Thanks to global brands and retailers, such as Nike and Pottery Barn, retail sales around the world of organic cotton apparel and home textile products shot up 63 percent in 2008, according to a recently released report from Organic Exchange.
That year, sales reached $3.2 billion compared to $1.9 billion a year earlier, as reported in the non-profit’s "Organic Cotton Market Report 2007-2008."
Contributing to that leap are also outdoor industry brands like Patagonia, a pioneer in using organic cotton in the early 1990s, even switching to it exclusively in 1996 for all its cotton apparel. In 2005 and 2006, Patagonia was on the Organic Exchange’s top five list of programs, but has been bumped down the list as larger, more mainstream players have entered the market.
Now, among the top 10 organic cotton-using brands and retailers globally were five U.S. companies: Wal-Mart, Nike, Anvil, Pottery Barn and Greensource. Elsewhere, they included C&A in Belgium, H&M in Sweden, Zara in Spain, Coop Switzerland and Hess Natur in Germany."
The most important news surrounding this figure is the fact that organic is no longer a novelty. With Volcom, Billabong, Nike, Marks and Spencer, H&M and others all selling organic now, the general public is learning the benefits of organic, the perils of traditionally grown cotton, and making the connection between health, the environment and their wallets," Jen Rapp, a spokeswoman for Patagonia, told SNEWS®.
Rapp noted that Patagonia believes 2008's massive sales growth is a result of widely known brands, such as Wal-Mart, selling organic to their large customer bases.
"The beauty is that with brands such as Wal-Mart on the organic cotton bandwagon, and the number of farmers that are switching to organic farming, the cost of organic is going to continue to become more and more affordable, allowing this growth to continue in the current economy," she said.
The Organic Exchange found in its research that most brands and retailers selling organic cotton products remain committed to their sustainability plans and upbeat about market growth. They reported they have plans to expand their product lines 24 percent and 33 percent in 2009 and 2010, respectively. It estimates that the segment will be a $4 billion market in 2009 and a $5.3 billion market in 2010.
Additionally, the organization's "Organic Cotton Farm and Fiber Report 2008" reported that the number of organic cotton farmers grew worldwide by 152 percent in 2007/2008. Organic cotton production hit 145,872 metric tons, which is equivalent to 668,581 bales (a bale is 480 pounds). It was grown on 400,000 acres in 22 countries worldwide.
During 2008, the report noted, certified organic cotton fiber supplies grew by 95 percent, significantly higher than annual growth rates of 45 percent in 2006 and 53 percent in 2007.
"Farmers who planted on speculation or expanded without market partners may have shifted the market into a state of oversupply in 2009," said LaRhea Pepper, Organic Exchange's senior director, in a statement, noting that the non-profit strongly discourages farmers from taking this kind of risk.
"Brands may want to explore opportunities for expanding their organic programs with their business partners, as for the first time in many years, supplies of organic fiber, yarns, and fabrics are more available than in previous years," Pepper added.
Founded in 2002, Organic Exchange (www.organicexchange.org) facilitates expansion of the organic cotton fiber supply by working with the entire chain of supply, from farmers to retailers, to help develop organic cotton programs.--Wendy Geister
Showing posts with label the locals lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the locals lifestyle. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
RETAIL - Six ways to successfully promote your store's eco-conscious product mix
Does your outdoor specialty store boast an array of eco-friendly products? If your merchandise mix does have green leanings, you could boost sales by making the consumers in your area aware of your specialty. Savvy green-oriented retailers are using everything from promotional mailers and catalogs to print advertising and street-side merchandising to get the word out about their eco-friendly product mix. Could any of these strategies work to strengthen your bottom line?
In the mail: Some outdoor specialty retailers have found that direct mail advertising suits them just fine. "We recently sent out a holiday mailer that featured a special section of eco-friendly and sustainable products," said Sharon Scott of The Summit Hut. At REI, a holiday catalog also spotlighted the chain's expanding mix of eco-conscious products with a specially designated two-page section. In addition, other sustainable items in the catalog were pointed out with a green icon. "We launched the ecoSensitive label in 2007 to help our customers make informed decisions on the products they purchase by designating REI brand products made from materials with a high percentage of renewable, recycled and/or organic fibers," said Bethany Nielson, a spokesperson at REI. Currently, the ecoSensitive line includes almost 70 styles of men's, women's and kids' apparel plus gear.
In the press: Advertising your specialty in local or regional newspapers and magazines can also effectively get the word out. "We do some advertising in the local newspaper, local alternative monthly, and quarterly coastal magazine," said Judson Moore, owner of Unfurl, a natural clothing boutique in Manzanita, Ore., that carries a large number of outdoor brands. "The niche magazines are a little bit expensive to advertise in, but we get the most for our money there." The ads run by Unfurl typically talk about the store's eco focus and list some of the relevant brands. Some warn, however, not to go overboard touting your green nature. "You don't want to over-claim and be perceived as greenwashing," said Beezer Molton, owner of Half-Moon Outfitters in North Charleston, S.C. -- a recent SNEWS/Backpacker Retailer of the Year award winner in the sustainable business category, click here to read story.
At retail: Many outdoor specialty retailers still believe the best way to reach customers is right in their own store. At REI, ecoSensitive products are identified with a distinct icon that is printed on the hangtag. At Peak Sports in Corvallis, Ore., owner Jeff Katz highlights eco-conscious products in-store by having the staff call out their favorite products once a month with an index card on which they write their thoughts about the item. "We also have a color coding system that shows what category the highlighted item falls under; for example, a green item has a green card," he said.
On the street: Some believe green merchandising should be taken outside for maximum effect. "Put something just outside your front door that draws people in," said Unfurl's Moore. "Even showing something like an antique chair with a cool old suitcase that has a green product in it really helps you get some of your store presence outside."
On the web: If you have a website, this could be an impactful (and extra green) way to promote your eco products. Online at REI.com, all ecoSensitive pieces are grouped together and easily accessible on one page. "This area is devoted entirely to educating our customers on the ecoSensitive products we sell," said Nielson, "and on the pros and cons of certain green materials used by many manufacturers."
Truly green: Put your money where your mouth is and make your business truly green by investing in things like alternative energies for your own store. This type of outreach will definitely draw attention to your business as a green-oriented one. "We were the first business in our town to buy blocks of wind power for our energy needs," said Peak Sports' Katz, who just received an award and recognition for this distinction. While this does not relate to product, it sure brought this retailer's consciousness into the public's awareness.--Erinn Morgan
In the mail: Some outdoor specialty retailers have found that direct mail advertising suits them just fine. "We recently sent out a holiday mailer that featured a special section of eco-friendly and sustainable products," said Sharon Scott of The Summit Hut. At REI, a holiday catalog also spotlighted the chain's expanding mix of eco-conscious products with a specially designated two-page section. In addition, other sustainable items in the catalog were pointed out with a green icon. "We launched the ecoSensitive label in 2007 to help our customers make informed decisions on the products they purchase by designating REI brand products made from materials with a high percentage of renewable, recycled and/or organic fibers," said Bethany Nielson, a spokesperson at REI. Currently, the ecoSensitive line includes almost 70 styles of men's, women's and kids' apparel plus gear.
In the press: Advertising your specialty in local or regional newspapers and magazines can also effectively get the word out. "We do some advertising in the local newspaper, local alternative monthly, and quarterly coastal magazine," said Judson Moore, owner of Unfurl, a natural clothing boutique in Manzanita, Ore., that carries a large number of outdoor brands. "The niche magazines are a little bit expensive to advertise in, but we get the most for our money there." The ads run by Unfurl typically talk about the store's eco focus and list some of the relevant brands. Some warn, however, not to go overboard touting your green nature. "You don't want to over-claim and be perceived as greenwashing," said Beezer Molton, owner of Half-Moon Outfitters in North Charleston, S.C. -- a recent SNEWS/Backpacker Retailer of the Year award winner in the sustainable business category, click here to read story.
At retail: Many outdoor specialty retailers still believe the best way to reach customers is right in their own store. At REI, ecoSensitive products are identified with a distinct icon that is printed on the hangtag. At Peak Sports in Corvallis, Ore., owner Jeff Katz highlights eco-conscious products in-store by having the staff call out their favorite products once a month with an index card on which they write their thoughts about the item. "We also have a color coding system that shows what category the highlighted item falls under; for example, a green item has a green card," he said.
On the street: Some believe green merchandising should be taken outside for maximum effect. "Put something just outside your front door that draws people in," said Unfurl's Moore. "Even showing something like an antique chair with a cool old suitcase that has a green product in it really helps you get some of your store presence outside."
On the web: If you have a website, this could be an impactful (and extra green) way to promote your eco products. Online at REI.com, all ecoSensitive pieces are grouped together and easily accessible on one page. "This area is devoted entirely to educating our customers on the ecoSensitive products we sell," said Nielson, "and on the pros and cons of certain green materials used by many manufacturers."
Truly green: Put your money where your mouth is and make your business truly green by investing in things like alternative energies for your own store. This type of outreach will definitely draw attention to your business as a green-oriented one. "We were the first business in our town to buy blocks of wind power for our energy needs," said Peak Sports' Katz, who just received an award and recognition for this distinction. While this does not relate to product, it sure brought this retailer's consciousness into the public's awareness.--Erinn Morgan
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What You Should be Asking Your Banker
What You Should be Asking Your Banker
(Or accountant or lawyer if you don’t have one)
OIA WebNews spoke to Bob Seiwert with the Center for Commercial Lending at the American Bankers Association for some insight into what conditions small businesses are facing in the credit markets. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Q: If I have a banking relationship already, aren’t I safe?
Seiwert: For a well-run business with a track record there is money available. But it may not be available at the bank you are banking with, so you better figure out where your bank sits. Not all banks specialize in small business loans. They may do them as an accommodation for your other business, but you want someone who really specializes in them. If you don’t have that at your bank, then you need to move on.
Go visit them and ask them, “How are you affected by the banking crisis?” Get very specific, as in, “If I was to ask for a loan today would it be available to me? If so, how much would it cost? On what terms? What would be the interest rate? What would be the required collateral?”
The main thing is that you are less likely to get the advance rate you used to get on hard assets, like real estate and inventory. In the past a 50% loan against inventory was the max. Maybe it’s down to 30 to 35 percent today.
Q: My personal credit is pristine, why do I need a “relationship?” Won’t a bank lend to me on the strength of my FICA score?
Seiwert: You can have pristine financial statements, but if I don’t trust you I won’t make the loan. If your total relationship is through a credit card, you are a total unknown. Every bank loan that is done, the first thing the banker looks at is your character. He asks, “Will you work with me if things don’t go as planned? If you had the money, would you pay me?” If you don’t have that relationship, if you just have a series of transactions, you have put yourself and your business at risk. That may be okay in good times, but it’s not a good practice going forward.”
Q: So, if I don’t have a relationship and need one, where do I start?
Seiwert: If you want to get the best rate, go to the bank where you have your operating accounts (checking, payroll, collections account). They want to keep that business. That’s where the profits are today – on the operating side. Banks still make money on loans, but those come and go. Besides, if you are a small business person, you want to have a meaningful amount of business with your bank. You want to be a bigger fish. It’s no different than dealing with suppliers for your business.
Q: What if I’m not happy with the customer service at my existing bank? How do I find a new one?
Seiwert: If you are a well-run business, there are still bankers out there that would love your business. The first thing I would do is call your lawyer or accountant and say, “look I need to develop a relationship with a bank. Who is on your short list and may I use your name as a reference?”
(Or accountant or lawyer if you don’t have one)
OIA WebNews spoke to Bob Seiwert with the Center for Commercial Lending at the American Bankers Association for some insight into what conditions small businesses are facing in the credit markets. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Q: If I have a banking relationship already, aren’t I safe?
Seiwert: For a well-run business with a track record there is money available. But it may not be available at the bank you are banking with, so you better figure out where your bank sits. Not all banks specialize in small business loans. They may do them as an accommodation for your other business, but you want someone who really specializes in them. If you don’t have that at your bank, then you need to move on.
Go visit them and ask them, “How are you affected by the banking crisis?” Get very specific, as in, “If I was to ask for a loan today would it be available to me? If so, how much would it cost? On what terms? What would be the interest rate? What would be the required collateral?”
The main thing is that you are less likely to get the advance rate you used to get on hard assets, like real estate and inventory. In the past a 50% loan against inventory was the max. Maybe it’s down to 30 to 35 percent today.
Q: My personal credit is pristine, why do I need a “relationship?” Won’t a bank lend to me on the strength of my FICA score?
Seiwert: You can have pristine financial statements, but if I don’t trust you I won’t make the loan. If your total relationship is through a credit card, you are a total unknown. Every bank loan that is done, the first thing the banker looks at is your character. He asks, “Will you work with me if things don’t go as planned? If you had the money, would you pay me?” If you don’t have that relationship, if you just have a series of transactions, you have put yourself and your business at risk. That may be okay in good times, but it’s not a good practice going forward.”
Q: So, if I don’t have a relationship and need one, where do I start?
Seiwert: If you want to get the best rate, go to the bank where you have your operating accounts (checking, payroll, collections account). They want to keep that business. That’s where the profits are today – on the operating side. Banks still make money on loans, but those come and go. Besides, if you are a small business person, you want to have a meaningful amount of business with your bank. You want to be a bigger fish. It’s no different than dealing with suppliers for your business.
Q: What if I’m not happy with the customer service at my existing bank? How do I find a new one?
Seiwert: If you are a well-run business, there are still bankers out there that would love your business. The first thing I would do is call your lawyer or accountant and say, “look I need to develop a relationship with a bank. Who is on your short list and may I use your name as a reference?”
Credit Crunch Catching up With Outdoor Industry
While the recession started 14 months ago, only in the last three months does the credit crunch seem to have caught up with the outdoor industry. The most recent Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Topline Report shows sales at core outdoor specialty stores dropped off 8 percent and 10 percent respectively in November and December after chugging along at an 8 percent growth rate in the first ten months of the year. While dollars sales rose 7 percent in the chain channel in December, the rise was due primarily to sales of lower ticket items and earlier than normal discounting. That has forced some sporting goods brands and chains to write down the value of inventory. Publicly traded companies in our industry are exploring “strategic alternatives” after defaulting on loan covenants. Discounting, meanwhile, seems destined to lower margins all around for the foreseeable future.
Under these circumstances, it’s not hard to imagine vendors and lenders tightening the reins on outdoor brands and specialty retailers. Even companies that have avoided debt could find themselves vulnerable if they’ve been slow to pay their suppliers. In the fourth quarter, many brands in the cycling industry stopped extending credit to their slowest paying dealers, reports retail consultant Jay Townley. First to go were those more than 90 days out. Then those who could not pay within 60 days were cut off. Thirty days could be next. Entrepreneurs using unsecured credit cards to get through slow months or periods of peak spending are being cut off with little warnings.
The result is that some small businesses are being forced into the credit markets at a particularly difficult time. Companies that do have banking relationships, meanwhile, are finding their bankers unwilling to loan as much against inventory, receivables, real estate and other assets.
The message for outdoor companies is – as President Obama noted in his February 9 press conference – “The credit crisis is real and it’s not over.” The flip side of that is that there is still time to get in front of it and there are plenty of banks – particularly community and regional banks – still lending money. With that in mind, OIA WebNews interviewed an array of consultants and bankers for advice on what retailers can and should do now to secure access to credit. Here are some of their tips:
Assume you will be affected. Operate on the assumption that you will need credit and that it will become more difficult, expensive and time consuming to obtain. Don’t wait until the last minute to investigate alternatives.
Establish a banking relationship. If you are relying on a credit card or internal funds to finance your business, you need to establish a banking relationship now.
If you’re a retailer, get to know the accounting module in your POS system. To mitigate their risk, banks are demanding weekly and even daily cash flow statements. If you don’t know how to do produce one, arrange a training session with your POS vendor.
GMROI analysis. Townley urges retailers to conduct GMROI analysis on as many SKUs as possible. Calculating “gross margin return on investment” reveals your most profitable products. By eliminating less profitable SKUs, you can free up cash, thereby enhancing your appeal to prospective lenders and increasing your leverage with the remaining vendors.
Learn the language. Bone up on your financial vocabulary and the key ratios bankers use. This tutorial from the Small Business Administration is a good place to start. If you are a retailer, attend today’s free Introduction to Financial Management Webinar at 2:00 p.m. (MST) to learn about the financial measurements you need to understand to make your business more profitable. It’s one of several programs OIA is launching this year to help outdoor retailers enhance their performance in 2009 and beyond. To see more resources for retailers, click here.
Under these circumstances, it’s not hard to imagine vendors and lenders tightening the reins on outdoor brands and specialty retailers. Even companies that have avoided debt could find themselves vulnerable if they’ve been slow to pay their suppliers. In the fourth quarter, many brands in the cycling industry stopped extending credit to their slowest paying dealers, reports retail consultant Jay Townley. First to go were those more than 90 days out. Then those who could not pay within 60 days were cut off. Thirty days could be next. Entrepreneurs using unsecured credit cards to get through slow months or periods of peak spending are being cut off with little warnings.
The result is that some small businesses are being forced into the credit markets at a particularly difficult time. Companies that do have banking relationships, meanwhile, are finding their bankers unwilling to loan as much against inventory, receivables, real estate and other assets.
The message for outdoor companies is – as President Obama noted in his February 9 press conference – “The credit crisis is real and it’s not over.” The flip side of that is that there is still time to get in front of it and there are plenty of banks – particularly community and regional banks – still lending money. With that in mind, OIA WebNews interviewed an array of consultants and bankers for advice on what retailers can and should do now to secure access to credit. Here are some of their tips:
Assume you will be affected. Operate on the assumption that you will need credit and that it will become more difficult, expensive and time consuming to obtain. Don’t wait until the last minute to investigate alternatives.
Establish a banking relationship. If you are relying on a credit card or internal funds to finance your business, you need to establish a banking relationship now.
If you’re a retailer, get to know the accounting module in your POS system. To mitigate their risk, banks are demanding weekly and even daily cash flow statements. If you don’t know how to do produce one, arrange a training session with your POS vendor.
GMROI analysis. Townley urges retailers to conduct GMROI analysis on as many SKUs as possible. Calculating “gross margin return on investment” reveals your most profitable products. By eliminating less profitable SKUs, you can free up cash, thereby enhancing your appeal to prospective lenders and increasing your leverage with the remaining vendors.
Learn the language. Bone up on your financial vocabulary and the key ratios bankers use. This tutorial from the Small Business Administration is a good place to start. If you are a retailer, attend today’s free Introduction to Financial Management Webinar at 2:00 p.m. (MST) to learn about the financial measurements you need to understand to make your business more profitable. It’s one of several programs OIA is launching this year to help outdoor retailers enhance their performance in 2009 and beyond. To see more resources for retailers, click here.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Viva Las Vegas: Like Elvis, SIA has left the building
For the past 37 years, the SIA SnowSports Show was on a roll in Las Vegas. But in 2010, the show will cash in its chips and try its luck in Denver, Colo. Not surprisingly, the big question on everyone's mind -- right after the economy -- was whether SIA '09 would be a blowout farewell party or a sparsely attended funereal affair. As it turned out, the mood at the recently concluded show (held January 24-27 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center) was mostly upbeat.
SIA's management projected 20,000 attendees (up from 17,350 reported in 2008), with the show covering 348,000 net square feet (compared to 357,000 square feet in 2008) and 445 exhibitors representing an estimated 800-plus brands exhibiting in 3,479 booths (compared with 421 exhibitors representing 1,000 brands reported in 2008). SIA told SNEWS® it will have audited attendance and exhibitor numbers to report Feb. 13.
On the first day of SIA '09, Anthony DeRocco, vice president of global product development at K2 Sports, remarked, "The show energy is good. It's tough to get a read on attendance, but our goal is to do business."
When asked about the move to Denver, DeRocco echoed the sentiments of many vendors when he responded, "I'm looking forward to a new venue to shake things up a bit. Change is good. Frankly, I'm really excited. The question is the draw of Denver for retailers."
Charles Lozner, brand director of K2 Outdoor, which includes Tubbs, Karhu, Madshus and Atlas, was also enthusiastic. "SIA feels busier year-over-year than Outdoor Retailer. We're getting a lot of walk-in traffic." He added, "I'm ecstatic about Denver. You have to take the show to where it makes sense. Also, Denver is welcoming SIA with open arms."
While there is no question that the U.S. economy was (and still is) in the toilet, Mother Nature and Jack Frost joined forces to help the snowsports industry by providing plenty of cold, wet/snowy weather in most parts of the country during December and early January. As a result, product sell-through was fairly strong, particularly on the hardgoods side (albeit at closeout and discount prices). But now that retailers have cleared out much of their current inventory, will they be able to secure the funds needed to invest in product for next season? Therein lies the true gamble.
"In terms of open-to-buy, SIA is not a large writing show," explained K2's DeRocco. "There's a lot of caution in the market, but lots of good snow globally. We're snow farmers. Sell-through is off, but it's an opportunity to grow market share."
As is usually the case at SIA, each day offered a smidgeon of craziness in the aisles. The highlight occurred on day two, when rock icon Gene Simmons of KISS -- yes, he's the one with a tongue that is proportionally as long as that of a tube-lipped nectar bat -- was escorted around the show by a couple of burly security guys and a compact harem of scantily clad women. His mission was to help launch the MoneyBag snowboard and ski accessory line, a partnership with Dussault Apparel. Apparently, Simmons set a few tongues wagging at the New York Times (page B12 in the Jan. 31, 2009, edition) when a reporter there discovered that Swiss ski maker Faction Collective S.A. used an image of Simmons on a pair of skis without first obtaining permission. Much to the company's surprise and horror, the rock relic spotted the skis while en route to an interview. Faction is now trying to license said image.
Key trends SNEWS identified during our time at SIA:
Consumer spending
By most accounts, snowsports consumers are still spending money, but they want value and are demanding full feature sets.
"People are still skiing," said Leslie Baker-Brown, Tecnica's director of marketing, ski division. "If it's in their DNA, they're not going to stop. Skiing makes people feel good, so we're cautiously optimistic." She added, "While consumers are cautiously shopping, and are looking for a good deal/value, we see that they are still willing to spend for a good product. And a good value does not necessarily mean low price."
Hardgoods
• Flat backcountry skis are strong sellers, and many vendors are expanding their offerings. For example, K2's new Adventure Series boasts gender-specific, flat-tailed skis with a slight bit of rocker on the tips, and all models are compatible with alpine, alpine touring and telemark bindings. This is part of a broader trend of greater consumer demand for adaptive skis that can be used in a variety of snow conditions. (This is also in keeping with the consumer trend at retail to spend on skis while trying to save on bindings.)
• Women's-specific skis and snowboards continue to be growth categories.• Snowboard and ski topsheets boasting unique artwork, color and design remain extremely popular. The same is also true of snowboard boots, such as Nike Snowboarding's Zoom Force 1 DK-YS model that is part of an ongoing series.
• The use of eco-friendly materials -- as well as environmentally responsible manufacturing processes -- is spreading beyond the apparel and accessories markets. For instance, vendors including Rossignol, Salomon and K2 are making a concerted effort to use less material, and fewer inks and solvents, in skis and snowboards.
Apparel
• Wearable electronics are now de rigueur.
• In ski apparel, jackets and pants that can be zipped together to form one garment are becoming more prevalent. Kjus and Helly Hansen both offer such options.
• As in hardgoods, unique artwork incorporated onto apparel (think artist collaborations) is very popular, though pricey. In the snowboard realm, large plaid patterns -- particularly black-and-white and pink-and-white combinations -- are readily apparent on outerwear, hats, and even boots.
Rental market
For consumers who are just getting into Alpine skiing or snowboarding and are reluctant to invest in the gear, and for those who enjoy visiting resorts but hate having to schlep lots of equipment, the rental market now offers a wide range of solutions.
According to Tecnica's Baker-Brown, "(The market) is growing, but not as much for boots as it is for skis. We think that going forward, given airline baggage fees (and other travel expenses), people will still bring their own boots because of the fit issue, but they will rent skis."
Kelly Davis, SIA's director of research, concurred, adding, "The rental market is an important segment of the snowsports market -- in fact, about 20 percent of skis and 5 percent of snowboards were sold into the rental market last season."--Judy Leand
SIA's management projected 20,000 attendees (up from 17,350 reported in 2008), with the show covering 348,000 net square feet (compared to 357,000 square feet in 2008) and 445 exhibitors representing an estimated 800-plus brands exhibiting in 3,479 booths (compared with 421 exhibitors representing 1,000 brands reported in 2008). SIA told SNEWS® it will have audited attendance and exhibitor numbers to report Feb. 13.
On the first day of SIA '09, Anthony DeRocco, vice president of global product development at K2 Sports, remarked, "The show energy is good. It's tough to get a read on attendance, but our goal is to do business."
When asked about the move to Denver, DeRocco echoed the sentiments of many vendors when he responded, "I'm looking forward to a new venue to shake things up a bit. Change is good. Frankly, I'm really excited. The question is the draw of Denver for retailers."
Charles Lozner, brand director of K2 Outdoor, which includes Tubbs, Karhu, Madshus and Atlas, was also enthusiastic. "SIA feels busier year-over-year than Outdoor Retailer. We're getting a lot of walk-in traffic." He added, "I'm ecstatic about Denver. You have to take the show to where it makes sense. Also, Denver is welcoming SIA with open arms."
While there is no question that the U.S. economy was (and still is) in the toilet, Mother Nature and Jack Frost joined forces to help the snowsports industry by providing plenty of cold, wet/snowy weather in most parts of the country during December and early January. As a result, product sell-through was fairly strong, particularly on the hardgoods side (albeit at closeout and discount prices). But now that retailers have cleared out much of their current inventory, will they be able to secure the funds needed to invest in product for next season? Therein lies the true gamble.
"In terms of open-to-buy, SIA is not a large writing show," explained K2's DeRocco. "There's a lot of caution in the market, but lots of good snow globally. We're snow farmers. Sell-through is off, but it's an opportunity to grow market share."
As is usually the case at SIA, each day offered a smidgeon of craziness in the aisles. The highlight occurred on day two, when rock icon Gene Simmons of KISS -- yes, he's the one with a tongue that is proportionally as long as that of a tube-lipped nectar bat -- was escorted around the show by a couple of burly security guys and a compact harem of scantily clad women. His mission was to help launch the MoneyBag snowboard and ski accessory line, a partnership with Dussault Apparel. Apparently, Simmons set a few tongues wagging at the New York Times (page B12 in the Jan. 31, 2009, edition) when a reporter there discovered that Swiss ski maker Faction Collective S.A. used an image of Simmons on a pair of skis without first obtaining permission. Much to the company's surprise and horror, the rock relic spotted the skis while en route to an interview. Faction is now trying to license said image.
Key trends SNEWS identified during our time at SIA:
Consumer spending
By most accounts, snowsports consumers are still spending money, but they want value and are demanding full feature sets.
"People are still skiing," said Leslie Baker-Brown, Tecnica's director of marketing, ski division. "If it's in their DNA, they're not going to stop. Skiing makes people feel good, so we're cautiously optimistic." She added, "While consumers are cautiously shopping, and are looking for a good deal/value, we see that they are still willing to spend for a good product. And a good value does not necessarily mean low price."
Hardgoods
• Flat backcountry skis are strong sellers, and many vendors are expanding their offerings. For example, K2's new Adventure Series boasts gender-specific, flat-tailed skis with a slight bit of rocker on the tips, and all models are compatible with alpine, alpine touring and telemark bindings. This is part of a broader trend of greater consumer demand for adaptive skis that can be used in a variety of snow conditions. (This is also in keeping with the consumer trend at retail to spend on skis while trying to save on bindings.)
• Women's-specific skis and snowboards continue to be growth categories.• Snowboard and ski topsheets boasting unique artwork, color and design remain extremely popular. The same is also true of snowboard boots, such as Nike Snowboarding's Zoom Force 1 DK-YS model that is part of an ongoing series.
• The use of eco-friendly materials -- as well as environmentally responsible manufacturing processes -- is spreading beyond the apparel and accessories markets. For instance, vendors including Rossignol, Salomon and K2 are making a concerted effort to use less material, and fewer inks and solvents, in skis and snowboards.
Apparel
• Wearable electronics are now de rigueur.
• In ski apparel, jackets and pants that can be zipped together to form one garment are becoming more prevalent. Kjus and Helly Hansen both offer such options.
• As in hardgoods, unique artwork incorporated onto apparel (think artist collaborations) is very popular, though pricey. In the snowboard realm, large plaid patterns -- particularly black-and-white and pink-and-white combinations -- are readily apparent on outerwear, hats, and even boots.
Rental market
For consumers who are just getting into Alpine skiing or snowboarding and are reluctant to invest in the gear, and for those who enjoy visiting resorts but hate having to schlep lots of equipment, the rental market now offers a wide range of solutions.
According to Tecnica's Baker-Brown, "(The market) is growing, but not as much for boots as it is for skis. We think that going forward, given airline baggage fees (and other travel expenses), people will still bring their own boots because of the fit issue, but they will rent skis."
Kelly Davis, SIA's director of research, concurred, adding, "The rental market is an important segment of the snowsports market -- in fact, about 20 percent of skis and 5 percent of snowboards were sold into the rental market last season."--Judy Leand
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
HERA Foundation Announces the Passing of Founder Sean Patrick
CARBONDALE, COLO. HERA Foundation founder Sean Patrick, 57, died of complications related to ovarian cancer on January 20, 2009. She was a remarkable person who touched many lives in profound ways. Ms. Patrick was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997 and established the HERA Foundation (health, empowerment, research, awareness) in 2002. Under her guidance, the non-profit has made great strides in raising funds for ovarian cancer research and awareness. She received Climbing Magazine’s Golden Piton award in 2005 in recognition of her outstanding community service. In 2004, Ms Patrick was featured in a one-hour special on the Jane Pauley show, sharing her inspiring journey facing ovarian cancer.
A recognized leader in the cancer community, Ms. Patrick sat on numerous boards for cancer related organizations, including the Blanton Davis Board, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She was also a member of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s public education committee and the SPORE External Advisory Committee at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Born April 5, 1951 in Peekskill, N.Y., she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in fine arts from Skidmore College, Saratoga, N.Y. in 1973. Upon completion of college, she was selected for an art fellowship in Florence, Italy. In 1988, Ms. Patrick founded the Impact Group, a strategic marketing and design firm based in Western Colorado. She was an avid rock climber, skier, cyclist and scuba diver. Beyond HERA, Ms. Patrick adopted a selfless attitude in everything she did, and dedicated her life to helping others overcome life’s challenges. Her community work and volunteer service over four decades inspired young men and women in many communities. Below is her personal statement. It is a testament of her passion. She will be greatly missed.
Sean Patrick, Founder HERA Foundation & Climb4Life Event Series The years since Sean Patrickʼs diagnosis with ovarian cancer have been a melting pot of emotion. Though now sheʼs at the point where she can say, “Cancer does not mean life is over; you can survive and thrive, do new things and learn new skills.”
For Sean, a self-proclaimed type-A overachiever, this has meant learning not to sweat the small stuff. “Life happens and the only thing you have control of is your attitude,” she says. “You can deal with it with a bad attitude or a good one…and life is just more fun with a good attitude.”
In 1990 this longtime resident of Carbondale, Colorado and avid skier, mountain biker and hiker, learned to rock climb - - a sport that encompasses all that she loves in life: problem solving, taking calculated risks and physical and mental challenges. Seven years later, at age 46, she reached an advanced level in climbing, 5.12a. At the same time, she faced the greatest test of her life: a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The cancer diagnosis came as a shock since she had no family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer.
During her recovery from surgery she decided to use her passion for the outdoors and resolve the lack of awareness, information, and funding for ovarian cancer. Creating the HERA (Health, Empowerment, Research and Advocacy) Foundation and the Climb for Life, her goal was to empower women to take control of their health, empower scientists to find new directions in ovarian cancer research and to empower communities to provide support.
Having met the Johns Hopkins Director of Gynecology/Pathology, Johns Hopkins approached her to get involved with creating an ovarian cancer website. Taking it a step further, she worked to create the HERA Foundation’s Web site, www.herafoundation.org, which receives 40,000 unique visitors monthly from 97 countries and has been translated into Chinese and Spanish.
Sean and the HERA Foundation have touched the lives of countless women around the world – some scared others frustrated, but all in need of support during a time more stressful than most of us can imagine. In the whirlwind that has become her life as an advocate for women Sean passes on the valuable lesson sheʼs learned:
”We all have the power within us to change the world in a positive way. It just takes one idea, one individual, one scientist, one company or one community to make a difference in the world. Thatʼs the power of one.”
On this date that brings a great loss, Sean held great hope that with the new administration there will be a much-needed change in our health care system. A memorial service for Ms. Patrick is planned for April 2009; details to follow at www.herafoundation.org. To continue her legacy, please make donations to the HERA Foundation, www.herafoundation.org.
About the HERA Foundation
The HERA Foundation is a registered 501 (c) 3, whose mission is to stop the loss of mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, partners and girlfriends from ovarian cancer by empowering women to take control of their health, empowering the medical community to find new directions in ovarian cancer research and empowering communities to provide support. For more information, visit www.herafoundation.org.
A recognized leader in the cancer community, Ms. Patrick sat on numerous boards for cancer related organizations, including the Blanton Davis Board, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She was also a member of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s public education committee and the SPORE External Advisory Committee at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Born April 5, 1951 in Peekskill, N.Y., she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in fine arts from Skidmore College, Saratoga, N.Y. in 1973. Upon completion of college, she was selected for an art fellowship in Florence, Italy. In 1988, Ms. Patrick founded the Impact Group, a strategic marketing and design firm based in Western Colorado. She was an avid rock climber, skier, cyclist and scuba diver. Beyond HERA, Ms. Patrick adopted a selfless attitude in everything she did, and dedicated her life to helping others overcome life’s challenges. Her community work and volunteer service over four decades inspired young men and women in many communities. Below is her personal statement. It is a testament of her passion. She will be greatly missed.
Sean Patrick, Founder HERA Foundation & Climb4Life Event Series The years since Sean Patrickʼs diagnosis with ovarian cancer have been a melting pot of emotion. Though now sheʼs at the point where she can say, “Cancer does not mean life is over; you can survive and thrive, do new things and learn new skills.”
For Sean, a self-proclaimed type-A overachiever, this has meant learning not to sweat the small stuff. “Life happens and the only thing you have control of is your attitude,” she says. “You can deal with it with a bad attitude or a good one…and life is just more fun with a good attitude.”
In 1990 this longtime resident of Carbondale, Colorado and avid skier, mountain biker and hiker, learned to rock climb - - a sport that encompasses all that she loves in life: problem solving, taking calculated risks and physical and mental challenges. Seven years later, at age 46, she reached an advanced level in climbing, 5.12a. At the same time, she faced the greatest test of her life: a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The cancer diagnosis came as a shock since she had no family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer.
During her recovery from surgery she decided to use her passion for the outdoors and resolve the lack of awareness, information, and funding for ovarian cancer. Creating the HERA (Health, Empowerment, Research and Advocacy) Foundation and the Climb for Life, her goal was to empower women to take control of their health, empower scientists to find new directions in ovarian cancer research and to empower communities to provide support.
Having met the Johns Hopkins Director of Gynecology/Pathology, Johns Hopkins approached her to get involved with creating an ovarian cancer website. Taking it a step further, she worked to create the HERA Foundation’s Web site, www.herafoundation.org, which receives 40,000 unique visitors monthly from 97 countries and has been translated into Chinese and Spanish.
Sean and the HERA Foundation have touched the lives of countless women around the world – some scared others frustrated, but all in need of support during a time more stressful than most of us can imagine. In the whirlwind that has become her life as an advocate for women Sean passes on the valuable lesson sheʼs learned:
”We all have the power within us to change the world in a positive way. It just takes one idea, one individual, one scientist, one company or one community to make a difference in the world. Thatʼs the power of one.”
On this date that brings a great loss, Sean held great hope that with the new administration there will be a much-needed change in our health care system. A memorial service for Ms. Patrick is planned for April 2009; details to follow at www.herafoundation.org. To continue her legacy, please make donations to the HERA Foundation, www.herafoundation.org.
About the HERA Foundation
The HERA Foundation is a registered 501 (c) 3, whose mission is to stop the loss of mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, partners and girlfriends from ovarian cancer by empowering women to take control of their health, empowering the medical community to find new directions in ovarian cancer research and empowering communities to provide support. For more information, visit www.herafoundation.org.
Industry Watch: Keeping an eye on layoffs, bankruptcies and closings… Who’s next?
Among mainstream stores and suppliers, lists grow longer each day it seems of shutterings, bankruptcies, layoffs and rumors of demise. From Mervyns and Home Depot, to Circuit City and Starbucks, we read daily about the financial and human toll the economy is taking on businesses.
The same sadly holds true for our industries. We hear reports and rumors daily about a manufacturer or store that is or will be laying off more employees or reducing stores -- or filing for bankruptcy protection. To survive, those decisions could be a necessary evil, but it could be argued that some companies are in this situation only because they were not as smart about growth as they could have been – and may not have or are not now taking the appropriate steps to survive the slowdown. Remember the dot-com era? One website (www.fu_____company.com – you fill in the blanks since there was one word that not even SNEWS® is willing to publish) tracked the dot-com industry’s unfolding drama of companies collapsing and workers losing everything – click here to find what is left of that website. Ironically, like the dot-com’s it covered, it too hasn’t survived – perhaps that’s a good sign – and can’t even sell its URL.
Starting today, in a less morbid fashion we hope, SNEWS is tracking the economic impacts, both large and small, as outdoor and fitness industry companies work to navigate through today’s marketplace of minefields. In the chart below, you will find a company name, the date of some “action,” a brief summary of the situation – layoffs, closings, bankruptcy filings – and then a link to the appropriate SNEWS news with more information and details. It is certainly sobering to see an account of the impacts on our industries in one list, rather than scattered here and there among headlines and archives as individual articles. We will keep you posted as we update the list when new reports of turmoil roll in. Feel free to drop us a note at snewsbox@snewsnet.com if you know of companies or individuals who have been impacted and should be added to our list – or of ones we have missed. As always details and dates are appreciated. Naturally, we keep the sources of our reports confidential, if requested, and we fact-check every tip.
Check out our current SNEWS Reader Poll – a new ongoing feature since our website redesign launched in January – that ask, “If the economy does not improve in the next six months, do you believe additional businesses are at risk of going under?” The poll was posted Jan. 26 and will remain active until Feb. 9. Simply click here to voice your opinion. To view the regularly updated survey results as well as past Reader Polls and their results, click here or, simply log in at www.snewsnet.com and scroll down the right navigation bar until you arrive at the colorful survey graphic.
And, if you have not yet seen our blog posting on the subject of layoffs, click here to read…and to chime in should you desire.
The same sadly holds true for our industries. We hear reports and rumors daily about a manufacturer or store that is or will be laying off more employees or reducing stores -- or filing for bankruptcy protection. To survive, those decisions could be a necessary evil, but it could be argued that some companies are in this situation only because they were not as smart about growth as they could have been – and may not have or are not now taking the appropriate steps to survive the slowdown. Remember the dot-com era? One website (www.fu_____company.com – you fill in the blanks since there was one word that not even SNEWS® is willing to publish) tracked the dot-com industry’s unfolding drama of companies collapsing and workers losing everything – click here to find what is left of that website. Ironically, like the dot-com’s it covered, it too hasn’t survived – perhaps that’s a good sign – and can’t even sell its URL.
Starting today, in a less morbid fashion we hope, SNEWS is tracking the economic impacts, both large and small, as outdoor and fitness industry companies work to navigate through today’s marketplace of minefields. In the chart below, you will find a company name, the date of some “action,” a brief summary of the situation – layoffs, closings, bankruptcy filings – and then a link to the appropriate SNEWS news with more information and details. It is certainly sobering to see an account of the impacts on our industries in one list, rather than scattered here and there among headlines and archives as individual articles. We will keep you posted as we update the list when new reports of turmoil roll in. Feel free to drop us a note at snewsbox@snewsnet.com if you know of companies or individuals who have been impacted and should be added to our list – or of ones we have missed. As always details and dates are appreciated. Naturally, we keep the sources of our reports confidential, if requested, and we fact-check every tip.
Check out our current SNEWS Reader Poll – a new ongoing feature since our website redesign launched in January – that ask, “If the economy does not improve in the next six months, do you believe additional businesses are at risk of going under?” The poll was posted Jan. 26 and will remain active until Feb. 9. Simply click here to voice your opinion. To view the regularly updated survey results as well as past Reader Polls and their results, click here or, simply log in at www.snewsnet.com and scroll down the right navigation bar until you arrive at the colorful survey graphic.
And, if you have not yet seen our blog posting on the subject of layoffs, click here to read…and to chime in should you desire.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Press Release - LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN ANNOUNCES ITS OUTDOOR RETAILER CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM
For Immediate Release
Locals Have More Fun ®
Brian Kahn
4229 Southridge Ct.
Park City UT 84098
435-659-6217
brian@localshavemorefun.com
Park City, UT, January 15th, 2009 — Locals Have More Fun will be offsetting 100 Tons of carbondioxide emissions during the 4 day Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, UT. This translates into 200 trees being planted with the National Forest Foundation as the Park City, UTbased eco friendly lifestyle line lives up to its byline: “Protecting the Places We Live and Play™”.
“Depicting the ‘locals’ lifestyle comes with a price”, says owner Brian Kahn. “That price isprotecting the very lifestyle that locals and destination town tourists know so well. We realizedthat much of the land that destination towns are in or are adjacent to are also National Forests.Planting trees would be a great way to offset our carbon footprint and increase thesustainability of our playground.”
Locals Have More Fun will give away reusable cups each day at 1:30pm. The cups will beimprinted with: “100 Tons Equals 200 Trees”. “What better way to kick off “social hour” thancoming by and picking up a cup that is eco friendly and represents a carbon-offsetting tree!”
Locals Have More Fun is a member of 1% For the Planet. Members must donate at least onepercent of sales to environmental non-profits. Mr. Kahn worked with Jeff Olson of the NationalForest Foundation to come up with a fun, unique way of promoting the National Forest Foundationwhile satisfying Locals’ 1% pledge.
“When Mr. Kahn told me that Locals Have More Fun not only wanted to donate to but alsopromote the National Forest Foundation and our carbon offset program, I was very excited”,says Olson. “With budget cuts, it isn’t easy for us to hit all of the events that cater to our targetmarket. Locals Have More Fun and their OR Booth provided a great outlet for the NationalForest Foundation and information related to our carbon offset program.”
Founded in 2006, Locals Have More Fun is a sustainable clothing business depicting the locals' lifestyle. The company focuses on outdoor retailers who understand the value of outdoor activities, maintain environmentally friendly business practices, and promte local small business initiatives. Locals Have More Fun products are currently available at retailers in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The company's headquarters is located in Park City, UT.
For more information, interviews and images, please contact Head Local, Brian Kahn
When: January 22-25, 2008
Where: Booth Br 724, Satl Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Show information: http://www.outdoorretailer.com/
National Forest Foundation: http://www.nationalforestfoundation.org/
1% For the Planet: http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/
Locals Have More Fun ®
Brian Kahn
4229 Southridge Ct.
Park City UT 84098
435-659-6217
brian@localshavemorefun.com
Park City, UT, January 15th, 2009 — Locals Have More Fun will be offsetting 100 Tons of carbondioxide emissions during the 4 day Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, UT. This translates into 200 trees being planted with the National Forest Foundation as the Park City, UTbased eco friendly lifestyle line lives up to its byline: “Protecting the Places We Live and Play™”.
“Depicting the ‘locals’ lifestyle comes with a price”, says owner Brian Kahn. “That price isprotecting the very lifestyle that locals and destination town tourists know so well. We realizedthat much of the land that destination towns are in or are adjacent to are also National Forests.Planting trees would be a great way to offset our carbon footprint and increase thesustainability of our playground.”
Locals Have More Fun will give away reusable cups each day at 1:30pm. The cups will beimprinted with: “100 Tons Equals 200 Trees”. “What better way to kick off “social hour” thancoming by and picking up a cup that is eco friendly and represents a carbon-offsetting tree!”
Locals Have More Fun is a member of 1% For the Planet. Members must donate at least onepercent of sales to environmental non-profits. Mr. Kahn worked with Jeff Olson of the NationalForest Foundation to come up with a fun, unique way of promoting the National Forest Foundationwhile satisfying Locals’ 1% pledge.
“When Mr. Kahn told me that Locals Have More Fun not only wanted to donate to but alsopromote the National Forest Foundation and our carbon offset program, I was very excited”,says Olson. “With budget cuts, it isn’t easy for us to hit all of the events that cater to our targetmarket. Locals Have More Fun and their OR Booth provided a great outlet for the NationalForest Foundation and information related to our carbon offset program.”
Founded in 2006, Locals Have More Fun is a sustainable clothing business depicting the locals' lifestyle. The company focuses on outdoor retailers who understand the value of outdoor activities, maintain environmentally friendly business practices, and promte local small business initiatives. Locals Have More Fun products are currently available at retailers in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The company's headquarters is located in Park City, UT.
For more information, interviews and images, please contact Head Local, Brian Kahn
When: January 22-25, 2008
Where: Booth Br 724, Satl Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Show information: http://www.outdoorretailer.com/
National Forest Foundation: http://www.nationalforestfoundation.org/
1% For the Planet: http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Did you hear?...Welcome 2009: Number of obese Americans now surpasses number of "just" overweight
A study from the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that the number of obese American adults is now higher than the number of those who are overweight. While the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled since 1980, the number of those who are overweight has remained stable over the same time period.
Both are terms used to describe levels of bodyweight that are generally considered higher than what is healthy, with obese higher. Overweight is defined as those with a BMI (body mass index) between 25 and 29.9, which per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention corresponds to approximately 169 to 202 pounds for somebody who is 5-foot-9. Obese is a BMI higher than 30 or, for the same 5-9 person weighing more than 203 pounds.
The National Center for Health Statistics’ numbers show that more than 34 percent of Americans are now obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. It said about 6 percent are "extremely" obese.
More than a third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006, according to the NCHS report. The figures come from the 2005-2006 survey and are the most current available.
The current numbers are based on a survey of 4,356 adults over the age of 20 who take part in a regular government survey of health, said the NCHS, which is part of the CDC.
Both are terms used to describe levels of bodyweight that are generally considered higher than what is healthy, with obese higher. Overweight is defined as those with a BMI (body mass index) between 25 and 29.9, which per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention corresponds to approximately 169 to 202 pounds for somebody who is 5-foot-9. Obese is a BMI higher than 30 or, for the same 5-9 person weighing more than 203 pounds.
The National Center for Health Statistics’ numbers show that more than 34 percent of Americans are now obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. It said about 6 percent are "extremely" obese.
More than a third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006, according to the NCHS report. The figures come from the 2005-2006 survey and are the most current available.
The current numbers are based on a survey of 4,356 adults over the age of 20 who take part in a regular government survey of health, said the NCHS, which is part of the CDC.
Dismal Holiday Pushes Domestic Mills Over the Brink
The dismal holiday season at retail has forced a slew of textile plant closings, dealing another blow to the viability of an already withering domestic textile and apparel industry.
Invista, Milliken & Co. and Gildan Activewear are among the companies that are cutting back.
The frequency of factory closings has gained momentum since late September. As economic conditions worsened through October and November and holiday orders failed to materialize, the pace of layoffs and plant shutdowns accelerated, with North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee particularly hard hit.
The recent spate of layoffs and closures hasn’t been limited to the few remaining independent mills, said Lloyd Wood, director of membership and media outreach at the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition.
“You’re seeing the most efficient people out there closing plants,” Wood said. “The weak sisters have long disappeared, and you’re seeing the best of the best either drastically reduce operations in some instances or shut down plants.”
Invista, which manufacturers products such as Coolmax and Lycra, has made significant cutbacks. In October, the company said it would trim 400 of its 500 workers at a carpet fiber facility in Seaford, Del. This was followed in early December with the announcement that the company would lay off more than 200 out of 600 employees at a facility in Waynesboro, Va. Invista said a plunge in demand for home carpeting forced the company to halt nylon production at the plant. Soon after Christmas, Invista said it was shuttering a yarn processing plant in Athens, Ga., with 50 workers losing jobs.
Milliken & Co. and Gildan Activewear have also been forced to reduce costs. Milliken announced the closing of a textile plant in Barnwell, S.C., on Dec. 30 that employed 125 people. In releasing its year-end financial results on Dec. 11, Gildan said it would “phase out sock finishing operations in the U.S. by the end of June and consolidate operations in Honduras, in order to remain globally competitive in the current economic conditions.”
As a result, the company said it would eliminate 200 jobs at its facility in Fort Payne, Ala., and close a knitting factory in Virginia that employed 180 people. Gildan also plans to expand production capabilities in the Dominican Republic.
Smaller textile players that had been treading water in recent years reached the end of the line when holiday orders failed to materialize and the chance for future orders disappeared. Belmont, N.C.-based yarn manufacturer R.L. Stowe Mills Inc. said on Jan. 5 that it would close within 60 days, bringing the company’s 108-year run to an end.
“Business conditions in the fourth quarter deteriorated suddenly and dramatically,” said president and chief executive officer D. Harding Stowe. “Looking forward, management does not see sales returning to levels sufficient to sustain business.”
The coalition’s Wood said, “It’s not about competence. It really is about the economic conditions and the underlying [government trade] policy. Until one of those things is fixed, it’s going to be tough for anybody.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a total of 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008. More than half evaporated in the last four months of the year, and the unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent last month from 6.7 percent in November. Textile mills manufacturing apparel fabric eliminated 2,900 positions last year to employ 138,800 workers. Home furnishing fabric manufacturers, known as textile product mills, cut 1,700 positions to 143,500. Apparel manufacturers eliminated 2,800 jobs to 185,300.
Since the push to manufacture abroad that began in the Seventies, domestic apparel manufacturing has steadily dwindled. In 1973, apparel manufacturing employment topped out at 1.5 million, while the textile industry peaked at 1.3 million in 1951.
The downward trend is expected to continue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Career Guide to Industries, about 595,000 people were employed in the textile and apparel manufacturing industries in 2006. That number is expected to contract by more than 35 percent by 2016. California, Georgia and North Carolina employ more than 40 percent of all workers in the industry.
Invista, Milliken & Co. and Gildan Activewear are among the companies that are cutting back.
The frequency of factory closings has gained momentum since late September. As economic conditions worsened through October and November and holiday orders failed to materialize, the pace of layoffs and plant shutdowns accelerated, with North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee particularly hard hit.
The recent spate of layoffs and closures hasn’t been limited to the few remaining independent mills, said Lloyd Wood, director of membership and media outreach at the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition.
“You’re seeing the most efficient people out there closing plants,” Wood said. “The weak sisters have long disappeared, and you’re seeing the best of the best either drastically reduce operations in some instances or shut down plants.”
Invista, which manufacturers products such as Coolmax and Lycra, has made significant cutbacks. In October, the company said it would trim 400 of its 500 workers at a carpet fiber facility in Seaford, Del. This was followed in early December with the announcement that the company would lay off more than 200 out of 600 employees at a facility in Waynesboro, Va. Invista said a plunge in demand for home carpeting forced the company to halt nylon production at the plant. Soon after Christmas, Invista said it was shuttering a yarn processing plant in Athens, Ga., with 50 workers losing jobs.
Milliken & Co. and Gildan Activewear have also been forced to reduce costs. Milliken announced the closing of a textile plant in Barnwell, S.C., on Dec. 30 that employed 125 people. In releasing its year-end financial results on Dec. 11, Gildan said it would “phase out sock finishing operations in the U.S. by the end of June and consolidate operations in Honduras, in order to remain globally competitive in the current economic conditions.”
As a result, the company said it would eliminate 200 jobs at its facility in Fort Payne, Ala., and close a knitting factory in Virginia that employed 180 people. Gildan also plans to expand production capabilities in the Dominican Republic.
Smaller textile players that had been treading water in recent years reached the end of the line when holiday orders failed to materialize and the chance for future orders disappeared. Belmont, N.C.-based yarn manufacturer R.L. Stowe Mills Inc. said on Jan. 5 that it would close within 60 days, bringing the company’s 108-year run to an end.
“Business conditions in the fourth quarter deteriorated suddenly and dramatically,” said president and chief executive officer D. Harding Stowe. “Looking forward, management does not see sales returning to levels sufficient to sustain business.”
The coalition’s Wood said, “It’s not about competence. It really is about the economic conditions and the underlying [government trade] policy. Until one of those things is fixed, it’s going to be tough for anybody.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a total of 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008. More than half evaporated in the last four months of the year, and the unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent last month from 6.7 percent in November. Textile mills manufacturing apparel fabric eliminated 2,900 positions last year to employ 138,800 workers. Home furnishing fabric manufacturers, known as textile product mills, cut 1,700 positions to 143,500. Apparel manufacturers eliminated 2,800 jobs to 185,300.
Since the push to manufacture abroad that began in the Seventies, domestic apparel manufacturing has steadily dwindled. In 1973, apparel manufacturing employment topped out at 1.5 million, while the textile industry peaked at 1.3 million in 1951.
The downward trend is expected to continue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Career Guide to Industries, about 595,000 people were employed in the textile and apparel manufacturing industries in 2006. That number is expected to contract by more than 35 percent by 2016. California, Georgia and North Carolina employ more than 40 percent of all workers in the industry.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun - Vegas Baby
For Immediate Release
Brian Kahn
brian@localshavemorefun.com
www.localshavemorefun.com
Park City, UT, December 17th, 2008 — Locals Have More Fun adds another account, this time in Las Vegas with the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.
Locals will be debuting its lifestyle line at BOOTH BR724 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
ABOUT LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN
Locals Have More Fun is a Park City based lifestyle line, concentrating on the resort and destination town markets. Locals Have More Fun provides a high quality, eco friendly souvenirfor tourists visting these locales. All clothing is produced with sustainable and fair labor practices. Inks are water-based instead of petroleum.
Locals Have More Fun is a 1% For the Planet member and is proud to protect the places we live and play.CONTACTwww.localshavemorefun.combrian@localshavemorefun.com435-659-6217
Brian Kahn
brian@localshavemorefun.com
www.localshavemorefun.com
Park City, UT, December 17th, 2008 — Locals Have More Fun adds another account, this time in Las Vegas with the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.
Locals will be debuting its lifestyle line at BOOTH BR724 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
ABOUT LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN
Locals Have More Fun is a Park City based lifestyle line, concentrating on the resort and destination town markets. Locals Have More Fun provides a high quality, eco friendly souvenirfor tourists visting these locales. All clothing is produced with sustainable and fair labor practices. Inks are water-based instead of petroleum.
Locals Have More Fun is a 1% For the Planet member and is proud to protect the places we live and play.CONTACTwww.localshavemorefun.combrian@localshavemorefun.com435-659-6217
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Dangers of Plastic Bags
10/01/2008 16:30 MST
Hello Friends,
All the reason to purchase a recycled polyester bag that is made in the USA from 4 tw0-liter plastic soda bottles:
THE DANGERS OF PLASTIC BAGS
Be Environmentally Cool,
Head Local
Green Local
Hello Friends,
All the reason to purchase a recycled polyester bag that is made in the USA from 4 tw0-liter plastic soda bottles:
THE DANGERS OF PLASTIC BAGS
Be Environmentally Cool,
Head Local
Green Local
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