Fleet Feet Opens Fourth Location in Arizona

PRESCOTT, Ariz. and CARRBORO, N.C. (February 13, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced the opening of its newest store in Prescott, Arizona. The store, owned by Billy Preston, is located at 122 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, in downtown Prescott. A grand opening celebration is planned for February, with details to be announced soon.

Billy Preston’s journey with Fleet Feet began in 2016 when he joined a long run with a group in Charleston, South Carolina. That run introduced him to Fleet Feet and its mission of empowering runners and walkers of all abilities. Preston started working for Fleet Feet Mt. Pleasant shortly after and, inspired by the rewarding experience of helping customers, dreamed of one day opening his own store. Nearly a decade later, that dream is becoming a reality.

“Opening this store in Prescott is a culmination of years of passion for the running community and Fleet Feet,” said Preston. “I’ve seen firsthand how Fleet Feet changes lives, whether through finding the perfect fit for someone’s unique needs or helping them achieve goals they never thought possible. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to Prescott.”

The Prescott location is uniquely positioned in the heart of downtown, just steps from the town’s main square. It offers easy access to over 500 miles of nearby trails and is surrounded by a community that celebrates outdoor recreation year-round. With a mild climate, Prescott is a hub for running, hiking and mountain biking events, including the Cocodona 250, Saddles 100, Whiskey Row Marathon and Whiskey Off-Road event.

“Prescott is the perfect place for a Fleet Feet store,” said John Moloznik, vice president of franchise operations and development at Fleet Feet. “The town’s growing population, active community, and proximity to world-class trails make it an ideal fit for our personalized approach to outfitting and community support.”

As part of its commitment to the community, Preston plans to use Fleet Feet Prescott to support local races and events by volunteering services and forming partnerships with local organizations. They also have made connections with local medical professionals to help individuals with foot pain find solutions through proper footwear.

Fleet Feet Prescott will offer a comprehensive range of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories from leading brands such as HOKA, Brooks and New Balance, as well as performance apparel from rabbit and New Balance and sports bras from On and Brooks.

The new store will operate with the brand’s exclusive personalized outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Images of Fleet Feet Prescott are available upon request.

###

About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

NEMO Announces 2025 Partners

{Dover, NH—February 13, 2025} — Outdoor gear manufacturer NEMO Equipment’s list of partners for 2025 is a clear reflection of the brand’s continued focus on innovation, community, and sustainability. These key partnerships emphasize access, advocacy, inclusivity, and conservation and support NEMO’s overarching efforts to get more folks outdoors and to create the next generation of stewards for our planet.

CONSERVATION

Conservation Alliance harnesses the power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places and outdoor spaces. Through its membership, the Conservation Alliance champions solutions that balance the best interest of the land, water, wildlife, and people, as well as provide for nature-based solutions to climate change through the protection of key landscapes and ecosystems.

Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership works to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. TRCP and its partners advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access.

NEMO also continues to partner with Southeast Land Trust of NH and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in conserving our public lands and waterways to provide areas where the public can recreate, as well as creating healthy landscapes for wildlife.

ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the leading business coalition advancing a sustainable and growing outdoor recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans. ORR brings industry, government, and other stakeholders together to educate, advocate, and identify solutions to the most pressing issues facing the future of the outdoor recreation economy.

To expand its government affairs capabilities and knowledge, NEMO also works with organizations including Outdoor Industry Association, California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, European Outdoor Group, and American Apparel and Footwear Association.

INCLUSIVITY

Outdoor Diversity Alliance is a group of outdoor industry businesses and organizations working together to build the outdoor industry of the future — one that is long lasting, prosperous, and relevant to the society in which it lives. ODA helps outdoor companies grow with purpose while supporting the development of authentic relationships with underrepresented communities.

Big City Mountaineers is a nonprofit that connects youth in disinvested communities with the outdoors. BCM provides free, fully outfitted, professionally led backpacking trips to kids in urban areas across the country. BCM currently engages young people in six metropolitan areas across the U.S., including Birmingham, AL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; San Franciso, CA; and Seattle, WA.

To support equitable access to outdoor adventures and increase diverse participation, NEMO also supports Bewilder, Black.Surfers, Confluence Collective, and Outdoors Empowered Network.

More information on places to adventure and folks to go with can be found on NEMO’s Adventure Resources page.

About NEMO
NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. The brand has been named Outdoor Brand of the Year by Outdoor Retailer’s The Daily, and one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work. NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, luggage, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®

 

 

Black Diamond Equipment Partners with The Mountain Guides to Advance Mountain Education and Gear Innovation

[Jackson Hole, Wyoming]February 11, 2025 Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, is proud to announce a partnership with The Mountain Guides (TMG) which operates mountain guiding operations specializing in technical rock and mountain climbing and backcountry skiing. TMG locations are found throughout the American West with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides (JHMG) being the oldest and most notable. Begun in 1968, JHMG is the second oldest guide service in the United States and the only American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited Institution in the Tetons.

Key Black Diamond retail locations will host outdoor education programs and events led by The Mountain Guides. Stores will be meeting points, a source for program information and serve as the primary outfitter for classes and trips. These locations include the Jackson Hole store in Wyoming, the Boulder and Denver stores in Colorado’s Front Range and the home store in Salt Lake City,

This collaboration solidifies Black Diamond’s commitment to expanding its role in the industry beyond equipping adventurers with the proper gear for safe and successful endeavors by leveraging its retail locations as hubs for fostering outdoor education, adventure and accessibility.

“Black Diamond has always been committed to equipping and inspiring outdoor adventurers,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment. “Partnering with The Mountain Guides allows us to connect with the guiding community and their clients in a meaningful way, providing the tools, education, and support they need for success.”

The partnership will improve access to mountain programs. Black Diamond will provide gear for guides and guests, scholarship funding for guides to advance their education through the AMGA, and opportunities for product testing among TMG guides who can offer unique insights on how gear performs in extreme environments at high volumes of use.

Integrating professional guides into gear development is a key component of Black Diamond’s commitment to continuous innovation. Guides put equipment through rigorous, real-world testing in some of the world’s most demanding conditions, providing invaluable feedback that helps refine and improve product design. By working closely with JHMG guides, Black Diamond can ensure that their gear meets the highest standards of durability, performance, and safety to deliver solutions that support both professional guides and everyday outdoor enthusiasts in pushing their limits with confidence.

“We could not be more pleased about our new relationship with Black Diamond.” said Phil Powers, President of the Mountain Guides and former CEO of the American Alpine Club. “This allows us to put our guides and their guests in the best possible equipment. It’s been a pleasure to see our trips launch from the Black Diamond store in Jackson where people can easily round out their kits before launching into the mountains.”

With this initiative, Black Diamond and The Mountain Guides aim to make technical mountain sports more accessible while reinforcing safety and best practices within the outdoor community.

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About The Mountain Guides

The Mountain Guides is a trusted leader in mountain guiding services, specializing in technical rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and mountain education. Its main location, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, has operated in the Tetons since 1968. Their rich history of providing expert instruction and unforgettable experiences has grown to include locations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and the Red Rock of Nevada. They inspire adventurers of all levels to safely explore the outdoors. For more information on The Mountain Guides, visit www.themountainguides.com.

 

 

 

 

Switchback Spring Releases Initial Confirmed Exhibitor List

PORTLAND, Maine (February 11, 2025) – Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry community, today released the initial list of confirmed exhibiting brands. The debut event will be held June 16-18, 2025, in Nashville, TN.

The growing list of Switchback Spring exhibitors ranges from outdoor industry bellwethers The North Face, Arc’Teryx, and Darn Tough, to emerging brands Heat-it, Ignik Outdoors, and Artilect.

To view the Switchback Spring exhibitor list, visit this page. Additional brands will continue to be added as contracts are finalized and as space is available.

“What we’re hearing from these brands is that while there’s certainly a strong urge to reconnect with the outdoor community, the main driver for attending Switchback Spring is supporting their core business,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback Event Director.

“Rumpl is a young brand and we’re prioritizing our wholesale partnerships in support of our next phase of growth,” said Josh Simpson, General Manager, Rumpl. “As the outdoor industry has stumbled coming out of the pandemic we see Switchback as a key strategy to support our industry community and participate in a new approach to bringing us back together in person to share, learn, and get business done.”

“As a brand committed to delivering accessible, bold adventure and outdoor gear, we see this as a key opportunity to strengthen relationships with partners, gain firsthand knowledge of emerging consumer preferences, and stay ahead of evolving market demands. By engaging in these meaningful discussions, we aim to enhance our product offerings and align with the latest advancements that meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Lindsay Shumlas, Cotopaxi CEO.

Other confirmed Switchback Spring exhibitors include:

  • Altra
  • Asics
  • Biolite
  • Birkenstock
  • Body Glide
  • Bridgedale
  • Chaos Headwear
  • CLIF Bar
  • Cotopaxi
  • Eagle Creek
  • Eagles Nest Outfitters
  • eVENT
  • Helinox
  • HeyDude
  • Howler Bros
  • Komperdell
  • Liberty Mountain
  • Life Is Good
  • LifeStraw
  • Marmot
  • Merrell
  • Mountain Equipment
  • Mountain Hardwear
  • Nikwax
  • Nite Ize
  • Peppers Performance Eyewear
  • Rossignol
  • Rumpl
  • Scarpa
  • Smartwool
  • Sockwell
  • Sunski
  • SUUNTO
  • Swiftwick
  • Teva
  • Toad and Co
  • Wigwam
  • Wrightsock

Switchback Spring begins on June 16, 2025, with Day One featuring educational programming including keynote presentations, leadership and executive insights, and various other informational sessions targeted to outdoor specialty retailers and their teams.

On Days Two and Three (June 17-18, 2025) the exhibit hall will be the main focus, where retailers, brands, media, and industry professionals can connect to discover new products, share trends, and explore both established and emerging brands. Visit this page to see the schedule-at-a-glance.

All Switchback Spring events will be hosted within a dedicated portion of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a spacious venue with 12 restaurants and an attached premium hotel. With all attendees staying and meeting in a single location, the focused environment will enable both private planned meetings as well as organic meetups and run-ins.

Brands interested in exploring exhibiting opportunities can contact Switchback Event Director Christina Henderson at chenderson@divcom.com.

Registration for retailers, media, and outdoor industry professionals is available here.

For more information about Switchback, please visit www.switchbackevent.com/switchback.

About Switchback

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback Spring (Nashville, TN; June 16-18, 2025) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

###

Outside Interactive Inc. Acquires Inntopia, Creating the Ultimate Adventure Travel Technology Platform

Boulder, CO. – February 6, 2025Outside Interactive Inc., the world’s leading creator of outdoor content, mapping, events, and experiences, today announced the acquisition of Inntopia, a leading provider of integrated software solutions for the adventure travel and hospitality industry. Inntopia provides a comprehensive suite of tools that includes booking, marketing, and business intelligence solutions that help ski resorts, adventure destinations, state and national parks, golf resorts, wellness and spa resorts, and tourism bureaus manage their operations and drive revenue.

This acquisition brings together two companies with a shared passion for outdoor adventure and travel. Outside’s audience of over 100 million registered users is a natural fit for Inntopia’s platform, which facilitates direct-to-consumer, multi-vendor booking by resorts and provides access to a broad range of third-party distribution channels. Inntopia’s platform is used by over 200 resorts and destinations across North America, Europe, and Australia. The company has a strong track record of innovation and growth, and its platform is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for online adventure travel booking.

By integrating Inntopia’s SaaS platform and research capabilities with Outside’s extensive network of event directors, tourism partnerships, and hospitality partners, Inntopia’s platform can deliver curated and comprehensive adventure travel packages, including accommodations, local activities, equipment rentals, and activity ticketing, capturing previously untapped revenue streams and creating additional value for partners. Inntopia’s client base will benefit from preferential access to Outside’s audience of outdoor adventurers, integration into the Outside advertising network, and additional investments in the Inntopia travel solutions.

Furthermore, the integration of Inntopia’s business intelligence research and analytics platform technology will empower Outside to gather and analyze key insights into consumer journeys. These insights can be leveraged to optimize advertising strategies, identify new opportunities for partner engagement, and ultimately drive revenue growth for both Outside travel partners and Inntopia’s clients. By demonstrating the tangible value of these data-driven insights, Outside can further strengthen its relationships with advertising partners and position itself as a leader in the digital travel advertising space by building the first-of-its-kind adventure travel retail media network.

“The acquisition of Inntopia is a major step forward in our mission to get everyone outdoors by inspiring them with our content, activating through our technologies, and ultimately celebrating their adventures on our social platform.,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “By combining our content, utilities, and community with Inntopia’s booking platform technology and research, we’re creating a one-stop shop for outdoor adventure travel. We’re excited to offer our users a more seamless and personalized experience, and we’re confident that this acquisition will accelerate our growth and solidify our position as the leading active lifestyle platform.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Outside, a company that shares our passion for the outdoors and our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences,” said Trevor Crist, CEO of Inntopia. “Our booking platform is a perfect complement to Outside’s content, utilities, and community, and we’re excited to work together to create the ultimate travel platform for outdoor adventurers.”

The acquisition of Inntopia represents a strategic move that will substantially bolster Outside’s core businesses and offerings. From discovering inspiring destinations through its rich content, to seamlessly booking accommodations, activities, and transportation through Inntopia’s intuitive technology, the combined platform will simplify the travel planning process and enhance the overall outdoor adventure experience for its audiences.

BrightTower, a New York City headquartered investment banking and M&A advisory services firm, served as exclusive financial advisor to Inntopia in this transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Outside

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches over 300 million unique users and has over 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside Magazine, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, GaiaGPS, Trailforks, MapMyFitness, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at www.OutsideOnline.com.

About Inntopia

Inntopia is a leading provider of integrated software solutions for the travel and hospitality industry. The company’s platform helps resorts and destinations manage their operations and drive revenue. Inntopia’s solutions include booking, marketing, and business intelligence tools.

For more information, contact:
Rachel Weiss
Rachel.weiss@backbone.media