Volume 5 | No. 6 | November/December 2017
A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION
A Closer Look at the 2018 FedEx and UPS Rate Increases Learn To Ski & Snowboard Month and Bring A Friend Continue To Attract New Skiers and Riders Combating Theft: A Big Challenge in the Sporting Goods Industry
RESEARCH • ADVOCACY • NETWORKING
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 5
CEO Now
6 8
Technology Now
10
Growing in the New Year
Learn To Ski & Snowboard Month and Bring A Friend Continue To Attract New Skiers and Riders
Association Now
Registration Open for the 2018 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit
Taking Stock
Membership Now
A Closer Look at the 2018 FedEx and UPS Rate Increases
12
Industry Now
14
Operations Now
Combined Athletic Dealers of America and Nation’s Best Sports Show Viewed a Success
Combating Theft: A Big Challenge in the Sporting Goods Industry
16 18
Insights Now
NSGA Trivia: Test Your Sporting Goods Industry Knowledge
Locker Room Now
Rule Changes, Acquisitions and More
NSGA NOW®
November/December 2017 | 3
CEO NOW
NSGA OFFICERS
As 2017 ends, it is natural to reflect on the last year. It helps us learn from the prior year’s successes and failures, and is an integral part of growing. I encourage you to shift gears to the new year. What can you do better in your business? Is it upgrading your technology or website for a better customer experience? Maybe examining distribution practices to diversify your reach in this constantly changing environment? Maybe a focus on special events which attract customers? Whatever you land on, NSGA is here to help.
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 Kevin Bezanson
Cleve’s Source for Sports, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Pat Donnelley
Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID
Rhett Johnson
Johnson-Lambe Co., Raleigh, NC
Greg Miller
Universal Athletic, Bozeman, MT
Jeff Miller
Scholastic Sports Sales, Ltd., Manlius, NY
John Oehler
Dunham’s Sports, Troy, MI
Jerry Williams
Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA
NSGA TEAM LEADERS Matt Carlson
President & CEO
Katie Bruce
Director, Marketing & Communications
Dustin Dobrin
Director, Research & Information
Marty Maciaszek
Director, Team Dealer Division and HDA
Julie Pitts
In this issue, you will find an update on FedEx and UPS increases for 2018. We want you to be aware of changes like these that affect your bottom line. As a member, you can also participate in the NSGA shipping program with PartnerShip and take advantage of discounted rates for both inbound and outbound shipping. In Technology Now, you can find information on evaluating your business technology. What better time to examine these investments than at the start of the new year? NSGA utilizes experts to provide members with the best information and address issues that may not always be top of mind. Did you know that retail theft grew to $48.9 billion in 2016 from $45.2 billion in 2015, according to the annual National Retail Federation/National Retail Security Survey released in June 2017? Later in the magazine read about some retail theft facts and what you can do to minimize loss. If you are in the winter sports business, I encourage you to participate in Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and Bring A Friend. Share these initiatives on social media, your website or in-store with your customers. Resources for the month can be found at learntoskiandsnowboard.org. Read more about the program and the effort to increase snow sports participation later in this issue of the magazine. In each issue of NSGA NOW,® find updates on industry changes and news. From acquisitions, to combined shows, to rule changes, the publication contains a wealth of information on everything happening in the industry. Regularly read the Locker Room Now section for important rule and industry updates that affect your business. The new year brings a promise that NSGA will continue to provide you with information, resources and opportunities to grow your business and the sporting goods industry. Read about these opportunities in NSGA NOW,® or the NSGA Scoreboard e-newsletter.
Director, Business Development
Larry Weindruch
Director, Public Affairs
Dan Wiersma
Chief Financial Officer
Best regards, Matt Carlson President & CEO
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.
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ASSOCIATION NOW 1.
Don’t Miss This Registration is Open for the 2018 NSGA 54th Annual Management Conference & 20th Annual Team Dealer Summit 2.
This is where the sporting goods industry will connect May 20–22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. Register before February 12 to secure the early bird rate. REGISTRATION FOR THE CONFERENCE & SUMMIT INCLUDES:
Participation in Structured Product
Networking for Retailers, Team Dealers, Manufacturers and Brands
Exclusive All-Access Pass to NSGA Innovations Arena
The Opportunity to Network & Learn with Fellow Industry Leaders
3.
Nightly Networking Receptions Breakfast and Lunch Served Daily (starting Monday)
Eligibility for Conference Giveaways and Prizes
A seat at the Sporting Goods
Structured Product Networking THINK OF IT LIKE SPORTING GOODS SPEED DATING NSGA created a platform last year for you to have multiple business conversations in one place. If you are a retailer, dealer or manufacturer and register for the conference this is an event you do not want to miss. Grab your business cards and get ready to sell more. FOR RETAILERS & DEALERS
Get your business in front of brands. Learn about new product trends and best practices to make the sale.
Meet new manufacturer
representatives and build your network.
Share your concerns and ask questions.
FOR MANUFACTURERS & BRANDS
Interact with independent retailers and dealers to bolster your brand.
Make valuable connections to
expand your distribution channels.
Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony
Educate retailers and team dealers
Access to Exclusive NSGA Group Rate
Get feedback from a diverse group
Discounts throughout the Resort & Golf Club
about products to increase sales.
of sellers.
RSVP FOR THIS EVENT WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
4.
F or more information or to register today, visit nsga.org/2018conference.
1. Scott McKain presents to attendees at the 2017 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit 2. Greg Baldwin of Schuylkill Valley Sports talks with Laura and Bill Gump from 2017 NSGA Innovations Arena participants Swax Lax 3. From left: David Labbe (Kittery Trading Post, NSGA Chairman), Karen and Kevin Bezanson (Cleve’s Source for Sports), Ron Sutton (Accusplit), Florence Meehan (Dunham’s Sports), Dale Donaldson (Mallard’s Source for Sports), Mickey Newsome (Hibbett Sports, Former NSGA Chairman and Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame member), Daniel Pinewski (Pinewski’s Ski Shop), Debbi PageJacobsen and Michael Jacobsen (Formula4Media, LLC), Bruce Bohan (FishHawk Sporting Goods) 4. Site of the 2018 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit
NSGA NOW®
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TECHNOLOGY NOW
Taking Stock By Adam Gassensmith, Manager of Client Engagement, Peters & Associates
If you operate a retail business, you are very familiar with the process of taking inventory each month or quarter. On a regular basis, you are evaluating your floor and storeroom to see what you hold in assets, verify your inventory numbers align with your sales numbers and identify trends. Taking inventory can be a tedious process, but it is extremely important. After all, for most retail operations, your inventory is your greatest asset on your books. The same should be done with technology investments, especially when it comes to cloud-based services. Just like many retail operators use a checklist for reviewing their inventory, there is a list that should be evaluated when looking at a customers’ technology stock.
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Start with the Big Boulders
What software do you own, subscribe to or use in your business operations? Your list might look something like this: • Point-of-Sale • Customer Relationship • Payroll Management (CRM) • Bookkeeping • Enterprise Resource • Email Management (ERP) • Web Development • Employee Portal Solution In many cases, especially for smaller organizations, you will not have all the items listed above. Sometimes, core functionality of multiple items is combined into a single software suite or you may not have a need for a large ERP system. The most important thing in this step, is to capture all the software and technology services that you are paying for.
Move on to the Smaller Rocks
Now that you have identified your major software and services, it is time to get granular. This part of the process can get into the technology weeds. It is possible that you will want help from someone that is familiar with the products you own. For this step in taking stock, you are going to list all the features that your software or subscription includes. For instance, your Point-of-Sale system may include inventory management features or your web development may include an email subscription. At the end of this step, you should have an extensive list of software and a long list of the business operation functions that you are paying for. This is your list of technology assets.
Taking Action
Hopefully, the aforementioned two-step process has offered some insight into the full scope of technology that you are invested in. However, this exercise shouldn’t stop at taking inventory. Now you have a list of assets that you can use to make decisions. There are two additional steps that you should take: 1. Evaluate undiscovered features 2. Consolidate your investment
Evaluating Undiscovered Features
If you are like a lot of Peters & Associates clients, this exercise has opened your eyes to the fact you are only using about 50% of your investment in these technologies. You should take time to experience these newly discovered features and see if they have a benefit to your business. You can expect to see more in-depth Tech Tip articles in the coming issues of NSGA NOW® and the NSGA Scoreboard about Office 365. As an example, Office 365 combines Microsoft’s cloud email, communication and collaboration platform with their core Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook). Office 365 Business Premium includes the following: • Appointment Booking • Office on your Mac or PC • Business Listing • Email Management • File Storage • Invoicing Software • Skype for Business • Email Marketing • Employee Portal • Customer Management The last five items on that list are relatively new. Could you find value out of an email marketing platform? Would it help if your customers could book fitting or repair appointments through an online portal? If you own these items, you should start evaluating their potential for your business.
Consolidating your Investment
Once you have reviewed and evaluated the features of your technology investment, you should be able to determine if you can start displacing other services. Consolidation is generally much less expensive, offers easier management, a simpler vendor relationship and a more consistent experience for your employees and customers. That being said, you should compare features and functions to your existing application, too. While software suites include a lot of “good enough” functionality, they will generally have fewer features than an application that has a core focus. If you can get by with less robust features, that’s great, just be sure that you understand the trade-off. Just like taking stock of your physical inventory, taking stock of your virtual inventory can be challenging. Future articles will dig into features described above. If you need assistance with evaluating your technology investment or you have any other questions, reach out to Adam Gassensmith at Adam.Gassensmith@peters.com.
Watch for your NSGA Technology Survey email in the 1st calendar quarter of 2018, and fill it out as soon as you get it! NSGA NOW®
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MEMBERSHIP NOW
A Closer Look at the 2018 FedEx and UPS Rate Increases By Harry Centa, Senior Program Manager, PartnerShip
With the new year approaching, it is time to look at the UPS and FedEx rate increases for 2018 and how they will affect your costs. In September, FedEx announced an average increase of 4.9% on express and ground services. In October, UPS announced they will also be increasing their rates by an average of 4.9%. The new UPS rates took effect on Dec. 24 while FedEx instituted them a week later on Jan. 1, 2018.
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HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS: FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx home delivery rates will increase an average of 4.9% UPS Ground, UPS Air and international rates will increase an average of 4.9%
UPS is lowering the dimensional weight divisor to 139 for domestic packages less than or equal to one cubic foot in size (1,728 cubic inches) Surcharges for larger packages will rise sharply
With higher increases for some services and lower increases for others, you cannot budget based on your costs increasing 4.9%. The averages might be the same, but the rates vary. It is important to look at what services you use, your package characteristics and the locations you are shipping to. You will need to evaluate the new rate charts, the surcharge increases and other changes to find your biggest cost offenders. The 2018 FedEx and UPS rate increases are proof the carriers are getting smarter and hitting shippers where it hurts most. Luckily, you do not have to navigate the changes alone. PartnerShip,® the company that manages the NSGA Shipping Program, has evaluated the new rate charts and completed a detailed analysis, so it is easier for NSGA Members to assess the impact on their shipping costs.
FedEx is adding a 2.5% third-party billing surcharge to match UPS Additional surcharges and increased rates were applied during the 2017 holiday season
Download a free white paper on the rate increases at PartnerShip.com/rateincrease When you enroll in the NSGA Shipping Program, you receive exclusive discounts on select FedEx® services — helping to offset the 2018 rate increases. For more information or to enroll today, visit PartnerShip.com/06nsga or call (800) 599-2902.
NSGA NOW®
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PARTICIPATION NOW
Learn To Ski & Snowboard Month and Bring A Friend Continue To Attract New Skiers and Riders
By Larry Weindruch, National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association President
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Humans were never meant to hibernate. That is the guiding principle of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and Bring A Friend initiatives that unite the snow sports industry in an effort to increase the number of skiers and snowboarders. Initiative partners include national, regional and state associations, the industry trade media, retailers, rep and retail organizations, product suppliers and individual resorts. The National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) supports these efforts as a co-sponsor. NSSRA-member retailers are listed on the LSSM/BAF website so prospective new participants know where they can get started. The website (learntoskiandsnowboard.org/special-programs) lists information showing which ski areas are offering special programs, including free lessons and discounted lift tickets. 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. This program thrives on the creativity of retailers and ski resorts, who present programs designed to show people who have never slid downhill just how much fun these activities are and teach them the basics, so they can start enjoying themselves on the slopes and begin a lifetime of healthy activity. Since its inception in 2009, resort partners have delivered an estimated 870,000 beginner lessons, primarily in January. Assuming a 17% retention rate, this translates to 147,900 new skiers and snowboarders. Important dates to remember are Jan. 21 (World Snow Day) and the Winter Olympics, Feb. 9–25, 2018. “Newcomers can take advantage of these great offers during January, but lessons from professional instructors are available all winter long,” said Mary Jo Tarallo, program director.
“If you are a current skier or snowboarder and want to ‘share the love’ with newcomers, then let them know about these special programs. You have a chance to win some awesome prizes by doing so.”
Tarallo said that the newcomer offers are listed state-bystate so it is easy to find out what is going on where one lives. “Newcomers are not likely to travel that far when they are just learning,” she added. Beginners are educated on what they should expect at a learning venue and resort, with the 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. This website and partners’ sites offer important information for beginners who want to learn and current participants who want to improve.
learntoskiandsnowboard.org DID YOU KNOW? If you are a member of the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association, you are also a member of the National Sporting Goods Association and have access to all NSGA programs and services.
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INDUSTRY NOW
Combined ADA and NBS Show Viewed a Success By Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Team Dealer Director
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The first buying group show featuring the team dealers from the Athletic Dealers of America (ADA) and Nation’s Best Sports (NBS) at the same site proved to be a powerful combination. NBS and ADA had more than 100 team dealers in attendance for the Fall Buying Show Nov. 10–12 at the Renaissance Hotel and Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. The combined show allowed exhibitors to save travel time and expenses by attending one buying show. Members of both groups also benefited by seeing more sporting goods industry vendors in one place. “The combined presence of both groups resulted in a successful event that was beneficial to all parties, and support from the Vendor/Rep community was overwhelming,” said NBS President Jim Chandley. “Since we have now seen the advantages, we look forward to future opportunities working side-by-side with the ADA.” Because of the success of the event, NBS and ADA started reviewing opportunities for more shows combining both groups in the same location in the future.
“This was a positive step for both of our groups. This improved the productivity of the show for all attendees while reducing the costs that were associated with vendors and reps attending multiple buying shows,” said ADA President Peter Schneider. “It was a pleasure to work closely with the NBS staff members to host our two groups and our industry vendors.”
The positive reviews from the vendor community about the combined event were overwhelming. “As a new player to that show for both combined, we definitely felt connected on both sides,” said Kevin Hennessy, the President of NSGA member SummerSkates. “We had over 50 percent engagement from both sides with a real intention to put our program into their stores. “Especially for smaller businesses, the efficiency of having both together is ideal in terms of expense and time. We were definitely excited knowing we were getting two for one.”
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OPERATIONS NOW
Combating Theft a Big Challenge in the Sporting Goods Industry By Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Team Dealer Director
Sporting goods retailers and business owners big and small have been hit by all kinds of internal and external theft. It is not just the “five-finger discounters” looking for a quick score. Here are some of the headline-making examples: Thieves drilled a hole in a ceiling and repelled into a Canadian hockey store where they stole approximately $150,000 of high-end hockey sticks. An employee who oversaw and distributed merchandise for a chain of stores stole nearly $275,000 of merchandise and sold it to a buyer through Craigslist. Thieves pried open a front door to a store after hours and stole $20,000 in merchandise. A store employee took money from deposits, entered false returns and pocketed the cash and stole merchandise. An employee rang up and then voided sales over three months for a theft of nearly $16,000 by purchasers. A robbery suspect took high-end golf drivers into a store’s practice area, removed the club heads and left the club shafts in bins of demo clubs. A man dressed in a panda costume stole a rifle from a store. Retail theft grew to $48.9 billion in 2016 from $45.2 billion in 2015, according to the annual National Retail Federation/National Retail Security Survey released in June 2017. Thefts amounted to 1.4 percent of sales and 48.9 percent of retailers surveyed reported an increase in inventory shrink. “Retailers are proactive in combatting criminal activity in their stores but acknowledge that they still have a lot of work left to do,” NRF Vice President of Loss Prevention Bob Moraca said in a news release. “The job is made much more difficult when loss prevention experts can’t get the money they need to beef up their staff and resources. Retail executives need to realize that money spent on preventing losses is money that improves the bottom line.” Dr. Richard Hollinger is a professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Sociology and Criminology and Law. Hollinger is in his fifth decade of studying retail theft and is the director of the Security Research Project, which has conducted the National Retail Security Survey for 26 years.
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“Criminals in all types of crime tend to stay one step ahead of law enforcement — particularly where there is technology involved,” Hollinger said in an interview with NSGA NOW.® “It’s a game of cat and mouse.” Shoplifting and external theft accounts for 36.5 percent of retail theft, with internal theft at 30 percent and administrative and payment errors at 21.3 percent, according to the 2017 NRF/NRSS survey. When Hollinger wrote his doctoral dissertation in the late 1970s on employee theft, he said most of the focus was on shoplifting despite most of the problems occurring internally. However, Hollinger said since 1983 most private employers are prohibited from using lie detector tests for pre-employment screening or during employment. This restricts what retailers can do about internal theft, beyond a high level of recruiting and screening of potential and current employees about their past employment experiences and credit ratings. “With shoplifting you can use tags and cameras and focus on the shopper,” Hollinger said, “and then retailers don’t find themselves in a dilemma, which many have, where the people they are most likely stolen from are their own employees — and that’s kind of embarrassing.” Hollinger said cameras and tags are not necessarily major deterrents and often just tell retailers how merchandise was stolen from a store. While Organized Retail Crime (ORC) has been around since the 1960s, Hollinger said the number of organized rings and their sophistication has increased. Professionals will scout out stores to watch employee patterns on the floor, exit locations and check for the security measures. ORC groups will use mobile phones to communicate and tactics to distract employees. “A lot of them are diversion gangs,” Hollinger said. “They divert the attention of staff of the store and if most of the store is wide open they can steal a lot of merchandise. It happens in jewelry stores quite often.” ORC groups also have many more outlets to liquidate product now through on-line auction websites. It is also a vehicle for illegal refunds. For the first time, the 2017 NRF/NRSS survey asked retailers about return fraud and the average was $1,766.27. “The criminals will return to the original victim for a refund, which to me is the ultimate insult,” Hollinger said. “You lose the merchandise and end up buying it back not knowing you are paying for it twice. “A lot of retailers don’t even demand a receipt anymore. They don’t give cash back, but they give store gift cards which are valuable and can be sold online as well. It’s a huge profit margin.”
Small business operators may not seem to have the resources of larger retailers for technological deterrents. Hollinger said that is changing. Hollinger said one advantage for smaller retailers is they may have employees more in tune and invested in what is happening in the store. This can keep them from becoming a target of thieves who may think a smaller store is an easier target. “Usually mom and pops are run by mom and pops, and one of the premier ways to deter shoplifting is good customer service,” Hollinger said. “It can be done much easier in a smaller location than a larger location. “They can do more than they believe they can. If you have trusted employees there for years they can invest in looking for more shoplifted merchandise.” Smaller retailers need to be more aware because they may not have the resources of larger retailers to restock inventory. Hollinger, who worked in the grocery industry growing up, said the days of running after shoplifters into the parking lot and detaining them until the police arrived are long gone because of the dangers involved. “Many store owners don’t have the technology to prevent that sort of thing or to put their lives on the line by challenging thieves who are that sophisticated and can be armed,” Hollinger said. “The rule of thumb is you can always replace merchandise, but you can’t replace people. Many stores prevent staff from use of any deadly weapon or chasing people down and tackling them.” But reducing the threats to their business is one of the big challenges to those in sporting goods and all retail sectors.
REDUCING LOSS Know Your Employees Take recruiting seriously and screen potential hires and current employees. Focus on the Shopper There are some inexpensive options for cameras and tagging that you can utilize to minimize shoplifting. Pay Attention to Detail & Be Aware Update computer software, restrict access to computer terminals and records, and make the team responsible for inventory management.
NSGA NOW®
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INSIGHTS NOW
NSGA Trivia Test your sporting goods industry knowledge with these 10 questions!
1
P er NSGA’s Historical Sports Participation Report, in what year was Basketball participation at its highest level since NSGA started tracking this sport in 1984? A. 1991 B. 1996 C. 2001 D. 2006
2
Per NSGA’s Sports Participation Report, which of the following sports/activities was not in the top 10 in terms of highest percentage growth from 2016 vs. 2015? A. Running/Jogging B. Canoeing C. Baseball D. Gymnastics
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3
Per NSGA’s Sports Participation Report, what was the average age of an Ice Hockey participant during 2016? A. 18 B. 23 C. 28 D. 33
Per NSGA’s Sporting Goods Market Report, which of the following footwear categories was not in the top 10 in terms of highest percentage growth of total sales from 2016 vs. 2015? A. B. C. D.
5
8
A. Amazon B. In-Store Displays C. Advertising D. Friends/Family/Coworker Recommendations
Gym Shoes/Fashion Sneakers Hiking Shoes/Boots Basketball Shoes Golf Shoes
Per NSGA’s Sporting Goods Market Report, what percent of intended users of soccer balls were under the age of 14 during the year 2016?
9
Per NSGA’s Sporting Goods Market Report, by what percentage have total dollar sales for bicycles changed from 2012–2016? A. B. C. D.
7
10
6% decrease 3% decrease 3% increase 6% increase
Tommy plays Ice Hockey, Tennis and Baseball. This year, he needs a new pair of hockey skates, a tennis racquet and a baseball glove. Per NSGA’s Sporting Goods Market Report, about how much will Tommy spend in total for those three items based on their average prices from 2016?
For the answer to the last question, please visit nsga.org/nowtrivia. ANSWERS
A. Canoeing B. Hunting with Firearms C. Backpack/Wilderness Camping D. Dart Throwing
Double Income No Kids Affluent Singles Affluent Families Single Parents
A. $158 B. $208 C. $258 D. $308
Per NSGA’s Cross Participation Report, a person
who participated in Fresh Water Fishing during 2016 was most likely to also have participated in which of the following sports/activities during the same year?
Per NSGA’s Lifecycle Demographics Report, which of the following lifecycle segments was most likely to participate in Alpine Skiing during 2016? A. B. C. D.
A. 10% B. 20% C. 30% D. 40%
6
Per NSGA’s Scouting the Hispanic Market Report, which of the following sources of research are Hispanics most likely to utilize prior to purchasing sporting goods?
1. B (1996) | 2. A (Running/Jogging) | 3. C (28) 4. D (Golf Shoes) | 5. C (30%) | 6. A (6% decrease) 7. B (Hunting with Firearms) | 8. D (Friends/Family/Coworker Recommendations) | 9. B (Affluent Singles)
4
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LOCKER ROOM NOW Stickers Available to Make Tee-Ball Bats Compliant with New USABat Standards Stickers are available through USA Baseball to make Tee-Ball Bats compliant with the new USABat standards, which go into effect Jan. 1, 2018. The USABat Tee Ball sticker is a 1.25 by 2-inch sticker with the USA Baseball logo and permanent text which reads “Only For Use with Approved Tee Balls.” The sticker would be applied to any bat 26 inches long or shorter to make the bat compliant under the USA Baseball standard for Tee Ball. The stickers can be purchased online at usabaseballshop.com/products/usabat-tee-ball-sticker at $2 for a single sticker, $4 for 10, $20 for 100 and $100 for 1,000. New Tee Ball bats featuring the USA Baseball mark do not need to be stickered. For more information on approved Tee Balls go to usabat.com/approved-tee-balls/. To see the USABat approved bat list go to usabat.com.
Other Baseball Rule Changes for 2018 Here is a look at some of the other changes national baseball governing bodies are making for 2018: Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA) — Will allow both USABat stamped baseball bats and bats with the BPF 1.15 stamp. Dixie Boys/Majors Baseball — For the Dixie Boys 13–14 age group, 2 5/8-inch barrel bats meeting the new USABat standard or BBCOR bats may be used. Little League Baseball — Will be adopting the new USABat standards. PONY Baseball — Will be adopting the new USABat standards. Colt 16U and Palomino 18U players are only allowed to use 2 5/8-inch barrel, minus-3 BBCOR certified bats. Thorobred 23U players must use wooden bats as specified by Major League Baseball. PONY will also use a pitch count for the first time in 2018 and the date change to determine player eligibility from April 30 to Aug. 31 goes into effect in 2018.
Badger Sportswear Acquires Alleson Athletic, Garb Athletics Badger Sportswear, a manufacturer of athletic apparel and team uniforms, has acquired Alleson Athletic and Garb Athletics. Badger, based in Statesville, N.C. and established in 1971, is a leader in fan wear, spirit wear and practice and workout apparel. Alleson manufactures in-stock uniforms and custom sublimated garments and is a leader in team uniforms. The expectation from the acquisition is the businesses will offer superior quality apparel, more customized product options, and rapid fulfillment and service for team dealers, decorators and collegiate bookstores. “Both Badger Sportswear and Alleson Athletic are known for affordable, high-quality sports apparel that have enabled athletes to perform at their best and fans to show their team spirit,” said John Anton, CEO, Badger Sportswear. “By bringing the two businesses together, Badger and Alleson are positioned to better service our customers’ athletic apparel needs nationwide.” Based out of Rochester, N.Y., Alleson Athletic was founded in 1933 and has a long history of being a market-leading provider of stock and custom athletic apparel. In addition to its well-recognized brand, Alleson Athletic produces and sells cutting-edge sports apparel under license from Under Armour, the NBA and New Balance. “Since the very beginning, we’ve been committed to bringing stock and custom sports uniforms to our customers through top-quality products and key partnerships,” said Todd Levine, CEO and president of Alleson Athletic. “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with a company that has such a strong reputation in the industry and shares our commitment to innovation and customer service.” Anton will lead the combined company and Levine, and his team, reporting to Anton, will continue to manage Alleson. Garb is a boutique manufacturer of custom-tailored sports uniforms and holds a unique position in the team uniform market. Through Garb’s proprietary digital technology, team dealers and coaches can quickly and easily design a truly custom uniform with unlimited decoration options, including tackle twill, embroidery and sublimation all for one set price.
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November/December 2017
The Garb acquisition is entirely consistent with our stated mission to provide all athletes and fans with superior performance apparel at accessible prices,” Anton said. “By leveraging our broad dealer network, coupled with Garb’s best-in-class digital technology, we will make it easier for every high school and middle school team in the country to design truly custom, affordable hand-crafted uniforms.” Garb was founded in 2006 by Steve Rosenbeck and was named to Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing companies list for 2017. Terms of the Alleson and Garb transactions were not disclosed.
Mueller Sports Medicine Becomes Official Supplier of World Federation of Athletic Training Therapy Mueller Sports Medicine cemented its relationship with the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT) and is now their Official Supplier of Sports Medicine Products. Mueller has always been a strong supporter of the WFATT and its vision to promote quality health care worldwide for active populations and is excited to incrementally invest in furthering athletic training and therapy across the globe. “We are extremely excited to form an official partnership with WFATT,” said Brett Mueller, President of Mueller Sports Medicine. “We’ve been a proud supporter and are pleased to stand with them as we pursue initiatives to support athletic training and therapy around the world.” “Mueller Sports Medicine has been active in the promotion of athletic training and therapy globally for many years,” states Larry Leverenz, President of WFATT. “The WFATT is thrilled to be able to partner with Mueller in improving the healthcare and safety of active populations worldwide.” Mueller Sports Medicine will have a key role with The Federation to educate athletic trainers and therapists on products and techniques for injury prevention and recovery with the goal of helping athletes perform at their peak.
Bison, Inc., Partners with NFHS for Basketball Bison, Inc., one of the industry’s top suppliers of basketball equipment and NSGA member for more than 30 years, is a new corporate partner of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). As a part of the three-year agreement, Bison will be the exclusive NFHS partner for the sport of basketball. Bison’s innovative basketball products include ceiling- and wall-suspended basketball systems, breakaway goals, backboards, wall padding, DuraSkin backboard padding and outdoor basketball systems. In the years since becoming known for its quality basketball equipment, Bison padded its lineup with the addition of volleyball equipment, as well as goals for soccer, football and other sports. “Bison is pleased to associate with such a nationally respected organization,” said Nick Cusick, Bison, Inc., president. “High school activities, including sports, are important aspects of our educational system, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Vermont First State to Recognize Ultimate As High School Varsity Sport Vermont is the first state to recognize “Ultimate” — which started as Ultimate Frisbee — as a high school varsity sport. The Vermont Principals Association, which oversees the state’s high school sports, unanimously approved Ultimate in early November as a varsity sport starting in the spring of 2019. Ultimate is played by teams of seven on a field slightly smaller than one used for football. Players pass a disc down the field until a player catches it in the end zone. If the disc is dropped, it is turned over to the opposing team. The game is widely known as Frisbee but the trademarked toy name is not used for the sport. Ultimate was sanctioned as an exhibition sport in Vermont the last three years. Bob Johnson, the VPA Associate Executive Director, said the sport has grown tremendously in the state’s high schools and attracts students who are not drawn to traditional sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball and football. Johnson said he expects 13 to 14 school teams for boys and seven to 10 for girls in 2019. There will also be a state championship tournament.
NSGA NOW®
November/December 2017 | 19
54th Annual NSGA Management Conference & 20th Annual Team Dealer Summit
REGISTER TODAY MAY 20–22, 2018
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa Bonita Springs, FL nsga.org/2018conference