New research by Accenture suggests that the pandemic has intensified interest in “conscious consumption” — defined as those who seriously consider the environmental and societal impacts of their shopping choices. Sixty-nine percent of consumers believe brands should do more to make it easier to consume more consciously.
Month: April 2021

SylvanSport Founder & CEO, Tom Dempsey, Weighs In On The RV Sales Boom and Future Trends In Response To The Growing Category
Brevard, NC’s SylvanSport, a manufacturer of camping trailers and affiliated gear, helped pioneer the “RVing meets adventure camping” category, a niche that has boomed during the pandemic. SGB Executive spoke with its CEO and founder, Tom Dempsey for his thoughts behind the RV sales boom and what lies ahead for the brand.
Ikon Pass Expands In Idaho; Adds Schweitzer
The Ikon Pass expanded its access and terrain in the Pacific Northwest with the addition of Schweitzer in Idaho. Ikon Pass holders can now take access 45 destinations for the 2021/22 winter season. Schweitzer is located in the Selkirk Mountains overlooking the town of Sandpoint, ID 80 miles from Spokane, WA offering 2,900 acres of […]

Golf Rounds Played Surge In March
Golf rounds played in the U.S. jumped 45.3 percent for the month of March, according to Golf Datatech.
Study Finds Nike Vaporfly Technology Reduces Top Race Times For Elite Athletes
A new paper published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found Nike’s Vaporfly 4% significantly reduced running times for both elite male and female competitors. The study analyzed seasonal best times for elite male and female runners in three race categories – 10 kilometers, half marathon and marathon races – between 2012 and 2019. […]

Stock+Field Acquired By R.P. Lumber
R.P. Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of R.P. Lumber Co., Inc., announced its acquisition of the assets of Stock+Field. In January, Stock+Field filed for bankruptcy and had intended to close all of its stores.

NPD Reports: Team Sports Equipment Sales Continue Strong In Q1
According to NPD Group, the strong growth trend seen in golf and team sports equipment during the pandemic has continued into 2021, with a few notable exceptions. Sales for the first quarter grew more than 50 percent compared to 2020 and were up more than 40 percent compared to 2019.

IHRSA 2021 Moves To Dallas In October
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced that its 40th Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) will move from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX.

Craft Sportswear To Sponsor Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder said Craft Sportswear has entered into a multi-year global partnership to become the “Official Performance Apparel and Footwear” of the series. Previously, Merrell was the footwear sponsor and Alanic was the apparel partner.

Columbia Sportswear Appoints SVP, Omni-Planning & Fulfillment Operations
Columbia Sportswear Co. appointed Emily Rompala to a new position of senior vice president, omni-planning & fulfillment operations.
Six Moon Designs Launches 2021 Ultralight Backpack Collection
Six Moon Designs announced its 2021 pack collection—the Flight 30 Ultra, a light day/weekend pack; Swift V, a value-priced load-bearing pack; and the Flex PR rafting pack. Flex Pack PR | best for packrafting, canoe/kayak portage The redesigned portage pack is built using the same load distribution suspension system as the brand’s lightweight backpacks. Originally […]

Aisle Talk Week Of April 19, 2021
The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of April 19, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day.

Inside The Call: Skechers’ Q1 Tops Expectations On China Boost
Skechers USA’s first-quarter earnings topped Wall Street’s target on robust international gains, driven by China. Domestic wholesale sales were down slightly due to logistics challenges but Skechers’ officials said demand for its comfort footwear remains strong. They also expect to gain market share as Nike streamlines its wholesale account base.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Boosts Data And Communications Team
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance made a number of promotions and hirings in its data and communications divisions. The buying organization also announced the departure of Vice President Gabe Maier, who left the group to pursue new career opportunities.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Appoints New President And CEO
BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. announced that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Bob Eddy as president and chief executive officer. The appointment follows the sudden death of its former CEO, Lee Delaney, on April 16.