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Tag: outdoor

  • Nike Unveils First ACG Flagship Store in Beijing: Breathing New Life into Outdoor Sports Culture

    Nike Unveils First ACG Flagship Store in Beijing: Breathing New Life into Outdoor Sports Culture

    Nike has broadened its scope in the outdoor performance sector with the inauguration of its maiden All Conditions Gear (ACG) flagship store in Beijing, thereby officially rebranding ACG as an independent entity.

    The Store at Taikoo Li Sanlitun

    The ACG Base Camp, situated at Taikoo Li Sanlitun, is the first worldwide retail concept devoted solely to ACG. The store’s launch underscores the instrumental role of the Chinese market in Nike’s overarching expansion strategies.

    Nike has positioned the Beijing store as more than just a conventional retail outlet. Instead, it aims for the store to serve as both a community center and a stage for brand narration, intending to connect urban customers with outdoor sports culture.

    The Legacy of ACG

    ACG, first unveiled over four decades ago, has carved out a reputation for catering to athletes involved in trail running, hiking, and various other outdoor activities. Nike’s decision to rebrand ACG preserves the brand’s longstanding commitment to producing performance-oriented products tailored for a range of challenging conditions.

    The rebranding serves as an indication of Nike’s renewed focus on the outdoor division within its product lineup.

    A New Chapter for ACG

    Scott LeClair, the Vice President and General Manager of ACG, stated that this constitutes a pivotal point in the history of ACG. It represents a renewed commitment to all conditions and serves as a call to athletes to disconnect from their routine, venture outdoors, and explore.

    “ACG has the potential to shape the future of outdoor performance and venture into exciting, novel territories. It is going to be an exhilarating journey,” said LeClair.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the strategic implication of launching the maiden ACG flagship store in Beijing?
    Opening the first ACG store in Beijing highlights the integral role of the Chinese market in Nike’s broader expansion plans.

    What sets the new ACG store apart from traditional retail outlets?
    The Beijing ACG store is intended to function as a community hub and a platform for brand storytelling, aiming to connect urban customers with outdoor sports culture.

    What does the rebranding of ACG indicate about Nike’s future plans?
    The rebranding of ACG indicates Nike’s renewed emphasis on the outdoor segment within its product portfolio.

  • Onitsuka Tiger and Hoka Unveil Bold New Storefronts Across Japan’s Retail Landscape

    Onitsuka Tiger and Hoka Unveil Bold New Storefronts Across Japan’s Retail Landscape

    In Tokyo and other major Japanese cities, the race is on among outdoor and sportswear manufacturers to secure coveted street-level retail spaces. These brands are making their mark in urban environments as they tap into the growing demand for high-quality, functional clothing tailored for both adventure and urban lifestyles.

    Among the notable mentions is Goldwin, whose recent addition in Kyoto has unveiled a captivating storefront, harmonizing natural stone with modern design sensibilities. This trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move for brands seeking to enhance customer engagement by providing an immersive shopping experience.

    The surge in retail activity creates a vibrant scene for urban dwellers and tourists alike. Just imagine transitioning from a busy shopping street into a tranquil outdoor oasis housed in a boutique—it’s a clever shift that not only beckons the nature enthusiast but also piques the curiosity of those merely window shopping.

    Furthermore, the lifting of pandemic restrictions has accelerated this retail renaissance. Brands are eager to reconnect with consumers through innovative storefronts that serve as both retail spaces and community hubs. With the backdrop of the post-COVID landscape, companies are reimagining how their products are presented, often incorporating elements that appeal to the senses, from textures to interactive displays.

    Today’s retail landscape is about storytelling, and outdoor and sportswear brands are crafting narratives that resonate with consumers’ lifestyles. As they embrace urbanity while celebrating the outdoors, the result is a refreshing fusion that promises to invigorate the shopping experience.

    Questions & Answers

    What motivated outdoor and sportswear brands to open more street-level stores?
    The growing demand for high-quality, functional clothing aimed at both outdoor adventures and urban lifestyles has driven these brands to secure prominent retail spaces.

    How are these new storefronts enhancing customer engagement?
    By creating immersive shopping experiences that blend modern design with their brand identities, these stores invite customers to explore product offerings in engaging and innovative settings.

    What impact has the post-pandemic environment had on retail strategies?
    With the lifting of pandemic restrictions, brands are eager to reconnect with consumers, leading to the rise of innovative retail spaces that not only serve as shops but also as hubs for community engagement.

  • Haglofs Unveils Flagship Store In South Korea, Melding Nature And Retail In A Unique Outdoor Experience

    Haglofs Unveils Flagship Store In South Korea, Melding Nature And Retail In A Unique Outdoor Experience

    Swedish outdoors company Haglofs has launched its premier flagship store in South Korea, leveraging a partnership with local distributor Hayl. The store, situated at the base of Dobongsan National Park, spans 421 square meters and houses the brand’s complete lineup of clothing, equipment, and accessories.

    Embracing Seoul’s Outdoor Culture

    According to Ji-Hwan Lee, CEO of Hayl, opening the flagship store at Dobongsan National Park means integrating into Seoul’s thriving outdoor culture, where the bustling cityscape converges with the serenity of the mountains. The park boasts a variety of trails suitable for both novice hikers and seasoned mountaineers, and is accessible throughout the year. This setting mirrors Haglofs’ core belief that nature should be accessible, inviting, and within everyone’s grasp.

    Nature Inside, Life Outdoors

    The store exemplifies the ‘Nature Inside, Life Outdoors’ concept, aiming to spotlight both the human and technical facets of the brand. This approach is designed to offer consumers an engaging and immersive retail experience that transcends traditional shopping.

    Exploring the Korean Frontier

    Daniel Stiller Cohn, head of distribution sales at Haglofs, declared that Korea represents a new and untapped market for the brand. He expressed confidence in their trusted distributor, Hayl, to lay a robust groundwork for the brand in the region. He cited Hayl’s passion and expertise as crucial elements as the brand introduces its focus on innovation and sustainability to the Korean market.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the concept behind Haglofs’ new store in South Korea?
    The store exemplifies the ‘Nature Inside, Life Outdoors’ concept, emphasizing both the human and technical facets of the brand. This approach aims to offer consumers an immersive retail experience.

    What does the location of the store symbolize for the brand?
    The location at the base of Dobongsan National Park, which offers trails for all levels of hikers and is accessible year-round, aligns with Haglofs’ belief that nature should be welcoming and accessible to everyone.

    How does Haglofs view its entry into the South Korean market?
    The brand sees South Korea as a fresh and untapped market. They have expressed confidence in their local distributor, Hayl, to establish a strong presence for the brand in the region, with a particular emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

  • Nike’s Strategic Pivot To Outdoor Recreation: Revitalizing Acg Amid Rising Competition

    Nike’s Strategic Pivot To Outdoor Recreation: Revitalizing Acg Amid Rising Competition

    Nike, the sportswear behemoth, is making a strategic move into the expanding outdoor recreation industry. Starting with the launch of a new trail running shoe, Nike aims to invigorate its lesser-known sub-brand, ACG, and turn it into a vital source of growth.

    Nike’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy

    Beginning with the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc event, an ultramarathon in France, Nike plans to release its Ultrafly trail running shoe, which is a part of the ACG (All Conditions Gear) outdoor sub-brand. This move is an attempt by Nike to reestablish ACG as a credible contender in the realm of performance-focused trail running shoes.

    Commenting on the broader strategy, Nike’s CEO, Elliot Hill, explained that the company is refocusing on core sports such as running in response to the growing competition from smaller brands. Nike is striving to catch up in the outdoor recreation industry, which has seen substantial growth during the pandemic, and in China, where outdoor activities have gained considerable popularity. The company’s struggle in these two markets has been a factor in its diminished share of the global sportswear industry.

    ACG Ultrafly and Future Plans

    Nike-sponsored athletes, including Anthony Costales, will wear the ACG Ultrafly during races. The shoe is scheduled to be available to consumers in spring 2026. In addition, a rejuvenated version of the Zegama trail runner, also under the ACG brand, will be released later in 2026.

    However, revitalizing the ACG brand, initially launched in 1989 with an emphasis on hiking and biking, will not be without its challenges. The brand is currently associated with “gorpcore”, a fashion trend that blends functional gear with style. Despite these challenges, Nike is looking towards the long-term benefits of this strategy, especially in the Chinese market.

    The Chinese Market

    Nike established its ACG team as a sub-brand in October and appointed Angela Dong, VP for all of Greater China, to lead the unit. Sales of outdoor apparel in China nearly doubled between 2019 and 2025, and outdoor footwear sales increased by 65% in the same period. Despite this, Nike has reported double-digit sales declines in China over the past three quarters.

    The Chinese market has posed significant challenges for Nike as it faces stiff competition from other retailers. Economic instability and high youth unemployment have also impacted spending.

    Nike’s global sportswear market share fell to 26% from 29% in 2021. Other brands such as Hoka have used trail running to bolster growth, underscoring the potential that Nike sees in this segment.

    Launching at a Hoka-sponsored event could be viewed as Nike’s attempt to overshadow its rival, demonstrating Nike’s ability to leverage its financial strength against smaller brands.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Nike’s new strategy in the sportswear market?
    Nike is focusing on outdoor recreation, reviving its ACG sub-brand with the launch of a trail running shoe.

    What challenges does Nike face in revitalizing the ACG brand?
    ACG, launched with a focus on hiking and biking, has become associated with the “gorpcore” fashion trend, which may make it difficult for the brand to reposition itself as a serious contender in the outdoor recreation space.

    What is the current state of Nike in the Chinese market?
    Despite the growth in outdoor apparel and footwear sales in China, Nike has experienced double-digit sales declines in this market over the past three quarters due to tough competition and economic factors.

  • Foot Locker flagship forced to close for virus outbreak

    Foot Locker flagship forced to close for virus outbreak

    Foot Locker’s Orchard Road flagship has been forced to suspend business due to breaching the Singapore government’s Covid-19 safe management measures.

    The suspension was enforced as the retailer conducted a product launch which drew huge crowds outside the store last Friday despite the advisories on crowd management.

    According to Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the retailer will have to stop trading at the Orchard flagship store until December 14.

    During 10 days of suspension, Foot Locker is banned from holding physical retail activities but may continue to trade online.

    “STB and Enterprise Singapore are also engaging Foot Locker Singapore on the measures it will take for future product launches, including the potential cessation of all such physical launches at Foot Locker locations across Singapore,” the agencies said.

    Opened earlier this year, Foot Locker Orchard Gateway @Emerald is the brand’s largest outlet yet in Singapore.

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  • Puma surfaces in third quarter as stores open again

    Puma surfaces in third quarter as stores open again

    Puma says its third-quarter sales rose 13.3 percent on a currency-adjusted basis to US$1.85 billion, leaving year-to-date sales down just 5.1 percent despite the impact of the pandemic.

    “The third quarter developed much better than I expected,” said Bjorn Gulden, Puma’s CEO.

    “Retail stores reopened, sports events resumed, consumer confidence improved and our sales increased week by week. I feel this strong performance confirms the strength of both PUMA as a brand and the sporting goods industry in general.”

    Puma’s gross profit margin decreased to 47 percent, largely due to negative currency impacts and increased promotional activity as the company adjusted to an unusual trading environment. However, operating expenses dropped by 3.3 percent allowing a pre-tax profit of $223 million.

    “Despite a very promotional market environment and currency developments that put pressure on our margins, we were even able to improve our EBIT compared to last year,” said Gulden.

    “This was achieved by continued strong cost control that we initiated in the extremely weak second quarter and through less but more efficient marketing activities.

    “October started well, but the recent development of Covid-19 and the number of infections we are seeing globally make us cautious for the rest of the year. We will continue to maneuver through this pandemic in the short-term without hindering Puma’s mid-term momentum.”

    Sales in Asia/Pacific declined by 1.9 percent, mainly due to slower growth in Greater China and a sales decline in India, Korea and Southeast Asian markets.

    For the first nine months of the year, including the time when lockdowns were in place across much of Asia, sales in the region fell 9.1 percent.

    Global net earnings for the nine months combined were down from $287 million last year to $63.7 million.

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  • Adidas in talks to lay off Reebok

    Adidas in talks to lay off Reebok

    For some sneakerheads who may be unaware, Reebok is owned by Adidas. Back in 2005, the brand was bought by the Three Stripes for a large sum of $3.8 billion and they have been sharing warehouses and website assets, ever since. Now, however, this business relationship could very well be coming to an end, based on a brand new report from Manager Magazin.

    This publication is based out of Germany and typically has the inside track when it comes to what’s happening over at Adidas Headquarters. Based on the report, it noted that the brand is putting together a team that will try to have Adidas sell-off Reebok by early 2021. This news comes in the midst of a disappointing Q2 sales report that showed Reebok’s revenues dip by 42 percent as a result of COVID-19.

    As for potential buyers, Manager Magazin claims Anta Sports in China or the VF Corporation are suitors. The VF Corporation is certainly an interesting candidate as it boasts properties such as Timberland, Vans, and The North Face.

    So far, Adidas nor Reebok has commented on this story. Keep it locked to HNHH as we will be sure to keep you updated on this story. Also, stay tuned as plenty of other sneaker content is coming down the pipeline.

  • Outdoor Venture unveils new retail concept

    Outdoor Venture unveils new retail concept

    Despite COVID-19 restrictions, there is plenty to do outdoors and plenty to do in Scouting. The Chief Cornplanter Council of the BSA and Chapman State Park are sponsoring a Cub Scout Outdoor Venture from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The event is intended to give families a feel for the kinds of activities Scouts participate in, District Executive Jim Shaw said. And, “we’re trying to show people you can still do things outdoors.

    Chapman Dam is such a great asset. It’s amazing how beautiful it is and how many different things they can do.”

    “We’ll have a treasure hunt geocache,” he said. “Knot-tying, tree identification nature hike, archery, boating, fishing, and field games like capture-the-flag and tug-o-war.”

    The Martz Observatory is providing a solar scope. There is a special filter on the telescope that will allow visitors to look directly at the magnified sun. Most of the events will be ongoing from 2 to 6, but some, like geocaching and the guided hikes, will follow a schedule.

    “You can bring the whole family,” Shaw said. “Everybody’s welcome. No charge.”

    The registration area will be located in the pavilion nearest the spillway. Visitors should take the left turn at the park entrance, cross the bridge at the spillway, and turn into the first parking lot. There will be signs to help with navigation.

    Families are welcome to sign up youngsters for Scouting. Anyone who signs up will be entered into drawings for door prizes, Shaw said.

    Precautions against the spread of respiratory illness will be taken, according to Shaw. Masks will be available for those who do not bring them. Social distancing will be maintained. Hand sanitizer will be available at each station and Scouts and volunteers will wipe down equipment between each use.

  • Outdoor lifestyle brand Giriox arrives with premium adventure gears and worldwide delivery

    Outdoor lifestyle brand Giriox arrives with premium adventure gears and worldwide delivery

    The current COVID-19 lockdown period has let us feel trapped and restless in our own homes only. No wonder many people, especially the outdoor enthusiasts, are chalking out adventure plans they will set out for once the lockdown ends. And a recently launched outdoor lifestyle brand, Giriox, is extending a comprehensive range of novel adventure gears to complement those upcoming adventures.

    Based in the USA, Giriox caters to the whole of the USA as well as the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

    “We are excited to bring to you our innovative outdoor lifestyle brand Giriox this month. We know we are passing through a testing phase of late in the wake of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. But amid the frustration of lockdown, there is still a positive aspect- we are getting plenty of time to plan and prepare for our upcoming adventure trips and reinvent our life. And this is when you have Giriox to help you with all the adventure gears and accessories you might need to make the most of your camping or hiking trips once this lockdown ends”, stated a leading spokesperson from Giriox.

    Claimed as the “outdoor lifestyle specialist” Giriox is bustling with a vast and versatile range of outdoor activity gears and accessories.

    The spokesperson mentioned about their unique collection of designer camp cookware sets that one can take along in his adventure trips in the woods. Some of the cookware or cutlery sets are also foldable to ensure a travel-friendly package. Customers can choose from utensils or cutleries made from stainless steel, titanium alloy and also eco-friendly bamboo. In regards to design, Giriox cutleries are a refreshing change from run-of-the-mill regular counterparts. From spoons and forks in unique wrench shapes to cutleries in trendy dual-toned pink & blue shades, customers will find many exotic options on Giriox website.

    “We have come up with high quality, rust-free, easily cleanable, durable and risk-free portable camping utensils and cutleries that will last for years. Our exquisite designs are another great reason why you would love to have a look at our camping tableware collections, says Sven.”

    Other than cookware or utensils, Giriox also houses different kinds of fire equipment like a butane torch, color flames powder, solar spike lighter and so on. Additionally, customers will find camping sleeping bags, camping mats & pillows as well as camping tents. The tents are available in various styles and sizes to choose from as per the size of one’s camping group.

    “We have got almost everything and anything you would need to make your outdoor trips safe and memorable. From fire equipment to sturdy weather-resistant tents, we have them all and many more. We promise you exceptional quality and smart designs too. Whether you are going out for casual hiking tours in nearby woods with family or are about to set out for solo camping in extreme conditions like dense jungles- you can always count on us your one-stop partner for best adventure gear. Giriox is the ‘outdoor lifestyle specialist’ that you have been waiting for all these years.”

    Giriox also offers expert consultation for camping and other adventures for the new outdoor enthusiasts or anybody who needs pro guidance in adventure trips.

    For more information, please visit www.giriox.com.

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  • Lagardere Travel Retail reopens 88 stores in Wuhan Airport

    Lagardere Travel Retail reopens 88 stores in Wuhan Airport

    Lagardere Travel Retail has reopened 88 stores at Wuhan airport after more than two months of lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

    According to a statement, Lagardere Travel Retail’s sales are expected to resume as the number of passengers passing through Wuhan Airport gradually increases.

    “Our ability to restart operations at Wuhan Airport is testament to the dramatic improvement in the sanitary conditions in Hubei province,” said Eudes Fabre, CEO of Lagardere Travel Retail China. “I wish to thank our staff and business partners for their patience and stoicism throughout this crisis. This reopening sends a strong message of hope and optimism to all in our industry who are affected by the current epidemic.”

    In appreciation of the medical staff’s work in Wuhan, the company is offering free meals at 16 restaurants and cafes together with shopping privileges for all medical workers flying out of the city this month.

    “Traffic volumes are still below what they were pre-crisis, but we’re already seeing an upward trend. After a long lockdown period, people are keen to travel again and there is pent-up consumer demand which will translate into retail sales,” Fabre added.

    All hygiene and security measures, including temperature screening, regular disinfection and social distancing, are still applied at the Wuhan Airport to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.

  • Giant Japanese sports store Alpen to open next month

    Giant Japanese sports store Alpen to open next month

    Japanese sports and outdoor goods retailer Alpen Co is set to launch Kanagawa’s first experience-based store late next month.

    The Alpen Outdoors LaLaport Yokohama store will handle more than 40,000 predominantly outdoor-related products under 200 brands. Alpen’s new location will be offering products in two formats, “Alpen Outdoors”, which will cover the entire light outdoor product range for activities such as camping and hiking; and “Alpen Mountains”, which focuses more on mountaineering. The store offers a tent trial experience with a realistic camp atmosphere.

    Popular outdoor brands Coleman and Snow Peak have shops-in-shops at the store with dedicated support staff.

    Alpen currently operates 11 stores nationwide, including a flagship in Kashiwa, which opened in April last year and is one of the largest in the world.

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  • Kathmandu, Cactus Outdoor team up for newly launched NZ Made Day

    Kathmandu, Cactus Outdoor team up for newly launched NZ Made Day

    Kiwi brands Kathmandu and Cactus Outdoor have created a new line of apparel made in New Zealand to celebrate the inaugural NZ Made Day.

    Launching today, NZ Made Day is a new annual event dedicated to celebrating products made by New Zealanders.

    Ryan Jennings, Buy NZ Made’s executive director, said the day will encourage New Zealanders to buy at least one locally made item from retailers or direct from the manufacturer.

    To celebrate the launch, Kathmandu and Cactus Outdoor have teamed up to create the Merino Tee, made by Albion Clothing, a manufacturer purchased by Cactus Outdoor earlier this year. The tee will be sold under Kathmandu’s branding.

    The merino tee has been designed, cut, sewn and packaged in New Zealand with the use of wool farmed in high county stations on the South Island.

    Kathmandu will start selling the tee today in all its New Zealand stores.

    “Brands like Cactus Outdoor and Kathmandu are stronger than ever because they have found their edge with customers by guaranteeing product longevity and customization over generic fast fashion,” Jennings said.

    According to Jennings, in the face of international consumer choice, manufacturers are building direct-to-consumer offerings that complement their retail channels to market.

    “Manufacturers that create direct relationships with consumers can offer customized products or simply pass on the retail savings, something that ‘stack ’em high’ big box retailers importing from overseas may struggle to match,” he said.

    Consumers who purchase any NZ Made products displaying the Kiwi trademark, including two new NZ Made caps released for NZ Made Day, can win one of five $1000 giveaways by texting 313 with the details of the purchase.

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  • Chloe opens first Hong Kong travel retail store

    Chloe opens first Hong Kong travel retail store

    French luxury brand Chloe has opened its first travel-retail store inside Hong Kong International Airport.

    The opening comes after the brand won a retail concession by the Airport Authority of Hong Kong last year.

    The store offers a selection of accessories including handbags, small leather goods, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry. It boasts furnishings and decor featuring contrasting soft femininity with touches of burnished brass. The immersive installation is inspired by the brand’s signature atmosphere with a color motif of powdery beige rosé to shades of white and a touch of mustard.

    The store is operated in partnership with global travel retailer Dufry, which has more than 2300 shops around the world.

    Chloe has been accelerating its travel-retail expansion strategy, having opened 10 other stores at other international airports this year so far.

    HKIA is undergoing a transformation in its luxury zone and food court “to heighten and refresh passengers’ shopping and dining experiences”. It aims to further enhance luxury retail brand options, awarding luxury tender contracts to other prestigious brands including Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Montblanc and Rimowa last year.

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  • Fjällräven launches in Singapore with Outside

    Fjällräven launches in Singapore with Outside

    Swedish outdoor apparel brand Fjällräven has launched in Singapore and Malaysia.

    The 59-year-old brand, whose name translates into ‘the arctic fox’ is known for its collections of high-end clothing and equipment which focus on timeless design and long-lifespan.

    Fjällräven collections are now available at the Outside store located at Jumpa@SungeiWang Plaza Kuala Lumpur and at the retailer’s two stores on Singapore’s Orchard Road.

    One of Fjällräven’s most popular products is a backpack called Kånken, which is popular among hipsters and backpackers across the world.

    Outside is an outdoor-lifestyle multi-brand retail store that was launched in July 2017 “to link the gap between people and nature”. Brands it stocks include Patagonia, Keen Footwear, Freitag, Chums, Primus, United By Blue, NatureHike, Ellesse, Diadora, Baggu, Eno, Uttara, Dedicated, Camp Collection and Wildo.

  • Goldwin opens first overseas store in San Francisco

    Goldwin opens first overseas store in San Francisco

    Japanese outdoor apparel brand Goldwin plans to launch its first international outlet in San Francisco, California this November.

    “American outdoor enthusiasts expect the highest quality technical apparel and we are confident that Goldwin will deliver a head-to-toe range that will raise the bar for skiers, hikers, climbers and other athletes who test themselves in the outdoors,” said Gen Arai, GM at Godwin.

    “Most American outdoor enthusiasts are just learning about Goldwin so with the new store location we are looking to provide a unique retail experience that connects urban city life with nature and adventure.”

    The Japanese brand will also launch the latest Fall 2019 collection with signature garments on its website and through selected retail channels in North America next month.

    Founded in 1951 as a manufacturer of knit fabric, Goldwin now specialises in lifestyle products and premium sportswear, including ski apparel.

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