IMBOX Protection, World’s Only In-Store Footwear Protection Technology, Expands in Asia, Partnering with Hong Kong-based Sports Retailer Sportshouse

DENMARK/HONG KONG (July 11, 2024) – IMBOX Protection, the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology, is expanding its presence in Asia beginning July 9, 2024, partnering with Hong-Kong-based Sportshouse, a leading sports retailer with over 60 stores across Hong Kong. Sportshouse features a wide range of international brands, including Adidas, Asics, Hoka, Nike, New Balance, and On, among others. IMBOX Protection’s PFAs-free treatment provides weather and stain-resistant applications maintaining shoe appearance, durability, and performance in 60 seconds for approximately HKD50 (Hong Kong Dollars).

IMBOX Protection uses patented spray technology to shield shoes from water stains, dirt, and color fading. At checkout, newly purchased footwear is placed in IMBOX units, which dispense a PFAs-free, allergy certified formula. The treatment is applied within the IMBOX box system equipped with an active charcoal filter to ensure safety by filtering any excess formula. The treatment ensures precise application tailored to each shoe, protecting materials like suede, leather, textile, nubuck, and synthetic components. Once the in-store treatment is completed, shoes are ready for immediate wear, eliminating the need for consumers to purchase single-use can cleaners.

“Providing our customers a simple and effective way to extend the life of their footwear sets us apart,” says Addison Choi, head of marketing at Sportshouse. “This technology not only enhances the in-store experience, but also, aligns with our commitment to provide high-quality, long-lasting products. With IMBOX Protection, our customers have an easy and eco-friendly option to keep their shoes looking new and performing at their best.”

“Introducing our technology to Asia with Sportshouse expands our global footprint, especially important as consumers are clearly paying more attention to sustainability,” said René Charles Marker, CEO of Imbox Protection. “Our automated protection service streamlines shoe maintenance, providing rapid, premium protection in less than 60 seconds, alleviating the burden on sales staff. This environmentally-conscious solution ensures footwear retains its pristine appearance and durability.”

The globally patented IMBOX Original has served millions of consumers in stores all across Europe for years, operates in 33 countries and has reached a milestone of 150 million treatments with more than 7,500 units in retail stores around the world.

About Sportshouse

Sportshouse is a significant player in Hong Kong’s retail sector, particularly in the sportswear and casual wear market. Established in 1985, the company has grown extensively, operating over 60 stores across Hong Kong. It offers a wide range of international brands, including Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Puma, and others, positioning itself as a prominent retailer in the region. Sportshouse’s extensive network, diverse brand offerings, and continued expansion and innovation efforts contribute to its strong presence in Hong Kong’s retail landscape.

About IMBOX Protection

Launched in 2011 in Denmark as a more sustainable and convenient alternative to protecting shoes, IMBOX Protection is the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology service using a safe and environmentally friendly treatment to protect against water damage, dirt, stains, and color fade. IMBOX Protection has more than 7,500 units in retail stores globally selling more than 35 million treatments a year with trusted footwear retailers and partners. Based on surging demand in Europe and Japan, IMBOX Protection has expanded availability in the U.S. with a North American headquarters in Chicago. The PCT patent-protected technology is designed, developed, and manufactured in Denmark. Retailers can learn more about IMBOX Protection and its in-store footwear protection solution at https://imboxprotection.com/us.

Media Contact:

Marni Illman CGPR

978-844-3513

marni@cgprpublicrelations.com

 

Moved by the mountains, Mammut introduces spring 2025 collection to take you higher

WILLISTON, Vermont (July 9, 2024) – For more than 160 years, Mammut has been moved by the mountains and inspired by the long days and endless possibilities that adventures bring. Mammut’s quest to build high-performing, sustainable products for the mountains continues in spring 2025 with its expanded offering in PFC-free rain shells, bottoms for alpine adventures, and continued quest to build high-quality gear with sustainable materials and repairability in mind.

Mountains move people like no other place on earth. They change how we see ourselves, each other and nature, which is why Mammut is committed to building a global brand that actively works to ensure future prosperity for the places we love to explore. This is apparent in the brand’s spring collection – starting with the Massone collection of climbing apparel.

Mammut grows its Massone collection this spring with a new men’s and women’s Midlayer and Light T-Shirt, as well as a Tank and Bra for women. The Massone ML Hooded Jacket is a technical climbing midlayer with a modern look. An ideal combination of recycled nylon and polyester fleece, the jacket provides the perfect blend of stretch, durability and breathability. Built for climbing, design details include underarm gussets, fitted hood and elasticized cuffs.

The Massone Light T-Shirt is an ultrasoft, quick-drying hemp jersey, and as with the Tank and Tank Bra, it is designed for maximum mobility and durability for climbing. The new Tank Bra features a racerback cut, and 4-way stretch fabric to allow for unrestricted reach – perfect for  bouldering or crag climbing. Mammut will also be releasing its best-selling climbing rope in a new PFC-free dry treatment, Crag Eco Dry Rope. The new rope is treated with Mammut Eco Dry and will be available in 9.5 and 8.0 diameters and 40 to 80 meters in length.

In the alpine and hiking categories, Mammut is introducing two new hardshell jackets, the Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket and the Ducan Light HS Hooded Jacket. A progressive hard shell with ruggedness and performance at its core, the Ducan Guide HS is crafted with 3-layer 100% recycled polyester that is abrasion-resistant and breathable. The 2024 ISPO award winner uses the PFC-free Mammut Dry Tour treatment, delivering dependable weather protection with breathable comfort, keeping you dry on adventures in the rain and snow. The lighter and more breathable Ducan Light HS is a 2.5-layer recycled polyester treated with Mammut DRY Active to keep you dry on the move when weather rolls in. It also features a snap on the chest for increased ventilation.

“We have been challenging ourselves to innovate and think outside of the box since we first started making ropes in the 1860s,” said Collin Jenkins, Commercial Director, Mammut Sports Group AG. “As mountaineers, we see challenge as an opportunity for growth – whether high in the alpine or in creating the best performing gear for those who love mountain sports. That is the inspiration behind our spring line – and why we continue to push the limits of what is possible in the mountains and in the gear we make.”

From head to toe, Mammut is also growing its collection of bottoms this spring. The best-selling Runbold family of hiking and alpine climbing pants get an upgrade with a more sustainable fabric (100% recycled polyamide and elastane) and a new repairable design. The fully featured pant family is built with quick drying, 4-way stretch fabric, four zippered pockets and UPF 50 for sun protection. The collection includes pants, zip-offs and shorts, and the new Runbold Guide SO. The lightweight and durable softshell fabric offers durability and freedom of movement, and like the Runbold family, it is stacked with hiking features like zip pockets and an athletic fit.

The full collection includes additional hardshells, pants, packs and ropes built for life in the mountains. The collection will be available to consumers February 2024 at specialty retailers nationwide and online at Mammut.com.

About Mammut Sports Group

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

Media contact: Becca Katz | Becca@verdepr.com

 

Fleet Feet Launches Inaugural Running Report

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.

 

Royal Robbins Advances 55 Year Sustainability Journey

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

 

Moultrie Inks Partnership With Seek One

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.