NAPLES, Fla., and Carrboro, N.C. (June 1, 2026) — Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of running specialty stores with more than 285 locally owned and operated locations, today announced the opening of Fleet Feet Naples, owned and operated by Brian and Janene Urichko. The store is located at The Pavilion shopping center, 8961 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL.

About Brian and Janene Urichko
Lifelong athletes, the Urichkos’ journey with Fleet Feet began a decade ago in Central Florida as customers. After experiencing the Fleet Feet fit id® process, Brian and Janene turned their passion for running into a business and now own two locations in Southwest Florida.

“Opening a second Fleet Feet store is a dream come true and labor of love,” said the Urichkos. “We are excited to expand our passions for shoes, running, walking, and educating others, and are grateful to be a part of such an active, vibrant Fleet Feet community in Southwest Florida.”

Before joining Fleet Feet, Brian Urichko moved to Florida from Illinois in 1978, and earned degrees in Exercise Physiology, Secondary Education Science, and Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. Brian spent seven years as a teacher and 20 years as a school principal.

Janene Urichko came to Central Florida from Miami in 1979 and built a career in education, earning a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Florida, along with endorsements in ESOL and Gifted Education. Most recently, she developed a new gifted curriculum at St. Luke’s Lutheran School in Oviedo. She also spent several years as a real estate agent.

High school sweethearts, Brian and Janene are parents of two adult sons, Ethan and Aiden, who are both active in the Urichkos’ Fleet Feet franchise in Fort Myers. In 2022, the Urichkos drove a sales increase of 51% in their first year of ownership at Fleet Feet Fort Myers, one of the largest year-over-year increases of any Fleet Feet. The Fort Myers location continues to demonstrate strong growth, posting approximately 11% sales growth in 2025.

Grand Opening and Product Offerings

Fleet Feet Naples is scheduled to open on June 1, with a grand opening celebration on June 3 to coincide with Global Running Day. Celebrations continue on June 13, with an On Running event featuring food, beverages, and giveaways.

The store will carry top brands such as HOKA, Brooks, On, Nike, Adidas, and more. Shoppers can experience Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, using 3D foot scanning to measure foot length, width, volume, and arch height to fit each customer with the right shoe for their unique stride. Fleet Feet Naples will also offer beginner, half marathon, and full marathon training, plus community runs highlighting local run clubs.

“The Urichkos are exactly the kind of owners who make Fleet Feet special,” said Jason Jabaut, chief operating officer at Fleet Feet. “Their steadfast approach to serving runners in the community and passion for the sport has resonated strongly in Southwest Florida, where their leadership has been a constant driver of success. I look forward to seeing them build the same community out of the Naples store.”

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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores 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, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

SAN FRANCISCO (June 1, 2026) — JAM Collective, a public relations agency specializing in outdoor and active lifestyle industries, has been named agency of record for Roark. The appointment increases JAM Collective’s portfolio of premium adventure brand partnerships.

The agency will lead strategic communications, media relations, brand storytelling, and integrated PR campaigns for Roark, helping to grow brand awareness across outdoor, travel, and active/run audiences in the U.S.

“Roark has built something rare, a brand where durable, high-performance gear meets iconic style, all anchored by a genuine spirit of adventure,” said Julie Atherton, CEO and founder of JAM Collective. “Adventure Never Fails isn’t just a tagline; it’s a worldview that resonates across outdoor, travel, and active communities. We’re proud to help bring that narrative to earned media in a bigger way.”

“At Roark, storytelling and authentic adventure have always been central to who we are as a brand,” said Mike Wallace, Global Marketing Director, Roark. “As we continue to grow across outdoor, travel, and running categories, we were looking for a PR partner that deeply understands both performance product and culture. JAM Collective brings strong media relationships, strategic thinking, and a genuine passion for the industries we serve, making them a natural fit for this next chapter of growth.”

Roark joins the family of JAM Collective brands, including nationally and internationally recognized clients such as Snow Peak, Mountain Hardwear, LifeStraw, Red Wing Heritage, and deuter.

For Roark media inquiries, please reach out to roark@jamcollective.net.

About JAM Collective

JAM Collective is a boutique public relations agency specializing in outdoor, active lifestyle, and premium consumer brands. With a focus on strategic storytelling, media relations, and culturally relevant campaigns, JAM partners with brands to build awareness, credibility, and long-term brand equity. www.jamcollective.net

About Roark

Founded from a desire to tell authentic stories born of adventure and discovery, Roark creates purpose-built travel and lifestyle gear inspired by destinations around the world. Each season, the brand explores new landscapes through surfing, climbing, running, skating, and other pursuits, testing products designed to move seamlessly from the trail to the city. Guided by durability, comfort, and versatility, Roark continues to expand its use of sustainable materials and Fair Trade partnerships across its collections. Driven by a spirit of exploration and self-discovery, Roark equips modern adventurers for life on the road and beyond. For more information, visit https://roark.com/

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (May 27, 2026) – Outdoor Retailer, the platform for connection, learning, and outdoor innovation, today announced the closing keynote for Industry Day: author, skier, ultrarunner, and DEI consultant Mirna Valerio. Industry Day takes place August 19th from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Outdoor Retailer’s Industry Day is a leadership forum that convenes retail leaders, brand executives, innovators, and researchers for a fast-moving, ideas-driven exploration of the forces reshaping the outdoor industry. The afternoon stage program will focus on consumer behavior, innovation, technology, and the evolving structure of outdoor commerce.

“Industry Day gathers the outdoor community together around the ideas, innovations, and conversations shaping the future of our industry,” said Matthew Mathiasen, group show director, Emerald. “Mirna embodies resilience, inclusion, authenticity, and expanding who feels welcome in outdoor spaces. Her perspective and story will leave attendees inspired, while reinforcing the importance of building an industry that reflects and serves a broader, more diverse community.”

The program includes “The Big Debate: Is the Independent Shop the Future of the Outdoor Industry?” moderated by Mike Massey, founder of Locally, featuring Neil Fiske, president of Black Diamond, Brendan Madigan, founder of Alpenglow Sports, and Dana Caraway, founder and owner of Caraway & Co. The session addresses whether independent specialty retail remains the industry’s innovation engine or whether broader market shifts are redefining its role.

Next, “The New Customer Code: Getting Gen Z & Winning with Women” examines how generational change and women’s purchasing power are reshaping retail strategy. Moderator Kristin Hostetter leads Sara Lawhead, vice president of ThackerNYC, Jamie Kvamme, director of marketing at Red Wing Shoe Company, and Nadah Feteih, founder of Ma’wa Collective, in a discussion on values-driven consumption and evolving consumer identity.

“The Gear of Tomorrow: Wearables, Smart Tech & Innovation” follows, focusing on how technology is being embedded into performance systems. Moderator Peter Sachs is joined by Lucy Dunne, co director and founder of the University of Minnesota Wearable Technology Lab, Dustin English, Chief Experience Officer of VOORMI, and Kristoffer Stokes, co founder of D glue, to examine how wearable tech and smart textiles are reshaping outdoor equipment and apparel.

“The Tools of Tomorrow: AI & The Circular Economy” expands the conversation to systems level change. Moderator Peter Whitcomb, CEO of Tersus Solutions, leads Ramiro Gomez, co founder of Alpaka, Barruch Ben Zekry, senior director new business models at VF Corporation, and Aaron Provine, president of Geartrade, in a discussion on how AI, e-commerce, and circular systems are reshaping supply chains and unlocking new business models.

Closing the program, Mirna Valerio will speak on belonging and her work to expand who feels seen and welcomed in endurance sports and outdoor spaces. A former educator and cross country coach, she is the author of A Beautiful Work in Progress. After recommitting to running following a health scare in 2008, she launched her blog Fatgirlrunning, which became a widely followed platform documenting her journey as a larger bodied endurance athlete and advocate for inclusion in outdoor sports.

The event will conclude with a special evening rally in partnership with Save the Boundary Waters, bringing together the outdoor community in defense of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness amid renewed federal efforts to roll back long standing protections and reopen the region to mining activity. The event features National Geographic adventurers and advocates Amy Freeman and Dave Freeman, alongside ultrarunner and Minnesota state representative Alex Falconer, underscoring the industry’s continued engagement in conservation and public lands advocacy.

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry comes together to move the business of the outdoors forward. Designed in collaboration with brands, retailers, and industry leaders, the event creates space for connection, practical education, and the discovery of innovative products shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry gathers to connect, collaborate, and take ownership of what comes next – #MakeItYours. Learn more about and #MakeItYours at outdoorretailer.com

Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com (781) 640-8387 or marybeth@cgprpublicrelations.com

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – May 27, 2026 – RECCO, a global search and rescue technology, is proud to be an ingredient partner in the award-winning new Valkyr 12 mountain running vest from Rab, which was named a Gold Winner in the Trailrunning Product Category of the 2026 European Outdoor Award. Featuring an integrated RECCO® reflector, the Valkyr 12 combines women-specific performance design with added searchability for mountain runners in remote outdoor environments.

The Valkyr 12  forms part of the brand’s new Spring/Summer 2027 collection. By integrating RECCO technology into the Valkyr 12, Rab reinforces its commitment to outdoor safety while supporting professional rescue teams with technology designed to help locate missing or injured people in the event of an emergency. The passive RECCO reflector enables searchability by professional rescuers using RECCO detectors, which are deployed by search-and-rescue organizations worldwide.

“This award is a powerful endorsement of Rab’s women’s focus strategy,” says Katia Tastagh, Product Designer at Rab. “The Valkyr 12 represents years of learning, testing and collaboration with female athletes, resulting in a running vest that delivers performance, comfort and confidence in equal measure.”

The European Outdoor Award 2026, developed together with the European Outdoor Group, recognizes standout innovation across the outdoor industry and supports both retail sell-in and consumer awareness.

“We are excited to see RECCO technology integrated into the award-winning Valkyr 12 from Rab,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO. “This recognition highlights the growing importance of combining performance innovation with outdoor safety solutions. As mountain running continues to grow globally, we are excited to work with leading brands like Rab to help make outdoor enthusiasts searchable in more environments and activities.”

The RECCO rescue network continues to expand globally, with the system now used by ski resorts and search-and-rescue organizations in more than 950 locations across 32 countries. RECCO continues to grow both its ground-based detector infrastructure and helicopter-based search-and-rescue capabilities to help improve response times in remote outdoor environments.

Photo Link:

https://reccoab.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/RECCOExternalSharing/IgCbMf87sq-hRbATQmc-OnzPASiiEhQ3RoXKITEg_YfAC58?e=ZUVjdb

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 950 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.

About Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd.

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an international business with the head office based in Derbyshire, UK. We are proud to own both the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands. We design exceptional product to meet the needs of our active customers. We encourage our teams to thrive and be part of our success. Our passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit sets the foundation for what we do. We have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi and are proud to be a Fair Wear Leader Brand. www.equipuk.com.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(970) 235-0268

recco@verdepr.com

DENVER, Colo., May 27, 2026 — Reju, the textile-to-textile materials regeneration company transforming post-consumer polyester waste, today announced its expanded presence at Outside Days, the premier festival and industry gathering for the outdoor community, held May 28–31 at Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.

Reju’s presence spans both the industry conference and the festival grounds. On Friday, May 29 at 1:45 p.m. MST, CEO Patrik Frisk, former CEO of Under Armour and 30-year industry veteran, will join Peter Whitcomb, CEO of Tersus Solutions, and Susan Viscon, chief impact officer at REI Co-op, for a panel discussion on accelerating circularity across the outdoor and apparel sectors. The session will be moderated by Mary-Frances Heck, vice president of media and business growth of Outside Media.

On the event grounds May 29–31, Reju will host a “watering hole” with a shaded gathering space where festival goers can relax, refill their water, and come face-to-face with the “elephant in the room” of the outdoor industry: textile waste. At the center of the activation stands a life-sized elephant sculpture crafted entirely from Goodwill Colorado clothing, putting a new twist on a crisis the industry can no longer ignore.

Reju utilizes polyester-to-polyester recycling technology developed with IBM Research and commercialized through parent company Technip Energies to turn post-consumer polyester into like-new polyester fibers. Its first facility, Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt, Germany, is operational, and future Regeneration Hubs are planned for France, the Netherlands, and Rochester, New York.

Attendees are encouraged to attend the panel session at 1:45 p.m. MST on May 29 at Auraria Campus and to visit the Reju watering hole on the festival grounds May 29–31. Learn more about Outside Days at outsidedays.outsideonline.com.

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About Reju
Reju is a textile-to-textile materials regeneration company focused on creating innovative solutions for recycling post-consumer polyester textiles and PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies, Reju is building a global circular textile system to eliminate polyester waste at scale. Learn more at www.reju.com.

Media Contact:
Chris Goddard, CGPR | chris@cgprpublicrelations.com
Genny Boots, CGPR | genny@cgprpublicrelations.com

[ASHLAND, New Hampshire] May 27, 2026 — Minus33, a merino wool apparel brand created by textile engineers from L.W. Packard & Co., today announced it will accept merino wool base layer donations — from any brand — supporting its Search & Rescue (SAR) kit program, repurposing gently used merino wool into patient warming kits distributed at no cost to SAR teams across the U.S.

The program launched in 2017 after Minus33 learned its local SAR volunteers were stripping off their own gear to keep injured patients warm during rescue. Today, Minus33 distributes kits to over 200 partner organizations, including mountain rescue teams and state fish & wildlife agencies, so first responders can apply a full head-to-toe warming base layer system to a patient during emergencies. The program has processed and re-deployed thousands of garments into these kits since its inception.

“A hundred years of working with wool teaches you one thing: wool is always reliable & dependable in the outdoors, just like our dedicated first responders,” said Lawson Glidden, president of Minus33. “Expanding this initiative to any merino base layer that meets our standards is the most direct way to put our expertise to work to keep others safe in the backcountry.”

Unlike synthetic fibers, merino wool retains its warmth, even when wet, regulating body temperature in the critical window between rescue and recovery, which makes merino a must-have base layer for mountaineers and wilderness first responders. As kit requests have grown significantly, Minus33 is expanding intake capacity.

“Every SAR kit gives us a better chance of bringing someone home alive,” expressed Jaime Benard, president of Pemigewasset SAR from Northwestern, N.H. “Merino wool helps prevent hypothermia in rescued individuals during life-threatening conditions. We’re thankful to Minus33 for their generous kit donations and for expanding this program.”

To participate, U.S. consumers may request a free shipping label to donate base layers containing at least 50% merino wool to Minus33’s facility in Ashland, N.H. Items are inspected, cleaned, and patched before going into a SAR Kit. Donors receive a 25% discount toward their next Minus33 purchase. Items with damage are recycled. Kits are also sourced from factory seconds and Minus33 quality-tested returns, ensuring no usable garment goes to waste. As a Woolmark-certified brand, Minus33 ensures every garment meets globally recognized standards for wool quality, performance and durability.

To donate a base layer, support, or request a Minus33 SAR kit, visit: https://minus33.com/sar-program

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About Minus33
Minus33 is a fifth-generation, family-owned merino wool brand founded in 1916 as L.W. Packard in Ashland, New Hampshire. Relaunched in 2002, the brand crafts merino underwear, base layers and socks. Designed in New Hampshire, certified by Woolmark and OEKO-TEX and crafted with care. Learn more at www.minus33.com.

Media Contact:

Genny Boots, CGPR

genny@cgprpublicrelations.com

DURHAM, NC – May 27, 2026 — CEP Running, the performance compression brand built on medical-grade technology, is engineering the next revolution in running science. Today, the company unveils the Pro Run Optaspeed Bowtech, a next-generation hybrid super trainer that combines explosive speed with controlled stability. The shoe will be available globally in May 2026.

Building on the proven platform of the CEP Omnispeed, the new Optaspeed introduces a redesigned upper for enhanced fit, comfort, and breathability while maintaining CEP’s patented BowTech kinetic dual-plate system and advanced N+Foam midsole.

At its core, Optaspeed is engineered around a simple idea: speed and control in one intelligent system. The patented BowTech technology uses dual plates to store energy during impact and forefoot loading, releasing it explosively at push-off. This creates powerful forward propulsion while guiding each stride along a centered, controlled line of motion, helping runners maintain efficiency even under fatigue.

Paired with a supercritical N+Foam forefoot and EVA heel cushioning, the system delivers a unique ride experience that blends explosive energy return with structured stability. The result is a high-performance trainer designed for structured sessions such as tempo runs, progression efforts, and longer steady-state training.

Independent testing supports the platform’s performance benefits, showing up to a +3% improvement in VO₂ efficiency compared to daily trainers. This gain is driven by longer ground contact time, increased stride length, and more controlled mechanics sustained across distance.

Advanced Upper Design for Spring/Summer 2026

The Pro Run Optaspeed introduces a fully updated upper construction focused on fit precision and long-distance comfort:

• Lightweight, flexible nylon monomesh upper for adaptive fit and enhanced breathability
• Increased last volume for improved forefoot space
• 8 mm heel counter with refined geometry for a secure, locked-in feel
• Reflective CEP branding for improved visibility in low-light conditions

The Optaspeed continues to leverage CEP’s BowTech system, constructed from lightweight, glass fiber–reinforced Pebax, designed to:

• Deliver centered force distribution for controlled forward momentum
• Reduce over-rotation at the knee and ankle
• Maintain stability and efficiency late into demanding efforts

A dual-density midsole system further enhances performance:

• N+Foam (forefoot): explosive propulsion and energy return
• EVA (heel): impact absorption and vibration reduction for lasting comfort

With a 37 mm heel stack, 30 mm forefoot stack, and 7 mm drop, the geometry promotes forward drive while maintaining a stable, guided ride.

“Our goal was to create a shoe that not only delivers speed, but helps runners sustain it,” said Sebastian Seiler, Global Head of Footwear at CEP. “With the Optaspeed, we’ve combined explosive propulsion with precise control, allowing athletes to run more efficiently and hold form when it matters most. With the release of this new shoe and more to come, we are building a franchise around speed and the intelligence our products deliver.”

Product Details

• Category: High-performance training shoe
• Terrain: Road
• Weight: 290 g (UK size 8)
• MSRP: $225 USD / €220
• Colors: Black, White, Neon Coral, and Lime
• Availability: May 2026

Photo Link

About CEP Running
CEP Running delivers performance compression socks, sleeves, and apparel engineered with medical-grade precision to help athletes train harder, race faster, and recover smarter. Trusted by runners worldwide, CEP Running leverages decades of expertise in compression technology to improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and support injury prevention across every mile. Learn more at ceprunning.com.