Archives: Press Releases

The Canadian outdoor brand’s newest store opening reflects deep investment in the greater Chicagoland community, tripling its retail footprint in the market since 2021

This week Arc’teryx, the Canadian high-performance mountain gear and apparel brand, expanded to a third store in the Chicago area with the opening of Arc’teryx Oakbrook Center. Located west of downtown Chicago, the new store occupies 4,788 square feet in the popular Oakbrook Center.

The Oakbrook Center location will offer the full breadth of Arc’teryx products, including mainline products for snow, climb and trail activities, in addition to an expanded footwear selection. The store will also feature the brand’s Veilance line, offering technical apparel for city environments.

Showcasing the brand’s commitment to a circular future, the new Oakbrook Center store will be home to Chicago’s first ReBIRD™ Service Center. Focusing on guest education and product care services, the 115 square foot ReBIRD™ Service Center will help guests to keep their gear performing at its best for years to come. Guests will also be able to access on-site light-touch repairs, including new zipper sliders, and taping of small holes. Product experts will conduct on-site product assessments and process larger-scale repairs through regional hubs.

“The new Chicago Oakbrook Center store underlines Arc’teryx’s commitment to Chicago’s outdoor community,” said Delaney Schweitzer, Chief Commercial Officer. “Our second North America store opening – and first ReBIRD Service Center – of 2023, this marks an important step on our journey to expand our retail fleet and to provide the highest possible level of service to our guests. Looking ahead, 2023 will see Arc’teryx store openings across North America, in both communities we know, as well as new communities we’re meeting for the first time. Through this commercial expansion, we’re excited to build community, share our love for the mountains, and connect with our guests face to face.”

Arc’teryx has been building its presence within the Chicago community since 2021, when it opened its first store in the city on Rush Street. Over the subsequent two years, the brand has opened an outlet in Bucktown, and garnered strong and sustained community growth through ongoing engagement, partnerships and events. The opening of the Oakbrook Center location comes shortly after a community circularity workshop in partnership with Columbia University, and one week before the brand’s biggest Chicago community event to date: ALL RISE Chicago. An experimental climbing program aimed at making climbing more accessible to marginalized communities, ALL RISE is working with Arc’teryx and Braindead to unite the community through an all-day climbing festival at local gym, Brooklyn Boulders.

“Arc’teryx exists to unite communities of mountain lovers, athletes and design enthusiasts across the globe,” said Stephanie Jamieson, Director of North America Community. “From our home in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, we’re driven to share our love of big days in the mountains, keeping our gear in play for as long as possible, and to embrace a wider “we” in the great outdoors. We’ve found a vibrant and engaged community in Arc’teryx, who share our passion for spending time outside and pushing boundaries with innovative products. We’re excited to expand our offerings of events and partnerships, connect with new ambassadors, learn from the Chicago community, and grow ever deeper roots in and around the city.”

Arc’teryx Oakbrook Center by numbers:

• 4,788 square foot
• 28th retail store in the
• Address: Unit 2228 – 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook,
• Grand opening date: Saturday 22 April
• 115 square foot ReBIRD™ Service Center offering product care, light-touch repairs, on-site product assessment and guest education.

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About Arc’teryx: Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide, including over 160 branded stores. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes lives better

Marc Cutilletta has been appointed Head of North America and will be responsible for Reima’s business and operations in both US and Canada.  Reima is a globally leading kids’ activewear brand. Founded in Finland in 1944, Reima employs around 400 people. The company’s turnover was €154 million (USD 170 million) in 2022. Reima’s products and solutions are available in over 50 countries with 85% of net sales come from international markets. Reima’s mission is to gear up the next generation of happy, active kids, preparing them for the world to come. Reima’s design principles are innovation, functionality, safety, and fresh Finnish design. Read more at www.reima.com

Marc Cutilletta has over 25 years of experience in sales, particularly in the wholesale channel. Marc was most recently the Director of Sales at Hestra Gloves North America, a well-known glove company from Sweden. Marc has been working at Hestra since 2012, built a nationwide distribution network for the brand, and driven consistent sales growth with his team while increasing loyalty and brand awareness.

Marc is based in Denver, Colorado. He has a B.A. degree in Economics from Colorado State University. He will report directly to CEO Elina Björklund and be a member of the Reima Commercial Board.

“When Marc joins Reima, our company will take a step forward in building an omnichannel sales set-up for the entire North American market. I am confident that we can secure a seamless operation under his leadership, with the help of his experience in implementing effective sales strategies and operations. Welcome onboard, Marc!”

Elina Björklund
CEO

San Francisco, CA – JAM Collective, a dynamic and versatile public relations and communications agency with 20 years of experience in the outdoor space, is pleased to announce the roster of ambassadors for the Thru-Hike Syndicate’s 2023 season. Now entering its ninth season, the Thru-Hike Syndicate is a brand partner-powered program supporting a select and diverse group of thru-hikers attempting to complete some of the most iconic long trails throughout North America. This year’s sponsors include Darn Tough Vermont, Biolite, LEKI USA, NEMO Equipment, Osprey Packs, Mountain House, Kahtoola, Sawyer and Vasque Footwear.

“From the experienced thru-hikers to the first-timers, we are so inspired by the stories of this year’s ambassadors and appreciative of the brands who support this incredible program,” said Julie Atherton, founder of JAM Collective.

This year, six ambassadors were chosen from over 100 applicants. Collectively, the 2023 ambassadors are attempting to hike over 6,000 miles across seven trails. Each ambassador was chosen based on a combination of factors, including their trail selections, hiking experience (the roster includes a mix of experienced thru-hikers and first-timers), passion for the outdoors, photographic and storytelling abilities, compelling personal stories, and unique perspectives.

“It’s been a privilege to come into the Thru Hike Syndicate as the program manager since 2022 with continuing and new sponsors alike,” said Tori Duhaime, Thru-Hike Program Manager. “I aim to lead the program into an ever expanding representation of who is a thru hiker.”

The ambassadors selected will utilize the latest and best gear from each sponsor company on their adventures,  representing each brand on the trail.

Thru-Hike Syndicate 2023 Ambassador Roster:

• Stacee Ash (she/her) – hiking the Appalachian Trail
• Matti Mejia (they/she) – hiking the PCT
• Song Seto (she/her) – hiking the Trans Catalina Trail and Wonderland Trail
• Armando Rodriguez (he/him) – hiking the Trans Catalina Trail and Highline Trail
• Aly Winkler (she/her) – hiking the Arizona Trail
• Halle Homel (she/her) – hiking the Oregon coast Trail and Wonderland Trail

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to once again be the official footwear partner of the Thru-Hike-Syndicate,” said Joe Peters, Marketing Director at Vasque Footwear.   “We’re constantly inspired by those that make time to spend outside – but these folks are really out there, really going the distance- immersing themselves in the experience”

To follow the journey of each ambassador on the Thru-Hike Syndicate Instagram Account @thruhikesyndicate.

About JAM Collective

Founded by Julie Atherton and based in San Francisco, California, JAM Collective focuses on strategic planning, effective social media networking, and influential product placement to generate brand visibility and further connect its clients with consumers. Over the past 20 years, JAM Collective has evolved into a versatile and accomplished boutique public relations and media agency with an impressive roster of nationally and internationally recognized clients, all the while maintaining a deep level of client involvement.

 

Good To-Go Launches Savory Breakfast Hash

Kittery, ME— Good To-Go, the award-winning dehydrated gourmet meal brand led by acclaimed Chef Jennifer Scism, has introduced a healthy spin on traditional breakfast hash. Using only simple and clean ingredients like butternut squash, spinach, onion, and feta, Good To-Go’s Breakfast Hash is a savory morning meal that’s substantial enough to eat as a complete breakfast—though pairs beautifully with eggs and bacon.

Available at retailers and Good To-Go’s site starting mid-April, the new meal comes in a single serving for $8.60 with 11g of protein and 360 calories.

“A tasty, healthy, fuel-filled breakfast just starts the day off right. I’ve created our new savory Breakfast Hash to ensure you’re ready for whatever adventure lies ahead,” Jennifer Scism, Chef + Founder, Good To-Go.

These days, many of us are expecting better tasting, healthier meals, whether we’re heading into the backcountry, on a road trip, or need a quick lunch at our desk. Good To-Go was created to elevate expectations of what prepared meals can taste like. Using healthy ingredients you can actually recognize and pronounce, Good To-Go’s dehydrated gourmet meals are not just satisfying, but created with performance and flavor in mind.

About Good To-Go

The brand was founded by Jennifer Scism in 2014 with a mission to elevate expectations of what trail food can taste like. Scism was an award-winning chef and long-time co-owner of Annisa, a Michelin-rated restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village. Her career has long been focused on the importance of good food. She has cooked at NY Times 4-Star rated restaurants, traveled to over 20 countries studying regional foods, and along with her team from Annisa, beat Mario Batali on the TV Food Network’s Iron Chef program. It’s safe to say she knows good food. The brand has won multiple awards including three Backpacker Editors’ Choice, Backpacking Light’s Members Choice, and was named to Saveur Magazine’s The Saveur 100 list of favorite foods, people, places and things. Today, Good To-Go is sold in over 700 stores nationwide and in Canada. More info can be found at www.goodto-go.com

The natural performance apparel company looks to expand consumer awareness and create brand affinity in key regions with new sales partnership

DENVER – icebreaker, the original merino wool apparel pioneers, today announced a new sales partnership with Ian Decker and Shondia Houtzer at Black Dog Sales Group. The duo will represent the brand in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming, with the goal of expanding brand awareness and distribution in key premium outdoor and ski retail. Combined, they bring 50 years of experience to the icebreaker sales team and will grow awareness throughout the region.

“Black Dog’s proven track record of bringing best-in-class brands to life makes them a perfect fit for the future of the icebreaker brand,” said Jamie Baker, icebreaker U.S. senior sales manager. “The Rockies territory is a key focus for icebreaker, as it includes some of the most iconic outdoor and ski specialty retailers in the nation. I’m confident that Black Dog is well-positioned to deliver our goals and drive value for its retail partners.”

Black Dog Sales Group was founded in 2020 and serves the finest ski and outdoor retailers across the Rocky Mountains. Established with the purpose of representing a focused group of premium brands with a genuine commitment to sustainability and social values, Black Dog Sales Group works to elevate both brands and retailers to create lasting consumer affinity for both. The team is comprised of two members:

• Ian Decker is the founder and principal of Black Dog Sales Group. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Ian has built a reputation for developing innovative sales strategies and brand development techniques for industry leading brands, including Norrøna, Arc’teryx, Marmot, and Helly Hansen.
• Shondia Houtzer is an industry veteran, having worked in both sales and marketing capacities for top brands, including Rab Equipment, Kuhl, Olukai and Sanuk. Shondia oversees key specialty accounts and marketing initiatives.

“Black Dog Sales Group is proud to be working with icebreaker, as it is a team that has established the brand as the benchmark in the merino wool category,” said Decker. “icebreaker popularized the use of all-natural materials and sustainable sourcing practices long before it was fashionable in the industry, and having the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated people with a shared vision is a true privilege.  Here in the Rockies, icebreaker’s uncompromising product approach, combined with our premium retail partners, is a perfect match, and we look forward to expanding icebreaker’s brand awareness and retail footprint in the years to come.”

For additional information on retail sales within the U.S., please reach out to the appropriate sales representative listed below:

• Rocky Mountains, Intermountain West – Ian Decker at ian@blackdogsalesgroup.com.
• Remainder of U.S.A. – Jamie Baker at jamie_baker@vfc.com.

Please direct media inquiries to Senior Account Manager Kevin McCormack at kevin.mccormack@rygr.us.

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About icebreaker: Founded in 1995 in New Zealand, icebreaker pioneered the ethical and sustainable production of natural performance apparel. Now a part of the VF Corporation, icebreaker continues to challenge the status quo while championing natural, transparent, and responsible ways to do business. icebreaker looks to nature for the answers and for innovative ways to do more with less. Working with what nature provides and adapting as nature does, icebreaker enables consumers to join a movement towards choosing natural and preserving the planet for generations to come. Icebreaker clothing is available in more than 5,000 stores in 50 countries through wholesale, Touch Lab retail stores and e-commerce platforms. www.icebreaker.com 

Award-winning filtration technology combined with modern design so you can safely fill up from airport bathrooms, a tap in Mexico, or a gas station while road-tripping. The advanced 2-stage filter improves taste and protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, silt, sand, and cloudiness.

BALTIMORE – LifeStraw, a public health B Corp on a mission to provide equitable access to safe drinking water, announces the launch of its new Go Series of water filter bottles, with improved filtration and a sleek new look for everyday use. The LifeStraw Go Series water filter bottle is the ultimate sidekick for safer, better-tasting water for travel and everyday use, so you can fill up from airport bathrooms, a tap in Mexico, or a gas station while road-tripping.

“More than half of consumers own a reusable water bottle, but they often leave it behind on their travels and resort to the less sustainable and more expensive route of bottled water, rather than drink from unknown or unsafe taps,” said Tara Lundy, LifeStraw’s chief brand officer. “The LifeStraw Go Series was created to provide a sidekick that can stick with you on your adventures. The bottle features a membrane microfilter that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics and a carbon filter that improves taste and eliminates some chemicals. We also intentionally designed the product to have a sleek look but also be highly functional, including a leakproof cap and covered mouthpiece optimal for on the go.”

Building off the success of the original Go water filtration bottle, the new Go Series offers the option of BPA-free plastic for lightweight transport or double-wall insulated stainless steel for keeping water cold all day long.

The line also features nine fresh new color options, including Kyoto Orange, Laguna Teal, Nordic Noir, Polar White, Terrace Green, Aegean Sea, Icelandic Blue, Cherry Blossom and Merlot Me Away. The bottles range in price from $44.95 to $64.95 MSRP and are available in 22-ounce and 1-liter sizes for BPA Free plastic and 24-oz and 1-liter sizes for stainless steel.

Updates to the Go Series include:

• Leakproof handle to grab on the go
• Covered mouthpiece to protect from unwelcome germs + leakage
• Protects against 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand and cloudiness all while improving the taste.
  • Membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gallons—about five years of daily use.
  • Activated carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons.
• BPA-Free plastic versions are made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic

LifeStraw believes everyone deserves equitable access to safe drinking water and is working to make clean water accessible for all. Supporting both people and the planet by providing safe water when on the go, LifeStraw eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles and provides a child in need with safe drinking water for a year with every purchase. To learn more about LifeStraw’s year-round efforts to provide equitable access to safe drinking water around the world, explore its 2022 Responsibility Report.

ABOUT LIFESTRAW
The original LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, which converts microbiologically contaminated water into safe, potable water, was introduced in 2005. LifeStraw’s Guinea worm filter has also been instrumental in the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease. Today, LifeStraw products are used in more than 64 countries by schools, clinics, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers and households, and are regularly deployed to support communities impacted by emergencies or natural disasters requiring potable water. LifeStraw’s innovative water filtration technology is rigorously tested by independent laboratories and leveraged across some of the harshest environments around the world. The company is also a Climate Neutral certified B Corp. For every product purchased, a school child in need receives safe water for a year. LifeStraw’s water filtration options are sold in retail stores in North America and Europe, and online at www.lifestraw.com. Follow LifeStraw on Instagram and TikTok at @LifeStraw.

AMHERST, Mass. – OrthoLite®, the global leader of branded, high-performance, sustainable and comfort footwear solutions, announces Marc Kronenberg as Development and Commercialization Director for OrthoLite Cirql™. The world’s first traditional plastics-free, recyclable, biodegradable and industrially compostable foam technology for footwear, OrthoLite Cirql is a patented footwear solution that enables true circularity for brands and factories.

Kronenberg joins the OrthoLite Cirql team with more than two decades of experience in global footwear manufacturing led by his expertise in mechanical engineering, design and systematic innovation. He will be based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the headquarters of OrthoLite Cirql.

“It’s an honor to welcome Marc to the leadership team at OrthoLite Cirql during a tipping-point moment,” said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “Marc’s depth of manufacturing and business experience, coupled with his passion for bringing disruptive new products in sports and lifestyle to market, will drive successful commercialization of our incredibly innovative OrthoLite Cirql materials. We’re all very excited to realize our vision of scaling true circular footwear solutions.”

Kronenberg joins OrthoLite’s expanding global team of footwear innovators committed to bringing OrthoLite Cirql to market with OrthoLite’s 500 global footwear brand partners.

As the Development and Commercialization Director for OrthoLite Cirql, Kronenberg will support the commercialization of Cirql innovations by leading polymer formulations, processing and tooling. He will work closely with the OrthoLite Cirql innovation team and suppliers – from raw material to production – ensuring production and customer needs are met.

“I’m proud to join the collective group of smart, hardworking individuals comprising OrthoLite Cirql, who share my values in ushering breakthrough materials and technology to do good for the Earth,” said Kronenberg. “The OrthoLite Cirql facilities are world-class and working with the leaders on the OrthoLite team as we commercialize incredible innovations for footwear is very inspiring. Together, we are relentless in our pursuit of bringing our vision of a less impactful future for the footwear industry to reality for our 500 global footwear brand partners.”

The addition of Kronenberg follows the most recent leadership hire of Juan Cutina as Sales Director of OrthoLite Cirql.

OrthoLite has secured patents to protect the credibility of its innovation and its brand and factory partners in the global movement toward a circular economy. For additional information on OrthoLite, please visit ortholite.com. For more information on OrthoLite Cirql, visit OrtholiteCirql.com.

About OrthoLite®

OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology, and the innovator and creator of OrthoLite Cirql™, the patented, revolutionary alternative to conventional plastics that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with the most sustainable, circular choice in materials. OrthoLite’s innovative footwear solutions are available to brands that share a vision for the future of sustainable footwear. Currently OrthoLite is found in more than 550 million shoes across all categories each year from brands such as Adidas, Altra, Asics, Brooks, Clarks, Converse, Danner, ECCO, Fendi, HOKA, Hugo Boss, Justin, New Balance, On, Reebok, Rothy’s, Salomon, Skechers, The North Face, Timberland, Toms, Under Armour, and Vans.

OrthoLite has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, and strong supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and OrthoLiteCirql.com, and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.