SGB Update Outdoor
RV Industry Association Sees Age Demographics Trend Lower in New “Intenders” Report
According to the RV Demographic Profile of Intenders, 73 percent of near-term RV intenders are under age 55, and 34 percent live in urban areas. The segment is also becoming more multicultural, with 32 percent identifying as African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, or LGBTQ+.
U.K.-Based Footwear Distributor Gardiners Acquires Dubois
U.K.-based footwear distributor Gardiners Group has acquired European footwear distributor Dubois in a strategic move to expand its offering into Europe.
American Outdoor Brands’ Q4 Sales Jump 34 Percent
Sales for the maker of outdoor accessories, including under the Bubba, Caldwell, Grilla, and Hooyman names, climbed 33.8 percent in the fourth quarter and 10.6 percent in the fiscal year ended April 30. The company’s sales got a boost from the success of new products, including the ClayCopter and the Bubba SFS Lite, as well as the transition of DTC brands Grilla and MEAT! into retail, double-digit international growth, and its strategic mix shift toward the Outdoor Lifestyle category.
Recall: Bell Sports Bicycle Helmets
About 31,200 Bell Sports bicycle helmets are being recalled. The recalled helmets do not comply with the impact requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) mandatory federal safety standard for bike helmets.
Recall: Coleman Converta Camping Cots and Camping Suspension Stretchers
According to a statement from the CPSC, Coleman has received seven reports of the seatback adjustment mechanism pinching consumers’ fingers, including two reports of fractured fingers.
FDRA Elects New Board Leadership for 2025/27 Term
The newly elected leadership for the 2025–2027 term includes Josue Solano, CEO of BBC International, as Board chair; Dan Friedman, chief sourcing and supply chain officer at Caleres, as vice chair; and Lisa Tucker, president of Shoe Show, Inc. as treasurer.
Compass Diversified Reports Inability to Rely on 2022 and 2023 Financial Statements
The owner of the 5.11, Boa, Oxo, and Primaloft brands disclosed on Wednesday, June 24, its non-reliance on its financial statements for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 amid an ongoing investigation into its subsidiary Lugano Holding, Inc. The investigation does not involve CODI’s other subsidiaries.
Decathlon Closing Five Greater Toronto Area Stores
Decathlon is closing its five stores in the Greater Toronto area this summer. The retailer provided no reason for the closures, but the French sporting goods chain stated in a media release that it had recently launched same-day delivery and is considering opening smaller store formats or adopting a wholesale distribution model to serve the region.
Primark Continues U.S. Growth with Memphis, TN Store Opening
The Memphis location, opening July 24, is the first of two planned store openings in Tennessee for Primark, with a second store set to open in the Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, TN. The opening marks the retailer’s 31st U.S. store, now spanning 13 states.
Carbitex Appoints VP of U.S. Sales
Hanna brings over 12 years of experience in advanced materials and textiles, most recently as director of Innegra sales at Quantum Materials, LLC, and previously as president of Innegra Technologies.
Winnebago’s Q1 Revenues Slump 18 Percent
The maker of motorhomes and towables reported a loss in the first quarter due to an 18.0 percent decline in sales, as the company was unable to offset revenue and margin declines in its RV segments by gains in its Marine segment, led by the Barletta and Chris-Craft brands.
Survey: Back-To-School Spending Expected to Hold Up
According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey of nearly 1,200 parents, over one in three parents anticipate spending more than the amount they spent last year. For surveyed respondents who plan to cut back on shopping for back-to-school items this year, technology and clothing were cited as top categories for reducing spend.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Worsens in June
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Sales Leader, Work Group
Jim O’Connor previously held executive roles at Timberland Pro, Shoes for Crews and Lands’ End. Wolverine’s Work Group includes Bates, Cat Footwear, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Hytest, Wolverine Boots & Apparel.
VF Corp. Appoints President of Napapijri
Valentina Visconti Prasca, formerly at Yoox Net-a-Porter Group, was appointed president of Napapijri, the Italian brand known for its travel bags and outdoor apparel. VF has owned Napapijri since 2004.
