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Volume 5 | No. 1 | January/February 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION

Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month

Building Connections at the NSGA Innovations Arena Preview the NSGA 53rd Annual Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit

The NSGA Annual Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is the place to boost productivity and insightfully focus on your business.

MAY 21–24, 2017

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch

MAY 21–24, 2017

TAKE TIME FOR YOUR BUSINESS

THE PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT nsga.org/conference

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Holiday shopping survey and looking ahead

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Association Now

Conference Now

CEO Corner

Operations Now What’s your strategy?

Order your NSGA Special Events Toolkit

Winter Sports Now

Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month

Insights Now

Test your sporting goods market knowledge

Preview the NSGA 53rd Annual Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit

Innovations Now

Building connections at the NSGA Conference & Summit

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2016 Now

NSGA year in review

Locker Room Now

Rules and industry news

NSGA NOW®

January/February 2017 | 3

CEO CORNER

NSGA OFFICERS Chairman of the Board David Labbe

Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME

Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Cathy Pryor

Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, AL

Past Chairman Randy Nill

Nill Bros. Sporting Goods, Kansas City, KS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dale Donaldson

Mallard’s Source for Sports, Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada

Pat Donnelley

Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID

Rhett Johnson

Johnson-Lambe Co., Raleigh, NC

Jeff Miller

Scholastic Sports Sales, Ltd., Manlius, NY

John Oehler

Dunham’s Sports, Troy, MI

Rob Summerfield

MC Sports, Grand Rapids, MI

Jerry Williams

Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA

NSGA TEAM Matt Carlson

President & CEO

Meghan Beach

Director, Membership & Education

Katie Bruce

Director, Marketing & Communications

Dustin Dobrin

Director, Research & Information

Marty Maciaszek

Director, Team Dealer Division and HDA

Julie Pitts

Director, Business Development

The holiday season has come and gone. Some of the busiest shopping days of the year are over. Did you take advantage of the opportunity to sell to the 59% of Americans planning to purchase sporting goods for the holidays as we discovered in the NSGA holiday shopping survey? We also found out that in 2016, one in two Americans planned to shop for holiday gifts before Thanksgiving. This is something to consider when planning for 2017. In addition, the survey told us that 71% of the millennial generation were planning on buying sporting goods as holiday gifts. You may have seen some images on NSGA social media with these statistics. Social media users and industry members are taking notice and sharing this data. We hope you will too, in addition to using it to help your business. The new year is a time for starting fresh, implementing new ideas and looking ahead. The beginning of the new year is also a time for reflection. We find ourselves asking what would we do differently and how can we do better business and be more successful in the coming year? We hope this issue will inspire you to reflect on the past year as well as energize you to seek out new opportunities in 2017 that will better your business. NSGA is part of your team and can be a great resource. Whether it is attending the 53rd NSGA Annual Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit to network and learn, devising a strategy to help increase your profit in the new year, or learning about a program to help participation and grow the industry, NSGA is here to support you. Best regards, Matt Carlson President & CEO

Larry Weindruch

Director, Public Affairs

Dan Wiersma

Chief Financial Officer

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January/February 2017

Katie Bruce | Editor/Publisher NSGA NOW® (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035; Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); Fax: (847) 391-9827. Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Mount Prospect, IL 60056 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035. © by NSGA 2017. Printed in the USA.

ASSOCIATION NOW

NSGA Special Events Toolkit Let NSGA help your business impact your community by hosting a memorable event Events provide opportunities to publicize your store, create relationships and/or increase your customer base. The NSGA Special Events Toolkit contains a planning guide to coordinate the moving pieces of event preparation from start to finish, event-specific ideas and a USB containing templates for you to customize to fit your specific event needs. Visit nsga.org/nsgaeventtoolkit or email events@nsga.org to learn more and request a toolkit today!

The NSGA Special Events Toolkit is free to NSGA members!

NSGA NOWÂŽ

January/February 2017 | 5

WINTER SPORTS NOW

Snow Sports Industry Participation Initiatives By Larry Weindruch, NSGA Public Affairs Director, NSSRA President

Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month (LSSM) and Bring A Friend (BAF) are snow sports industry initiatives in January designed to increase participation. The snow sports industry recognized early on that its largest group of participants — Baby Boomers — are aging and new, younger skiers and boarders are needed to sustain the sports. These programs thrive on the creativity of retailers and ski resorts. They present programs designed to show people who have never skied or boarded just how much fun these activities are. Participants are taught the basics so they can start enjoying themselves on the slopes and begin a lifetime of healthy activity. The National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) has supported this effort as a co-sponsor, and its member retailers participate by creating programs designed to attract new and lapsed participants.

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November/December January/February 20172016

“The specialty snow sports retail shop is the first contact point most people have with skiing or boarding, and they are usually introduced to snow sports by a friend or family member,” said NSSRA Chairman of the Board Wilbur Rice, owner of Equipe Sport in Rawsonville, Vermont. “For these programs to continue to grow, it is essential that retailers and ski areas work together as partners to attract new participants.”

Thanks to the collective efforts of retailers and resorts, the LSSM/BAF initiatives have pumped nearly 12.3 million dollars into the industry in the form of first-time participants since 2009 at a cost of less than $1 million.

Beginners are educated on what they should expect at a learning venue and resort. There is a focus on informing the public about leasing options, the value of patronizing a specialty snow sports retail shop, the equipment rental process and how today’s equipment makes it easier to learn. The program heavily employs social media and video. For the 2016/17 season, there are plans to produce a First Timers Interactive VIP Experience on the LSSM website (skiandsnowboardmonth.org) which would include a “general 360 Resort Video” introduction. “Learn To” programs are strengthened each year. This includes enhanced state/map pages and special programs listing “learn to” deals that are offered by LSSM’s partners. The goal for the 2016/17 season is for 150 resorts and other organizations to offer LSSM activities, which would nearly double the previous season.

Participating resorts and specialty snow sports retailers emphasize these themes: S kiing and snowboarding are family-and friend-oriented lifetime sports L earning is easier and more affordable than ever S now sports are a healthy and active alternative to “winter inactivity” S ki and snowboard areas are more accessible than you may think W hat to know about today’s equipment, clothing and accessories Links to LSSM/BAF Content Home Page | skiandsnowboardmonth.org. This includes details about the program, as well as a store locator. World’s Largest Lesson skiandsnowboardmonth.org/special-programs/largest-lesson Video | bit.ly/2i7HTZz

NSGA NOW®

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INSIGHTS NOW

Test Your Sporting Goods Market Knowledge NSGA has been a leader in sporting goods market research insights for more than 30 years. Take our insights quiz and see how well you do!

ANSWERS | 1c, 2d, 3a, 4e, 5c, 6b

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November/December January/February 20172016

1 | Sports Participation in the U.S. Which of the following sport/activity segments is the only one to have consistently grown since the 1990s?

a. Team Sports b. Shooting Sports c. Fitness Activities d. Wheel Sports e. Snow Sports

2 | NSGA Shopper Playbook: Insights into the Sporting Goods Shopper What percentage of sporting goods shoppers research products online prior to making a purchase?

a. 33% b. 43% c. 53% d. 63% e. 73%

3 | Scouting the Hispanic Market

5 | Team Dealer Outside Sales Compensation

Among Hispanic sporting goods shoppers, what is the most important resource when researching potential products to purchase?

What percentage of team dealers include commission as part of the outside sales associate compensation structure?

4 | Sporting Goods Market

6 | Cross Participation in the U.S.

How large is the sporting goods market (in consumer retail sales) per the sporting goods categories tracked by NSGA?

What percentage of baseball participants also participate in soccer?

a. Word-of-Mouth b. Advertising c. Store Website d. Retail Store Associates e. In-Store Displays

a. $28 Billion b. $38 Billion c. $48 Billion d. $58 Billion e. $68 Billion

a. 59% b. 69% c. 79% d. 89% e. 99%

a. 19% b. 29% c. 39% d. 49% e. 59%

For more on NSGA research offerings visit nsga.org/researchofferings or contact NSGA Director of Research & Information Dustin Dobrin at ddobrin@nsga.org or (847) 296-NSGA (6742).

NSGA NOWÂŽ

January/February 2017 | 9

CONFERENCE NOW

THE PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN

The 53rd Annual NSGA Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit By Meghan Beach, Director of Membership & Education and Marissa Williams, Marketing & Membership Program Intern

KEY PLAYS NETWORK with thought leaders from across the industry. DISCUSS industry issues with non-competing peers. ENHANCE your business savvy from pioneering experts. GAIN exclusive, first-hand emerging product knowledge. LEARN about upcoming technology to stay cutting-edge.

Registration is now open for the 53rd Annual NSGA Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit taking place May 21–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The NSGA Conference & Summit is the place to boost productivity and insightfully focus on your business. It is the only premier event in the sporting goods industry where you can casually network and learn with top executives and decision makers from across the whole industry in one place.

YOUR TICKET TO THE WINNERS CIRCLE Join your industry colleagues at the 62nd Annual Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Two pioneers in the industry — Larry Aasheim of Universal Athletic and Kevin Plank of Under Armour — will be inducted as the 2017 class of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening, May 23. Don’t miss your opportunity to be among the greats as Aasheim and Plank join over 160 innovative leaders who have received this distinguished honor.

DISPLAY your product directly to the buyers you need. SHOW your support for the sporting goods industry. A place to focus on your business and not have it feel like work.

EXPANDED INNOVATIONS ARENA The NSGA Innovations Arena is growing. New this year, established manufacturers who have an innovative product

FOR RETAILERS & DEALERS the Innovations Arena is a great place to:

FOR MANUFACTURERS the Innovations Arena is a great place to:

FIND emerging new products to expand your offerings

SHOWCASE your product and boost visibility

PUT cutting-edge products in your inventory that no one else has LEARN about fashionable new trends and how to delight your consumer

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or concept will have the opportunity to showcase at the Arena, in addition to new-to-market companies.

January/February 2017

B UILD relationships and generate leads OBTAIN valuable perspective and feedback on your product

NEW THIS YEAR CONFERENCE KICK-OFF SUNDAY The program officially starts Sunday with welcome remarks from NSGA Chairman David Labbe, SVP Finance & Administration, Kittery Trading Post, and NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. This will be followed by an inspirational tee off from Hank Haney, who has instructed more than 200 PGA Tour professionals including Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara. His students have won every major professional golf tournament including the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. He is recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 instructors in America since the inception of the list in 1984, as one of the leading instructors in the world by Golf Digest, one of Golf World’s Top 50 Golf Personalities and PGA Teacher of the Year. Haney maintains the philosophy that golf is a game for everyone to enjoy and he is passionate about accommodating any golfer with the desire to improve. THE COMBINE Experts from inside and outside the industry are brought together to provide fundamental and practical solutions that make your business more efficient. Together, we will be on the ground going through the ins and outs on how to use everyday applications that leave you with real-world, actionable insights. STRUCTURED PRODUCT NETWORKING NSGA has eased the process of product distributor and supplier communications by facilitating meetings between top brands and dealers. By registering for the conference, dealers and suppliers will automatically become a part of this selective group that will have scheduled meetings arranged for the conference.

YOUR BUSINESS LEISURE GETAWAY TEE OFF at three distinctive championship nine-hole golf courses steps away N ETWORK while you compete at the Official NSGA Golf Tournament RELAX at one or all 10 resort pools M AKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR at the onsite 2.5-acre water playground EXPLORE with your own Adventure Activity Team SOAK IN MAJESTIC VIEWS of the McDowell Mountains S TAY ACTIVE with tennis & golf lessons or pool-side yoga ENJOY 15+ networking opportunities

WHERE IT’S AT Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85258 nsga.org/hotel | (480) 444-1234 The resort is an easy 25-minute drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). NSGA attendees save an average of $120 a night on lodging during the event!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Don’t miss the longest-running event of its kind.

HOT BUTTON TOPICS Competition in the Industry | Emerging Technology Company Culture | Deconstructing the Millennial Employee Tackling Digital Communications | How to Be Competitive Without Dropping a Ton of Cash | Upcoming Rule Changes that Will Affect Your Inventory | Generating New Sales — What are the Next High Profit Margin Items | Competing with Online Sales | And more!

REGISTER TODAY nsga.org/conference P: (847) 296-NSGA (6742) ext. 1190 | F: (847) 391-9827 1601 Feehanville Drive, Suite 300 | Mount Prospect, IL 60056

Learn more at nsga.org/conferenceschedule

Program is subject to change.

DON’T FORGET NSGA members save up to $600 on registration rates. Not a member? Get your savings today at nsga.org/join.

NSGA NOW®

January/February 2017 | 11

INNOVATIONS NOW

Building Lasting Connections at the NSGA Management Conference By Angela Mennecke, NSGA Marketing & Communications Coordinator

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January/February 2017

Effective networking is vitally important in today’s fast-moving and ever-changing business environment. Building strong relationships is crucial to success and a sense of identity in the sporting goods industry. No matter what type of business you represent, NSGA’s Annual Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is an event where you will find the best business-building opportunities in the industry. With more than 25 dedicated networking opportunities in just three days, attendees create the foundation for long-lasting business relationships. Tom Newhard, Sales Manager at Incrediwear, a health and fitness apparel company based out of Chico, California, knows this first-hand. As a 2016 NSGA Innovations Arena exhibitor and first-time attendee, Newhard spent three days networking with potential customers in what he says was a nice change of pace from the typical office setting.

“There were a lot of small independents at the NSGA Conference and they really got behind my products,” Newhard said. “The [Innovations Arena] was very intimate, allowing me to have important discussions with key buyers.” Newhard hoped attending the NSGA Conference & Summit and participating in the Innovations Arena would increase Incrediwear’s physical presence in brick-and-mortar stores. After meeting Jen Grimes, Co-Owner of Specialty Sports in Savannah, Georgia, that became a reality. “I took the time to listen to what he had to say about his product,” Grimes said. “Since I am an avid runner and have knee pains he offered me a free sample of one of his leg braces. I was quite happy with the results. Customers have had positive reviews, so for me it is an easy decision to continue to order and do business with Tom.”

With Newhard excited to get his products in front of customers in brick-and-mortar stores, he also used the networking opportunities at the Conference & Summit to work on expanding his already impressive online presence. Darren DeMarco, Owner of Muddy Locker Sports in Northport, New York, an online sports equipment and apparel company, connected with Newhard during the first networking break at the Conference. “I stopped at Incrediwear’s exhibit on the first day of the Conference and we continued conversations during other networking events, especially at the opening-night reception,” DeMarco said. “I was able to learn a lot about the product in a short amount of time and saw a real use for it.” The Conference & Summit sparked discussion between DeMarco and Newhard and the two have since done business together.

Experience the sporting goods industry’s premier event! Network with thought leaders from across the industry and gain exclusive, first-hand product knowledge. Enhance your business knowledge from pioneering companies and experts and learn about emerging technology to stay cutting-edge. You can do all of this and show your support for the sporting goods industry at the 53rd Annual NSGA Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit May 21–24, at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. Register today at nsga.org/conference.

NSGA NOW®

January/February 2017 | 13

OPERATIONS NOW

What’s Your Strategy? By Mara Devitt, Senior Partner at McMillanDoolittle

Retail competition has never been tougher — so — what’s your strategy to win? Now is a good time to reflect on the current business performance and question the business trajectory to determine if a course correction or completely different strategy is required. Developing a strategy should be a simple process supported by good data and “quality time” from leadership who bring their expertise and judgment. There are four basic steps to develop a strategic plan.

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January/February 2017

1 2 3 4

Where are we today? Complete a holistic review of the business and marketplace. Gather data on market, current business performance and trends over a three to five-year period that looks at key metrics for major areas of the business and compares these metrics to both close in competition as well as new or niche competitors to understand the dynamics in your competitive set. Conduct market visits (looking at all channels) to assess the competition from a consumer point of view. Finally, survey customers/non-customers to understand brand strengths/weaknesses vs. competition. Synthesize the results of this exercise into a structured definition of current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the business. Where do we want to be? The goal of this step is to identify “white space” opportunities in the market where you can leverage your core strengths to uniquely serve a target customer segment that is financially attractive in terms of market size and/or growth. Based on learnings from the previous step, the team should answer: Whom can we be just right for? What can we be “best in the world at” for this customer? The outcome of the process is to define a retail positioning that can simply communicate a future vision to the organization. How do we get there? Assign committees to look at each area of the business to identify what changes are needed to achieve the positioning. These changes will likely range from simple process changes to more complex capability development or new partnerships. Work together to prioritize these and develop a master plan with supporting success metrics/business plan to guide the organization in the shift to the new strategic positioning. How are we doing? Finally, implement the plan. Develop a cadence of communication and performance monitoring/management to ensure that the implementation strategy is on track and the results are as expected. Make sure you are monitoring competition and other external factors that impact the business and their impact on results. A good strategy provides clear direction for all members of the business that guides both small and large decisions. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky once said, “Skate to where the puck is going, not where it’s been.” A road map for success, a strategic plan, can help the organization do just that.

NSGA NOW®

January/February 2017 | 15

2016 NOW

Year in Review: Highlights from NSGA’s 2016 Hockey Dealers Association The Hockey Dealers Association (HDA) and NSGA continue to help members who are part of the four-year-old hockey products buying collaboration with the Sports Distributors of Canada. The collaboration has 30 participating U.S. dealers who take advantage of discounted group pricing, rebates and exclusive products. The cost savings for the participants are expected to keep growing in 2017.

Team Dealer Division NSGA’s Team Dealer Division continues to stay on top of rule changes that affect team dealers. NSGA also sent letters to every state’s board of education and athletic association with concerns about the legality of public high school employees accepting free goods from manufacturers. For 2017, NSGA is exploring more ways to help the independent team dealer compete in a volatile marketplace.

Research New in 2016, the NSGA Research Department released Scouting The Hispanic Market, highlighting the rapid population growth and the integral role of sports and exercise within the Hispanic segment. Members of NSGA can download the report at no cost. Visit nsga.org/hispanicstudy.

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January/February 2017

Advocacy

NSGA NOW ®

NSGA members and staff made their presence known in Washington, DC on April 13 walking the halls of Capitol Hill to garner support for legislation that would provide sales tax fairness and encourage fitness-related activity. The second annual NSGA Lobbying Day saw an increase in participation and in meetings, leading to an even wider reach.

The start of 2016 saw a new look for NSGA NOW.® Design of the magazine changed to align with branding that began with the launch of the new NSGA website. NSGA hopes readers enjoy the new look and content and always welcome suggestions for the publication. nsga.org/nsganow.

This Is NSGA Video Series In the new video series, This Is NSGA, members share their business and how NSGA contributes to their success. Visit nsga.org/thisisnsga to view videos from the This Is NSGA video series.

Conference & Summit The 52nd Annual NSGA Conference & Summit & 18th Annual Team Dealer Summit took place May 22–25 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The longest-running event of its kind, the Conference offered a plethora of opportunities for networking. Highlights included keynote addresses from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and CBS Sports Broadcaster Greg Gumbel, panel discussions tackling hot topics in the sporting goods industry and a chance to look at revolutionary products during the NSGA Innovations Arena for the second year.

Website Have you accessed the NSGA website on your mobile device or tablet lately? The website is responsive and will adjust to your screen size so you can get information about the industry anywhere you go. Visit the site at nsga.org.

Looking Ahead In 2017, NSGA looks forward to providing you with new services and opportunities to help your business grow. Be on the lookout for updated research, lobby day and advocacy news, and exciting new additions and activities during the 53rd Annual NSGA Management Conference & 19th Annual Team Dealer Summit.

NSGA NOW®

January/February 2017 | 17

LOCKER ROOM NOW

Updates on NFHS Jerseys, Volleyball Officials Stand In some National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sports, the front and back of jerseys may contain only the school name, team logo, school nickname and player name along with a number. Team nicknames such as “Hitters” or “Red Swarm” and team slogans such as “Legacy,” “Pride” or “Brotherhood” are illegal on the front or back of the jersey. While this NFHS jersey rule was a point of emphasis in football this fall, it also applies to other sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. It is important to be aware of these rules because teams have been penalized and individual athletes have been disqualified for wearing uniforms that do not meet NFHS standards. The NFHS has no pending rule change to require the volleyball referee’s platform to be adjustable during the match, per NFHS volleyball rules liaison Becky Oakes. The official rule (3-2-6) requires a safe, stable platform, which elevates the referee’s head to between 2 and 3 feet above the top of the net. It is recommended the top of the platform be at least 18 inches long by 12 inches wide with steps up to the platform provided.

Below is an update on some of the other US Lacrosse rule changes for women’s lacrosse regarding equipment and uniforms that go into effect in 2017 and 2018. The US Lacrosse high school girls’ rules are endorsed by NFHS. • The ball may be lime green in addition to yellow or bright orange in color. • Mouthpieces shall be any color other than clear or white and must not have the graphics of white teeth. This makes it easier to determine if a player is properly wearing a mouthpiece. • Home team jerseys shall be light in color and visitor jerseys must be dark in color effective January 1, 2018. • Visible undergarments (long or short sleeve) must correspond to the team’s predominant jersey color, or be light in color with a light jersey and dark in color with a dark jersey, effective January 1, 2018. • Eye black must be one solid stroke with no logos/numbers/ letters and shall not extend further than the width of the eye socket or below the cheekbone.

Oakes said the NFHS has encouraged equipment manufacturers to consider an adjustable referee’s platform design if it can be done easily and safely but there is no proposed rule change. The difference in height of each individual does not always permit the referee to be positioned in the desired range of 2 to 3 feet above the top of the net.

Cascade’s New Headgear Part of Women’s Changes for US Lacrosse

CCM “Four-Peat” as Source for Sports Vendor of the Year

Cascade Lacrosse, the leading head protection brand in lacrosse, unveiled the CASCADE LX women’s lacrosse headgear, the first integrated system to meet newly approved ASTM standards for women’s lacrosse headgear and goggles. The CASCADE LX headgear was designed specifically for the women’s game through an in-depth research and development process that featured fit testing, lab testing and on-field feedback from female players of all ages.

CCM received the Source for Sports “Vendor of the Year” award for the fourth consecutive year at its annual hockey buying show in November in Niagara Falls, Canada. The award recognizes the vendor who does the best job of working with all the Source for Sports members on customer service and product innovation.

Key features include an integrated goggle system to increase face comfort and improve user experience, a fit system, protective materials and a flexible shell. Cascade Lacrosse collaborated with ASTM and US Lacrosse to produce a product which meets the new ASTM standard F3137 for women’s headgear and the updated ASTM standard F3077 for women’s eyewear. Both standards went into effect January 1. For more information visit cascadelacrosse.com.

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January/February 2017

“It is an excellent honor for CCM to win SDC Vendor of the Year from such an important group to our business and to the sport of hockey,” said Sean Williams, the Vice President of Marketing for CCM. “This award makes us proud and is a strong indication that our employees are doing good things and representing the great hockey brand of CCM very well.”

Bidders Increase for Performance Sports Group At least five private equity firms are considering making a bid for Performance Sports Group (PSG). According to a report on Street.com in December, the prospective buyers include KKR, Bain Capital LP, Apollo Global Management, TPG Capital and Sycamore Partners. PSG’s largest shareholder Sagard Capital Partners L.P. partnered with Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited $575 million and serves as the stalking course for an auction set for January 30. The stalking horse bid remains subject to regulatory approval by the Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB). Per the Street.com report, former PSG chairman Graeme Roustan is pushing for the CCB to look into Sagard’s ownership of Power Corp., a diversified Quebec-based international management company with interests in financial services, communications and other sectors. The conflicts could include any business relationships with Adidas AG, which owns CCM. Roustan, who led spinoff of Performance Sports Group, formerly Bauer Performance Sports, from Nike in 2008, is also in discussions in various PE firms on a buyout offer.

Wilson Acquires EvoShield Wilson acquired EvoShield, the leading brand of protective gear for baseball and softball teams in the United States and the official protective gear of Major League Baseball. The acquisition includes the EvoShield brand and all EvoShield-branded products, intellectual property and distribution rights. “The addition of the EvoShield brand to our growing baseball and softball business is exciting and represents how we are accelerating our presence at every level of the game,” said Mike Dowse, President of Wilson Sporting Goods. “EvoShield is the most prominent and relevant protective brand in baseball and softball today, and this marriage is another step in ensuring we deliver only the best performance products to athletes of every age.”

Under Armour, Fanatics Partner with Major League Baseball Under Armour, Fanatics and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced a 10-year partnership that names the global performance brand as the official uniform provider to MLB, marking Under Armour’s first-ever professional league uniform deal. The collaborative partnership will provide cutting-edge on-field apparel for players, as well as the most responsive and significant merchandise assortment ever available for fans. Beginning in the 2020 MLB season, Under Armour will be the exclusive MLB provider of all on-field uniform components including jerseys featuring prominent Under Armour branding, baselayer, game-day outerwear, and year-round training apparel for all 30 MLB teams. Under Armour will replace Majestic as the official uniform of MLB.

NHL Signs Deal with Fanatics The NHL signed a deal with Fanatics, the nation’s largest online seller of licensed sports apparel, giving the company the exclusive right to make NHL fan-replica jerseys as well as all quick-turnaround products, including official Stanley Cup-champion locker room apparel. Fanatics officials say they plan to improve the appearance of jerseys. Because the jerseys looked too bulky for fans who didn’t wear pads under them, the company has created a stretch fabric that fits better. The jersey is adjusted depending on size and gender. Fanatics will also add sizes — up to 5XL for men and an extra-small option for women. A Fanatics logo will be on the bottom of the jerseys, while the Adidas logo, which will be on NHL on-ice jerseys starting next year, will not appear on the replica jerseys. The deal allows Adidas, whose new seven-year deal starts next season, to get the branding benefits on the jersey exterior on the players but not have to worry about making jerseys for fans — which requires a significant infrastructure investment.

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