Columbia Sportswear says its first-quarter sales rose 11% to $331.1 million, compared with $300.4 million in the same period a year ago. And net income gained 38% to $12.8 million, compared to $9.2
million in the same period. The Portland, Ore.-based company also says its fall backlog rose 19% to a record $861 million. The company says the rosy results stem from "enhanced designs and compelling
marketing communications behind each of our major brands" with advance orders for its Omni-Heat styles more than doubling, and Columbia footwear growing in the high-teens. At its Sorel brand, fall
orders rose more than 80%. For 2011, the company says it predicts a 14 to 16% gain in its sales.