Cara Griffin

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Oboz Is Now B Corp Certified

Montana-based outdoor footwear brand Oboz has joined the B Corp community, reinforcing its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

IN THE NEWS: Salomon, Circana, Rockport

Salomon has introduced the INDEX.02, a new recyclable running shoe that builds upon its INDEX.01 model introduced two years ago.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Acquiring Moosejaw

There’s more room for growth in the outdoors for Dick’s Sporting Goods. Last week, Dick’s announced it has agreed to acquire outdoor retailer Moosejaw from Walmart.

Keen Launches New Walking Shoe, New Tech

This week, Keen launched a new walking shoe called the WK400. The $165 style is designed with patent-pending KEEN.CURVE technology.

In the News: Veja, Pou Chen Corp., 360 Adventure Collective

Veja has launched its first hiking shoe, the Fitz Roy. Designed to be a durable, technical hiking shoe, the Fitz Roy has a wide sole with multi-directional lugs.

In The News: Kane, OrthoLite, Fleet Feet

Recovery brand Kane Footwear has its first major retail partnership — Kane is now available in 12 select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com, having expanded to six additional brick and mortar stores last week.

In The News: Tread Labs, Zappos, Rocky Brands, Caleres, Canada Goose, Mizuno

Tread Labs, the insole brand established by Chaco founder Mark Paigen, has launched its debut collection of lifestyle sandals for men and women.

What’s Next for Outdoor Retailer

The trade show landscape in 2023 continues to evolve. Outdoor Retailer, for decades seen as a “go-to” twice a year national trade show, is certainly seen by many to be at a crossroads. We chat with Jeff Davis, Group VP, Emerald, about what's next for the OR Show.

3 Outdoor Specialty Retailers Answer Our 3 Pressing Questions

Retailers weigh in on what's moving the needle right now, and what to expect in 2023.

On the Rise

Trail use and demand for trails is on the rise again. Nationwide, there was an average increase in trail use of 9.5% between 2021 and 2022, and a marginal 1.5% decline compared with 2020—the most significant year for trail use on record.

The Fastest-Growing Brands in the U.S. Outdoor Specialty Market

NPD Group’s US Outdoor Sports Retail Performance Award Winners.

How Consumers Shop for Hike & Trail

Hiking and trail running are two distinct activities and product categories, but there is plenty of crossover between the two. According to our recent consumer survey of active and outdoorsy adults, nearly 30% of hikers often opt for trail run shoes when hiking rather than traditional hiking boots.

New adidas Sportswear Label Is Designed for ‘Sport of Life'

Adidas is launching a new label called adidas Sportswear which will be positioned as a complement to the brand’s Performance and Originals labels. The new adidas Sportswear products feature performance technology, but are designed for “the sport of life,” according to the brand.

In The News: Stride Rite, Vimazi, NRF

Stride Rite has launched two new sneakers, Sprout and Fern, that are made with renewable and recycled materials.

NB Signs MLB Superstar Ohtani

Yesterday, New Balance announced it has added Shohei Ohtani to its roster of athletes. The Japanese superstar is a pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels. He previously was an ASICS athlete.

In The News: Saucony, Vimazi, Tread Labs, Under Armour

Saucony, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, is launching the Endorphin Elite on Feb. 21 ahead of marathon season.

Crowd Pleasers

A little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Standout new comfort styles for 2023 add a dash of a few different trends to give consumers what they want.

Ready For Anything

The outlook for the year ahead is an optimistic one for many leading independent retailers. The past 12 months have been filled with plenty of challenges, but there are many bright spots to find as well...

Destination Dardano’s

If you’re looking for a store that has plenty to offer, Dardano’s Shoes has you covered in more ways than one with its new location in Broomfield, CO.

How Consumers Shop For Boots

Comfort and durability are the top traits consumers look for in their boots. And boots are in-style year-round for many consumers. Those are just two of the takeaways from our latest consumer survey which focused on, you guessed it… boots!

In The News: White Mountain Footwear, American Exchange Group, Gordini, Turtle Fur

American Exchange Group has acquired the White Mountain Footwear company, a comfort brand focused on accessible price points.

Aerosoles Launches Kids Footwear

Comfort footwear brand Aerosoles is expanding into kids footwear. The brand, known for its women’s offerings, was recently acquired by American Exchange Group and celebrated its 35th anniversary in October.

In The News: Olympia Sports, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, OOFOS, Exos, Puma

Olympia Sports’ intellectual property and related assets are slated to go on the bankruptcy court auction block on Feb. 9. Final bids are due by Feb. 7.

In The News: Skinners, NPD, On, SFIA, Emerald, Lodestone, Merrell

Skinners Footwear, a minimalist, protective footwear brand available throughout Europe, is entering the North American market this year. The Czechia-based brand introduced its Compression 2.0 and Walker series at the Outdoor Retail show this week.

Christy Sports Continues Growth with Grizzly Outfitters Acquisition

Christy Sports, a Colorado-based winter and outdoor specialty retail and rental operator, announced in December that it acquired Grizzly Outfitters, a specialty outdoor retail and rental operator in Big Sky, Montana.