Soles By MICHELIN: Advanced Ground Control

HONG KONG, China — January 26, 2018 — Innovation, technology and research have been the pillars of Michelin for more than 250 years, to which is added an experience in ground contact that is unique in the world. This know-how, following the same principle that guides the production of tires is also shared by Michelin Technical Soles, which develops solutions applicable to the world of soles for optimum performance on all types of terrain. Many leading brands in Motorsports, Outdoors, Active Sports, Winter Sports, Indoor Sports, Running, Trend Sports, Nature Sports, Water Sports and Work & Safety, have entrusted Michelin Technical Soles with the creation of custom footwear for their target consumers.

Thanks to the ability to bring reliable innovation and performance to the footwear market, everyday Michelin is chosen as a strategic partner by new brands — today there are 60 — for the creation of top collections. Michelin’s strong point is the ability to analyze the behavior of a tire in ground contact, whatever the terrain. The real challenge is transferring skills from the world of tires to the footwear sector.

The most advanced solution for the production of lighter and thinner outsoles, thus reducing the footwear’s total weight, is achieved through a high temperature compression molding process of textile fibers on to the rubber, creating a light tread, and a thin, flexible and stable base, that does not affect the performance, but rather improves the interaction and adaptability to different types of ground surface. Ride, historical Michelin partner and one of the first to have believed in the French company’s soles, decided to adopt this knowhow for two new snowboard boots: Karmyn and Deadbolt. The ‘fiber lite’ sole with which the two models are equipped is the ideal solution in terms of lightness and flexibility, able to best accompany the movement of the foot on the board. Inspired by two mountain bike tyres, it features solid lugs and reinforcements that increase traction and grip. Tread design gives excellent stability and abrasion resistance.

A solution which delivers traction on ice and on hard snow routes, whilst maintaining the same performance on different terrain types even after long use, is obtained thanks to a specific balance between the viscoelastic properties of rubber and the mechanical behavior on the ground generated by the profile of the sole, comparable to the tread of the tire. The 100-percent rubber compound maintains flexibility at medium and lower temperatures, allowing the natural flexing of the foot during walking. Columbia was the first producer of technical footwear to believe in the new solution, implementing it in two lines of the collection currently on the market and products that have been confirmed for the next winter season including a new ankle boot which will deliver total control and safely face the difficult conditions of winter. Perfect grip, flexibility and abrasion resistance are assured by the sole made with ‘ice control’ solution, which maintains a high level of performance to -30°C.

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Michelin Technical Soles

Jones Nonwovens Plant Ahead Of The Curve: Expansion Anticipates Demand For Natural Fiber Products

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — January 26, 2018 —  New production capabilities and capacity at the Jones Nonwovens plant in North Las Vegas positions the company to fulfill the rapidly growing demand for natural fiber and other sustainable fiber products for manufacturing and packaging. The new line increases the company’s overall capacity and doubles their capacity in North Las Vegas.

Jones can now create new and differentiated products with the new production line. Some of these products will target “comfort layers” in traditional mattress constructions and base support layers in one-sided mattress constructions.

Jones Nonwovens began production in North Las Vegas in early 2006. After more than a decade of successful growth, the company began planning to add capacity to serve the West Coast. The 2018 expansion was brought about in part by the need for thicker, more resilient products for mattresses. Jones has seen more and more of the products they have traditionally sold into the mattress industry being displaced by foam and man-made fiber. This expansion allows Jones to help manufacturers replace more foam and synthetic components with sustainable and natural materials.

“The investment in new manufacturing technology and innovation at our Nonwovens plant in North Las Vegas demonstrates the commitment of the Jones Family of Companies to meeting customer-driven demand for sustainable materials in bedding, packaging, and other markets,” said Richard Ayers, president and CEO, Jones Family of Companies.

The air lay technology used in the new line randomizes the fiber orientation rather than combing and paralleling the fibers. This gives much more spring or bounce to the fiber pad as opposed to traditional carding. Residual height is greatly enhanced.

Founded in 1936, Jones Family of Companies is a leader in the textile industry. The company was formed through a partnership between two brothers and today is led by a third generation family member and Senior Leadership Team committed to the same high standards as the founders. The company has two divisions: Jones Yarn and Jones Nonwovens.

Jones Nonwovens provides products for the sleep, furniture, packaging, acoustics, automotive and floor care industries. Jones Nonwovens actively participates in the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, the Southeastern Ginners Association, International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), Southern Textile Association, National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and the Specialty Sleep Association. They are committed to introducing new product innovations and responsible manufacturing.

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Jones Family of Companies

Walmart And Rakuten Announce New Strategic Alliance

BENTONVILLE, Ark./TOKYO — January 25, 2018 —  Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon and Rakuten Inc. Chairman, president and CEO Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani met in Tokyo today to announce a new strategic alliance that leverages each company’s unique strengths and assets to expand consumer reach and enhance how customers are served in Japan and the United States.

The collaboration includes the launch of a new online grocery delivery service in Japan beginning in the third quarter of 2018. In addition, Walmart and Rakuten Kobo Inc. have formed an exclusive retail alliance that will enable Walmart to begin selling eBooks and audiobooks, as well as offer Rakuten Kobo eReaders, in Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com in the United States starting later this year.

“Rakuten is a strong e-commerce business and we’re excited to collaborate with the top online shopping destination in Japan,” McMillon said. “Here in Japan and everywhere we operate, we’re constantly exploring new ways to make every day easier for customers by offering great experiences in stores, online, via mobile — no matter how customers want to shop. We look forward to expanding our grocery footprint in Japan and launching a new offering of eBooks and audiobooks for our customers in the U.S.”

Mikitani said: “As global leaders in e-commerce and offline shopping, Rakuten and Walmart are uniquely positioned to empower our customers around the world with innovative services. We are excited to partner with Walmart because of its commitment to creating the best solutions to serve customers with low prices.”

Japan online grocery delivery service

Rakuten and Seiyu GK, a subsidiary of Walmart, have reached a basic agreement to establish a joint venture with the aim of launching a new online grocery delivery service in Japan, to be known as “Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper.” The new service is planned to be launched in the latter half of 2018.

Rakuten and Seiyu will launch a new online grocery delivery service leveraging each of the companies’ strengths to offer a more convenient shopping experience that meets the changing needs of customers in Japan. Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper will aim to increase fulfillment capacity, enrich the merchandise offering and improve convenience for the customer. The service will aim to increase capacity in 2018 with the establishment of a dedicated fulfilment center, in addition to offering deliveries from Seiyu stores.

The new service’s merchandise offering will showcase Seiyu’s twin strengths of quality and low prices. To serve the needs of customers increasingly short on time for preparation, the service will include not only fresh produce and daily consumables but also a rich lineup of convenient items such as cut vegetables, partially-prepared foods and ready-meal kits, as well as popular local gourmet products from merchants on the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace.

Furthermore, the new service will utilize Rakuten’s deep expertise in e-commerce to offer a site with an optimized user experience, as well as leveraging big data and AI to offer a more personalized merchandise offering.

Customers using the new service will enjoy the benefit of being able to earn and use Rakuten Super Points, also allowing them to use their points on more than 70 services within the Rakuten ecosystem.

Rakuten Kobo U.S. eReading Service

As part of this alliance, Walmart will become Rakuten Kobo’s exclusive mass retail partner for the Kobo brand in the United States, offering Kobo’s nearly six million titles from thousands of publishers and hundreds of thousands of authors to Walmart.com customers. Walmart.com will offer eBooks and audiobooks for sale later this year. Walmart will also sell digital book cards in stores, enabling more than 4,000 stores to carry a broader selection of books for customers.

All eBook content will be accessible through a Walmart/Kobo co-branded app available on all iOS and Android devices, a desktop app and Kobo e-Readers, which will also be sold at Walmart later this year.

“Walmart is one of the top retailers in the world and one of the largest booksellers in the U.S. Our strategy from day one has been to partner with the world’s best retailers, so that they can easily offer their customers the option of reading digitally. This informs the software and devices we create, the books and authors we promote, and also the partnerships we build,” said Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn. “For us, this is another great opportunity to serve book lovers at Walmart, those people who make reading an important part of their lives.”

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Wal-Mart Stores

The Online Fast Fabric Sampling Tool “heiq it! ” For Fabric Managers

ZURICH, Switzerland — January 26, 2018 —  At the end of March, Switzerland-based HeiQ is going to go live with “heiq it!”, its one-of-a-kind Fast Fabric Sampling Tool. It is an online fabric configuration platform that enables fabric managers at textile brands to assemble premium customized fabrics with innovative HeiQ technologies. Brands can order dozens of meters of functional fabric samples or directly field trial testing tech-shirts. Within only two weeks, the configured fabric samples can be provided and thereby significantly speed up the innovation development and verification process. At ISPO Munich, interested fabric and innovation managers can get an exclusive preview into “heiq it!” and test the online sample configuration prototype at the HeiQ booth C3-402.

The textile brands’ product and fabric innovation development and verification process is usually cumbersome and lengthy, especially the sourcing of functional fabric samples used for real-life wearer trials. The Swiss textile innovator HeiQ surveyed dozens of fabric and innovation managers at textile brands to get an in-depth insight into the daily life processes of innovation and was confronted with a major unmet need: rapid verification of innovation ideas. Repeatedly respondents experienced a lead time of up to three months, from the first contact until receiving viable samples for prototyping and verification. Long sample verification times carry the risk of failure and missing the annual timeline for new innovations to launch.

In order to provide verified functional fabric samples quicker, HeiQ has developed “heiq it!,” a one-of-its-kind Fast Fabric Sampling Tool. “heiq it!” is an online fabric configuration platform enabling fabric managers at textile brands to get functional fabrics within two weeks. Once registered online, brands will have the possibility to choose a suitable fabric type and structure from HeiQ’s premium fabric library for their target garment. In a next step, the desired functionality combination is added from HeiQ’s wide range of textile technologies, like dynamic cooling, advanced UV protection and durable odor control. In a further step the testing and specifications are selected. And finally, “heiq it!” provides the option to either order dozens of meters of treated functional fabric or ready-to-test assembled half-side or fully treated tech-shirts to perform real-life wearer trials. Once the desired functional fabric sample has been configured and ordered, HeiQ’s application specialist in Switzerland starts to produce the sample and coordinates its performance verification testing.

Altogether, “heiq it!” is going to accelerate, simplify and standardize the functional fabric sample ordering process, leaving more time for the essential wearer trial testing and performance evaluation of brands’ next textile product innovation. Fabric managers at brands are empowered to fast-track the creation of novel and enhanced garments while reducing the risk of failures. HeiQ constantly strives for providing its brand partners with a first-in-class innovation and differentiation service support.

The backbone of the “heiq it!” Fast Fabric Sampling Tool is on the one hand a strong partnership and collaboration with some of the world’s leading premium fabric manufacturing mills like Sitip, Italy; Pontetorto, Italy; Tessitura Taiana Virgilio, Italy; Borgini Jersey, Italy; and E. Schellenberg Textildruck/Greuter Jersey, Switzerland, equipping the “heiq it!” fabric library, and on the other hand an advanced online product configuration system and a continuous Swiss pilot finishing line.

End of March, “heiq it!” is going to go live and will be available to innovation managers and fabric managers from textile brands globally. At ISPO Munich, interested fabric managers can already get an exclusive preview into the unique Swiss Fast Fabric Sampling Tool and test the prototype at the HeiQ booth C3-402.

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

New Universal Option In Archroma’s Smartrepel® Hydro Range Of Non-PFC Based Durable Water Repellent Protection

REINACH, Switzerland — January 26, 2018 —  Archroma, a global supplier of color and specialty chemicals, has introduced the latest addition to its  Smartrepel® Hydro series of highly biodegradable, non-PFC based durable water repellent protection.

Smartrepel Hydro is a nature-friendlier protection agent based on distinctive micro-encapsulated, highly biodegradable, non-PFC based technology offering exceptional, durable water repellency to polyester-, polyamide- and cotton-based textiles.

With the increasing demand for more sustainable clothing and gear, Smartrepel Hydro water repellent agents extend the benefits of high-performing, nature-friendlier protection to the full spectrum of fibers used in today’s outdoor and sportswear segments.

With Smartrepel Hydro AM, Archroma offers to brands, retailers and textile manufacturers a new, universal water repellent protection that is applicable on all fibers — cotton and synthetic, and their blends.

Smartrepel Hydro AM comes with a new advanced formulation.

  • The new grade offers the signature Smartrepel Hydro high performance standard: a perfect symbiosis of water protection, breathability and durability – with the soft hand-feel that is sought after by consumers;
  • The durability of the effect can be boosted with the application of a special formula, allowing brands and retailers to offer high performance gear to their brand fans; and
  • For textile manufacturers, the new formulation shows improved runnability and reduced roller buildup, allowing seamless application in both pad and exhaust application processes.

The range supports the increasing adoption of eco-advanced materials and production processes by brand owners and textile producers adhering to industry initiatives such as the ØZDHC program or eco-label standards such as bluesign® and Oeko-Tex®.

“This advanced version of our Smartrepel technology combines, into one product only, two benefits that are sought after by outdoor brands and retailers: a nature-friendlier chemistry, together with long-lasting, efficient water repellency for all fibers,” said Georg Lang, global head of Product Marketing Finishing, Textile Specialties, Archroma. “Smartrepel Hydro AM brings onto the market a positive alternative to conventional fluorocarbon-based water repellency products.”

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Archroma

TRSA Workforce And Safety Summits Maximize Solutions With Minimal Travel

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — January 25, 2018 —  Building on the success of 2017’s creation of a sister event to address broader human resources and employment concerns, TRSA again will supplement its annual one-day Safety Summit with a one-day Workforce Management Summit.

Scheduling these back-to-back events in a single location — to be held May 16-17 at the Embassy Suites Downtown, St. Louis — addresses the need for unique programming for specialists in safety and human resources (HR) but recognizes the crossover interests of many of these industry professionals, saving their travel costs and time. The programs also appeal to owner-operators, corporate and regional executives and plant-based general, plant, production and engineering managers. A dual event registration discount is available.

Developed and delivered by the TRSA Human Resources Committee, the Workforce Management Summit’s keynoter is Lisa Ryan, the author and manufacturing industry veteran whose “grategy” consulting develops workplace cultures that foster employee loyalty. Grategy builds a “foundation of trust” and creates an environment in which employees deliver greater output and work safer, improving corporate profitability.

Additional sessions will cover emerging concerns in employment and HR law as well as crisis communication, onboarding, social media and workplace violence. A Q&A forum with HR professionals from the industry rounds out this event.

At the seventh annual Safety Summit, delivered by the TRSA Safety Committee, Scott Gesinger, CSP, will keynote. He applies psychology and engineering principles to help employers realize a “fearless future” of employee safety. An author and safety engineer, Gesinger specializes in implementing new controls and best practices to replace outdated ones that have been allowed to languish in place.

Other presentations include discussions of arc flash, ergonomics, fall protection, fire prevention, job safety analysis, new OSHA rules, post-injury care/fitness and safety leadership plus a Q&A with industry safety professionals.

Participants attending both Summits will receive $140 off the individually-priced registration. An additional 10% discount is available for three or more staff from the same company who attend.

Posted January 25, 2018

Source: TRSA

CORDURA® Brand To Showcase Award-Winning ISPO TEXTRENDS Fabrics In Five New Themed Collections

WICHITA, Kan. — January 25, 2018 —  INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand will be honored in the ISPO TEXTRENDS at ISPO Munich with 48 awards for innovative durable fabrics, including nine Top 10 Winners. The awards span seven textile categories, including Cordura brand’s first-ever recognition in the Eco Era category. The winning fabrics will be on display at the Cordura brand booth as part of its launch of five themed collections, capturing the state of the textile marketplace and shifts in consumer values.

“We are thrilled to have once again received such substantial recognition from our peers at ISPO Textrends, and excited to have earned an award in the new Eco Era category too,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “We are dedicated to collaborating with our authorized mill partners to push the boundaries of durable fabric innovation, and we’re also looking forward to showcasing our new performance fabric mood boards at ISPO Munich.”

Cordura fabrics were awarded for a wide range of technical properties across the Eco Era, Base Layer, Second Layer, Outer Layer, Street Sports, Soft Equipment and Membranes categories. At booth C3-313, Cordura brand will use these and many more of its award-winning fabrics to bring five distinct stories to life:

Natural Empowerment

Built for adventure and harnessing the power of nature, these Cordura fabrics blend cotton, linen or wool with nylon for enhanced durability. For those who are working or exploring, active lifestyle apparel made with these Cordura fabrics is a long-lasting and durable connection to the outdoors sourced from our own environment.

Notable ISPO Textrends award-winning fabrics showcasing the Natural Empowerment theme include:

  • Cordura Combat Wool™ fabrics from Italian, Japanese and Taiwan authorized mills in the Outer Layer and Second Layer categories;
  • Cordura NYCO blend fabrics made with cotton and linen fibers in the Outer Layer and Street Sports categories; and
  • A Cordura Combat Wool camouflage pattern nylon/wool blend fabric from Toyoshima, Japan selected as a Top 10 winner in the Street Sports category.

Sustainable Innovation

Designed to help create a durable and responsive commitment to an eco-efficient future, these are Cordura fabrics that can help to make a positive impact on long-term resources. With a focus on today’s evolving values and growing environmental consciousness, it’s about having less and doing more, making every purchase and every action count, because Sustainability Begins With Products That Last™.

Notable ISPO Textrends award-winning fabrics showcasing the Sustainable Innovation theme include:

  • Cordura HP fabric made with 100-percent recycled polyester, made by Huamao, China, and recognized in the Eco Era category;
  • Cordura SDN fabric made with solution dyed nylon technology made by Kusumgar, India, selected as a Top 10 winner in the Soft Equipment category;
  • Solution dyed nylon technology produces pre-colored yarns. It offers mills a way to help reduce water and energy consumption in their manufacturing process.

Extreme Resistance Denims

When you’re testing your limits with high impact challenges, Cordura Extreme Denims support your performance when it counts. These robust adventure fabrics are just as tough as you are, always prepared for off-road, rugged conditions that demand excellent technical performance. Engineered to resist abrasions, scuffs and tears, Cordura Extreme Denim helps boost reliable function at the most critical moments, inspiring you to never give up.

Notable ISPO Textrends award-winning Extreme Resistance Denims include:

  • Cordura Denim with Schoeller Ceraspace™ technology from Artistic Milliners selected as a Top 10 winner in the Soft Equipment category; and
  • A wide range of durable Cordura Denims with stretch functionality from Artistic Milliners and Kipas recognized in the Street Sports category.

Light Yet Strong

Pared down, lightweight essentials for using only what you need, wherever you are. Efficient and adaptive, these optimised strength-to-weight ratio Cordura fabrics offer the freedom to roam and the tools to lead every expedition. Above all, modern explorers value flexibility without limitations and these Cordura fabrics offer the perfect go-to durable, versatile solution.

Notable ISPO Textrends award-winning fabrics showcasing the Light Yet Strong theme include:

  • Five Cordura fabrics from authorized mill Huamao, China, in the Soft Equipment category, including a durable woven dobby featuring reflective yarn selected as a Top 10 winner; and
  • Laminated Cordura Naturalle™ fabric from Yoonia, Korea, selected as a Top 10 winner in the Membranes category.

Active Soft Strength

Softened strength materials provide a seamless embrace for the lasting balance today’s active consumers crave. These Cordura fabrics center on the restorative power of movement to fuel mind, body and soul and offer durable solutions that fold into a life of ease and comfort.

Notable ISPO Textrends award-winning Cordura fabrics showcasing the Active Soft Strength theme include:

  • Two, lightweight stretch Cordura Naturalle knits made by Yoonia, Korea, selected as Top 10 winners in the Base Layer category; and
  • Durable stretch Cordura Naturalle fleece fabrics with from Yoonia, Korea, recognized in the Second Layer category.

To learn more about ISPO Textrends award-winning Cordura fabrics and the new theme inspired collections, visit booth C3-313 at ISPO Munich on January 28-31, 2018.

Posted January 25, 2018

Source: INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand

Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show 2018: Opens For First Denver Show

DENVER — January 25, 2018 — Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, the largest U.S. trade show for the outdoor and winter sports industries, opens today in Denver for the first time in Outdoor Retailer’s history. More than 1,000 brands will be exhibiting the latest technology innovations, apparel and gear for staying warm, fashionable and connected to meet with the more than 11,000 registered retail buyers from 50 countries. The show runs Thursday, January 25 through Saturday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 28 at the Colorado Convention Center.

“This is the year of many firsts — the first show combined with the SIA Snow Show and the first Outdoor Retailer show in Denver,” said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and show director for Outdoor Retailer events. “We have worked incredibly hard to make this show a success: bringing together two communities; enabling decision makers to see the latest products and trends for next season in one place; offering a diverse and compelling line-up of seminars and speakers; and offering the opportunity to network with the more than 28,000 outdoor and snow industry colleagues joining us here in Denver. The first of three shows this year, Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show kicks off this year’s buying cycle laying the foundation for Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in July and Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in November.”

Outdoor Retailer is showcasing an entirely new format with exhibits spanning all three floors of the Colorado Convention Center. Highlights include next-generation skis and snowboards, rechargeable hand warmers, heated ski/snowboard boot bags, outerwear made from ocean plastic, sustainable and performance fabrics, insulation using technology from NASA, personal lead water filtration, and heated socks and gloves that provide heat for 12 hours, among others.

Of Outdoor Retailer’s offerings, the opportunity for education is what set it apart from other shows. From the Industry and Intelligence day on Wednesday, January 24, hosted by Snowsports Industries America to Outdoor University hosted by Outdoor Industry Association kicking off on Thursday, January 25, to the on-show-floor offerings at the Camp, the RANGER Station and the Trend + Design Center, Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show attendees will have access to the latest statistics, participation numbers, as well as information on climate change, economic factors, and consumer trends.

The event’s communities spaces bring focus to popular and emerging trends: the new Scandinavian Village features a bar and iconic Scandinavian brands, giving showgoers the opportunity to discover European brands; while Venture Out celebrates the modern outdoor experience. Luxe is an immersive experience in premium and luxury snow and outdoor apparel. Lastly, the Rental World provides attendees a close look at alpine, snowboarding and cross country rental gear.

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper will open the show at 8:45 a.m. at a press conference with Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer; Luis Benitez, director of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation; Nick Sargent, president of Snowsports Industries America; Amy Roberts, executive director the Outdoor Industry Association, and Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For the first time, the public is invited to two show events. The first is the Fashion Show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in partnership with Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks on Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m., The night will kick off with the Fashion Show featuring DJ Matt Cassidy, followed by Brother Ali, JAUZ and Rick Ross. Discounted tickets are now available for 20-percent off using the “Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show” Promo button and entering the code ZOOLANDER at checkout. The second is the Night of Stoke: Saturday, January 27, Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show will welcome Backcountry Film Festival’s “Night of Stoke” to the Bellco to celebrate public lands and the importance of continuing to address issues of climate change and conservation, among other environmental issues. Doors open at 6:30 pm and programming will begin at 7:00 pm. All proceeds from Night of Stoke benefit Winter Wildlands Alliance, preserving the human-powered recreation experience on public lands. Guests will be able to watch first-edition films and hear from professional athletes and filmmakers giving tips on how to turn passion into action as they discuss their advocacy projects including Conrad Anker, Stacy Bare, Caroline Gleich and Tommy Caldwell.

Established brands exhibiting at the show include adidas Outdoor, Burton, Fjallraven, GoPro, Gore-Tex, Head, K2, Keen, Oakley, Obermeyer, Patagonia, Rossignol, Salomon, Smartwool, Spyder Active Sports, The North Face, Yeti, among many others.

Posted January 25, 2018

Source: Outdoor Retailer

Big Year For The Big Game: Consumers To Spend $15.3 Billion On 2018 Super Bowl

WASHINGTON — January 25, 2018 — American adults are expected to spend an average $81.17 for a total of $15.3 billion as an estimated 188.5 million people watch the New England Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl next month, according to the annual survey released today by National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Projected viewership is the same as last year but total spending is up 8.5 percent from $14.1 billion in 2017.

“Whether throwing their own party, heading to a friend’s house or gathering at their favorite bar or restaurant, consumers are ready to spend on the big game,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Super Bowl shoppers will find retailers well-stocked on decorations, apparel, food and all other necessities to cheer on their favorite team.”

Of the 76 percent of those surveyed who plan to watch the game, 82 percent say they will purchase food and beverages — up slightly from 80 percent last year — and the highest in the survey’s history. Another 11 percent will buy team apparel or accessories, unchanged from 2017. New televisions and decorations hold a similar draw for those planning to watch at home, with 8 percent planning to purchase each, also unchanged. Those 25-34 will spend the most of any age group at an average of $118.43.

According to the survey, 18 percent (45 million) will host a Super Bowl party, with 28 percent (69 million) planning to attend one. Bars and restaurants will entice 5 percent (11 million) planning to watch at their favorite local spot.

Of those watching, 41 percent say the most important part of the Super Bowl is the game itself, while 24 percent cite the commercials, 15 percent like getting together with friends, 14 percent watch for the half-time show and 7 percent are there for the food.

“Consumers are carrying strong spending momentum from the holiday season into their Super Bowl festivities,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “This is evident through increased plans for purchasing while the number of viewers remains steady with last year. Fans aren’t afraid to spend a few extra dollars to make this year’s game the best one yet.”

The survey, which asked 7,277 consumers about their Super Bowl plans, was conducted January 3-10 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.

Posted January 25, 2018

Source: National Retail Federation

Perry Ellis International Launches Pitch Competition, Seeks Tech Startups To Transform Fashion Industry

MIAMI — January 25, 2018 — Perry Ellis International, is teaming up with The LAB Miami’s venture builder, LAB Ventures, and angel-investor network AGP Miami, to launch Pitch to PERY, a search for the next great startup revolutionizing the fashion, e-commerce and retail industries. Building on the momentum of the company’s 50th anniversary, Pitch to PERY reflects the company’s future-focused approach, which seeks to apply a digital mindset, technology, and product innovation to PEI’s family of brands.

“Our vision is to continue embracing our entrepreneurial spirit, foster our ability to adapt to change and integrate technology into our business strategy,” explained Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO and president, Perry Ellis International.

Pitch to PERY is focused on finding novel solutions to some of retail’s biggest opportunities, including driving brand awareness, increasing e-commerce sales, enhancing consumer in-store experience, and introducing new Internet of Things (IoT) products to PEI’s roster of brands, which include the iconic brand Perry Ellis®, An Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Cubavera®, Callaway® and Peony & Me®.

Applications must be submitted prior to February 21, with ten finalists set to be announced on February 28. These front-runners will receive private pitch-coaching from LAB Ventures and spend an invaluable day at PEI’s Doral headquarters on March 13 and ultimately, pitch their ideas in-person to PEI executives during the Pitch to PERY Finals Night on March 14. The winning team will work with PEI and The LAB Miami to develop and implement a pilot program for their respective product or service, and have an opportunity to earn a long-term contract with PEI. Applicants should preferably be companies with demonstrated proof-of-concepts, established client base and preliminary funding. You do not need to be located in Miami to apply.

Posted January 25, 2018

Source: Perry Ellis International

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