Headed off to Munich for the gigantic ISPO trade fair, since we didn’t have enough trade shows so far.  This is always a great chance to see what’s going on in the Europ market, as so many strong brands have yet to make it to the US market.   The first thing to notice is the bright tones, then comes the fashion themes, then comes the fur and luxury elements (sometimes too much). (more…)

While in Vegas for SIA, we headed out to the Transworld Snowboarding Reader Poll Awards, which is the chance the the athletes to be recognized by the magazine readers, for their continued progression on the hill.  This is a time where I get a little more humble, being around athletes that I’ve idolized since I was a grom on the hill, way to long ago to speak about.  Like getting in the elavator with (more…)

February is a busy month so far, as we headed to Outdoor Retailer first in Salt Lake City, then off to SIA in Las Vegas.  The OR show this year seemed smaller then we’ve ever seen it, with less brands showing due to the economic climate.  The brands that were there, were evidently focusing on safe direction, with expansion in softer layers, expanding their mid-layer programs. One of these brands was Arc Teryx, whose fleece program looked great this season, killing the color combonations as they do, and bringing in great fleece textures.  (more…)

Danny Kass and crew announcing the Readers Poll awards at the Hard Rock Casino after a long day at the show. Marie France walked away with just about every award there was for the ladies, (more…)