PEMBAnews

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noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:55:00 +0000

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Three Rivers Outdoors Expanding Store

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Three Rivers Outdoors, which opened in 2000 on the first floor of the Doerflinger building, is about to expand into the former Feminine Fancies space. “We’ll have that side open about Sept. 1,” said Bill Nelson, who with his wife, Christin, has owned Three Rivers Outdoors since November 2005. The expansion will add about 5,000 square feet of space, increasing the store’s size to about 11,000 square feet.

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Hardwear Sessions: YES is Making a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:09:00 +0000

For the past four years, YES has been a proud grant recipient of Mountain Hardwear's Gives Back program and looks forward to involving Mountain Hardwear employees with volunteer opportunities in their own backyard. This fall, YES will offer two Family Camps to children and families from Peres and Verde Elementary Schools in Central and North Richmond. Both Alex Baires and Ryan Hodgkin from Mountain Hardwear are planning to volunteer at the camps.

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SNEWS: Heavy rain, economic worries swamp June retail sales

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:07:00 +0000

A perfect storm of heavy rains, cool weather and a dreary jobs report dampened retail sales this June.

The National Retail Federation reported that retail industry sales for June (which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 3.8 percent compared to last year and decreased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month.

The June gloom began early in the month when the Labor Department reported that 467,000 jobs were lost in May and unemployment rose to 9.5 percent, the highest it has been since August 1983. If the bad economic news made consumers wary of spending, the soggy, cool weather in parts of the country did nothing to inspire them to purchase summer-related items.

According to a July 9 Reuters report, “Escalating job worries and rainy weather dampened shoppers’ appetite for buying summer staples like shorts and dresses, resulting in sharper-than-expected sales declines for many merchants in June and increasing concerns about the back-to-school shopping season.”

The report also stated that many areas of the country, from the West Coast to the Northeast, got two or three times their normal June precipitation, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climatic Data Center.

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Midwest Mountaineering founder and owner looking for gear to test on the PCT

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Midwest Mountaineering founder and owner Rod Johnson is hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). He started in May, took June off and is back on the trail through the late fall. He’ll take a break to attend Outdoor Retailer (OR), and then return to the trail. If you have an item suitable for an ultralightweight hiker and would like it tested and potentially promoted, bring it to OR. Email rjohnson@midwestmtn.com to let him know you have something for him to test. Rod has already done one well-attended presentation at Midwest Mountaineering, and anticipates doing many more. He’s maintaining a blog at http://rodspct.blogspot.com/.

SNEWS: Drowning in catalogs and press kits – what a waste

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:03:00 +0000

An alert reader sent us the photo below, showing three stacks of catalogs all for the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, all containing invites to come by a booth and check out the new wares.

This is a specialty retailer who, like many, would honestly prefer to receive just one catalog or press kit for the store prior to any trade show. And, to make it worse, he tells us catalogs and invitations to summer market events, like those in the photo, continue to come in for people who have not even worked at the store in over a year.

Most catalogs, he tells us, go directly into the recycling bin – unopened. We can empathize. Just today, the SNEWS® office dumped over 28 separate pieces of mail directly into a recycling bin, all because they were extra, unneeded, unwanted copies. In one case, we received mail for two folks who have not worked at SNEWS in over three years.

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OIA: Big City Mountaineers Names New Executive Director

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Big City Mountaineers, the nation’s leading volunteer organization devoted top providing under-resourced urban teens opportunities for a new outlook on life through wilderness experiences, announces the appointment of Syd Jones as its new Executive Director. Jones takes over the reigns from Mark Godley, who served as the organization’s director since 2003.

Jones spent the past 25 years at IBM in various sales and marketing positions, most recently as the Program Director of worldwide demand generation leading e-marketing initiatives. He brings to BCM a strong background in utilizing digital marketing to grow a brand’s audience and relationships. He is currently enrolled at New York University pursuing a Certificate in Fundraising from the Heyman Center for Philanthropy & Fundraising.

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SNEWS Power Players' Lounge: Reaching young consumers

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:02:00 +0000

This column was written by Beaver Theodosakis, founder of Prana. (beaver@prana.com).

What is youth? We talk about younger people like they're from another planet. It's clear that they pay attention to very different things than we do. For the purposes of this article and to get to the point, let's define youth as 24 years and under, and "we" as 40-, 50- and 60-year-old outdoor specialty retailers. Fair?

In my opinion, within the overall "youth" category, there are three different groups with distinctly different behavioral patterns. Each group must be talked to in their own way.

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OIA: Outdoor Industry Searches for Reset Button

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Nineteen months into the worst recession since World War II and the outdoor industry may have found a bottom, but growth expectations remain muted.

"What people view as their baseline has been reset," said Carolyn Cooke, president and co-founder of Isis, the women’s apparel brand. "This industry has seen consistent double-digit growth for a long time and with what’s going on I think it got reset almost 20 percent."

Early signs indicate the industry, or at least Isis, may be turning a corner.

"For the holidays, a lot of the dealers have under bought, but they are not going to come back in," she said. "For Spring 2011, dealers seem to be much more optimistic and willing to look at the possibility of growth in their business."

Regardless, the good news is that brands can now have confidence in their pre-season orders for the first time in two seasons.

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Backpacker Magazine Tents: "minimum weight ," "packaged weight" "trail weight"?

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Q. My wife and I are becoming more serious backpackers and l am shopping around to replace the tent that I've been using since childhood. Could you explain what “minimum weight,” “packaged weight,” and similar terms mean? Thanks, Rick

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OIA RETAIL TIP: Consistency = Growth!

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:57:00 +0000

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Specialty Retail Survive and Thrive Assessment Report found that more than 60 percent of retailers with annual revenues of $2M or less are either in danger of going out of business or are stuck at their current level of revenue and profitability!

The Report also found that a good retail store in a good location, with good displays and state-of-the-art retail systems can still be in danger – if it doesn’t employ the extra operational details that assure consistency in the stores daily retail process, quality of shopping experience and the level of customer service!

Things run great when the owner is in the store … but what happens when the owner is not in the store?

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Montrail Miles for Trails

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:58:00 +0000

This Summer Montrail has teamed up with the Conservation Alliance to save some trails!

Wear a Montrail pedometer during days 1 through 3 at OR to track the miles you walk/run/stumble around the show floor, in town or at the 14th Annual Wasatch Wobble. Montrail will donate $1 for every mile you log to the Conservation Alliance project to secure wilderness designation for land in Southern Colorado through which passes the infamous Hardrock 100 trail race and toss you a prize or two along the way.

Make sure to check in with Montrail booth staff each day to log in your and pick up prizes including a running hat or pair of running socks. The man and women logging the most miles will be awarded a Mountain Hardwear running ensemble complete with a pair of Montrail Mountain Masochist trail runners.

In order to keep you motivated during your three day ultra Miles for Trails quest… we are celebrating your progress each day at 4:30!

DAY ONE July 21st - Pick up a FREE pedometer at the booth and get moving! Come to the booth at 4:30pm to check in your miles and have some snacks & beer at our official Miles for Trails Kick Off Party.

DAY TWO July 22nd - Keep it moving! Log more miles during the day and come to the booth at 4:30pm to check in miles, claim prizes and enjoy a brew.

DAY THREE July 23rd - Rack up some extra miles this morning at the 14th Annual Wasatch Wobble. Come to the Montrail booth at 4:30pm to log in your total miles at our Miles for Trails Wrap up Party. Winners of Miles for Trails and the 2009 Montrail Ultra Cup Winners will be announced over beer and snacks.

Help save more trails - Make a $30 or more donation to the Conservation Alliance and you can score yourself a free pair of Montrail Mountain Masochist trail runners and a 20th anniversary Conservation Alliance T-shirt. Two pair limit per person. Donations will be accepted starting at 4:30pm in the Montrail booth during our Miles for Trails Log in Party.

Petzl: Gasherbrum II - the details from Ueli

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:40:00 +0000

"On July 9, 2009 I set off for a first summit try. The moon is shining and shows me the way. The fresh snow gives a lot of resistance. From 6500 meters up to approx. 7000 meter the snow is hip-deep. To spur is very exhausting. Between 7000 and 7450 meters I can step aside to the rocks, which are blowed clear. The climb over the rocky ridge is more difficult, but less exhausting than moving up in the hip-deep snow. From camp 4 the normal route crosses under the summit pyramid to the right. The strong wind from the past days has done a good job. The traverse goes relatively easy. On the col the wind is expecting me – as forecasted by Meteotest. This wind blows up to 50 km/h. The temperatures fall below 25 degrees. From the col there are still about 300 meters of altitude to go to the main summit of Gasherbrum II. The last ascent is not easy at all. Again the snow lies nearly bottomless."

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OIA: Outdoor Retailer Announces Bikeshare Program Presented by Swobo at 2009 Summer Market

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Outdoor Retailer (OR) today announced that the Bikeshare Program at OR, presented by Swobo, will be available for show attendees and exhibitors who want to exercise, run errands or tour Salt Lake City by bike at the 2009 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show. The show will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, July 21-24.

Twenty brand new Swobo Novak commuter-style bikes will be available for Outdoor Retailer attendees and exhibitors to use in 60 minutes intervals, free of charge with a credit card deposit, starting at the South Plaza of the Salt Palace. The Novak is equipped with three-speed SRAM internal hubs and comfort features for urban riding. Rental bike locks and helmets will be included with the Bikeshare checkout.

The Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective will also offer free bike valet services at the South Plaza for attendees and exhibitors who want to ride to the Salt Palace with their own bikes.

The Bikeshare at OR presented by Swobo and OR bike valet further support OR’s Green Steps efforts to spread ecologically sound practices throughout the industry. Together these services will give Summer Market attendees and exhibitors the option to use a carbon-neutral mode of transportation to navigate Salt Lake City.

Backpacker's Guide to Family Camping

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:17:00 +0000

A realistic, hassle-free handbook for taking kids outdoors

- Family Camping: Good for the Whole Family
- Family Camping: How to Pull it Off
- Family Camping: Fun Food
- Family Camping: Tips & Stats

Bass Pro Planning Hotel in Springfield, Missouri

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:12:00 +0000

When out-of-town visitors check out Bass Pro Shops or the Wonders of Wildlife museum, they may soon have a new place to stay very near the outdoor retailer's flagship location. American Sportsman Holdings Co. - the parent company of the Johnny Morris-owned Bass Pro - is filing for rezoning at the 1900 block of South Campbell Avenue, across the street from the store. According to a letter sent to members of the adjacent Seminole/Holland Neighborhood Association, the site plan calls for a five-story, 147-room "landmark" hotel fronting Campbell, with the possibility for commercial space at Campbell and Cherokee Street.

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Outside Magazine The Running Man: I Heart My Mountain Masochists

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:58:00 +0000

When you spend two hours on a run, you have time to think about a lot of things. This Sunday, on a 16 mile base-building trail run, I realized again how much I appreciate Montrail's new Mountain Masochist. Outside gave this shoe our Gear of the Year award for our Summer Buyer's Guide (now on newsstands). One of our expert freelancers, Lisa Jhung, directed that test, and I couldn't agree with her team more—this shoe is phenomenal.

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OIA: May Outdoor Sales Show Declines Continuing

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Retail sales for all core outdoor stores combined (chain, internet, specialty)* declined 7% compared to last May, moving from $448M to $418M, according to the most recent edition of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group. Sales for the first five months of the year totaled $1.8B, down 5% from the same period in 2008.

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SNEWS Guest Editorial: The audacity of adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:08:00 +0000

“Climbing a mountain is a bad investment; any financial consultant will tell you that.” Jonny Copp wrote that in an article reflecting on his life that appeared in 2003 in the now-defunct "Hooked on the Outdoors" magazine.

In an industry that in recent years has tried to contain and trademark the concept of “adventure,” Copp’s words are an enduring reminder of the soul of why we do what we do.

Adventure is neither a commodity nor a marketing scheme, and at its core, it defies containment. Nor is adventure limited to climbing big mountains or exploring uncharted geographies. Every time we leave the trail of our personal comfort zone or attempt to create something new or take on a task that makes us fearful or uncomfortable, we are adventurers. As a wise person said, “Only a fool feels no fear.” Living an adventurous life is not about being fearless, it is about knowing, feeling, and having the heart to face and contain fear, and still take the next step.

Jonny Copp, Micah Dash and Wade Johnson fully exemplified and embodied that sentiment.

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Rock & Ice: Petzl Grigri

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:54:00 +0000

"There are nearly 50 different belay devices on the market, and fewer than five qualify as "auto locking." It says quite a bit about a Petzl Grigri that today, 18 years after its introduction to the market, it is still the gold standard for auto-locking devices. The combination of its ease of use, and effectiveness for catching falls and holding hangdoging partners, makes the Grigri the preferred device for single-pitch cragging."

Bikeshare Program at Outdoor Retailer, Presented by Swobo

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:41:00 +0000

At Home With Evel Knievel - disrupsean CC BY-SA 2.0

Summer OR brings sweet rides to the Salt Palace! Spankin' brand new Swobo Novak cruisers will be available for 60 minutes of FREEDOM! Great for running errands, grabbing lunch, or just getting the heck out of the hall for an hour. Check out the bikes and reserve your favorite...they will be available for pro-purchase pricing at the end of the show. Rentals are free, with a credit card security deposit...we know you're coming back-- you want to keep your job, right? right??

Bike Valet for your roadie, cruiser, mountain machine, unicyle, tricycle, big wheel provided by the Salt Lake Bicycle Collective daily. Spread the word....ride your bike- donate that $10 you'd pay for parking to the Collective!

The Bikeshare at OR presented by Swobo and OR bike valet further support OR’s Green Steps efforts to spread ecologically sound practices throughout the industry. Together these services will give Summer Market attendees and exhibitors the option to use a carbon-neutral mode of transportation to navigate Salt Lake City.

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CupkakeMAFIA: It's true. I love Petzl's Bug Bag.

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:25:00 +0000

It's true. I love Petzl's Bug Bag. I wanted this bag because it was designed for single day multi-pitch climbing. I knew this meant it would have a low profile, be light in weight, as well as comfortable and durable. While multi-pitch is in my future I wanted a bag that would allow me to ride my bike with my gear to meet up with others and allow me to haul all that I need up rough approaches. I am pleased to say the Bug delivers.

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The Conservation Alliance 20th Anniversary Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:21:00 +0000

WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, 6-11pm

WHERE: CAFFE MOLISE (55 West 100 South, SLC)

LIVE MUSIC: by Pictures and Sound, featuring Luke Reynolds

Plus the debut performance by the Outdoor Industry All-Star Band

And a retrospective of two decades of conservation victories

Enjoy good food, good drink and good company

ORSM09 Invite: Mountain Hardwear's Field Guide Party

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:01:00 +0000

WHERE: Mountain Hardwear Booth #26001

WHEN: Day 2 - July 22nd at 5:00 pm

WHAT: Celebrate our Spring 2010 promotion with some cold brews and camp snacks. Pick up your Field Guide — a book of activities and tips that encourage participants to get green, get outdoors, and get involved.

PHOTO BOOTH: Take a few mug shots and personalize your Field Guide.

TIP WALL: Post your own fun outdoor “tips” to share with others.

FREE WATER BOTTLE: Mountain Hardwear and Nathan Sports have teamed up to spread the word about the dangers of disposable water bottles. Come to our party to hear how you can score a free Nathan steel water bottle.

RAFFLE: Day 3 - July 23rd, Mountain Hardwear booth at 5 pm. Complete two Field Guide challenges during the show and be automatically entered to win prizes from Mountain Hardwear and our Field Guide Partners.

Video: 2009 Hardrock 100 Karl Meltzer finish

noreply@blogger.com (Pemba Serves) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:29:00 +0000