OUT AND ABOUT BEYOND CYCLING
Blacks battles through challenging conditions
By: Jonathon Harker
BLACKS LEISURE GROUP, one of the biggest businesses in the outdoors retail industry, has suffered under what it described as an ‘extremely challenging period for the business’. Like-for-like sales were down by 7.2 per cent to £81.1 million (£86.8 million in 2010), while it recorded a loss before tax from continuing operations of £16 million (£7.2 million in 2010). While the results weren’t positive,
they’re part of a long-term recovery for the company in which it has cut its number of stores, as well as exiting the board wear sector. In the period, levels of stock were
reduced by 27.6 per cent to £28.5 million (from £39.3 million in 2010). The company has seen some changes at the top, including a new chief exec, Julia Reynolds, arriving in August. More recently a new finance director has joined the company (see News in Brief). On publication of the results, the new
chief exec said: "Since August, we have addressed some critical retail issues facing the Group, most notably realigning the stock position and strengthening the management team in key functions,
NEWS IN BRIEF
Lavelle joins Millets owner
Blacks Leisure Group, owner of Peter Storm, retail chain Millets and a number of other outdoor brands, has appointed Dominic Lavelle as interim finance director with effect from November 21st. With extensive retail experience at
Allders, Oasis and Laura Ashley, he’ll work alongside Marc Lombardo, outgoing Finance Director, until his departure in December 2011. Lavelle was finance director of Alfred McAlpine plc from 2003 to 2007. There’s more on Blacks Leisure Group over the page.
Adidas pays $25 million for Five Ten
The Adidas group has bought out Five Ten, the outdoor sports footwear brand, which caters for climbers, mountain bikers and other outdoorsy sectors. The total purchase price was US
while simultaneously implementing a thorough root and branch review of the business.
“While the strategic planning process
is nearing completion, it is already apparent that there are multiple opportunities to bring fresh retail ideas and disciplines to the business and more
OVERBOARD IPAD CASE
WE’VE SEEN plenty of products for the outdoors and on bike for iPhones, but this may be one of the very first for the iPad. Overboard, official kit supplier to the RN Lifeboat Institute, has revealed a 100 per cent waterproof Smart phone case and iPad/iPad 2 Case. With a ‘class five’ waterproof rating, the expensive gadget will be kept dry as well as offering protection from dirt, safe, dust, knocks and bumps. Both cases use a Slide Seal System opening
and closing mechanism to keep pesky water out. So confident is Overboard, that you it says you can submerge it in water for up to six metres. But we’re guessing not many will put that to the test. The case floats in water too.
www.overboard.com AUTOSEAL TRAVEL MUGS
CONTIGO’S latest drinkware range uses its patent-pending Autoseal technology to prevent accidental spills. All the user has to do is press the Autoseal button to sip, then release the button to automatically seal. It’s not just about preventing spillages, of course. The Autoseal Travel Mugs also use double-wall, vacuum- insulated stainless seal – ideal to keep beverages hot for four hours, or cold for a mighty 12 hours. The Autoseal Stainless Steel Mug will hold up to 16oz and fits most standard car cupholders. It uses 100 per cent FDA-approved, BPA-free materials.
www.gocontigo.com
BIKEBIZ.COM
properly exploit its market leadership position, brand heritage and unparalleled brand recognition in the outdoor retail space. Notwithstanding the challenges of a difficult economic environment, the potential opportunity for a turnaround is clear."
www.blacksleisure.co.uk
$25 million, but the acquisition will help Adidas Group achieve its aim to see sales in the outdoor segment exceed ¤500 million by 2015, based on organic growth.
South Pole ski record attempt
Amelia Hempleman-Adams is joining her adventurer father, David, in an expedition to the South Pole. Should she manage the feat, she’ll be the youngest person to ski to the South Pole at the age of just16. Her father was the first Briton to
reach the South Pole solo and unsupported. As part of the Nimrod expedition the father and daughter team will ski the last 97 miles to the inhospitable South Pole.
Mountain Equipment
packs its bags Packyourbags Travel Store has added clothing brand Mountain Equipment to its online shop. The brand is 50 years old and tests
its products in-house and with a team of elite pro partners in varied extreme conditions. Packyourbags is initially focusing
on stocking and selling Mountain Equipment’s jacket range for men and women. For more information head to
www.packyourbags.com.
Got any outdoors news you’d like to see in these pages? Then let us know at
BikeBiz@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ DECEMBER 45
NEW PRODUCTS
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