December was the warmest in the U.S. since 2006 and driest since 2001. And both the U.S. and Canada experienced their warmest Decembers in five years, according to research firm Planalytics.

December same store sales at the 444-door specialty chain were bolstered by a nearly 28% increase in the week before Christmas that helped to push the comp gain to 10.0% vs. 9.2% for the five weeks ended Dec. 31.

Mark S. Landau, who served on FINL’s board from Jan. 2010 until resigning Dec. 31, has been appointed Chief Business Development Officer of the Indianapolis retailer.

Kingston, MA-based Bern, which sells helmets for biking, skating and snowsports, filed a federal patent infringement lawsuit against Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor late last month in Boston.

Green Tire Bike Shop, a year-old St. Paul, MN, bike specialty shop which generated more than $537,000 in revenues during its 12 months in operation, filed for Chap. 7 bankruptcy protection on Dec. 23.

Performance Inc. is recalling approximately 2,900 of its 2011 Forté Pro Carbon Road Pedals due to possible breakage or cracking.

The inaugural Avalaunch Winter Market Awards at Outdoor Retailer, honoring an Ambassador, Company, Safety Product, New Product and Avalanche Educator of the Year will take place on Jan. 22 in Salt Lake City.