order writing craziness

What's up with Fall 05 orders due this January!!! For the past 2 -3 years the deadlines have been creeping back, back, back. We are looking at product as early as the beginning of Nov - it's nuts I tell ya!
Orders are due 3 weeks before the SIA and OR shows - STOP THE MADNESS!

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Geeks and Gear Part 2

Underneath their pointy glasses and pocket protectors, geeks are just like snowboarders. They wanna be cool and play with techy stuff at the same time. So they've reviewed the Burton Headphone Beanie. Kind of. You know they bro'd out and lit up before reviewing it--just look at that kid.

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VF Corporation Update: TNF, Jansport, Vans, Napapijri

Announced Yesterday from the desk of Mike Egeck...

VF OUTDOOR - AMERICAS ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sales of our Outdoor Coalition will grow more than 60% in this year and
we're planning for another strong year in 2005. The key to achieving these
results is great people. Today we are pleased to announce the following
organizational changes to support the continued growth of our Outdoor
businesses.

JanSport

Mike Corvino has been promoted to President, JanSport. For over fifteen
years Mike has been a key contributor to the success of various VF brands,
most recently serving as VP Sales and Merchandising for VF Imagewear. Mike
will report to Mike Egeck, and will be relocating to San Leandro,
California, where the JanSport business will be headquartered in 2005.

Todd Yates has assumed the responsibility of Vice President of RD&D and
Marketing for JanSport. Most recently Todd was Vice President, Marketing
and Business Development for The North Face. He will be involved in
leading and managing the strategic business initiatives for JanSport
marketing, product design and development. Todd will report to Mike
Corvino.

Paula Kosmatka has been promoted to Design Director, JanSport Apparel and
Equipment. Paula's most recent role was as Merchandising and Design
Director for The North Face New Business Development. Paula has extensive
outdoor design and merchandising experience with Marmot, EMS, Simms, Land's
End, and Woolrich. Paula will report to Todd Yates.

Vans

Bill Bettencourt has been appointed Vice President, Footwear and Equipment.
For the past six years Bill has been the co-owner and President of Arena
North America, the exclusive distributor for Arena swimwear in the U.S.
Prior to joining Arena he spent nine years with Reebok International,
serving in several executive footwear and marketing positions in Asia and
the U.S., most recently as Vice President, Global Marketing and including
start ups in both Taiwan and China. Mike will report to Steve Murray,
President of Vans.

Terri Miller has been promoted to Vice President, Apparel. For the past
year, Terri has served as Senior Director of Vans Retail Merchandise and
Planning. Prior to joining Vans she held a similar post at Coldwater Creek
after working at Disney Gallery Store, Cherokee, and Anchor Blue in each
company's retail divisions. Terri will also report to Steve Murray.

Michael Schulam has been promoted to Category Director Snow and Outerwear
Apparel, Vans. Mike transfers after serving a transition role as Product
Director for the Napapijri acquisition. Prior to Napapijri he held the
position of Product Director, Sportswear at The North Face where he was
instrumental in growing the business 200% over the last five years. Prior
to joining The North Face Mike held positions at Tommy Hilfiger and
Starter. Mike will report to Terri Miller.

Deborah Dyson joins Vans apparel division as Director of Development and
Quality Assurance after spending more than two years with VF Corporation's
Imagewear division. Prior to joining VF, Deborah was Category Business
Director, Nike ACG Action Sports. Deborah will report to Donald Peterson,
VP Operations.

Napapijri

Mike Boyle has joined VF Outdoor as Vice President/General Manager
Napapijri, Americas. Over the last 20 years Mike has served in a number of
key sales and merchandising roles at Merona Sports, Boston Traders, The
Timberland Company, Columbia Sportswear, and most recently he served as
Vice President of Sales for the U.S. launch of Victorinox/Swiss Army
Apparel. Mike will report to Mike Egeck.

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Wolf Creek, Colorado Needs Your Help

Some belligerent Texan with too much money and time on his hands is out to ruin yet another little slice of Colorado Heaven.

The Forest Service is set to give approval for an enormous village at the base of Wolf Creek Ski Area. A development that the ski area is decidedly against. Wolf Creek is one of the coolest little ski areas in Colorado, and one of the only spots in Colorado to regularly receive big Utah-style dumps.

Info:
http://www.friendsofwolfcreek.org/

Send a letter to help the cause:
http://www.coloradowild.default.net/

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Sheahan ditches Kelty for Patagonia

Casy Sheahan, former Kelty president, has taken a job with Patagonia as the company's newest Product Line Director. He will be responsible for Patagonia's Fishing division as well as the Paddling Division (lotus designs). His new job starts in January.

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Sheahan ditches Kelty for Patagonia

Casy Sheahan, former Kelty president, has taken a job with Patagonia as the company's newest Product Line Director. He will be responsible for Patagonia's Fishing division as well as the Paddling Division (lotus designs). His new job starts in January.

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The OIWC announces the finalists for the Pioneering Woman Awards

Every year nominations are rounded up for a woman within the industry that has distinguished herself as a mentor to other women. The three finalists are Kim Coupounas, GoLite LLC, Ann Krcik of Extreme Connection and Jeannie Thoren of Thoren Theory Seminars. The winner will be revealed Jan 31 at the OR Winter gathering. The winner will receive $1000 donation to the charity of their choice. Check out this link for more info on these ladies and the award:

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/press.outdoor.php?news_id=911&sort_year=2004

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Spyder pulls out of Garts/TSA for Fall 05

You will no longer see Spyder at your local Garts. In a recent business decision Spyder has chosen to no longer sell their product to Garts/TSA beginning Fall 05. They would like to keep a focus on specialty ski retailers. What does this mean? Maybe smaller profits, but will they do what they set out to do and own the Specialty Ski Outerwear business?

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Men's Journal names Backcountry.com one of 25 Best Outdoor Stores

Here's the plug in the January, 05 issue:

"With the widest range of premium gear available -- like the Suunto Titanium X6HRT ($1,000), below-- and superb customer service (phones are manned by Utah gearheads), Backcountry.com is the go-to site for serious adventurers."

Read about it here.

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Nothing Says Camping Like Fresh Ice Cream

I always had such I hard time strapping my ice cream churn to my backpack. But now, thanks to the Camper's Dream, I've shaved pounds off my pack. At first I thought the joke was in the name, but then I saw the retailer link. Just pack up the Dream, the kids, the cream, and the ice and head for the hills.

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