the launch, we’ll be in 225 to 230 doors across the country, of which 165 are run specialty,” said Brewer. “The majority of our pairs are going to run specialty. We feel it’s important and we’ve got to authenticate this product in running specialty and incubate it before we expand it too far. We’ll expand it in fall outside of running specialty a bit more and we’ll expand it in running specialty doors, too. But we’re going to do it very intelligently and very strategically and make sure we’re with the right partners.”
At the event, Adidas also briefly talked about another game-changing launch with SpringBlade set for August. The SpringBlade features 18
individual blades underneath the insole to deliver “explosivity” for the runner. Liedtke said Adidas is far from done expanding its Boost foam across its lineup.
Adistar Boost, Adios Boost and Sonic Boost are all being planned for rollout over 2014/15. Boost technology will also be extended not only into basketball and training but also into its Originals Streetwear label. Said Liedtke, “We know that Boost is a game changer for our company but it’s a revolution for the industry and we see it in the very near future making EVA obsolete.” ■
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Click to view highlights from the Boost Launch Event in New York City.
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 25
journey on
GORE-TEX®, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY®, and Gore are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.ZYLEX® is a registered trademark of Genfoot, Inc., Icelock™ is a registered trademark of TrekSta Inc.
Tough, rugged and durable, the Keystone boot was designed to take on everything Mother Nature can throw at it. And
then ask for more. With the Gore-Tex® waterproof membrane and Icelock™ technology that grips snow and ice, the
wearer gets a boot that can handle any conditions, and any terrain. And its Zylex® liner is comfort rated to -40F/-40C,
keeping feet warm and comfortable for hours on end. Visit kamik.com for our full line of products.
being snowed in is a choice.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market: Booth 29027E SnowSports Industries America: Booth 513
FN Platform | the MAGIC MarketplaceThe Toronto Shoe Show: Booth 1322-24
ISPO Winter 13: Hall B5 Stand 101VISIT US AT:
Kamik® and the ® are registered trademarks of Genfoot Inc. © 2004 Genfoot Inc.
26 SGBWeekly.com | FEBRUARY 18, 2013Find out how your company can take advantage of a FREE Job Posting by calling
704.987.3450 or email [email protected].
THE FIRST AND ONLY FULLY INTERACTIVE ONLINE JOB SITE SERVING THE SPORTING
GOODS INDUSTRY
FREE ACCESS TO THE LATEST JOB LISTINGS TO START OR EXPAND YOUR CAREER
FEBRUARY 18, 2013 | SGBWeekly.com 27
TO READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CLICK ON JOB TITLE
OBJ .COM
Foot Locker.com/EastbayAssociate Buyer
Eastbay is searching for an Associate Buyer to research and merchandise the assigned categories, and who can work with our lead Buyer to provide the best selection and mix of product for sales growth and profitability in these categories. An Associate Buyer at Eastbay is a leader with a strategy, a vision, and an innate ability to clearly communicate and lead their teammates to deliver the company’s plan…
ZamstCustomer Service Rep / Newport Beach, CA
A market leader in sports bracing/supports, Zamst is looking for a Customer Service Representative who is responsible for all aspects of customer service to ensure customer satisfaction by providing quality customer service and information, processing customer orders, resolving customer issues, etc…
Mondetta Performance GearSport Sales Rep
Mondetta Performance Gear is looking for dynamic, driven and determined individuals to join its growing sales team for the East Coast, Midwest and Southeast. Core responsibilities include establishing, developing and maintaining business relationships with current customers and prospective customers in the assigned territory/market segment to generate new business for MPG apparel/accessories…
New BalanceField Sales Rep – Drydock Footwear
Drydock Footwear, a division of New Balance, is currently hiring a Field Sales Rep representing the Drydock footwear brands to Specialty Dealers and achieving sales objectives and quotas within an assigned territory. You will educate dealers’ staff on product benefits, features, and technologies. In this role, you will be responsible for booking orders, assisting with the management of each dealers’ Drydock’s inventory…
Boa TechnologyRegional Account Manager
Become an expert in Boa’s products and configurations to provide your accounts with the best integration of our parts; contribute to creation, execution, and maintenance of category forecasts and sales plans for assigned Brand Partners; conduct meetings with Brand Partners, professionally presenting products and suggesting Brand Partners’ models to include Boa systems; provide…
Boxercraft, Inc.Marketing Media Manager
The Marketing Media Manager will help shape and implement Boxercraft, Inc.’s marketing strategy to develop and foster brand awareness and growth for all brands. This position is responsible for directing the conception and execution of creative marketing materials based in Mableton, GA…
Division SixBuyer / Footwear and Apparel
Division Six is an off-price wholesaler headquartered in Encino, CA specializing in branded footwear, apparel, accessories and hard goods. Division Six also has considerable experience with other industries such as electronics, house wares, and perishables. Our buyers have deep roots in both retail and wholesale arenas. This position will include the following: Purchase highly compelling, quality, branded goods…
Brooks SportsAssociate Product Line Manager / Moving Comfort
The Associate PLM reports to and works closely with the director of merchandising to set and evangelize the seasonal product direction, providing leadership and merchandising expertise while monitoring the processes through ongoing interaction with internal and external cross-functional teams…
J. America, Inc.Print and Production Art Manager
Since its founding 20 years ago, J. America has grown to become one of the largest custom decorated apparel companies in the United States. The production art manager is responsible for the management of art production of over 10,000 art files yearly for Collegiate Licensed Apparel, using in-house personnel and contracted art staff. Responsible for ensuring art created is compliant…
FIND OUT HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE JOB POSTING BY CALLING 704.987.3450 OR EMAIL [email protected].
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS
Winter MarketJANUARY 22-25, 2014
All Mountain DemoJANUARY 21, 2014
WWW.OUTDOORRETAILER.COM
Summer MarketJULY 31-AUGUST 3, 2013
Open Air DemoJULY 30, 2013
