Running Insight - February, 2008
Not even snow can stop the running business
Despite the fact much of the Midwest and Northeast have been hit by heavy snowstorms over the past month, the running specialty business is still rolling. “We are up 32% year-to-date,” reported Mark Rouse of Runner’s High ‘N Tri in Arlington Heig...
Pearl Izumi and Sugoi are Acquired in Two Separate Deals
Two running brands known for high-end technical product were acquired earlier this month in separate transactions. Shimano, known for its bicycle components has completed its purchase of Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. from Nautilus, Inc in a deal valued at...
Feedback from OUr Readers
Our favorable mystery shopping of the newest Road Runner Sports store in the previous issue generated quite a response from readers. Here are a few. To the editors: I always enjoy reading the RI newsletter and find it a great insight to our ...
Heather Gollnick Joins World Class GU Pro Team
GU will be sponsoring its pro triathlete and five-time Ironman Champion, Heather Gollnick. In addition to representing Heather’s personal racing, GU will be the Official Gel of her popular coaching program, IronEdge. Gollnick’s five Ironman cha...
Two Former Retailers join ASICS
ASICS has hired two former specialty running retail execs for its expanding apparel department. Patty Kelly, who had been working for Run On in Dallas has joined ASICS as Product Manager. Danelle Fee, who worked at Fleet Feet Fair Oaks has jo...
Are All markdowns Evil?
Markdowns are most retailers’ biggest nightmare, whether you are a small independent running store or a chain operation. You know that they are a necessary evil – particularly at this time of the year - but the key factor here is how ‘evil’ should we...
Zappos.com Names Las Vegas Dates
Zappos.com Las Vegas Marathon will take place on Sunday Dec. 7, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Fireworks start the race as runners run down the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Runners and walkers can register for the full marathon an...
Mizuno launches new tagline and ad campaign
Mizuno has launched a new global tagline in 2008: “Never Settle.” The company sees ‘Never Settle’ as a strong follow-up to its “Serious Performance” campaign of last year. For 2008, Mizuno will run a comprehensive marketing campaign which will inclu...
We Mystery Shop the Newest Road Runner Store and it’s damn good
It’s no coincidence that the same week the New York Times ran an article on how running specialty stores are thriving despite growing competition, Road Runner Sports opened its newest store in the shopping hub of Paramus, N.J. The criticism on RR...
Sports Bra Category has two strong leaders and then an open field
Sports bras represent a major growth category for running stores. In fact, many in the business have speculated that running stores should feature “bra walls,” much the same way they feature shoe walls. Data taken from the Leisure Trend Group’s Ru...
Puma North America Unveils Running Ambassador Program
Global Running Initiative Supports Complete Running with Launch in the United States
Puma North America has launched a Running Ambassador Program as part of a multi-layered strategy to support the brand’s Complete Running category. The Running Ambassador Program, which was developed as a global initiative and part of the brand’s ong...
The PUMA Complete Eutopia Awarded “Best Debut” by Runner’s World Magazine
In the March 2008 issue of Runner’s World, the PUMA Complete Eutopia was selected by as the “Best Debut.” The Complete Eutopia is PUMA’s newest cushioning running shoe for spring. Runner’s World ‘s review stated: “Puma’s latest has a flashy loo...
prAna management to buy the business back from Liz Claiborne
Liz Claiborne Inc. announced it will sell substantially all of the assets and liabilities of prAna to prAna Living, LLC, a company formed by prAna's management team and Steelpoint Capital Partners ("Steelpoint") for a purchase price consisting of...
Merrell partners with Ortholite
OrthoLite, the leader of open cell foam insoles, has partnered with Merrell to incorporate its proprietary insoles into more than 100 footwear styles. By June, Merrell will expand the number of shoes that feature OrthoLite insoles throughout most of ...
WigWam Rolls out New Branding, Packaging
Wigwam Mills is rolling out a new brand image and a revised packaging program aimed at making it easier for consumers to buy their products at retail. Wigwam has clarified its previous 20 product categories into five simple competencies. Packaged...
Renewals Underway for The Running Event
The Running Event is now accepting contract renewals for all sponsors and exhibitors. This year’s event will be held November 10-13 at the Adolphus Hotel and Dallas Convention Center in Dallas. “We’re excited about the move to Dallas for 2008 and ...
Two New Members Elected to IRRA Board
Ed Griffin of Fleet Feet Syracuse and Cathy Pugsley of Potomac River Running are the two newest members of the Independent Running Retailers’ Association board. Griffin will be the Northeast Director band serve a two-year-term. Puglsey is an At-Large...
Marathon Movie Will get special screening on Feb. 21st
The documentary film “Spirit of the Marathon” will be shown at 260 theaters around the country on Thursday, February 21. This follows up the film’s one night screening on January 24th which sold out in many theaters. The movie tells the story of...
Veltec will take over Descente brand in North America
Veltec, the Dutch company that markets some of the world’s top cycling brands, has signed an agreement with Descente, Ltd. to license the Japanese brand for the cycling, triathlon, running and fitness markets in North America and Europe. The deal was...
MERRELL UPDATES PERFORMANCE LINE WITH THE LAUNCH OF ORTHOLITE INSOLES
OrthoLite, the leader of open cell foam insoles, has partnered with Merrell to incorporate its proprietary insoles into more than 100 footwear styles. By early 2008, Merrell will expand the number of shoes OrthoLite insoles throughout most of their l...
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