Eastern Mountain Sports Supports Performance Outerwear Act in Congress

Eastern Mountain Sports, a leading outdoor retailer, today announced its full support of the Recreational Performance Outerwear Act (H.R. 6483), the first trade legislation providing relief for outdoor performance apparel manufacturers who presently are governed by antiquated tariffs. The legislation, introduced this past Tuesday, creates new classifications for specific types of high-performance recreational outerwear, makes those specific products duty free and invests in U.S. technologies and jobs that focus on sustainable, environmentally conscious manufacturing and streamlined supply chains. The legislation applies to all finished recreational performance outerwear, regardless of country of origin.

“We support this bill because it speaks to the heart and soul of a critical product category for us,” said Will Manzer, CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports. “Once passed, this legislation will not only result in the immediate lowering of prices and provide more apparel options for outdoor enthusiasts, but will also create more jobs in what continues to be a challenging economy.”

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Eastern Mountain Sports Supports Recreational Performance Outerwear Act

Eastern Mountain Sports has provided outerwear for outdoor athletes for over 40 years. Its outerwear line features a wide range of product designed for outdoor excursions ranging from the most extreme adventures, to a weekend climb, to a walk in the neighborhood park.

“With the passage of this legislation, consumers who want to engage in their passions can do so with more affordable options,” continued Manzer. “The environment, of great concern to us, will also see a much needed boost through the designated investment into sustainable business practices.”

Founded in 1967 by two New England rock climbers and based in Peterborough, N.H., Eastern Mountain Sports is one of the nation’s leading outfitters of outdoor gear, clothing, footwear and accessories with 67 retail stores in 12 states. Eastern Mountain Sports designs and sells products for outdoor adventurers who participate in a variety of sports, such as mountaineering, backpacking, camping, hiking, adventure racing, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and snow sports. Eastern Mountain Sports product and technology is tested by its product development and quality assurance teams in conjunction with the Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing, Kayaking and Ski Schools. More information is available at www.ems.com.

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