If last year was the reverse of Murphy’s Law, when everything that could go right went right, then in 2011/12 Murphy was back and everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

The concept of making sustainability part of the corporate culture can find no more fertile ground in the economy than in the outdoor industry for obvious reasons, but the industry is also beginning to understand that the message it sends out on this issue to convince the American consumer of its importance needs to change from what seems to many Americans like a tree-hugger, liberal issue to a more non-partisan message about creating new jobs and business opportunities.

SGI is walking the floor at OR, and here’s a rundown of some of the latest styles and trends we observed in outdoor apparel and footwear.

The donation from TNF over the next three years brings an end to the Alliance’s goal of building a $3.5 million endowment through its Legacy Fund campaign.

In Brazil, footwear dollar imports rose 40% in 2011 to $427.7 million, according to Abicalcados, the country’s footwear association.

For a second consecutive year, Vibram USA, the maker of high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear, is named REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year.