Press Releases:
2007 / 2005 / 2004 / 2003 / 2002

Company History / Company Profile / Contact Info

May 26, 2004
Why count carbs when there's effective, affordable Nordic walking?

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Restaurants across the country are feeding America's obsession with weight loss, offering low carb menus, downsizing the super-sized, and tapping into profits from a fad raging across the nation.

In Europe, they're doing something altogether different – Nordic walking. It doesn't require counting carbs, but two specially designed poles to work the upper body while walking. Like cross-country skiing, the poles are used to match each step a person takes, says Keith Richardson, CEO of outdoor retailer Sierra Trading Post.

"It's an easy, inexpensive workout, says Richardson whose store specializes in first quality closeouts and overstocks. "It requires a minimal investment in gear, if you shop wisely, and the benefits are remarkable.

It's better than just walking, because it provides an easier cardio workout, he adds. Nordic walking increases the heart rate 5-17 beats per minute more than normal walking without increasing the perceived rate of exertion. According to a 2002 study by The Cooper Institute, walking with poles uses about 20 percent more calories than walking without poles. It also provides an upper body workout that includes shoulders, arms, chest, and back muscles. And it's a low impact exercise, so it's easy on knees and joints.

A good pair of walking or running shoes, comfortable clothing, a fanny or Nordic pack, and Nordic walking poles will get anyone started, Richardson says.

"Anyone wanting to experience Nordic walking can get started with about a $150 investment, if they shop at Sierra Trading Post, Richardson says. Anywhere else, customers will pay twice that much, he adds.

Richardson recommends a Nordic pole by Komperdell, a trusted manufacturer of trekking, ski, and more recently, Nordic walking poles. Sierra offers these quality-constructed poles at nearly 50 percent off the suggested retail price. For about $50 this is a great bargain, particularly for a beginner who may not yet be sold on the benefits of the activity, adds Marc Angelo, a merchandiser for Sierra.

Trusted walking shoes from Saucony, Reebok, Ecco, New Balance and others range in price from $30 to $40 at Sierra, and a quality Lowe Alpine fanny pack, often used by runners, can be purchased in the $10-$20 price range, Angelo says. Add a moisture wicking t-shirt for $9, a quality pair of running shorts for $15, and an $8 pair of performance socks, and you've got a Nordic walking ensemble for under $150, he adds.

To learn more about Nordic walking, visit www.nordicwalking.com. To save 35-70 percent on Nordic walking gear, visit www.SierraTradingPost.com or call 800-713-4534 for a free catalog.


May 3, 2004
Sierra Trading Post Selects WebSideStory's On-Demand Web Analytics to Increase E-Commerce Sales
WebSideStory's HBX Service Enables Outdoor Apparel Retailer to Optimize Affiliate Marketing Program, Increase Conversions

SAN DIEGO, CA -- WebSideStory (www.websidestory.com), the leader in on-demand Web analytics, today announced that Sierra Trading Post, a leading outdoor apparel retailer and catalog company, has selected the company's flagship service, HBX (www.hbxondemand.com), to improve its e-commerce performance. Based in Cheyenne, Wyo., Sierra Trading Post (www.SierraTradingPost.com) is using the real-time analytics service to optimize its affiliate and search engine marketing programs, as well as to increase site conversion rates. Sierra Trading Post selected HBX after an extensive review of several analytics products and services. The HBX analytics tool provides Sierra Trading Post with relevant, on-the-fly data to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns across multiple channels, according to company officials.

"The granularity of the data available with HBX is excellent, said Andy Newlin, affiliate marketing supervisor for Sierra Trading Post. "It also provides the kind of relevant reporting we need given our particular business model and what we are trying to accomplish.

Founded in 1986, Sierra Trading Post sells everything from camping and hiking equipment to golf shoes and casual clothing. The company purchases name-brand overstocks and closeouts and passes those savings on to its customers. Sierra Trading Post is a multi-channel retailer that focuses on catalog sales and online sale. The company also operates three retail outlets.

The company is using HBX to evaluate its affiliate marketing network by measuring performance of their affiliate partners. Referring URL information is used to pinpoint sites that tend to send a large amount of traffic, but generate few sales. Newlin uses this information to contact these affiliates and help them work through the problem, ensuring that its network is operating at maximum efficiency.

Sierra Trading Post will also use HBX to optimize its search engine marketing program, by identifying pay-per-click keywords with the best conversion rates and the most sales. HBX's auto-sensing functionality enables marketers to track large campaigns, such as keyword purchases, on the fly.

To increase conversion rates, Sierra Trading Post is using HBX's Conversion Funnel Analysis to clear bottlenecks and increase browse-to-buy ratios. Conversion funnels show how visitors navigate through a certain process – such as a shopping cart checkout – and where they fall out.

"Simple, relevant Web analytics is the easiest way to improve online business performance, said Rand Schulman, Chief Marketing Officer for WebSideStory. "Sierra Trading Post is a pioneer and leader who understands this and has already begun to see profound results. We look forward to our partnership and their continued success both online and off.

HBX is a hosted analysis and reporting solutions that delivers real-time information about online visitor and customer behavior. Some of the largest companies in the world use the service to improve online marketing ROI, increase conversions, boost online advertising revenues and enhance customer support. HBX is requires no hardware or software investment and can be implemented within a few days. For more information about HBX visit www.hbxondemand.com or call 888-844-8269.

About Sierra Trading Post
Sierra Trading Post purchases overstocks and closeouts from name brand vendors and passes savings of 35 to 70 percent on to its customers. Headquartered in Cheyenne, the company operates three retail stores, an online store (www.SierraTradingPost.com) and six mail order catalog titles with an annual circulation of more than 60 million.

About WebSideStory
Founded in 1996 and backed by prominent venture capital firms Summit Partners and TA Associates, WebSideStory is the leader in on-demand Web analytics. WebSideStory's enterprise solutions provide actionable, real-time information about online visitor and customer behavior. More than 500 enterprises rely on WebSideStory's solutions to sell more products and services, increase online lead generation, boost advertising revenue and enhance online customer support. Prominent analyst firms have recognized WebSideStory as the No. 1 on-demand Web analytics provider by revenue. For more information, contact WebSideStory, Inc. Voice: 858.546.0040. Fax: 858.546.0480. Address: 10182 Telesis Court, 6th Floor, San Diego, CA 92121. E-mail: wsspress@websidestory.com. Web: www.WebSideStory.com. HBX is a trademark of WebSideStory. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.