Outdoor: Did You Hear?…

>> Every now and then, we receive highly creative prose from subscribers who, because of a loss of brain power or computer power, forget the keys to open their SNEWS news. We received the following recently that deserves printing. May you all be so creative when requesting we dig up a lost password or username: “Lost my access info in high speed Palm crash. Five injured. Data everywhere, none survived. Please send user name and password. Thanks.”

>> Terramar Sports Worldwide Ltd., has hired Erich Mooradian as brand sales manager for its Columbia Sportswear Co. (NASDAQ: COLM ) thermal underwear and primary base layer collection, which debuted at retail in the fall of 2002. Mooradian will manage and oversee all aspects of brand marketing, sourcing and sales for the Columbia-licensed category.

>> Jay Steere has been promoted by Timberland to global category director for outdoor performance. In his new position, Steere is responsible for product creation, marketing and the long-term strategic plan for the outdoor performance category. Steere reports directly to Marc Schneider, senior vice president of global product management. Steere also serves on the Outdoor Industry Association’s board of directors.

>> Canoe & Kayak Magazine tells SNEWS that its staff has been “working like dogs to plump up the content” (wait, that mean’s they’ve been lying around a lot, but you get the gist) on the magazine’s new website — www.canoekayak.com. The staff is currently importing several years worth of material from the magazine’s former sites, which the SNEWS team can attest takes a lot of time and hard work. Each week going forward, site visitors will be able to view more and more editorial content. The launch of the new site coincides nicely with Canoe & Kayak’s 30th anniversary year.

>> REI will be opening a store at 840 Brannan St. in downtown San Francisco, Calif., in October 2003. The company reports that 15,000 active REI shoppers live within the city limits, driving the need for a store in the downtown area. The new 37,000-square-foot store in the South of Market neighborhood will be convenient for customers downtown, and it is hoped that the added location will ease congestion at the Berkeley store. The historic Berkeley store, REI’s oldest in its original location, is currently undergoing a renovation. The new San Francisco store will employ 85 full- and part-time staff.

>> Igloo Vikski Inc. has appointed three new sales reps for its Kayland Mountaineering Boot Division. Louis-Julien Roy will rep the province of Alberta and can be reached at 403-609-1004, or by email at louis_climb@hotmail.com. Robbie J. Stevens will represent the company in British Columbia and can be reached at 604-894-5584, or via email at robbies@direct.ca. Brian Block will represent Kayland in the following U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, and Mississippi. He can be reached at 515-451-3983, or via email at khumbulatok@hotmail.com.

>> Metolius and Grivel North America will be sharing more than the American market in 2003. Officials from both companies announced a unique joint venture in mid-January where Metolius now co-sponsors Grivel North America’s climbing ambassadors — providing additional gear support for crag, big wall and mixed climb pursuits. The move is symbiotic as the Metolius line emphasizes rock climbing equipment, while Grivel North America focuses on Alpinism and ice climbing gear. Grivel athletes will provide promotional efforts and product feedback to Metolius in return.

>> Axcent Sports, the exclusive licensee of Descente cycling apparel in the United States, will produce and sell a limited edition authentic replica of the original jersey worn by the first American professional team. Fifteen dollars from each jersey sold will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a non-profit organization founded to enhance the quality of life for those living with, through and beyond cancer.

>> Travel Chair has launched a nationwide retail promotion aimed at increasing sales as well as a salesperson’s ability to dream about adventure. In short, here are the details: Once a salesperson sells 10 Travel Chair products, he or she submits a form to the company with the shop manager’s signature on it. Travel Chair will immediately send that salesperson a Travel Chair screened with a logo for Sheri Griffith Expeditions. Who the heck is Sheri Griffith? It’s the outfitter providing a trip for two down Cataract Canyon for one lucky salesperson, drawn from all those who submitted forms. Travel Chair will pay the airfare from the store to Moab, Utah, and Level Six will provide a wardrobe valued at $300.