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ISSUE 1228 JULY 16, 2012 NEWS & INFORMATION FOR THE RUNNING & TRIATHLON MARKET

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Page 1: SGB Performance 1228

ISSUE 1228JULY 16, 2012

NEWS & INFORMATION FOR THE RUNNING & TRIATHLON MARKET

Page 2: SGB Performance 1228

FOR 45 YEARS WE’VE BEEN DRIVING INSOLE TECHNOLOGY FORWARD. Now, building on the success of our best-selling TOTAL SUPPORT™ Insole, we’ve built two

new products your customers will love. "Thin" offers low-volume support without sacrifice.

"Max" provides maximum support and cushioning. Our New TOTAL SUPPORT™ Line gives

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For more info or to request a sample, call 1-800-877-3626 or visit spenco.com

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Page 3: SGB Performance 1228

JULY 16, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 3

NEWS & INFORMATION FOR THE RUNNING & TRIATHLON MARKET

Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB PERFORMANCE are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB PERFORMANCE is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB PERFORMANCE may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB PERFORMANCE is published monthly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB PERFORMANCE , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450

JULY 16, 2012ISSUE 1228

8

Tony Post, Vibram USA CEO in front of the Newbury Street flagship store on an Italian scooterCOVER

Panther's Quaterback and NFL Rookie of the year in 2011, Cam Newton, wearing the Under Armour Spine RPM

Senior Business EditorThomas J. Ryan

[email protected]

Contributing EditorsAaron Bible, Fernando J. Delgado,

Mackenzie Lobby, Charlie Lunan, Matt Powell

Creative DirectorTeresa Hartford

[email protected] (x105)

Graphic DesignerCamila Amortegui

[email protected] 704.987.3450 (x103)

Special Projects ManagerDao Huynh

[email protected] (x109)

President, Sports & OutdoorPaul Gagner

[email protected]

VP Business Development / EastBarry Gauthier

[email protected]

VP Business Development / WestBarry Schrimsher

[email protected]

VP Marketing / Product DevelopmentGregg Hartley

[email protected]

Chief Information OfficerMark Fine

[email protected] (x224)

Advertising Sales Account Manager / Northeast

Buz [email protected]

201.887.5112

Advertising Sales Account Managers / Midwest

Barry Kingwill & Jim [email protected]@sportsonesource.com

847.537.9196

Advertising Sales Account Manager / Southeast

Katie O'[email protected]

828.244.3043

Circulation & [email protected]

Group PublisherEditor In ChiefJames Hartford

[email protected]

2151 Hawkins Street • Suite 200 • Charlotte • NC • 28203t. 704-987-3450 • f. 704-987-3455

www.SportsOneSource.com

SportsOneSource PublicationsPrint Magazine: SGB

Digital Magazines: SGB Weekly, SGB PerformanceTEAM Business

Newsletters: The B.O.S.S. ReportSports Executive Weekly

Weekly Updates: SGB, Footwear Business, Outdoor Business, Sportsman’s Business, TEAM Business

SportsOneSource ResearchSportScanInfo, OIA VantagePoint,

SOS Research

NEWS 4 VF OUTDOOR Opens State-Of-The-Art, Sustainable Headquarters 6 MIZUNO USA Welcomes Doug Smiley As Its New Running Footwear Business Unit Manager and Announces The Mezamashii Run Project SPOTLIGHT

8 CW-X Expands Bra and Tri Apparel Offerings ZOOT SPORTS Introduces THERMOmegaheat+ Compression Apparel

FEATURES 10 LESS EXTREME MINIMALISM EMERGES - Consumer Demand Continues To Drive The Movement. 14 UNDER ARMOUR SPINE RPM Lightweight Running Shoe Gets Support From A Multifaceted "This Is How We Run" Marketing Campaign. DEPARTMENTS

18 Job Classifieds

Photo courtesy of CW-X

Page 4: SGB Performance 1228

4 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

VF Outdoor, a subsidiary of VF Corporation, opened its new corporate headquarters in Alameda, CA, on July 10. The new headquarters is the home of leading lifestyle apparel brands The North Face, JanSport and Lucy. The 14-acre campus is the culmination of one the largest construction projects in VF Corporation’s history, and represents a commitment to their associates, community and the environment. VF Outdoor houses more than 470 employees at the new campus, making it one of the Top 10 largest private sector employers in the City of Alameda.

The company was heavily influenced by employee input in the design of the head-quarters, led by a group of employee task-forces that provided consultation. As a result, several features were incorporated in the campus, including:

• A 1,000 square-foot fitness center and outdoor training area;

• An on-campus bike shop and equip-ment gear lockers;

• A café featuring healthy and organic food that will also host cooking class-es and chef demonstrations;

• A community vegetable garden for em-ployee harvests, which will also provide fresh produce for the café, and

• An emphasis on ‘bringing the outside in’ by maximizing the amount of natu-ral sunlight at indoor workspaces.

passion and expertise to create the next gen-eration of industry-leading apparel, footwear and outdoor equipment that our customers have come to expect from us.”

The campus also includes several sustain-ability features that align with the company’s dedication to outdoor preservation and envi-ronmental responsibility. The campus gener-ates 100 percent of its anticipated electricity needs through a combination of photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines, while com-plying with LEED Gold standards. In addition, a state-of-the-art, indirect-direct, evapora-tive cooling (IDEC) HVAC system circulates 100 percent fresh air without the use of emission-causing coolants. The headquarters also features electric vehicle charging stations and is conveniently located near public trans-portation to encourage associates to consider alternative commuting methods.

“We are thrilled to welcome the VF Outdoor family to our Alameda community,” said Marie Gilmore, mayor of Alameda. "The JanSport, Lucy and The North Face brands’ commit-ment to sustainability and passion for the out-doors mirror those of our local residents. We look forward to the contributions VF Outdoor will make to the local business community and economic well-being of our city.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome our VF Outdoor associates to our new home in Alameda,” said Steve Rendle, group president of VF Outdoor and Action Sports Americas. "Today culminates nearly four years of thoughtful design and planning. Our new campus reflects our team’s unique culture and passion for the outdoors. VF Outdoor includes many of VF’s fastest-growing businesses and the co-location of the JanSport, Lucy and The North Face brands at one central campus will lead to even greater product innovation, collaboration and business growth.”

The new headquarters are intended to fos-ter collaboration and innovation across the multiple brands that operate there. Specific attention was paid to details that would break down the boundaries between individual brands and encourage employees to share ideas and resources.

“At VF, we focus heavily on maximizing resources to develop new products that will exceed our customers’ expectations. As a re-sult, we push the boundaries of collaboration and research,” said Eric Wiseman, Chairman and CEO of VF Corporation. “The VF Outdoor Alameda headquarters exemplifies our dedi-cation to providing cutting-edge work environ-ments that allow our associates to pool their

VF OUTDOOR OPENS

STATE-OF-THE-ART, SUSTAINABLE

HEADQUARTERS

NEWS

VF Outdoor group president Steve Rendle stands in one of the outdoor workspace areas. Photo by Renee Frojo

Page 5: SGB Performance 1228

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Page 6: SGB Performance 1228

6 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

NEWS

Doug Smiley has joined Mizuno USA, Inc., as the company’s new running footwear business unit manager. Smiley comes to Mizuno after a 10-year career at City Sports, Inc., where he most recently served as running footwear buyer. His new role at Mizuno includes planning and executing seasonal footwear lines and developing market leading running footwear in conjunction with its global footwear group at Mizuno Corporate in Osaka, Japan.

“Doug is well respected within the industry and has extensive experience in the running retail environment,” said Rod Foley, director of product management for running, Mizuno USA. “His wealth of experience, impressive background, and leadership abilities, will enable Mizuno’s running footwear business to continue to grow and succeed.”

Mizuno USA also announced its public launch of The Mezamashii Run Project, an organic word-of-mouth running community at mizunousa.com/mezamashiirunproject.

Mezamashii, meaning “brilliant” in Japanese, is meant to provide a two-way dialogue for members with Mizuno and an opportunity to influence the future direction of both product and marketing. By becoming a member, consumers will get designer Q&A sessions, sneak peeks of new Mizuno products, wear-test opportunities, and behind-the-scenes video content. Members can also earn a chance to win a pair of Mizuno shoes, and an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 Osaka Marathon in Japan, of which Mizuno is an official sponsor.

The initial phase of The Mezamashii Run Project began in May, when groups of hand-picked “running influencers” were mailed exclusive, individually numbered invitations, granting them access to The Mezamashii Community via a secure website. Once registered, invitees could redeem their complimentary pair of Mizuno running shoes and were also given the opportunity to invite others into the community to claim their own footwear. With the initial community gaining traction, the general public is now invited to join.

“The Mezamashii Run Project is about helping runners enjoy more brilliant running,” said Fritz Taylor, vice president and general manager, Mizuno USA Running. “We are excited about the evolution of the campaign and encourage runners to come join us.”

MIZUNO USA WELCOMES DOUG SMILEY AS ITS NEW RUNNING FOOTWEAR BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER AND ANNOUNCES THE MEZAMASHII RUN PROJECT

Doug Smiley is Mizuno's running manager in the U.S.

Mezamashii Run Project, “an organic word-of-mouth running community that brings brilliant running to life.”

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8 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

SPOTL IGHT

CW-X EXPANDS BRA AND TRI APPAREL OFFERINGS

CW-X, celebrating its 10th Anniversary, continues to expand its collection The Xtra Support Bra III, features a reinforced Soft Support System, hook and loop rear closure, and webbing at the back for added support. Available in two colors and sized up to 38DD. Also added to the CW-X bra line are the Xtempo Support Bra in black with rainbow piping, and the VersatX Support Bra in white with rainbow piping.

The triathlon line for men and women also expanded with the Pro Tri Shorts, Ventilator StabilyX Tri Shorts and Ventilator Web Tri Top. The Pro Tri Shorts offer muscle support above the knees, a lightweight fleece chamois, and a streamlined racing waistband for a lower rise. The Ventilator StabilyX Tri Shorts provide substantial muscle and core support; mesh ventila-tion panels over the quadriceps and a lightweight fleece chamois.

The men’s Pro line expanded further with a black/grey/blue colorway for the successful Pro Short. The women’s collection will grow with four new three-quarter length tights: the Revolution, StabilyX, Ventilator and PerformX.

ZOOT SPORTS INTRODUCES THERMOMEGAHEAT+

COMPRESSION APPAREL

Another tool to help athletes brave the winter cold, Zoot Sports expanded their CompressRx line of compression apparel to include Per-formance CompressRx THERMOmegaheat+ tights and a mock for men and women.

The new collection was designed using graduated compression, meaning greater pressure at the farthest part of the limb from the heart. The pressure gradually decreases as it gets closer to the heart accelerating blood flow to where it can be re-oxygenated. The new collection also features Zoot’s MEGA-HEAT, a multifaceted technology that keeps athletes warm by hyper-wicking moisture away from the body. The sweat itself gen-erates heat through a thermal reaction, and amplifies the sun’s ultraviolet rays into read-ily accessible heat.

Zoot noted that research showed Com-pressRx provided active advantage during exercise, with a 29 percent decrease in lac-tic acid build up and 25 percent reduction in perceived effort.

“Scientifically tested compression technol-ogy has become a necessity for many ath-letes,” said Molly Kline, marketing director, Zoot Sports. “We knew it was time to take the benefits of targeted compression into winter combining our proven THERMOmegaheat technology and CompressRx designs.”

Photo courtesy of CW-X

Page 10: SGB Performance 1228

10 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

Pat O'Malley, SVP of global product at Saucony, believes the new “sweet spot” is represented by its Natural Series found in the Kinvara and the Mirage that have a lower heel-to-forefoot offset, more flexibility than traditional running shoes, and are ultra-lightweight. At the same time they provide protection from manmade elements and the pounding that runners routinely sustain.

“You get the benefits of the lower profile found in a minimal shoe and the technologies and cushioning benefits that have evolved over the years.” O’Malley stressed that despite the hype, minimalism has not taken over.

Saucony continues to do “big volume” with franchised models such as the Guide, Triumph, Ride and Hurricane in the run specialty channel. The “significant” growth in its Natural Series shows that many runners are looking to have a different running experience – albeit with shoes that provide some protection.

“They’ve read a lot about minimal and they want to explore it. This is the way for them to do it without a high risk of injury,” said O'Malley. Usage also varies. While some runners have fully transitioned over, others are viewing minimal models as a two-to-three-day-a-week training tool while still relying on their conventional shoes for the majority of their runs.

For Spring 2013, a new addition to the Natural Series is the Virrata,

combining a 0mm heel-to-forefoot offset with a 18mm midsole of high abrasion EVA+ foam - a lighter alternative to rubber - to make the shoe 1.2 ounces lighter than the Kinvara 3.

“The Virrata has zero heel-to-forefoot differential. It’s the same thickness in the heel as in the forefoot in an extremely lightweight 6.5 ounces,” said O'Malley. “It works the lower legs, the calves, and the Achilles. It gives you a lot of the same benefits of what extreme minimalism gives but then it offers a significant amount of cushioning and protection from the pounding of running.”

Other brands are also gunning for that sweet spot between a natural, deconstructed running experience and improved cushioning.

LESS EXTREME MINIMALISM EMERGES

While growth in some of the “extreme” minimalist product has slowed down, consumer demand continues to drive the movement.

By Thomas J. Ryan

Saucony Virrata MSRP $90

Page 11: SGB Performance 1228

JULY 16, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 11

New Balance is updating its Minimus running collection with the all-new Minimus 10v2 featuring a Vibram Road Lite outsole. Flexibility in key areas and rubber placement in others allows the foot to strike naturally, without sacrificing proper form. The midsole heights were lowered by 2mm, bringing the foot closer to the ground. Key areas have been sculpted to reduce weight and increase flexibility. The introduction of RevLite cushioning foam offers a bouncy feel underfoot.

Brooks Sports will unveil the second iteration of its PureProject collection, including a new shoe, the PureDrift featuring a remov-able 4mm drop insole that when removed, reduces it to a zero drop. It includes a dual toe flex located at the three functional points of the foot for increased joint articulation

and a sleek anatomical upper of breathable mesh enhancing the shoe's featherweight qualities.

“As we thought about what was next, our focus shifted to honing in on fit, and designing a lighter, more flexible shoe,” said Andre Kriwet, director of footwear product manage-ment at Brooks. “Every detail of the PureDrift is engineered to allow the entire shoe to work with the foot in a more natural way. The runner drives the experience and the foot drives the shoe.”

Pearl Izumi will unveil Project E:Motion, a new collection that promises a smoother sensation through an ever-changing heel to ball-of-the-foot offset throughout the stride.

Karhu is introducing the lightest weight, most minimally constructed shoe in its line-up with the Flow Light. The shoe continues to play up its fulcrum technology that reduces excess vertical or horizontal movement to help runners land and push off with better body positioning and forward lean.

Merrell is broadening its minimalist effort with the launch of the M-Connect series that covers everything from running, trail running, outside fitness, training and hiking. Merrell's testing found that even hikers could benefit from the stability the foot and body gains from greater surface contact with the ground. The M-Connect series represents its single biggest product launch in Wolverine Worldwide’s history.

Under M-Connect, Merrell Barefoot gets a major update with a heightened ground feel and new upper design for running and fitness. Bare Access, its transitional series, also received a design update. It offers greater ground connection and a new upper design but continues to be a minimally cushioned shoe with 8mm of M-Bound cushioning.

New Balance Minimus 10v2 MSRP $110

Brooks PureDrift MSRP $100

Merrell Bare Access MSRP $90

Pearl Izumi EM ROAD N 2 MSRP $120

Karhu Flow Light FulcrumMSRP $110

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12 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

Several major brands are not directly addressing the minimalist or “natural motion” movement but ever-lighter and less-constructed models are answering elements of the trend. Taking learnings from the minimalist side, both New Balance and Saucony have reduced the heel-to-toe offset in some of their franchised models and other brands also appear to be experimenting with lower drops.

“Our Natural Series is helping us learn more about how the body reacts when the foot strikes the ground and how to transition from heel-to-forefoot better,” said Saucony’s O'Malley. “We’re incorporating all those findings into our franchise model updates.”

The most obvious change over the years in running shoes has been the push for lighter shoes. Saucony has taken one to four ounces out of its franchised models. ”Over a 10-mile run, that’s a lot of weight,” remarked O'Malley. “The materials are getting better and we’re able to provide the same protection as before but in a much lighter package.”

Zoot came to the footwear market six years ago with lightweight and low-profile models because it needed a running shoe for bikers tackling triathlons.

“The triathlete runs differently especially when the run is immedi-ately off the bike,” said Dave Jewell, Zoot Sports’ footwear product manager. “This caused us to look at the function and the feel of our shoes. We started with lower drops and lower stack heights because weight is an issue when heavy cycling legs are involved.“

For Spring 2013, Zoot will release the third edition of the Ultra Kalani and unveil the Ultra Race 4.0 that pays attention to fit. “Our Ultra Fit upper is like no other fit in running,” said Jewell. “Virtually any foot can slide into the Ultra Fit and find instant comfort. The Boa dynamic lacing system secures the foot with even foot pressure 360 degrees around.”

Despite the disruption it’s caused in the marketplace, O'Malley believes the minimal movement continues to be healthy since the science and testing is helping designers deliver shoes that strengthen

Asics will introduce a second version of its GEL-Lyte33 lightweight series that many consider to be their version of minimal and it will update the GEL-Kayano reducing it by a half-ounce in total weight.

Puma’s Faas 500 v2 weighs in at an ounce lighter than its predecessor and shifts to a 4mm heel-to-toe drop from 12mm.

Adidas extends its Crazy Light series, which claims to be the lightest basketball sneaker at 9.8 ounces, to run with the launch of Crazy Fast. Its just-released the Adizero Feather 2 running shoe weighing 6.7 ounces.

The Sof Sole Airr® family of insoles.

Sof Sole Airr® insoles utilize air chambers in the arch and heel to convert impact into kinetic energy that propels you through every foot strike.

• Absorbs impact forces while maintaining propulsion and efficiency.

• 7% more energy return than PU & EVA Foams.

• Gel reduces shear within shoe.

• Lightweight design with Coolmax® cover maximizes breathability.

The Sole of Performance™

T h e A i r r O

r t h o t i c I n s o l e

Performance RunsIn Our Family

sofsole.com/Airr

a runner’s body. “Five years ago if you told runners that you could run in a shoe like the Kinvara every day and it was only 7.7 ounces, they’d be shocked,” said O'Malley. “But today they are and it’s not likely we will see an uptick in injuries. That’s a real positive.”

His concern is that the established and the newer brands are now jumping on the strong trend. That causes confusion, including some Saucony models being lumped in with the more extreme models, as well as battles over various claims. Oversaturating the market with simi-lar product can dilute the enthusiasm runners are finding discovering a fresh approach to the sport. Said O'Malley, “You’d hate to see the exciting ‘trend’ be the downfall of something that’s been good for runners.” ■

Asics GEL-Lyte33 MSRP $90

Asics GEL-Kayano 19 MSRP $150

Puma Faas 500 v2 MSRP $100

Adidas Crazy Fast MSRP $100

Zoot Ultra Kalani 3.0 MSRP $140

Zoot Ultra Race 4.0 MSRP $180

Page 13: SGB Performance 1228

The Sof Sole Airr® family of insoles.

Sof Sole Airr® insoles utilize air chambers in the arch and heel to convert impact into kinetic energy that propels you through every foot strike.

• Absorbs impact forces while maintaining propulsion and efficiency.

• 7% more energy return than PU & EVA Foams.

• Gel reduces shear within shoe.

• Lightweight design with Coolmax® cover maximizes breathability.

The Sole of Performance™

T h e A i r r O

r t h o t i c I n s o l e

Performance RunsIn Our Family

sofsole.com/Airr

Adidas Crazy Fast MSRP $100

Page 14: SGB Performance 1228

UNDER ARMOUR

Kevin Plank, president and CEO, Under Armour, holding the new Spine RPM

Page 15: SGB Performance 1228

JULY 16, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 15

ringing out some big name athletes, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Olympic gold medalist skier Lindsey Vonn, and Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker to a media event in New York City, Under Armour recently showcased its new Spine RPM footwear collection.

Weighing in at 9.7 ounces, the sneaker features an articulated outsole shaped to mimic the curvature of the spine to provide flex-ibility and lightweight characteristics and promises to provide the support that runner’s need.

At the event Kevin Plank, president and CEO, heralded the shoe as its “greatest introduction” in footwear that they will back through the year with their biggest marketing campaign around footwear to date.

"This is a transformative moment for the brand and for the per-formance footwear landscape as the Under Armour Spine is bringing athletes a technology system designed to allow them to run with a purpose and push the boundaries of training,” said Plank.

David Dombrow, Under Armour’s senior creative director, foot-wear, told SGB Performance that the inspiration for the shoe came as Under Armour’s footwear team looked at shoe walls and noticed

a sharp demarcation between lightweights versus structured mod-els. “We all shook our heads and said, ‘Why does this have to be so black and white?’ Most consumers need both. They need to be light and need a little bit of structure,” said Dombrow.

That set them on a path to offer a solution that was flexible at certain points and rigid in others like the human spine, which Dom-brow termed “the most dynamic motion system ever created.” Said Dombrow, “We wanted to create a structural frame that supported the athlete’s every move but removed all the unnecessary material to bring the weight down.”

The foundation of the Spine is the Spine Cage, which features a cored-out chassis and the removal of unnecessary material to create the “ultimate sense of flex just like your spine” without sacrificing sup-port, said Dombrow. The lightweight heel counter and spine chassis keeps the foot locked into place over the Micro G foam platform for a smooth transition from heel-to-toe. Micro G’s low-to-the-ground cush-ioning provides an ultra-responsive ride for natural stability and com-fort. Seamless construction offers structural support at the mid-foot and forefoot and enhances comfort and keeps weight to a minimum.

B

UNDER ARMOURSPINE RPM

Under Armour’s new lightweight running shoe gets support from a multifaceted "This is How We Run" marketing campaign.

By Thomas J. Ryan

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16 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

Gene McCarthy, Under Armour’s SVP of footwear, discussed the challenges Under Armour faced since entering the footwear category with football cleats seven years ago. One obstacle has been that Under Armour is one of the few brands to establish itself as an apparel resource before branching out into footwear, reversing the traditional “toe-to-head” route of footwear brands extending into apparel. The bigger issue has been that the highly competitive industry doesn’t need a new footwear brand. McCarthy noted, “There’s a ‘No Vacancy’ sign in the industry and there’s also a ferocious dog at the gate. But that’s okay. Under Armour loves a challenge and a fight.”

Under Armour apparel fans have long clamored to see Under Armour footwear. McCarthy said the brand had permission to move into footwear as long as it brought “something unique” to shoe walls. With Spine RPM, he feels the company has come up with a distinctive point of view with its message between lightweight and structure.

“Technically, we like to talk about the shoe as ‘athlete designed.’ And by that we mean we have the right amount of support and

structure where and when you need it and just the right amount of agility and flexibility where and when you need it - just like your spine,” McCarthy told SGB Performance.

The Under Armour Spine footwear col-lection is now available worldwide at nearly 3,000 for men, women and kids.

"This Is How We Run" marketing campaign debuted in July and includes a 30-second broadcast spot and an extended 60-second online version, digital media, in-store and billboard inventory, as well as support on various social media channels. In addition to Brady, Walker and Vonn, the NFL’s Rookie of the Year for 2011, Cam Newton, and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones are fea-tured in the campaign.

McCarthy said the shoe is not aimed at the run specialty channel and admitted that Under Armour had not had “the product that we thought was unique enough for the consumer.” As a former Olympic Trial semi-finalist, McCarthy recognized the value of run specialty firsthand and stressed it’s a channel Under Armour planned to take “very seriously” in coming seasons.

Its Charge RC line launched last fall gained

traction in run specialty and the Defy collec-tion will be aimed there this fall. McCarthy said Under Armour is planning to “reintro-duce ourselves” to run specialty over the next 18-to-24 months with a more extensive and technology-loaded range.

“We have three platforms,” said McCarthy. “We believe you should go fast. We believe you should go far. And we believe you should go natural. By Spring 2013, you will see us participating in a big way in each of these different performance silos.”

Overall, McCarthy said Under Armour’s first run focus will be to reach younger consum-ers “growing up with the brand and that we’re their viable option” for running footwear. For the mature customer, Under Armour recog-nizes that customers are loyal to their favorite running brands and are looking to position Under Armour as a “second option” for them.

“We’re not foolish,” said McCarthy. “For the consumer who’s loyal to other brands, we want to be part of the conversation when they’re contemplating trying something else. At the same time, we’re going to groom a whole new generation of athletes who grew up with Under Armour.” ■

Under Armour Spine RPM

From L to R: Lindsey Vonn, Kevin Plank, Tom Brady and Kemba Walker

Page 17: SGB Performance 1228

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Page 18: SGB Performance 1228

Polar Electro Inc.Account Manager - Team Sports & Athletics

The Account Manager is responsible for sales performance in the national Team Sports and Athletics channels. Primary responsibilities include meeting monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales revenue and margin objectives, excellent phone and follow up skills, ability to handle outgoing and incoming phone calls for the majority of the day, establishing and nurturing…

Columbia SportswearAssociate Apparel Designer - Outerwear

The Associate Apparel Designer for Outerwear provides design support for a designated designer(s) and other members of the department with regard to design, development and production. You will oversee carryover styles and styles with slight modifications to design requirements. Participates as a team member in creating, tracking, organizing, and proofing product related information…

Easton-Bell SportsDirector, Advanced Concepts

The primary responsibility of this position is to lead both the U.S. and Far East Advanced Concepts Teams toward product solutions that strategically fit within each of our key helmet brands and category brand plans. This position quickly identifies opportunities in materials, geometry, construction, manufacturability or other new technologies applicability in our product lines and develops plans, assembles internal and external teams…

Brooks SportsKey Account Sales Manager

The Key Account Sales Manager is responsible for sales performance of key accounts; establishes sales goals, strategies, and budgets relative to these accounts and channels to assure goal achievement through direct contact with buyers and merchandisers. This position requires extensive travel to all required meetings and trade shows to achieve sales goals. Primary responsibilities include…

MC SportsMerchandise Planner

The Merchandise Planner will manage all activities necessary to support the Merchandise division in requested analysis, communications, advertising, and price management. You will be responsible for managing all activities necessary to support stores in maintaining PLU accuracy, sales and inventory planning, and coordinating new store opening processes…

Sport DimensionKey Account Coordinator

The Key Accounts Coordinator manages major accounts and everything from planning to allocation to analyzing. The position requires a comprehensive knowledge of the business. Primary responsibilities include providing support to the VP of Sales, composing monthly sales reports, pulling samples, attending sales presentations, and anticipating needs…

Marmot Mountain, LLCFinancial Analyst

The Financial Analyst reports to the Senior VP of Finance/Operations and is responsible for leading the Financial Planning and Analysis function. Responsibilities include building and maintaining the annual budget consisting of a complete P&L and Balance Sheet from top to bottom. This position is also responsible for completing various reporting to corporate…

BE REAL ShoesBe Real Shoes Sales Rep

Connected reps needed for “green,” Made In The USA, barefoot shoe line with exclusive recycled and patented sole. Responsible for selling second generation of Be Real Shoes, with new “Dermi-Sole,” to specialty stores including running, hiking, adventure, outdoor, leisure, and help set-up immediate appointments for trade shows…

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT 704.987.3450 OR [email protected]

Mountain HardwearDesigner II, Women’s Outerwear

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function in the company. Research worldwide marketplace and interpret consumer and market needs as they relate to product categories. Includes researching fabric, color, and design concepts and collecting feedback from customers and sales representatives…

TO READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CLICK ON JOB TITLE

OBJ .COM

Page 19: SGB Performance 1228

THE

RISE OF

OUTDOOR

To exhibit or attend, go to outdoorretailer.com/SGB––– SUMMER MARKET –––

“The energy at this show was tremendous

and it rebooted everything for me as I head back to my store.

Talking with the manufacturers I work with, their business results

are up. Our sales are up. People are excited.”

– Shelley O’Neill, Tooth of Time Traders

SHOW • AUGUST 2-5, 2012Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

DEMO • AUGUST 1, 2012Jordanelle State Park, Heber City, UT

Page 20: SGB Performance 1228

20 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 16, 2012

GAME TIME.GAME TEETH.

SH

OC

KD

OC

TO

R.C

OM

AKEEM AYERSlinebackerTennessee Titans