Archives: Press Releases

Ogden, UTAH (April 2, 2024) — Today, Salomon announces a strategic business change within the North American organization to support its accelerated growth focused on footwear, apparel, and gear with the addition of softgoods-specific sales teams. Previously, sales agencies serviced all Salomon sports categories across both hardgoods and softgoods. This new dedicated approach will provide focus in driving expertise and allow the brand to best serve partners and consumers, particularly in the run specialty and outdoor specialty channels.

“As Salomon continues to grow its footwear business, we knew it was essential to have teams dedicated to the category, ensuring we can best serve our wholesale partners and consumers,” said Steve Doolan, Salomon’s President of the Americas.

To support this change, Salomon as appointed brand veteran Lance Taylor to the role of US Business Sales Director, Outdoor and tapped John Meadows, previously of HOKA, to step in as the U.S. Business Sales Director, Run. Together, Taylor and Meadows will oversee the softgoods sales agencies supporting the run & outdoor channels across key accounts and specialty.

“I admire the legacy that Salomon has established in the world of winter sports and trail running,” shared Meadows. “Getting the opportunity to build off that heritage and cement ourselves as a running brand, is exciting. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready to do the work.”

Salomon, a heritage brand in the hiking and trail running footwear categories, expanded its range with the addition of road running products that have caught the attention of run specialty accounts and media with products like the S/LAB Phantasm 2 and the Aero Glide 2.

“Salomon has been a big player in trail running for decades,” shared Thomas Neuberger of Believe in the Run. “Recently, their road product has been making noise with our team. Salomon challenges the status quo and has introduced innovative offerings like the S/Lab Spectur, one of the best new shoes we have tried in 2024. We have loved partnering with Salomon to bring the running community together and share Salomon’s vision for the sport through product.”

The addition of softgoods specific sales agencies comes as the brand enters the Spring/Summer ’25 selling season. The nine new agencies will oversee territory sales across the following regions:

• Snowden & Co – WEST COAST
• Cordillera Sales – ROCKIES
• South Back Sales – PNW
• S.I – NORTH CENTRAL
• Ekiden – SOUTH CENTRAL
• Vert Outdoors – NORTHEAST
• JAL & Associates – SOUTHEAST

Having a dedicated sales and field marketing presence across the U.S. will continue to be a long-term focus for the brand as it aims for significant grow over the next five years within its run categories.

“We’re excited to see Salomon put the same energy into run specialty as they have in the other channels that they’ve dominated,” shared Pam Hess, Owner of The Loop in Austin, TX. “With their momentum in sportstyle, their athletes performing in trail, plus the strong internal team they’ve assembled for run, we’re excited for what’s ahead. No doubt, they’re taking all the right approaches.”

For more information, please contact John Meadows at john.meadows@salomon.com or Lance Taylor at lance.taylor@salomon.com.

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About Salomon: Salomon is the modern mountain sports lifestyle brand creating innovative, premium and authentic footwear, apparel and winter sports equipment in the French Alps. At the Annecy Design Center, designers, engineers and athletes intersect to shape the future of sports and culture. At Salomon, we exist to unleash the best in people through mountain sports.

PORTLAND, OR. (April 2, 2024) — Rumpl, the category leader in premium outdoor blankets, is pleased to announce a new partnership with the nonprofit American Camp Association® (ACA). The American Camp Association® has been helping camps across the US create quality experiences that inspire growth and belonging in campers for more than 100 years. A unique facet of the partnership includes Rumpl’s ACA-sponsored camp ambassador program where staff and counselors from ACA member camps can participate in Rumpl’s outdoor community and receive complimentary gear, exclusive perks, and pro deals for their support on social media. Interested counselors can now apply for the program at rumpl.com/pages/camp-ambassador-program-rumpl through May 10, 2024.

“The summer camp experience is near and dear to my heart, but also an important and underappreciated introduction to the outdoors for many young people, children, and families,” said Josh Weichhand, Rumpl’s vice president of global brand marketing. “Partnering with ACA to support camps and their staff places Rumpl in a unique position to positively impact the summer camp experience, while driving visibility and awareness for our brand and products in the process.”

Rumpl’s Camp Ambassador Program, designed in partnership with ACA, is a unique approach to the influencer and ambassador space, as the brand refines its focus to a grassroots level. The program will comprise authentic, enthusiastic camp counselors and staff members who are making a positive impact in children’s lives at summer camps. Upon approval, program members will receive a Rumpl gear care package, access to Rumpl discounts, opportunities for sales commission through custom affiliate links, early access to new brand launches, and more. In exchange, members are asked to create and post content to their social channels about their experiences at camp and with Rumpl gear.

The new partnership allows Rumpl to invest in counselors, campers and families throughout the US, helping ACA and its members create safe and fun experiences for over 26 million campers of all backgrounds.

“Rumpl is taking an innovative approach to supporting summer camps across the US by approaching camp staff with the opportunity to share real stories from camp, highlighting the value of camp experiences for all youth of school age,” said Kelley Freridge, chief marketing officer for the American Camp Association. “Together, we’re optimistic that this program will help inform parents on the incredible benefits of camp experiences — where we actively promote community and individual well-being while providing opportunities to develop the skills needed to thrive beyond camp in the classroom.“

The Rumpl Camp Ambassador Program application is currently open here through May 10, 2024. For more information on ACA and Rumpl, please reach out to Lauren McMillin (pr@ACAcamps.org) and Corinne Baud (corinne.baud@rygr.us) respectively.

About American Camp Association: The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization serving the more than 15,000 year-round and summer camps in the US that annually serve 26 million campers. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults. ACA provides advocacy, evidence-based education, and professional development, and is the only independent national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s voluntary commitment to the health, safety, risk management, and overall well-being of campers and staff. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

About Rumpl: Born of van life and enjoyed by adventure seekers everywhere, Rumpl exists to enrich the outdoor experience through versatile, high-performance comforts. Rumpl is the inventor of The Original Puffy Blanket and the originator of the technical blanket category. The brands’ products enhance places and pursuits, from mountains to beaches and every adventure in between. Rumpl’s vision is to get more people outdoors, stay comfortable and be prepared for whatever unfolds. Made For Whatever Unfolds.™ rumpl.com

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American Camp Association Contact:

Lauren McMillin

pr@ACAcamps.org

 

Rumpl Contact:

Corinne Baud

corinne.baud@rygr.us

970-924-0704, ext. 2109

 

 

BOULDER, Colo. (April 2, 2024) — This spring, SCARPA, maker of premium high-performance footwear for mountain sports, unveils its new Moraine light-hiking shoe, which introduces a first in the lightweight-hiking category — a technology that makes its wearer searchable in the unlikely event of a rescue. In addition, the Moraine is manufactured without using PFAS in its materials.

The Moraine — a premium waterproof light hiker available in mid and low cuts — will be the first light hiking shoes on the market to integrate RECCO technology, which offers an added safety component in the backcountry.

Though known more in the worlds of ice climbing and paragliding, mountain athlete Will Gadd — who is a SCARPA ambassador — said a technology like RECCO that helps the general public increase safety margins is a game changer.

“I am really excited to see RECCO reflectors in SCARPA’s new hiking boots,” Gadd said. “If we look at the search-and-rescue calls that come through, most of them aren’t for climbers or skiers, but for hikers. It can be very hard to find a lost hiker under the trees or in heavy brush, but if we have RECCO reflectors in our hiking boots it allows them to be found faster. The reflectors also weigh close to nothing and don’t compromise footwear performance, so why not add them into the product? There’s really only an up-side. I’ve been putting reflectors into my gear for years now. I hope I never have to rely on them, but — if I do — I have full confidence that I will be found faster.”

RECCO, a leader in advanced rescue technology for the last 40 years, has pioneered a system of tiny passive reflectors that can be integrated into partner brand products and help the wearer become searchable in case of emergency. Rescuers then use an active RECCO detector to bounce a signal off someone wearing a passive reflector, helping locate them more quickly. RECCO’s global network includes 500+ ski resort partners, 400+ search and rescue partners and now 36 helicopter bases.

The RECCO system in the past has been known more as a tool for avalanche rescue, but the development of the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector in the past few years has allowed professional rescuers to perform fast and efficient searches for missing people in the outdoors year-round, with the capacity to cover a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and the exposure to risk for rescue professionals.

The new Moraine WP and Moraine Mid WP shoes are equipped with a RECCO reflector in the cuff of the shoe that adds an extra layer of security and protection for hikers as they venture onto the trails this summer.

Other notable features of the Moraine lighter hikers are lightweight construction paired with a highly stable and supportive midsole/sole package. On the upper, the Moraine pairs a premium oiled nubuck leather with a 100-percent recycled synthetic mesh fabric and a PFAS-free waterproof membrane for weather protection. In the midsole, a dual-density EVA midsole integrates nylon inserts for support as well as an externally molded TPU heel counter for stability. Underneath, SCARPA’s PRESA outsole has excellent traction thanks to SuperGum rubber. The Moraine is available in men’s and women’s fits at $169 for the low cut and $179 for the mid cut.

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.

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 Contacts:

SCARPA: Dave Simpson

E-mail: scarpa@verdepr.com

RECCO: Siena Teare

E-mail: siena@verdepr.com

April 2, 2024 – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is planning to hire a new Executive Director (ED)  that will work closely with the staff and Board of Directors  as the organization’s strategic and operational leader charged with  ensuring sound strategic positioning and the execution of The Conservation Alliance’s mission.

“The appointment of a new Executive Director  comes at an  important and exciting time for The Conservation Alliance.” said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact at Peak Designs and Chair of the TCA Board of Directors, “TCA recognizes that the conservation landscape is shifting, including the need for more effective policy solutions to address ever-changing environmental and conservation priorities and challenges.”

The next Executive Director will lead the effort to push TCA into a new era of impact. Key to delivering on the organization’s needs will be the collaboration of the Board and staff on the path forward through a significant and robust strategic planning effort that is focused on growth. Through this process, the Executive Director will have the ability, in partnership with the Board, to shape the future of the organization, and position it for greater success.

The new ED will serve as the key strategic and operational leader overseeing the administration, programs, strategic planning, and financial management of TCA. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors (BOD), and key responsibilities will include Board management and engagement, strategic and annual planning, fundraising and financial management, staff management, and external relations and public affairs.

To learn more  about The Conservation Alliance,  visit www.conservationalliance.com. To learn more and  apply for the role, please visit this link.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance 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 from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31,900,000 in grants and helped protect over 82 million acres and 4,570 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves.

conservationalliance.com

 

 

San Clemente, Calif. – April 2, 2024 – Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled plastics, announced today the results of its 2023 Social Purpose Corporation Report. Notable 2023 accomplishments include: diverting over 18,200,000 plastic bottles from landfills (the most in the company’s history), lowering the company’s carbon footprint by 80% since 2021, and supporting more than 15 organizations by investing in its cause partnership with 1% for the Planet.

“Understanding the full spectrum of our business’ impact is crucial, everything from sourcing materials to selecting packaging and transportation methods for delivering our products to customers,” said Mia Helminiak, Director of Community Engagement at Nomadix. “By tracking and quantifying our emissions, we are able to clearly see the areas that need improvement. For example, our analysis revealed that packaging materials surprisingly made up the biggest portion of our emissions. Armed with this knowledge, we swiftly implemented changes, overhauling our packaging within a matter of months and lowering our emissions by a significant amount.”

In addition, the report details progress specific to Nomadix’s 2023 Climate Commitment including:

• Partnering with The Change Climate Project (formerly Climate Neutral) to measure and certify the company’s carbon footprint
• Switching its master cartons to FSC-certified recycled materials
• Updating its forecasting methods to avoid last-minute air shipments from its factory
• Changing its e-commerce standard shipping option from 2-day air to ground shipping

Recognizing the importance of building community to advance sustainability, Nomadix invested in more than 15 partner organizations in 2023. Some of those organizations include:

• 1% for the Planet: On a mission to certify $1,000,000,000 in lifetime giving to environmental organizations by 2027—and they’re more than halfway there.
• Brave Trails: Provided $123K in financial assistance to its LGBTQIA+ campers which directly resulted in 900+ hours of therapy provided to its community of teens and their families.
• The Ecology Center: 100,000 pounds of food donated to local families facing food insecurity.
• The Conservation Alliance: $2.1M awarded to 49 organizations to protect 11.7M acres & 40 river miles, 1 dam removed, oil & gas leases canceled in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
• The Billfish Foundation: Worked worldwide to advance the conservation of billfish and other species.

Nomadix’s wide range of product offerings are made from post-consumer and recycled materials to further reduce its impact on the planet, including the new Robe, Tiny Towel, and Fanny Pack. To see the brand’s entire product line or for more information about its Social Purpose Corporation Report, visit nomadix.co.

ABOUT NOMADIX

California-based Nomadix launched in 2015 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for the Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States and is distributed in 31 countries around the world. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

 

 

 

CARRBORO, N.C. (April 1, 2024) — Fleet Feet is proud to launch ‘Candles That Éndúre,’ an exclusive line of scented candles designed to help runners recall their most important and smelly memories. These designer candles have been half-heartedly hand-crafted by overtrained runners, who mix sweat, pain and elation to produce signature aromas that bring us back to our favorite running moments.

“Runners are a unique bunch,” says Ashley Arnold, director of brand marketing at Fleet Feet. “Smells can evoke powerful memories, bringing us back to a particular event or place. These candles allow you to have your most cherished running scents on demand without unearthing week-old salt-stained shorts from the bottom of the hamper. With the Candles That Éndúre line, everyone in your household can enjoy these running-inspired fragrances with you, whether they want to or not. It’s truly a win-win.”

The spring line of candles includes a variety of aromas designed to inspire, and terrify, runners of all abilities. The ‘Race Day Jitters’ candle offers exciting notes of freshly roasted coffee, morning dew, and the subtle scent of a steamy port-o-john. Light up ‘Race-Day Jitters’ for the perfect anticipatory mixture of anxiety, self-loathing and delusions of grandeur.

Runners can kick back and relax with the ‘Finish Line’ candle, featuring soothing scents of bananas, euphoria and space blankets. Rounding out the line is the ‘Turkey Trot,’ offering a savory blend of sweet potato, cranberry, rosemary and gravy to help runners relive their favorite holiday race with the in-laws.

In addition to this collection, Fleet Feet is also launching a special collaboration candle with Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden. ‘Scent of A Champion’ has bold and dynamic notes of espresso, bourbon barrel and Boylston Street. It’s designed to inspire runners to be their best selves, bringing them back to a place where they felt strong, powerful and exhausted. Fleet Feet advises users to avoid burning this candle around children, as it can induce a strong desire to consume high-end whiskey.

These limited and seasonal offerings will be complemented by year-round staples such as ‘I Think I Can Wear These Shorts Again,’ ‘Spilled Post-Run Beer,’ ‘One Too Many Race Gels,’ and ‘No Shower Lunch Run.’ The research team is currently developing other offerings that cater to the eccentric tastes of runners, including sweat-soaked gummy bears, shorts designed to chafe, and a pill that replicates the sensation of the quadricep implosion that occurs at mile 20 of a marathon.

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®.

View the launch video, which goes live on Instagram April 1, here. Browse the collection on Fleet Feet’s website 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 270 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.

 

 

 

Austin, TX (March 28, 2024) – ROKA, the renowned performance design brand that creates and manufactures eyewear and technical apparel for lifestyle and competitive athletes, unleashes the latest edition of their coveted wetsuit for triathletes with the Maverick X.3. Designed to emphasize speed, comfort, and control, the Maverick X.3 is built to enhance your performance with effortless efficiency.

The updated Maverick X.3 wetsuit carries over many of the patented design features of the previous Maverick line that have made it one of the most popular wetsuits in the world. New, improved materials, such as a premium Yamamoto neoprene and liner, provide increased comfort and buoyancy across the chest, neckline, and core. A revised RSX™ center-panel construction increases flexibility to open the chest for better breathing, less constriction, and snappier side-to-side rotation. An improved neckline eliminates internal seams for a more comfortable experience that reduces chafing while creating a better seal. Lastly, the new forearm catch material, an ultralight stretch-woven, enhances tactile feedback to increase your feel for the water.

“We shook things up eleven years ago with our game-changing Maverick wetsuit.  Over the last few years, we’ve worked with our pro athletes and internal design team to squeeze out even more performance and comfort than ever before” said Rob Canales, CEO and Co-Founder of ROKA. “The X.3 is a wetsuit for people who obsess over the details in a triathlon wetsuit and who are looking to maximize their chances of setting a PR on the swim while entering T1 as fresh as possible.”

For the updated design, ROKA combined customer feedback while working closely with their athletes and ambassadors, including reigning IRONMAN World Champion and Swim Course Record Holder, Lucy Charles-Barclay.  With a commitment to ensuring swimmers of all abilities feel comfortable in the water, the full Maverick series is tailored to accommodate a variety of skill levels and is offered in a market-leading number of sizes, 12 for women and 10 for men.

Available for pre-order online now at www.roka.com/products/mens-maverick-x3-wetsuit. The new Maverick X3 will be available at all IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races for the 2024 season starting at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside and 70.3 Texas on April 6 and 7, respectively. For more information about ROKA or the Maverick X3, please visit www.ROKA.com.

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About ROKA

ROKA is on a mission to unlock human potential. Founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, ROKA’s award-winning performance eyewear, wetsuits, and other performance gear have led athletes to dozens of world titles, including three Olympic gold medals, more than 30 World Championship titles, multiple Tour de France stage and overall team wins, and hundreds of other podium finishes. ROKA works with the world’s leading scientists, athletes and organizations to push the boundaries of performance design, bringing those innovations to all who move. ROKA products are available worldwide at roka.com and through select retailers. Follow ROKA on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

 

 

STAMFORD –  (March 28, 2024) – LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand known for over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, today announced that its pro athlete, Sunny Stroeer, completed the Iditarod Trail Invitational on skis, the first female to accomplish this feat in the race’s 24 year history. Stroeer started in Anchorage, skiing 950 miles over 29 days, 22 hours, 06 minutes to finish Tuesday, March 26th in Nome, enduring brutal temperatures as low as -45 degrees.

“LOWA has worked with Sunny for over five years; each year her accomplishments are harder than the last,” said Peter Sachs, general manager of LOWA. “The Iditarod Trail Invitational is a test of personal endurance and mental fortitude, harsh elements, and unknown conditions. She completed the race with grace and grit, timely, as it is Women’s History Month. We are honored to share in this celebration with Sunny and extend our congratulations.”

Stroeer’s footwear of choice was the Renegade Evo Ice GTX, designed to keep feet warm, comfortable, dry and protected in the harshest winter conditions. The boot has a taller shaft for added protection against snow drifts. It features a high loft fleece Gore Tex Partelana lining and the Vibram Arctic Grip Trac^® Outsole, engineered for low temperature use and grip on cold, icy or snowy surfaces. In Sunny’s case, the Renegade Evo Ice GTX was an unconventional choice since most cross-country skiers ski in cross-country boots with specific bindings. Sunny opted for warm boots that she attached to her skis with a universal binding set up that uses straps.

“I may have gotten frostbite on my thumb, as the temperatures hit -45F this past month; but the LOWA Renegade Evo Ice kept my feet warm and happy,” said Stroeer. “I am stoked to be working with such an incredible brand as an athlete for over five years now; their support has been wonderful.”

Previously, Sunny completed the shorter Iditarod Trail Invitational 350 Mile Race on skis in 2021 and 2022, and on fat bike in 2023. For more information on Sunny, please visit www.sunnystroeer.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, lifestyle, and fashion 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.