The newly independent company talked up its “dock-and-unlock” brand development platform at the C.L. King virtual investor conference, and said it is actively shopping for outdoor brands to plug in to the system. The platform supports market positioning, product development and extensions, and marketing and distribution to maximize a small, niche brand’s potential. Taking those products to market increasingly relies on AOUT’s e-commerce platform, launched last year, which supports its own DTC websites as well as sales though e-tailer wholesale accounts. Total e-commerce sales through both channels were up 130% in fiscal Q1, which ended Jul. 31, against a ... Log in to view full article.