Content about Recreation

May 7, 2013

Aquatic pets retailer swims into e-commerce territory

D&G Pets, a local fish and exotic pet shop in Fort Collins, Colo., is diving into e-commerce waters in an effort to retain existing customers and reach out to new ones.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — D&G Pets, a local fish and exotic pet shop in Fort Collins, Colo., is diving into e-commerce waters in an effort to retain existing customers and reach out to new ones.

The local retailer launched an online store so consumers can purchase pet supplies from their computers or mobile devices — leveraging technology to remain competitive in a field dominated by larger pet supply chains.

April 29, 2013

Former Tommy Hilfiger exec named SVP, retail at Columbia

Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Shawn Cox as SVP of retail, a newly created position that will report directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Shawn Cox as SVP of retail, a newly created position that will report directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle.

In his new role, Cox, 49, will be responsible for leading the company’s brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce operations in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Cox has 24 years of experience developing, managing and improving profitability of branded retail networks with operations in the U.S., Europe, South America, Middle East and Asia.

February 27, 2013

Crosman shoots for marketing success with new hire

Crosman Corp., an international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a wide range of products for the shooting sports, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Lambert as VP marketing.

ROCHESTER, New York — Crosman Corp., an international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a wide range of products for the shooting sports, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Lambert as VP marketing. In her new position, Lambert will oversee the company’s strategic marketing efforts, with an emphasis on accelerating new product development.

February 11, 2013

Brainteaser game wins Game of the Year

PlaSmart Inc., the Ottawa-based global toy distributor, announced that its brainteaser game PerplexusTM Epic was named the 2013 Game of the Year last night by the Toy Industry Association.

OTTAWA, Ontario — PlaSmart Inc., the Ottawa-based global toy distributor, announced that its brainteaser game PerplexusTM Epic was named the 2013 Game of the Year last night by the Toy Industry Association.

The Toy of The Year (TOTY) award is the latest accolade earned by PerplexusTM Epic, which also received the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Media Seal of Approval, among others.

February 7, 2013

Sears heads to Miami to showcase new outdoor line

Sears is headed to the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival this month to showcase its new lines of outdoor living furniture, patio sets and Kenmore grills.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears is headed to the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival this month to showcase its new lines of outdoor living furniture, patio sets and Kenmore grills.

February 6, 2013

REI CEO nominated for new role in Washington

Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, has been nominated as Secretary of the Interior.

SEATTLE — Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, has been nominated as Secretary of the Interior.

Sally has led REI as CEO since 2005 and during that time has provided steady leadership for the co-op and its thoughtful growth. During her tenure REI has increased sales from $1 billion to nearly $2 billion, added 71 stores, and greatly expanded its online business. Under Sally's leadership, the company has been named annually to Fortune Magazine's list of the Best Companies to Work For.

January 17, 2013

Reebok leaps into obstacle racing

Global fitness brand Reebok has entered into a multi-year partnership with Spartan Race that will see Reebok as the title sponsor of the global race series.

CANTON, Mass. — Global fitness brand Reebok has entered into a multi-year partnership with Spartan Race that will see Reebok as the title sponsor of the global race series.

Reebok’s titular sponsorship begins with the first race of the season at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, Calif., on January 26 and 27.

December 7, 2012

Sporting goods chain offers underwater Christmas with Santa

Santa Claus is coming to Sport Chalet, a sporting goods retailer, to take photos with everyone, young and old, under water.

LA CANADA, Calif. — Santa Claus is coming to Sport Chalet, a sporting goods retailer, to take photos with everyone, young and old, under water.

No experience is necessary for fans to pose with Santa, who will be at the store from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 15. Sport Chalet dive experts will be on hand to assist Santa fans, who must be at least 10 years old to dive. Younger children need not despair, however, as they will be able to snorkel alongside St. Nick for their photo.

October 22, 2012

REI names COO

REI has promoted Brian Unmacht to chief operating officer, expanding his role to oversee eetail, e-commerce, merchandising, private brands, information technology and supply chain.

SEATTLE — REI has promoted Brian Unmacht to chief operating officer, expanding his role to oversee eetail, e-commerce, merchandising, private brands, information technology and supply chain.

March 28, 2012

And now a few words about pricing

Target has its low price promise, 5% REDcard Rewards and this week, just in time for Easter, its circular is filled with 50% off deals on toys from Star Wars, Mega Bloks, Disney and Fisher-Price toys. And if those offers aren’t incentive enough to generate a visit to the local Target the company also featured eight free gift card offers ranging in denominations from $5 for any two Procter & Gamble brand products to $35 for a $179 B70 Platinum Edition Keurig brand coffee maker.

February 13, 2012

NPD unveils kids' top play items

The NPD Group unveiled the top current favorite play items among children ages 14 years and younger.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — The NPD Group unveiled the top current favorite play items among children ages 14 years and younger.

After compiling 2,958 mentions, NPD revealed the top items included Lego, laptop, Nintendo Wii, toy cars, Xbox, books, video games, Nintendo DS, Barbie and iPod, while the top five product categories included toys (54%), video games (20%), consumer electronics (12%), sporting goods (5%) and books (3%).

October 27, 2011

Dollar General toy competition no child's play

Walmart is facing some stiff competion for toy sales with Dollar General, as the company announced that it is going to head-to-head with toy retailers and discounters alike by offering more than 300 toys for $5 or less.

April 4, 2011

TRU not playing around with new hire

Toys“R”Us announced that it has named the former head of one of the world's largest toy companies to serve as president of its U.S. business.

WAYNE, N.J. – Toys“R”Us announced that it has named the former head of one of the world's largest toy companies to serve as president of its U.S. business. Neil Friedman, who most recently served as president Mattel Brands, will now oversee all merchandising, marketing, store operations, merchandise presentation, global sourcing and product development, as well as merchandise planning and allocation for Toys"R"Us' 866 stores and online business in the United States.

March 7, 2011

Playing to its strengths: Core toy biz boosts TRU sales

With reports of a possible IPO looming and strong quarterly results, Toys"R"Us is poised to dominate the toy sector, which has shown signs of a resurgence and renewed consumer interest, thanks to a number of innovations and the must-have items as displayed during the 2011 Toy Fair.

WAYNE, N.J. – With reports of a possible IPO looming and strong quarterly results, Toys"R"Us is poised to dominate the toy sector, which has shown signs of a resurgence and renewed consumer interest, thanks to a number of innovations and must-have items as displayed during the 2011 Toy Fair.

According to reports, the company is considering the idea of filing for an initial public offering this April, which is expected to raise about $800 million.

February 17, 2011

Updated: Toy Fair takes over NYC

Toy Fair took over the Javitz Center in New York City this week, and amidst the fun was some serious business as toy companies showcased what they hope will be the next big thing.

Toy Fair took over the Javitz Center in New York City this week, and amidst the fun was some serious business as toy companies showcased what they hope will be the next big thing. Just take the Sing-a-ma-jigs line from Mattel. Introduced at last year’s Toy Fair, the harmonizing toy was a major holiday hit, and retailers who got their hands on them reaped the benefits.

October 31, 2010

Walmart unveils top toy list, launches first toy catalog

Walmart has unveiled its "Top Toys" list and announced plans to provide customers with the...

October 27, 2010

TRU holiday book now arriving

Toys“R”Us has announced the arrival of its Great Big Christmas Book in homes and newspapers...

October 6, 2010

Target slashes toy prices in time for the holidays

Target announced that it will offer discounts on more than 1,000 toys this holiday season,...

MINNEAPOLIS Target announced that it will offer discounts on more than 1,000 toys this holiday season, 250 of which are exclusive to Target.

September 22, 2010

Toys'R'Us names hot toys for the holiday

Toys“R”Us announced that it has unveiled its annual Holiday Hot Toy List, filled with 36 items that are new this year and offer outstanding value in quality, price and play.

WAYNE , N.J. - Toys“R”Us announced that it has unveiled its annual Holiday Hot Toy List, filled with 36 items that are new this year and offer outstanding value in quality, price and play.

August 15, 2010

Kmart introduces exclusive doll line

Kmart announced that it is introducing an exclusive doll collection called "What a Doll" ......

August 15, 2010

Polo Ralph Lauren to sponsor interactive clinic with Venus Williams

Polo Ralph Lauren announced that it is presenting the Legends Clinic with Venus Williams as...