Archives: Press Releases

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Jan. 14, 2025) – VALLON, the independent and family-owned eyewear brand that blends timeless style with cutting-edge performance, has named Verde Brand Communications as its agency of record, effective January 2025. This partnership will help VALLON expand its brand presence in North America and further connect with the growing global community of outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Founded by two Swedish brothers, VALLON is known for eyewear that combines soulful designs with top-tier functionality. The brand’s product lineup draws inspiration from decades past, fusing classic aesthetics with modern performance. VALLON has quickly become a go-to for athletes, adventurers, and trailblazers, including freestyle ski legend, Wayne Wong, global-leading skipper and environmental campaigner, Boris Herrmann, and world record-breaking mountaineer, Adriana Brownlee. Trusted by professionals facing some of the world’s most challenging environments, VALLON also stands out for its commitment to sustainability—each pair of sunglasses sold supports the clean up of 1kg of plastic waste.

VALLON’s flagship product, the Heron Glacier, has recently been released in three new colorways:

Brown-Yellow, Dark-Grey-Red, and

Off-White-Green. With its vintage round silhouette, leather side shields, and removable centerpiece, the Heron Glacier is equipped with Cat. 4 mirrored lenses for optimal eye protection. Now in its fourth edition, the Heron Glacier continues to be the eyewear of choice for elite high-altitude mountaineers.

“We’re excited to partner with Verde Brand Communications, an agency that shares our values of authenticity, storytelling, and passion for the outdoors,” saidMarcus Franck, Co-Founder at VALLON. “Verde’s proven track record in helping brands thrive aligns perfectly with our vision as we expand our presence in North America and beyond.”

Verde Brand Communications is renowned for its expertise in brand strategy, public relations, and digital engagement, and will work closely with VALLON to develop and execute impactful communications campaigns aimed at boosting brand awareness. With a robust portfolio of outdoor, lifestyle, and sustainability-focused brands, Verde is ideally positioned to support VALLON across a variety of sports and lifestyle categories, strategically supporting their mission to deliver ‘Classic Style, Maximum Performance’ eyewear to outdoor enthusiasts and explorers worldwide.

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for VALLON, working to elevate the brand’s visibility and global reach in 2025 and beyond.

For more information on VALLON and their full range of outdoor sports eyewear, visit vallon.com and follow them on Instagram at @vallon_official.

About VALLON

Inspired by iconic eyewear of yesteryear and their deep passion for outdoor sports, VALLON was founded by two Swedish brothers with a shared vision to reinvent sports eyewear. Seeking to merge classic design elements with high-performance functionality, they created a new generation of eyewear fit for modern day adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

VALLON sunglasses and goggles are trusted by professional athletes taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Combining resilience, protection, sustainability, and innovation, we strive to make the most unique, fair-priced, and best looking eyewear for outdoor enthusiasts. Cleaning up plastic with every pair sold. #ClassicStyleMaximumPerformance #theVALLONway

Visit www.vallon.com, or get in touch for more information.

Media Contact:

Verde Brand Communications vallon@verdepr.com

BURLINGTON, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (January 10, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the nation’s leading franchisor of locally owned run specialty stores, will open a new location in Burlington, N.C., on Jan. 10, 2025, at 3816 Rural Retreat Road. This will be the third Fleet Feet store owned by John and Elizabeth Dewey, who have successfully operated locations in Greensboro and High Point for more than 20 years.

Before opening Fleet Feet Greensboro in 2003 and Fleet Feet High Point in 2012, John Dewey worked as a certified athletic trainer and licensed physical therapist, credentials he still holds and applies in his stores.

“Our mission is to help every customer find the right footwear to meet their unique needs, no matter their goal,” says Dewey. “At Fleet Feet, we’re not just about selling shoes—we’re here to support our community’s health and help people move in comfort.”

Fleet Feet Burlington will celebrate their grand opening by offering special gifts with purchase throughout the weekend of Jan. 10–12. The store will also host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. to mark the official opening.

The new store will feature a wide selection of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories from top brands, including Brooks, HOKA, Vuori and lululemon. The Burlington location will also offer the brand’s exclusive fit id® service, which uses 3D foot scanning and dynamic pressure mapping to assess each customer’s foot shape and gait. Combined with expertise from attentive outfitters, this personalized fitting service helps ensure that every customer finds the right footwear to meet their needs.

Additionally, the store will serve as a hub for the local running and fitness community. Conveniently located near some of Burlington’s best running paths and parks, Fleet Feet Burlington is close to local attractions, making it a natural meeting place for fun runs and community events.

“John and Liz have become pillars in their communities,” says John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “Their success in Greensboro and High Point—built on consistent growth, customer loyalty, and an inclusive culture—makes them the perfect partners for this expansion. We’re confident that their continued success will be a tremendous asset to the Fleet Feet brand.”

“We look forward to welcoming the community to explore the store, discover our in-depth outfitting experience and join our opening celebrations,” Dewey says. “We’re grateful to the City of Burlington and Alamance County for their support. We can’t wait to start this new chapter.”

For more than 48 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 Burlington are available here.

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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.

 

 

 

STAMFORD, Conn. — (January 10, 2024): LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand known for over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, today announced it is expanding its sales and marketing teams in the United States. Midwest Outdoor Sales will now cover key territories across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In addition, to enhance brand initiatives and streamline operations, Katie McEntire has been appointed marketing content specialist and Madison Wage joins as special events and project manager.

“We continue to see steady growth in the U.S. which is driving the broadening of our talent,” says Peter Sachs, general manager of LOWA. “Our partnership with Midwest Outdoor Sales marks an exciting new chapter for LOWA as we strengthen our regional presence and expand our reach. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bruce Marsh, whose nearly two decades of leadership were instrumental in establishing LOWA’s reputation and growth. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. Alongside this transition, Katie McEntire will bring her expertise in passionate storytelling and brand engagement, while Madison Wage will use her event planning skills to raise the level of activations, trade shows and community functions. Together, they position LOWA for even greater success in the U.S.”

Emily Rach and Jeff Riemann, co-owners of Midwest Outdoor Sales, bring nearly 40 years of combined experience in fostering success for established outdoor brands. Their expertise lies in building strong relationships with a diverse portfolio of retailers, including specialty outdoor stores, big-box outdoor chains, and farm-and-ranch outlets. They have worked with leading brands such as Cascade Designs, Princeton Tec^®, and Yakima^® and partnered with top-tier retailers including Bass Pro Shops and Scheels.

Katie McEntire, who previously worked at SafeWise, will support broader marketing efforts across communications including social media, content creation and blog development. Madison Wage, who comes to LOWA from Spartan Race, is joining LOWA to help the company with tradeshows and events, and strengthen its connections within the outdoor community.

For more information visit www.lowaboots.com.

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About LOWA Boots
With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running,  lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

Media Contact:

Lindsey Clinkingbeard, CGPR

lindsey.clinkingbeard@offmadisonave.com

602-432-1667

 

 

WILLISTON, Vermont (Jan 9, 2025) — Mammut, a brand synonymous with innovation and safety in mountain gear since its founding in 1862, will be partnering with two new sales agencies in the new year – Trail House Sales & Marketing Group and Redstone. Trail House will be driving brand growth in four western states – Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii. Redstone will be representing Mammut in the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Both agencies bring more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry to the brand.

“We are incredibly happy to welcome Trail House and Redstone to the Mammut family, and know that their knowledge of the industry, and passion for the outdoors will be a huge benefit to Mammut,” said Matt Kaplan, President, Mammut North America. “

Sean’s journey with Trail House has been marked by a commitment to building relationships and elevating brands in the outdoor space. His reputation for innovation, and customer-focused solutions makes him an invaluable addition to the Mammut family. Redstone, which has worked with Mammut in the past, will be returning to the brand with their passion for the outdoors, professionalism, and broad level of experience.

“Redstone is pleased to partner with Mammut, with its more than 160 years of creating products with an emphasis on innovation and safety!  We look forward to elevating this historic brand in the Pacific Northwest,” said Kendall Dewey, Principal at Redstone.

“We are looking forward to working with Mammut, a heritage brand with a strong reputation in the core outdoor community,” said Sean Kievning, founder of Trail House Sales & Marketing Group. “Mammut’s commitment to innovation and quality gear aligns perfectly with our mission – connecting outdoor enthusiasts with the best gear out there.”

Mammut welcomes Trail House Sales & Marketing Group and Redstone West as it continues to serve outdoor retailers and enthusiasts in the Western U.S. and Pacific Northwest with the quality mountain gear it is known for.

For more information about Mammut, its gear, apparel and brand initiatives, please visit Mammut.com. To contact Trail House Sales & Marketing Group, email Sean Kievning at  sean@mytrailhouse.com. To contact Redstone, email Kendall Dewey at kendall@Redstonewest.com.

About Mammut Sports Group

Established in 1862, Mammut stands as a global leader in providing high-quality products and unique experiences for mountain sports enthusiasts. With over 160 years of heritage, this Swiss-based premium brand is a hallmark of safety and innovation. Mammut’s offerings, known for their functionality, responsible performance and contemporary design, make it one of the most comprehensive suppliers in the outdoor industry. The brand’s extensive range includes hardware, footwear, and apparel, catering to a wide spectrum of activities. As of 2024, Mammut Sports Group AG operates in around 40 countries and employs approximately 800 people, continuing to forge a legacy of excellence and adventure. Learn more on Mammut’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MammutNA and @MammutNorthAmerica.

Media contact: Becca Katz | Becca@verdepr.com

 

SEATTLE – January 9, 2025 – Craft Sportswear, the Swedish brand renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in endurance sports, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Teamwear Collection in the United States. This move marks the introduction of Craft’s decades of expertise in outfitting elite teams across Europe to the U.S. market, with performance gear designed for a wide range of sports, including soccer, track and field, gymnastics, and volleyball, ensuring top-tier apparel for teams and clubs nationwide.

For over 40 years, Craft has been at the forefront of athletic innovation, collaborating with world-class athletes, professional teams, and global federations to create gear that meets the highest standards. With more than 4,000 teams and clubs across Europe already trusting Craft for their performance needs—including esteemed soccer clubs such as Gent, AGF Aarhus, Darmstadt 98, Hammarby IF, and IFK Göteborg—the brand is now set to make a significant impact on the U.S. teamwear market.

Craft Teamwear is designed with the understanding that victory is built not just on game day but through relentless preparation. The collection offers a comprehensive range of apparel and accessories that excel from intense pre-season training to peak performance on game day. Whether it’s insulated jackets for cold-weather practice, waterproof rain gear for wet conditions, or baselayers and accessories for all-season comfort, Craft Teamwear ensures that athletes can practice hard in any weather.

Craft’s U.S. strategy focuses on building strong partnerships with a network of trusted sporting goods retailers and team dealers,  ensuring broad access to its premium products. By leveraging these partnerships, Craft strives to serve the diverse needs of clubs and teams across various sports, strengthening its commitment to both retail success and the broader athletic community.

“Craft has been outfitting athletes across a variety of sports with performance-driven apparel for over four decades, and we’re excited to bring that same dedication to a new generation of athletes in the U.S.,” says Jake Rawson, CEO of Craft Sportswear NA. “Our mission is to provide gear that excels at every level, supporting athletes from the grind of training to the intensity of game day. To back that promise, we’ve invested heavily in maintaining a strong inventory in Seattle, ensuring fast delivery and outstanding service. By partnering with trusted retailers and team dealers, we’re making sure that athletes at all levels—from world champions to everyday heroes—have the high-quality gear they need to push their limits and foster team pride.”

For more information about Craft’s Teamwear collection or to be connected with one of Craft’s preferred team dealers, contact teamwear@craftsports.us.

ABOUT CRAFT SPORTSWEAR

Craft is a Swedish brand specializing in clothing and gear for endurance sports where performance and comfort are crucial for optimal results. Working closely with elite athletes and constantly developing new materials and technical solutions, Craft offers innovative training and competition apparel and footwear for World Champions and Everyday Heroes.  For more information, visit craftsports.us.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (January 9, 2025) – La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, has garnered a number of notable awards for their new 24/25 ski hard goods collection. This year’s lineup showcases the company’s most advanced ski and boot designs to date, earning accolades in a variety of buyer’s guides. The Kilo boot, in particular, has received several impressive awards, highlighting the industry’s excitement for this new model.

Recognition of the Kilo boot in this year’s winter buyer’s guides includes:

• Freeskier – Editors’ Choice
• Backcountry – Editors’ Pick
• Ski Alper – Boot of The Year
• Ski Magazine – Best Uphill Boot

“The Kilo boot is a major leap forward for us,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “This boot isn’t just lightweight; it’s a powerful, high-performance tool designed for the demands of modern ski mountaineers. We’re excited to see that the media love this boot as much as we do.”

The Kilo is La Sportiva’s most advanced ski mountaineering boot to date. Weighing just 1kg, the $899 boot features a Grilamid Bio-Based LF Carbon™ shell technology for unmatched stiffness and durability without adding weight.

The brand’s Tempo and Capo skis were also recognized as some of the best backcountry skis of the year in a number of guides, with the Tempo being listed as one of Freeskier’s Editors’ Picks for the year.

Recognition of La Sportiva’s skis in this year’s winter buyer’s guides includes:

• Gear Junkie – Buyer’s Guide Select: Tempo
• Freeskier – Editors’ Pick: Tempo
• Freeskier – Buyer’s Guide Select: Capo

With a 103mm waist and a weight of 1450g, the Tempo is the go-to ski for adventurers looking for versatility and performance in all conditions. With a 20% weight reduction from the previous model, D30® dampening inserts, and a Paulownia wood core, the $949 ski delivers excellent edge hold, stability, and responsiveness.

Designed for powder lovers, the $949 Capo pairs power and playfulness in a lightweight package. At 117mm underfoot and weighing just 1550g, the ski’s D30® dampening inserts eliminate chatter, while a new core design boosts agility and stability in deep snow.

The 2024 ski collection, including the award-winning Kilo boot and Tempo and Capo skis, are currently available at specialty retailers and online at www.lasportivausa.com. Select media samples are available by contacting Sean Van Horn at Sean.Vanhorn@backbone.media.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEST POINT, MS – Klean Kanteen, a pioneer in creating reusable food and beverage containers with over two decades of sustainable innovation, and Mossy Oak, a leading outdoor lifestyle brand deeply committed to conservation, are thrilled to announce a collaboration aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and enhancing outdoor experiences through reusable drinkware products.

Klean Kanteen’s mission to create versatile, sustainable products aligns perfectly with Mossy Oak’s passion for conservation and outdoor living. Together, these two iconic brands will leverage their collective expertise to inspire and empower individuals to adopt more sustainable practices in their everyday lives and outdoor adventures.

Klean Kanteen and Mossy Oak believe in leaving the world better than they found it. Klean Kanteen’s reusable containers help reduce single-use plastic waste, making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices. Mossy Oak’s dedication to preserving natural habitats through hunting, conservation, and stewardship initiatives ensures that future generations can enjoy the beauty and bounty of the great outdoors.

Klean Kanteen and Mossy Oak have collaborated on a range of co-branded products designed for outdoor enthusiasts as part of this partnership. These products will feature the latest in sustainable materials, hydration functionality, and artistic design, embodying the trademark qualities of both brands.

“We are excited to join forces with Mossy Oak, a brand that shares our values and commitment to sustainability. We’ve started out with their Country DNA pattern on our TKWIDE  and Rise Collections and look forward to expanding our offering as we ramp up our partnership,” said Hunter Shoop, Director of Global Brand & Product, Klean Kanteen.

The Klean Kanteen x Mossy Oak Country DNA collection is available now at kleankanteen.com and here.

About Klean Kanteen

Founded in 2004, Klean Kanteen is a leader in reusable stainless-steel drinkware and food containers with distribution worldwide. With a focus on environmental stewardship, Klean Kanteen is a B Corporation, a proud 1% For The Planet member, and Climate Neutral Certified. Working closely with values-aligned companies and organizations, Klean Kanteen supports efforts towards health, the reduction of single-use plastic, and environmental education and awareness. For more information visit Klean Kanteen’s website.

Klean Kanteen is an officially licensed partner of Haas Outdoors Inc. Established in 1986, Haas Outdoors Inc. is headquartered in West Point, Miss., and is home to Mossy Oak. For more than 35 years, Mossy Oak has been a leading outdoor lifestyle brand specializing in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoors enthusiasts and helping people get closer to nature. The Mossy Oak Brand and patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the parent company of Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Capture Productions, MOOSE Media, Nativ Nurseries, Nativ Living, Gamekeepers, Gamekeepers Kennels, Mossy Oak Properties, and Mossy Oak GO. Mossy Oak is the official camouflage of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Mack’s Prairie Wings, and Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

Follow Mossy Oak on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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LONGMONT, Colo. (January 8, 2024) — Rossmönster, the leader in purpose-built adventure vehicles, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Timothy Morgan as Chief Revenue Officer. Morgan brings to Rossmönster over two decades of experience in the RV industry, having honed his skills in sales, business development and strategic leadership. Morgan’s naming as CRO marks a significant milestone in Rossmönster’s journey toward continued growth and innovation.

Morgan’s introduction to the RV world began at the age of 13, washing RVs at the dealership where his grandfather served as a service manager and his father as sales manager. By 18, he had transitioned into sales at Giant RV, where he developed a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics. His career progressed rapidly, taking on the role of national sales representative at Roadtrek, and most recently, serving a successful five-year tenure at Storyteller Overland. During his time there, he was instrumental in driving revenue growth and fostering industry partnerships.

In recognition of his contributions to the RV industry, Morgan was honored as one of RV Associates’ “40 Under 40,” a testament to his leadership and vision. His rich industry experience, combined with his passion for adventure vehicles, makes him an invaluable addition to the Rossmönster team.

“We are excited to have Morgan join our leadership team,” said Luke Farny, CEO of Rossmönster. “His deep roots in the RV industry, proven track record in revenue generation, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to deliver unparalleled adventure experiences to our customers.”

As Chief Revenue Officer, Morgan will oversee all aspects of revenue generation, including sales strategy, business development, and customer relations. His focus will be on expanding Rossmönster’s market, dealer presence, and enhancing the customer journey through innovative solutions.

To learn more about Rossmönster’s storied history and a more detailed look at its line of adventure trucks and vans, please visit rossmonster.com.

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About Rossmönster
Rossmönster redefines the adventure lifestyle, crafting premium trucks and vans that fuel your passion for exploration and discovery. With groundbreaking designs and unmatched craftmanship, Rossmönster creates vehicles that are more than just a mode of travel — they’re a gateway to the extraordinary. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Rossmönster is shaping the future of adventure vehicles for those who dare to roam further and live boldly.