Archives: Press Releases

CARRBORO, N.C. (July 10, 2024) —  Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced its inaugural Fleet Feet Running Report. The report includes running consumer insights based on a survey Fleet Feet commissioned with YouGov, scan data from technology partner Volumental, and systemwide sales data from their more than 270 locally owned and operated stores. The report details general consumer interest, as well as Fleet Feet’s best-selling brands and products.

“Some of the data validates what we know about our customers and products, and supports what we see in our stores each and every day; while other data challenges us to think differently about how we can connect with new customers,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “We’re in a unique position to share trends about the running industry, and drive the conversation around the state of running now, and more importantly, where it’s headed.”

YouGov’s custom survey included responses from more than 3,500 people ages 18 and older who spent $75 or more on running shoes and/or apparel or accessories in the past 12 months. According to the report, more than 80% of respondents use running or walking as their primary fitness activity and run an average of 17 miles per week. Nearly half of respondents run two to four times a week, with a quarter running six to seven times a week. Fifty percent of runners and walkers are between the ages of 30 and 44.

Additional insights from the Fleet Feet Running Report include:

• Two of the top three running shoes sold at Fleet Feet were HOKA models
• ASICS, Karhu, and New Balance were the top three fastest-growing shoe brands
• Lululemon, Vuori, and rabbit were the best-selling apparel brands
• Maurten was the top energy gel and Nuun was the top hydration mix sold at Fleet Feet

“The past few years, we’ve seen an uptick in running interest and participation,” said Tiffany Lee, senior director of performance marketing and partnerships at Fleet Feet. “Understanding our customers allows us to better serve them, and our hope is that tapping into these insights will allow us to inspire even more people in our communities to start moving.”

To view the full report, click here or visit fleetfeet.com.

For 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, and at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment.

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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 270 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, 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, Inc.’s Best in Business List, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated, and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

SAN FRANCISCO (July 8, 2024) – Since 1968, outdoor adventure apparel brand Royal Robbins has been dedicated to protecting the environment. The brand’s commitment to continuous improvement is visible in setting and achieving goals for use of lower-impact fibers. In 2023 the brand reduced overall emissions by 37% compared to the 2019 baseline and achieved its annual Scope 3 emissions reduction targets per product – down by 22% from 2022.

Since material production makes up the largest portion of a product’s environmental footprint, Royal Robbins carefully selects lower-impact fibers to help reduce waste, chemical use, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Establishing a new sustainability milestone for the brand, 87% of styles for Spring 2024 are made from materials that contain 50% or more lower-impact fibers: preferred cotton, recycled polyester, preferred forest materials, hemp, or recycled nylon.

Inspiring adventurers around the world to consider the impact of their purchase, specific highlights from the materials in Royal Robbins Spring 2024 collection are:

• Royal Robbins #1 adventure shirt, the Desert Pucker, is certified as carbon neutral by Climate Partner through financial climate contribution. This cool, comfortable shirt is made with wood-derived TENCEL™ Modal fibers and is the cornerstone of the brand’s continuous efforts to create the best natural fibers performance wear in the world. 100% of forest fibers used in Royal Robbins styles are FCS- and PEFC-certified.*
• This season, Royal Robbins introduced recycled nylon into the line. 41% of nylon-based styles, including the heritage-inspired Merced basecamp essentials, are made with recycled nylon.
• 97% of cotton-based styles** are made with preferred cotton (including organic cotton), grown in partner programs with farmers to help reduce environmental impact through improved water, land, and chemical management practices.
• The brand expanded the use of recycled materials with 74% of polyester-based garments made from recycled polyester, including the climber-tested-and-approved men’s and women’s Amp Lite performance shirts.
• Royal Robbins expanded its undyed colorway, including the women’s Basecamp Tee, Basecamp Boxy Tee, and Half Dome styles. Undyed uses up to 80% fewer kilowatt-hours (kWh) energy, 80% fewer liters of water, and 75% fewer chemicals than a traditional piece dyeing process.
• Wool is the original natural performance fiber, and a staple at Royal Robbins since Liz and Royal’s lived in Yosemite’s Camp 4. In Fall 2023, the brand began using Responsible Wool Standard certified wool and underwent certification by Control Union cert. 895314. Royal Robbins will expand that commitment, with 89% of its Fall 2024 wool-based styles crafted with traceable wool.

“The concept of sustainability is deeply ingrained in this brand, conceived by two iconic climbers in Yosemite,” said Erik Burbank, Royal Robbins brand president. “It’s a journey that started with the revolutionary concept of ‘clean climbing’ and has since grown into the challenge of creating gear for adventurers while minimizing the negative impacts of our business. While recognizing the progress we have made, we are conscious of the need to do more. This journey is a formidable one that requires our commitment to continued and constant improvement.”

All these initiatives support Royal Robbins reaching its 2025 climate goals. By 2025, the company has set a target to reduce 40% of its emissions in the company’s owned and operated locations (including offices and warehouse locations). By 2025, Royal Robbins also has a target of 50% reduction in emissions per product produced (considering categories, purchased products & services, and transport & distribution).

Additionally, Royal Robbins aims to keep using lower-impact alternatives to conventional fibers, with targets that include:

• 80% recycled or bio-based polyester by 2025
• 100% preferred cotton by 2025
• 100% FSC or PEFC-certified man-made cellulosic by 2023 (goal met in 2022)
• 50% certified, traceable wool by 2025 (goal met in 2023)

To learn more about Royal Robbins sustainability initiatives, please visit: royalrobbins.com/us/en-us/explore/sustainabilityAbout Royal Robbins®
Founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins, Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul. To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.

^{* Preferred forest materials are wood pulp-based fibers cultivated in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council certification) or PECF (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified forests}

^{** Cotton-based and polyester-based styles are all styles using at least 20% cotton or polyester in the main material blend. Styles using less than 20% are not included in the calculation}

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 2, 2024) — Moultrie, the leading innovator in trail camera and feeder technology, is proud to announce a partnership with Seek One, the premier source for suburban bowhunting education and entertainment. This collaboration unites Moultrie’s industry-leading trail cameras with Seek One’s expertise in suburban whitetail hunting, providing valuable intel to hunters navigating unique environments.

“We’re committed to equipping hunters with the best possible tools for success,” said Daniel Wilson, General Manager at Moultrie. “Seek One shares our passion for the hunt. Their deep understanding of suburban bowhunting makes them the perfect partner to showcase the effectiveness of Moultrie trail cameras and the Moultrie Mobile app in these uniquely challenging settings.”

Moultrie’s Edge series of cameras, known for their reliability, image quality, and innovative features, will be a key element of this partnership.  When combined with the industry-leading Moultrie Mobile app, hunters gain access to timely data and actionable insights that allow for effective hunt planning.  This is crucial for all bowhunters, but especially for those navigating the unique challenges of suburban environments, where understanding deer movement patterns is paramount.

“We’ve used most of the cell cameras out there and Moultrie’s trail cameras and app are without a doubt the best bang for your buck that we have found,” says Lee Ellis from Seek One. “I really like the simplicity they’ve incorporated into their cameras. Putting cameras in other states several hours away, it’s important to have smooth-running cameras. Their reliability and innovative features give bowhunters the crucial intel we need to put ourselves in the right place at the right time.”

Moultrie Mobile is the leader in connecting hunters with the places they hunt. From localized deer movement forecasts to mapping out your hunt, to remotely monitoring your feeders, the Moultrie Mobile app has everything you need to succeed in the field, no matter where your hunt takes you.

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About Moultrie

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Moultrie is the leader in deer feeders and cellular trail camera innovation, building products used by hunters, property owners, and others for real-time remote monitoring. Moultrie is a business unit of PRADCO Outdoor Brands. PRADCO’s hunting brands include Whitetail Institute, Texas Hunter, Summit, Knight & Hale, and Code Blue. PRADCO Fishing manufactures and markets products for freshwater and saltwater anglers under 20+ brands, including Rebel, YUM, BOOYAH, War Eagle Custom Lures, Great Lakes Finesse, and Bomber.

 

 

 

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. (July 2, 2024) – RECCO, manufacturer of advanced rescue technology, will be a supporting partner of the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy in Chamonix, from July 4-7, 2024.

The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy has been a staple in experiential alpine education, inspiration and community for the past 12 years. Its 13th year will take attendees to the fabled slopes of Chamonix where participants can attend clinics lead by IFMGA guides, athlete-led workshops, film premiers and more.

RECCO has been a longtime partner of Arc’teryx, and this will be the brand’s fifth year participating in the Alpine Academy. RECCO has consistently supported all iterations of Arc’teryx’s academies over the years, and RECCO technology can be found in key Arc’teryx apparel pieces across lines and seasons. RECCO reflectors are currently integrated in all of Arc’teryx’s GORE-TEX PRO shells, the Norvan trail running collection jackets and run vests, and select climbing backpacks.

RECCO will have a booth in the Alpine village, and will support the First Aid and Basic Rescue clinic taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Participants are also invited to join the RECCO Community Run, led by a professional trail running guide through the stunning Chamonix singletrack on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Attendees are invited to stop by the booth to say hello to the RECCO team and try their hand at the RECCO Search Challenge. Search and rescue professionals will be there to teach participants how to use the handheld RECCO detector. For exact timing on the event village activations, check out the Arc’teryx Academy Instagram.

The RECCO team looks forward to seeing you there! For more information on RECCO and the global RECCO rescue network, please visit recco.com.

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Media Contact

Siena Teare

Verde Brand Communications

(802)-881-1567

siena@verdepr.com

 

July 2, 2024 – Each year, The Conservation Alliance (TCA) Outstanding Partnership Awards recognize member companies that have provided an elevated level of support and partnership to TCA grantees working to protect outdoor spaces, support local communities, and expand access to outdoor recreation. The 2024 Awards go to four member companies – Rogue Heart Media, Osprey, Mystery Ranch, and Flickr.

These like-minded brands help TCA harness the power of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. In 2024 alone, these companies have helped TCA partner with organizations from Montana, Colorado, California, and Washington to support efforts to protect special places critical to local economies, critical habitat, and climate resilience.

“Our members play a critical role in helping grassroots conservation organizations achieve success,” said Kim Paymaster, Grant Program Director at TCA. “With the Outstanding Partnership Awards, we want to acknowledge the companies that are going above and beyond to support our grantees. These partnerships are what help TCA and our conservation partners have more impact. These partners have helped us share grantee stories, donated their time and dollars to projects, and made connections that ultimately drive these projects forward and over the finish line.”

Rogue Heart Media was nominated by Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, who cited Rogue Heart and its founders tirelessly advocate for local conservation. “Their masterful and empathic storytelling efforts on behalf of our organization, as well as that of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, WaterWise Spokane, and Spokane’s Sustainability Action Committee are helping to spur social change in this community.”

Mystery Ranch was nominated by Wild Montana and Business for Montana’s Outdoors. “As one of the first members of Business for Montana’s Outdoors over a decade ago, Mystery Ranch has always made it a priority to support initiatives, using their voice and their platform to advocate for Montana’s public lands, recreation access, and protected wildlife habitat.”

Osprey was nominated by Dolores River Boating Advocates for supporting the organization’s annual event through the donation of funds and equipment. “This year, Osprey stepped up their sponsorship significantly and in addition to donating ample gear, they made a significant cash donation to cover the entire cost of producing our annual fundraiser. This meant that every dollar we raised went back into the organization to cover operation and program costs not supported through grant funding.”

Flickr was nominated by The Conservation Alliance itself for its ongoing efforts to support multiple projects on the ground through photography, filmmaking, and storytelling. “In the past 12 months, Flickr has quickly become one of The Conservation Alliance’s most dedicated members. Their leadership team and staff are extremely passionate about supporting conservation efforts and are generously donating time and resources to create various films that bring these campaigns to life. Storytelling is an essential part of advocacy work and Flickr’s support is making a huge difference in reaching important audiences in priority campaigns.”

Thanks in large part to its members, TCA supports around 50 grassroots conservation organizations every year through its grants program. In addition, many TCA members provide additional support through cause-marketing initiatives and direct involvement in grantee work. The annual Outstanding Partnership Awards are one way for TCA and their grantees to give thanks and recognize their business partners.

For more information about TCA and its grants program, visit ConservationAlliance.com.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

Media contact:

Lilly Zoller, The Conservation Alliance

lilly@conservationalliance.com

(248) 302-1553

 

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SEATTLE, Wash. (July 2, 2024) – Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based maker of high-end outdoor apparel and gear, this month expanded the sales territory for its current Great Lakes territory sales representative team, Westbay Trading Co., to also include the Midwest territory. Tom Meier, George Terrizzi and Jim Misiewicz will represent Outdoor Research in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.

“Tom, George, and their team have been invaluable in growing the brand through many years of dedicated partnership in the Great Lakes region,” said Michael O’Connell, Director of North American Sales. “Their unwavering commitment and exceptional expertise have been instrumental in our success, and we are delighted to see these territories combine under their expert leadership.

“This strategic decision aligns with our commitment to elevating our market presence and providing superior service to our valued retail partners,” O’Connell continues. “Our team is enthusiastic about the opportunities this presents and confident that it will lead to numerous benefits, including enhanced support, brand alignment, and collaboration within the Midwest territory.”

West Bay Trading Company has represented world-class brands in the outdoor recreation industry for over 40 years. Meier and his team have represented Outdoor Research in the Great Lakes territory for 24 years and created significant success for the brand. Utilizing the team’s many years of industry experience and knowledge of the Outdoor Research brand story will help with OR’s growth in the Midwest territory, O’Connell said.

“Expanding our territory reach with Outdoor Research is very exciting for me and my team,” said Tom Meier. “We are looking forward to connecting with new retailers and helping continue OR’s growth trajectory.”

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners and employees. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | or@verdepr.com

 

Louisville, Colo., July 2, 2024 — TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, announced today a new partnership with the Elite Trail Team (ETT) — a team of trail and ultra runners who compete in off-road events around the world.

Under this agreement, TrainingPeaks is recognized as the official training and coaching software for the group of elite runners, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts who will access detailed performance metrics, trends, and training plans via TrainingPeaks.

“TrainingPeaks is the leading online training software for endurance sports and we have been using it successfully with the Elite Trail Team athletes,” says Doug Stewart, Founder and Performance Coach of the ETT. “This new partnership has allowed for easy access for the support team to access the athlete’s training calendars as well, allowing for a more joined up approach. Additionally, the new Strength programming feature in TrainingPeaks is a great addition, that is helping our strength and conditioning coach program sessions directly in TrainingPeaks, making it easier for the athletes and support team to work in a more joined up way.”

The Elite Trail Team is currently made up of 14 elite athletes from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Romania and Switzerland. Some have represented their countries on European and World competition stages, while many have podiumed at, or won, some of the marquee events in trail and ultra running. The team offers these athletes world-class support with a multidisciplinary team of coaches, nutrition, psychology, sleep, and physiology experts.

The team has a mission to share this high-performance knowledge with the wider trail running community to inspire and inform runners across the world and help progress this fast-growing sport.

To celebrate this partnership, TrainingPeaks is offering fans and followers of ETT 20 percent off TrainingPeaks Premium. More information can be found here.

“We’re excited to partner with the Elite Trail Team and become more involved in the growing sport of trail running,” said Dirk Friel, TrainingPeaks Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist. “The ETT is unique in this space, with a science-led innovative approach to athlete performance and well-being, and we’re honored to be the training and coaching software of choice in their efforts to achieve wins and podiums in this fast-growing sport.”

About TrainingPeaks

TrainingPeaks creates endurance training apps and solutions that help athletes and coaches reach their goals. Featuring the world’s largest endurance training marketplace, athletes can find personalized training plans, accredited coaches and easy-to-use apps and integrations to track their progress and reach their goals. TrainingPeaks is trusted by runners, cyclists, and triathletes around the world including Tour de France teams, IRONMAN® World Champions and Olympians. Learn more at trainingpeaks.com.

 

BUFFALO, NY (July 1, 2024) – LEKI, a leader in innovative skiing, trekking, and trail running poles, announces the appointment of Ascension Sales to cover the trekking and outdoor retail territory in the Rockies and several states in the Midwest, effective April 1. Ascension Sales specializes in representing authentic brands with a focus on technical hard goods in the outdoor, climbing, skiing, running, and hunt/fish markets in eight states (CO, UT, NM, WY, NE, MO, ND, SD). 

Ascension Sales was founded in 2013 by industry veterans Brad Barlage, Eric Johnson and Brian Stevenson.  Now a sales team of five, including Holly Yeary (partner) and Ronnie Jenkins (sales representative), Ascension Sales has showrooms at the Outdoor Market Alliance in Lakewood, CO, and in Salt Lake City, UT, with the current stable of brands including Petzl, Jetboil, La Sportiva, The Landmark Project, ZOLEO, Ignik and Samaya Equipment.

“The Ascension Sales team brings significant depth of experience and coverage to the critical Rockies and Wasatch territories of the US Outdoor Market.  The entire team are all veterans of the outdoor industry and bring with them a rich collection of skills and experiences to our customers,” said Chris O’Donoghue, Sales Director for LEKI USA. “The Ascension team are passionate about outdoor retail and bring practical experience from the perspectives of buyers, reps and vendors. We are excited to welcome them to the LEKI family.”

“We pride ourselves on representing market leading, technical brands and LEKI’s heritage and innovative spirit is the perfect fit for our portfolio,” said Brian Stevenson, Principal Partner for Ascension Sales. “Retailers continue to look for brands who support their business model and advocate for the outdoor communities they serve.  LEKI’s core values are a great fit for our retail partnerships and will add value to the businesses we work with.”

ABOUT LEKI USA

Founded in 1948, LEKI is the leading manufacturer of Skiing, Trekking, and Trail Running poles and gloves that are German-engineered and mostly produced in the company’s Czech Republic factory. This in conjunction with extensive research and independent testing, makes the best products featuring quality, value, and technology. LEKI equips over 1,000 of the world’s best athletes and brand ambassadors in the disciplines of alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain guiding, and alpine climbing. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, LEKI USA, Inc. is the sole distributor of LEKI brand products in the United States. For more information, visit https://lekiusa.com/ or call 800.255.9982.