Archives: Press Releases

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open in Albany, New York in fall 2024. The store will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snow sports and more. In addition, certified mechanics will tune and repair equipment through a full-service bike, ski and snowboard shop. REI Albany will be the co-op’s sixth store in the state, following a new location in Ithaca that will open next summer.

“We’ve long recognized the opportunity to serve REI members and the broader outdoor community in the Capital Region,” said Sonny Russell, REI regional director. “We’re grateful for the loyalty of our members in Upstate New York who shop online or travel to one of our northeast stores. We look forward to serving them locally and building partnerships with nonprofits doing incredible work to create belonging in the outdoors.”

Store Facts

• Address: Crossgates Mall, One Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203
• Store size: Approximately 25,000 square feet
• Features: Full-service bike shop and ski and snowboard shop, buy online-pick up in store, and curbside pickup
• REI membership: 42,700 REI members in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy (New York) DMA and nearly 716,000 in New York state
• REI Albany will be the sixth store in New York
• Closest location to REI Albany: REI West Hartford, Connecticut (122 miles, opened 2007)
• REI stores in New York: Carle Place (174 miles away, opened 2011); Huntington Station (182 miles away, opened Nov. 3, 2023), Manhattan/SoHo (155 miles away, opened 2011), and Rochester (222 miles away, opened 2017). The co-op will open next summer in Ithaca (161 miles away)

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to tap into the expertise of REI’s store staff and online resources such as its Expert Advice library to learn or advance skills, plan adventures, and more. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear program called Re/Supply to find great deals on lightly used gear and trade-in products for gift cards, discounts on shop services and experiences, an annual Co-op Member Reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, and more.

Building on decades of supporting local and national nonprofits across the country, the REI Cooperative Action Fund launched in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) organization to bring together the collective strength of the co-op community. As a community-supported nonprofit, the REI Fund is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations and corporate partners – including REI Co-op. Each spring and fall, the REI Fund announces new investments to provide unrestricted funding to nonprofit partners that are strengthening the health and well-being of communities through time outside. REI staff across the country can identify regional local organizations whose missions focus on improving access to outdoor recreation places, as well as those connecting nearby underrepresented communities to time outdoors.

The REI Fund recently made a record investment, contributing $6.1 million to more than 260 organizations creating a more equitable outdoors, including $150,000 in total to six nonprofits in New York. In 2023, the REI Fund has granted $10.1 million across the country. To learn more about investments made in New York state, visit https://www.reifund.org/grantees.

Join the REI team
REI expects to hire 50 employees in Albany. Candidates interested in joining the team can learn more and apply online at REI.jobs. Candidates can set a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions post. All employees receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid annual “Co-op Way Days” that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to #OptOutside. REI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables a life outdoors for everyone. The co-op seeks candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 188 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Nov. 16, 2023) — Fleet Feet announced today the opening of its second location in Louisville, Ky. Expected to open in November, the new store will be in Fern Creek’s highly-anticipated Cedar Creek Crossing Shopping Center, located at 7706 Bardstown Road.

Louisville native Erin Getz will operate the new store. Getz has been an avid member of Fleet Feet’s running community since it first opened its doors in St. Matthews Station in 1999. An active member of the Louisville community, Getz supports several local nonprofits, including Girls on the Run Kentuckiana, the Kids Cancer Alliance, Waterstep, the Wayside Christian Mission, the St. Matthews and Jeffersontown Chambers of Commerce, and the Louisville Sports Commission.

In 2015, the University of Louisville graduate joined Fleet Feet as the marketing director, and has been operating Fleet Feet Louisville for six years.

“Fleet Feet is more than a job – it’s a way of life,” said Getz. “I love this community, my team and everything we’ve been able to accomplish together to positively impact people’s lives through the power of running. I’m excited to introduce run specialty and all that Fleet Feet has to offer to the Fern Creek community.”

A grand opening will take place in early 2024 with exciting activities and giveaways. In the meantime, customers can find the latest Brooks, Hoka, New Balance and On footwear, as well as a curated collection of Lululemon and Vuori apparel at the new store. It’s also the only place customers can find Karhu running shoes, the brand’s in-house footwear. Fleet Feet Fern Creek will offer a number of run training programs that expand on the existing programs offered at Fleet Feet Louisville, which currently serves more than 300 runners and walkers.

“Erin and her team have done an amazing job in Louisville, as evidenced by The Running Event recognizing their store as one of The Best Running Stores of 2022 and 2023,”  said John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “Expanding into the Fern Creek neighborhood will allow them to share their expertise and support even more people who may be thinking about taking their first step into running, are on their fifth marathon, or are simply looking for a comfortable pair of shoes. We couldn’t be more excited to support this growing community.”

Fleet Feet Fern Creek will operate with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 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 more than 47 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®.

Visit the Fleet Feet Louisville website to learn more about the store and grand opening activities.

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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 260 locations 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 on Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

BEND, OR and BOULDER, CO  (Nov 14, 2023) — La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, welcomes Seymour Sales Group as their new sales representatives in the Pacific Northwest. This partnership is championed by the dynamic team of Thomas Seymour, Abby Seymour, and Carleigh Garrett, who collectively bring decades of experience and a profound enthusiasm for outdoor sports to La Sportiva’s legacy in the region.

“We feel fortunate to join the La Sportiva family,” said Abby Seymour. “It’s not just about the company’s fantastic gear; it’s about aligning ourselves with a company that mirrors our passions, values, and commitment to pushing the boundaries within the climbing, trail, and alpine communities. The brand’s involvement in conservation efforts and their championing of climbing access rights speaks volumes about their ethos, and we’re here for it.”

With dual headquarters in Bend, OR, and Bellingham, WA, SSG is ideally situated to engage with over 170 key accounts across the Pacific Northwest. Abby and Thomas have more than twenty years of combined sales experience and a deep connection to the climbing, trail, and skiing communities. Carleigh, the team’s newest member, brings a versatile skill set gained over seven years in the outdoor and ski industries, with expertise in apparel, footwear, and hardgoods.

“Our expertise is rooted in authentic experience with the gear we represent,” explains Thomas. “We don’t just know the gear because we sell it — we understand its ins and outs because we use it.”

“Bringing SSG on board aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and community engagement in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “Their team’s expertise and active participation in outdoor sports are exactly what La Sportiva needs to help bring our products to a wider audience in the region.”

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.sportiva.com.

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) today announced that it has awarded $348,000 in grants that support programs working to develop and activate local and regional trail networks. The projects and programs funded are helping to create equitable access to safe spaces where people can walk, bike and be active outside in the communities where they live.

“At RTC, we believe having space to be active outside is a fundamental right. These grants are critical to supporting organizations that are bringing RTC’s vision of trails connecting everyone, everywhere, to life,” said Mary Ellen Koontz, the lead of RTC’s TrailNation™ Collaborative initiative. “Trail networks are emerging in hundreds of communities across the country, and they are what’s needed to make it safer and more convenient for millions of people to access the outdoors where they live—whether that’s to be active, get around town or have fun in nature.”

As more trail networks are emerging nationwide, RTC’s Trail Grants program invests in the infrastructure and programming that’s necessary to create more access to trails for more people across the country. These grants help organizations and government agencies accelerate their trail network plans, while supporting community-based organizations working to connect more people to these spaces in neighborhoods across the country.

“The work to create, connect, maintain and activate these spaces is critical, yet the funding needed to move these projects forward far exceeds what’s available,” said Koontz. “We are grateful to be able to support 30 grants this year; however, we actually received funding requests from 135 organizations totaling nearly $2.9 million. It’s clear we need significantly more public and private investment to meet the burgeoning demand for safe spaces for people to be active outside.”

The Trail Grants program supports, develops and activates local and regional trail networks nationwide. The entire list of grantees is available at railstotrails.org/grants.

• National awardees include: Latino Outdoors’ Vamos Outdoors program, which provides members of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities with transformative outdoor experiences; HBCUs Outside, which is working with six Historically Black Colleges and Universities to develop outdoor experiences and engage with the outdoor industry; and Black People Who Hike, which is focusing on growing engagement and participation along the Great Rivers Greenways, a trail network in the Greater St. Louis region.

A collection of grantees are advancing trail development and community engagement in RTC’s flagship initiatives—including TrailNation, a portfolio of projects that are redefining how trail networks are built across the country; and the Great American Rail-Trail^®, the nation’s first multiuse cross-country trail, which will link Washington, D.C., and Washington State. Those grantees are:

• Circuit Trails (Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey): Camden Greenways Inc. received a grant to build organizational capacity in support of trail development in Camden City.
• Bay Area Trails Network (California): Rich City Rides received a grant to host Fix-it Friday and Everybody Rides programs to get more people on bikes in Richmond, California.
• Capital Trails Network (Greater Washington, D.C., region): Black Women Bike DC received a grant to support their “Breakfast, Maintenance, and Ride” and Learn to Ride clinics to engage more people to get outdoors.
• Baltimore Greenway Trails Network: Black People Ride Bikes received a grant for their Fostering Unity on Wheels program and the City of Baltimore to install trail counters and lead trail event programming throughout the city.
• Great American Rail-Trail: Grants were awarded for trail maintenance, surface improvements and match funding to the Nickel Plate Trail and Prairie Trails Club in Indiana; Powell County, Montana; and the City of Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners in West Virginia.

Other grant recipients serve a range of rural, urban and suburban areas. They include: Freshwater Land Trust (Birmingham, Alabama); Anchorage Parks Foundation (Anchorage, Alaska); City of Hot Springs Parks and Trails (Hot Springs, Arkansas); Bronzeville Trail Task Force (Chicago); Special Olympics Kansas (Mission, Kansas); West Michigan Trails (Grand Rapids, Michigan); Montana Trails Coalition (Clancy, Montana); Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (Littleton, New Hampshire); NC Great Trails State (Morganton, North Carolina); City of Trotwood (Ohio); Borinquen Trail Inc. (Dorado, Puerto Rico); Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers (Virginia); ForeverGreen Trails (Tacoma, Washington); and Wenatchee Valley TREAD (Wenatchee, Washington).

The 2023 Trail Grants are part of RTC’s longstanding program, which has distributed nearly $3 million across more than 380 grants to over 225 organizations since 2008. Learn more about RTC’s Trail Grants program at railstotrails.org/grants.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

 

PARK CITY, Utah (Nov. 14, 2023) — Backcountry, the leading specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, announces its expansion into wholesale business with its popular in-house name-sake brand, Backcountry. The retailer has been offering Backcountry-designed product, inspired by its team of Gearhead experts, since 2018. Consumers will be able to shop these collections at select retailers nationwide, starting in fall 2024.

“Backcountry has made significant strides in creating an omnichannel experience for its consumers,” says Colby Black, Backcountry CPO. “In the past three years, we’ve opened nine brick-and-mortar stores and now we’re broadening our reach with wholesale. This expansion will help build brand awareness, consideration, and sales in key regions. We connect people to the outdoors by offering the best gear on the market and venturing into wholesale will further strengthen that mission.”

At Outdoor Retail Winter (November 14 –16, 2023), Backcountry will begin seeking retail partners across key regions and platforms to help build upon the Backcountry brand and share its product with outdoor athletes and enthusiasts to support their everyday adventures. The wholesale assortment will include product from the brand’s fall/winter 2024 line that tackle pursuits on and off the mountain. Tried and true favorites like the award-winning Backcountry Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Jacket and a brand-new Backcountry Shell Anorak will be among the key products offered to wholesale customers.

“From the Wasatch Mountains in our own backyard to countless summits worldwide, the Backcountry team has built upon 27 years of mountain experience to design and create unique product in the marketplace,” says Colleen Burns, Backcountry senior director of owned brands. “Thoughtful innovations and decades of expertise are intertwined within each product designed in-house. Collaborations with brands like GORE-TEX, Pertex, and ALLIED Down have been key in elevating our offering and pivotal in getting us to the point where wholesale is a natural step forward.”

Select Backcountry products will become available at retail partner locations starting in September 2024. Backcountry will be exhibiting at Outdoor Retail Winter this week, booth #2018-SN, for in-person inquiries. For more information and media inquiries, please email Kevin McCormack at kevin.mccormack@rygr.us.

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About Backcountry

From the one-on-one expertise of Backcountry Gearheads to its epic selection of the best in both style and performance, Backcountry has been a leading outdoor retailer since 1996. Dialing in your gear closet, exploring your backcountry, recharging with après—Backcountry elevates the entire outdoor experience. In 2018, Backcountry began building its own Gearhead-inspired products; the fast-growing Built By Backcountry ski, bike, climb, hike, fly fish, and après lines include collabs with trusted brands like GORE-TEX, Pertex, and ALLIED Down. After 27 years as a successful online retailer, Backcountry opened its first brick and mortar location in Park City, UT and has since expanded its retail footprint to include nine stores from coast to coast, offering a seamless omnichannel experience for its consumers.

 

 

 

 

Taipei, Taiwan (Nov. 14, 2023) – Wellpower, Inc., a global leader in innovation and advanced material technology solutions, today introduced GEOCELL, a high performance, 100% plant based, natural rubber ideally used in water sports, fitness accessories and footwear. Developed over the last four years by Wellpower’s scientists and engineers, GEOCELL is a planet-friendly solution completely preserving product performance and quality. GEOCELL will debut at retail in partnership with Trainer’s Choice, a leading sports medicine company in Canada.

GEOCELL natural rubber is made with recycled laminate fabrics and water-based adhesives, making it a truly natural and sustainable material. The rubber is sourced from The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified plantations and tested to medical grade standards. The benefits include a material that is hypoallergenic, durable, comfortable, and flexible.

GEOCELL’s manufacturing and harvesting process follows the strictest guidelines and has earned the following certifications:

• PEFC, is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management globally.
• The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets standards for responsible forest management.

“Wellpower is redefining what sustainability really means in the rubber category that has historically been environmentally unfriendly,” said Johnny Sheu, president and CEO of Wellpower. “Being able to source the natural rubber and then convert it into a high performing material, we can transform the way brands invent new products, all while ensuring sustainable materials from start to finish. We are pleased that Trainer’s Choice will join our mission to use a sustainable option.”

GEOCELL is produced at Wellpower’s state of the art facilities under a lengthy list of performance based testing including tear strength, density, heat compression, and aging, among other conditions. It is machine washable making it a resilient component of choice for apparel and accessories.

Wellpower is actively looking for partners in the U.S. interested in GEOCELL. For more information, please email Josh Field at josh@wellpowerusa.com. For more information on Wellpower, email info@wellpowerholding.com.

About Wellpower, Inc.

Wellpower Commerce Holdings is a publicly traded company and a leading manufacturer specializing in the sports industry.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (November 13, 2023) – After graduating 18 mentees in 2023, the SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative (SAMI) is now accepting applications for the third year of its innovative leadership program. Created by SCARPA, the leading manufacturer of footwear for performance mountain sports, in conjunction with Mountain Hardwear, manufacturer of essential durable mountain equipment, the SAMI program is designed to create more access, support and opportunity for outdoor athletes from historically marginalized communities. The program will again pair aspiring athletes who are from the BIPOC, LGBTQ and Disabled communties with mentors from SCARPA’s or Mountain Hardwear’s athlete teams in the climbing, mountaineering, skiing and running categories.

The program’s ‘sophomore’ class made some incredible achievements, including the first deaf female and deaf American male to summit Mount Everest, a handful of films and video projects like Guerreras, a film following Female Latina Climbers, along with forward progress in helping make the outdoors a more equitable place.

“The Scarpa Athlete Mentorship Initiative was the push of inspiration I needed to create Escaladores Unidos,” said Xavier Bravo, a 2023 mentee and founder of Escaladores Unidos. “Not only did I develop confidence in my objectives by having so many individuals believe in my vision, but the connections I made with other SAMI mentees, industry leaders, and inspiring individuals will last for years to come. If nothing else, it is quite comforting to know that I will always be part of the SCARPA & Mountain Hardwear families and part of a cohort of athletes that are shaping the future of the outdoor industry for the better.”

Deaf mountaineers, educators and storytellers Scott Legmann and Shayna Unger completed an incredible feat during their time spent as SAMI mentees — summiting both Lhotse and Everest in 26 hours. They’ve been able to share their story across the US, with community events still lined up throughout November.

Of their time spent in the SAMI program, they said: “Being part of SAMI’s program has been a game-changer for us, especially as disabled and adaptive athletes in the outdoor industry. We may have planted our own goals in the beginning, but it was the support, resources, network and sense of community from the program that empowered us to grow as individuals and adaptive athletes throughout the year. If you are seeking an opportunity for personal and professional growth in the outdoor industry, the SAMI program is the place to grow with.”

The ‘sophomore’ class of both mentees and mentors regularly met to work on individual projects and goals, and new members can expect the same level of hands-on mentorship and collaboration.

“SAMI taught me how to dream big and that anything is possible,” said Greg Donohue, past mentee and professional photographer. “During the program I pushed myself harder and took advantage of every opportunity that was presented to me. I learned that this program is what you make of it, so if you want to get the most out of it, you need to ask for what you want.”

SCARPA’s SAMI program is presented in conjunction with Mountain Hardwear and also supported in concert with brand partners Camber Outdoors, Darn Tough, Deuter, DMM and Hestra, Those partners provide additional support and resources for the SAMI program mentees.

Applications open on Nov. 13 and close on Dec. 3. Interviews will be conducted from Jan. 8-19, 2024, with the program’s kickoff on Feb. 12. Applications can be submitted here.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America 

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

 

MONTREAL (Nov. 13, 2023) – –  ewool, a leading Canadian brand specializing in premium heated apparel, will debut its 2024 line at Outdoor Retailer Winter, Nov. 16-18 in Salt Lake City, the leading U.S. business event for the $862 billion outdoor industry. Available now online at www.ewool.com, ewool will introduce the PRO+ Heated Vest, Metro Heated Vest, Heated Glove Liners, Heated Sock Covers engineered for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and those who work in harsh winter  conditions. ewool will be on display in the Global Sales Guys booth #3005-SN.

“We are redefining the way people experience the cold; our engineering enables consumers to embrace and enjoy what this harsh season brings,” said ewool Founder and CEO Alain Desmeules. “We are a welcome alternative for U.S. enthusiasts continuing to go outdoors in winter to pursue their personal passions and to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Equally important is our appeal to apparel brands looking to give their product designers distinct tools to incorporate best in class performance and comfort into their apparel offerings. Amongst our technology pantented innovations, SnapConnect simplifies the process of delivering heat, transforming the entire experience.”

In addition to SnapConnect, an all in one control button, the brand will introduce another industry-first, its haptic feedback mechanism. This patented technology gives consumers control over their garments by enabling them to check their vest’s heat level with the touch of a concealed button.

The PRO+ Heated Vest ($539) provides three levels of heat – Designed for the most extreme conditions, the PRO+ heated vest stands out for its unparalleled thermal power and extra large heating surfaces. Enjoy up to 7 hours of heat thanks to its slim and powerful battery. Or double up with a dual battery kit for up to 14 hours. The PRO+ heated vest is the go-to mid-layer to keep you warm no matter how cold it gets.

The Metro Vest ($359) is a full zip, lightweight, heated polar fleece vest with three levels of heating, with up to five hours of power and twice the heat of any other in the industry. It’s super slim and ultra-versatile and can be worn as is or effortlessly layered under other coats, making it perfect for fall, winter and even spring.

Heated Glove Liners ($339) provide exceptional warmth and optimal comfort for each finger that lasts up to 7 hours. With ewool’s SnapConnect technology, the user toggles between three heat levels, these slim-fitting gloves may be worn along with or under other gloves.

Heated Sock Covers ($359), unleash the unparalleled warmth of the heated toe box and experience simple and effortless SnapConnect™ charging. designed to keep feet warm for 8 hours or 16 hours with an extra battery, can be used with any ski boot.

In addition to introducing its own products, ewool is partnering with Global Sales Guys to explore licensing and retail partnerships with other renowned brands with its next generation technology for the outdoor, winter sport, motorsport, hunting and fishing categories.

About ewool: ewool, founded in 2013 in Montreal, creates heated clothing with powerful, easy-to-use, and reliable designs. ewool believes in embracing the cold, transforming it into an immersive experience with patented technology solutions.

ewool provides innovative technology integrated into winter wear for various sectors, including luxury, lifestyle, sports, workwear, and military. With over 250 patents, ewool features a range of high-performance heated clothing, available online and in select stores. ewool’s products, crafted with proprietary technologies and top-quality fabrics, are the future of warmth solutions. They incorporate ewool’s own battery, delivering rapid, efficient heat and an intuitive user experience. Right now, ewool’s line includes the PRO+ Heated Vest and the Metro Vest, the  Heated Glove Liners, and the Heated Sock Covers, engineered for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and those who work in harsh weather conditions.

 

FORT MYERS, Fla., and CARRBORO, N.C. (Nov. 13, 2023) —  Fleet Feet announced today the acquisition of Run Florida On McGregor. Fleet Feet Fort Myers owners, Janene and Brian Urichko, will purchase the store from friend and owner, John Rinkenbaugh, who will then join the Fleet Feet Fort Myers team as an outfitter.

As part of the acquisition, Fleet Feet Fort Myers will remain in the Bell Tower Shops at 13499 South Cleveland Avenue, while the Run Florida location will close. This will allow Fort Myers runners and walkers to have one home base to benefit from the exceptional service offered by the entire Fleet Feet Fort Myers team.

The acquisition is expected to take place at the end of  November. Black Friday celebrations, including exclusive promotions and exciting activities, will mark the occasion.

“We look forward to continuing the journey of Run Florida with Fleet Feet, a brand synonymous with community and passion,” said Janene Urichko. “Together with John, whose dedication and expertise has significantly impacted the local running community, we envision this location becoming the go-to hub for fitness enthusiasts in the area.”

The Urichkos were first introduced to Fleet Feet as patrons of the Orlando location. Owners Eric and Stacey Bartos captivated them with their supportive, family-oriented approach, and soon, Brian began working at Fleet Feet Orlando. After spending 30 years in education, Janene and Brian, along with their sons, Aiden and Ethan, decided to turn their love of running and community into their own business to help serve and uplift residents. In 2022, the Urichkos started their family journey with Fleet Feet Fort Myers.

Mike Pemberton opened On the Run more than 30 years ago. On the Run evolved into Run Florida in 2007, and in 2010, the store moved to its current McGregor location. Throughout its history, Run Florida was a cornerstone in the Fort Myers running community. The store supported local high school running programs and assisted at key regional events. Rinkenbaugh, a lifelong runner with notable accolades, had maintained this supportive legacy since taking over Run Florida ownership in 2014.

“Joining Janene and Brian’s team at Fleet Feet is the start of a new chapter for our local running community,” said Rinkenbaugh. “I’m excited to bring my passion and expertise for running to Fleet Feet and continue the tradition of providing the best experience possible for active individuals in the region.”

With a climate conducive to year-round activities and steady population growth over the past few years, Fort Myers is a prime location for the Fleet Feet brand to continue to grow.

“Fort Myers is a vibrant and evolving market,” said John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “With the Urichkos at the helm and the incorporation of John’s extensive experience, we are confident Fleet Feet Fort Myers will continue to enhance the local running ecosystem, embodying our brand’s commitment to fostering active lifestyles across communities.”

Fleet Feet Fort Myers operates with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 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 more than 47 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®.

Visit the Fleet Feet Fort Myers website to learn more about the store and Black Friday activities.

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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 260 locations 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 List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

Los Angeles, CA (November 9, 2023) – Aventon, a California-based e-bike and technology company, is excited to announce the safety standard UL 2849, which their current lineup of available e-bikes was certified to by TÜV Rheinland, has now been recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). With this recognition, Aventon’s e-bikes are now eligible to be sold in the state of New York after a new law was passed on September 16,2023 stating all e-bikes sold, leased or rented in the state must meet the recognized industry standard.

“The safety of our users has always been a top priority for us at Aventon,” said Cole Latshaw, Senior Product Specialist at Aventon. “With the recent update from OSHA, we hope that our customers continue to have peace of mind while using our bikes knowing that each battery has been tested and certified.”

The TÜV Rheinland safety standard is a European and globally recognized trademark denoting trust, assuring that a product, service, or process has been thoroughly tested for safety, quality, and sustainability. Aventon received its TÜV Rheinland certification in early 2022, making its current e-bike lineup safety certified. Unfortunately, two of the earlier Aventon models, the Sinch and Level, do not qualify as they pre-date the testing. However, the upgraded versions, Sinch.2 and Level.2, have received the full certification and are ready to take to the streets of the Big Apple.

Additionally, Aventon offers a 2-year warranty on all e-bikes purchased through aventon.com or one of their 1,000+ certified dealers. The warranty includes all manufacturer defects of the frame and components prior to assembly, demonstrating confidence and commitment to their customers by ensuring their e-bikes meet the highest safety standards. All Aventon e-bikes are made with the highest quality materials and components, including their batteries which are sourced from reputable brands such as LG and Samsung, and are TÜV certified now in compliance with the UL 2849 standard. This means they have been put through rigorous testing, ensuring the product is safe for public sale, consumer use and that they meet the e-bike battery fire safety requirements.

To view more of Aventon’s TÜV Rheinland certified e-bikes, click here:

https://www.aventon.com/collections/ebikes.

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About Aventon

Aventon, based in Southern California, is one of the world’s leading and innovative electric bicycle manufacturers and retailers.

In 2012, CEO J.W. Zhang was inspired to build his own brand to create accessible and high-quality bikes. With roots in performance cycling, Aventon’s heritage of innovation propelled them into a bold belief that they could transition from fixed gear bikes into e-mobility, making it more enjoyable. Their goal was to create a brand that was versatile, inclusive and all-encompassing of the different types of riders that exist without sacrificing their foundational attention to precision and purposefully-built products.

Aventon exists to enable people to find happiness through motion. They believe that every ride is an opportunity for riders, in every stage of their lives, to change the way they experience the world, and in that moment feel alive. They are fully committed to prevailing in their dedication to introducing premium technologies and placing their customers’ experience at the center of their world. Ride more. Be happy. For more information, visit www.aventon.com.

About Backbone

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 25 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.backbone.media.