VF Fined for Unverified Health Claims
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that VF’s Outdoor division, which includes the Reef and Vans action-sports brands, has been fined $207,500 for allegedly making unsubstantiated public-health claims.
VF Outdoor, which is headquartered in San Leandro, Calif., got in hot water after hangtags on more than 60 North Face–branded shoe styles stated that the footwear provided “antimicrobial protection” and inhibited the growth of “disease-causing bacteria.” The statements were found to be in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
“EPA will take decisive action against companies making unverified public-health claims,” said Jared Blumenfeld, regional administrator of EPA’s Pacific Southwest region, in a statement. “Unless these products are registered with EPA, consumers have little or no information about whether their claims are accurate.”
Under FIFRA, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale.
Gonz! Is Back
Gonz!, the quirky beach-lifestyle brand from Rick Klotz, the man behind Freshjive and Warriors of Radness, is back for Summer 2010.
After a four-season breather, Gonz!’s new incarnation has a sharper price point and new distribution target. Debuting at Urban Outfitters exclusively for its first season back, Gonz! offers a tight collection of T-shirts, tank tops, walk shorts, boardshorts, pullover sweaters and hoodies retailing for $28 to $58.
“We have reintroduced Gonz! as the more price-conscious version of our Warriors of Radness line. It will have a wider distribution, a more forward and modern design aesthetic, and more of an inspirational focus on that all-encompassing party vibe,” Klotz said.
Fall 2010 will see the addition of rinse-washed denim, light outerwear and cut-and-sew tops. Plaid shirts and printed T-shirts will feature draw-string hems, skinny jeans are available in a variety of colors and T-shirts in bright colors will feature vintage-inspired versions of the Gonz! logo.
In subsequent seasons, Gonz! will target skate shops and action-sports specialty retailers such as Active and Pacific Sunwear.ASR Partners With Consumer Surf Show
The Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo has announced a partnership with Sacred Craft, a consumer surfboard show, for its Aug. 14–15 run at the San Diego Convention Center. The ASR and Class@ASR trade show floors will remain open only to the trade, but the Sacred Craft show will be upstairs at the Convention Center and will be open to the public, a release from ASR stated.
“Sacred Craft creates an amazing platform uniting the world’s most talented shapers together with consumers. By staging the event adjacent to ASR, we’re making it possible for retailers and media from around the world to experience this unique event and see a wide variety of surf hard goods,” said Andy Tompkins, vice president of ASR, in the statement. “Between ASR, Crossroads, CLASS@ASR and now Sacred Craft, ASR Marketplace will offer an unrivaled and efficient opportunity for retailers and media to see the entire action-sports landscape in one convenient location.”Sacred Craft sees the partnership with ASR as an opportunity to gain exposure among buyers, distributors and media who attend the action-sports trade show. More than 100 surfboard shapers and manufacturers will participate in Sacred Craft.
