Smartwatches composed about 30 percent of Fitbit Inc.’s revenue in the first quarter, but based on executive commentary during yesterday’s earnings call, look for the products to grab even an larger share of the company’s top line in future earnings reports. (Read More)
The assets of AcuSport, a Bellefontaine, OH-based distributor of shooting and hunting products that filed Tuesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, will be acquired by Ellett Brothers LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Sporting Cos., the parties have announced. (Read More)
April was relatively quiet with fewer notable deals in the sporting goods, outdoor and lifestyle brand verticals, but some large companies such as Columbia and Nike acquired growth while some brands such as Volcom were put on the market. (Read More)
A mostly positive first quarter that saw Under Armour Inc. beat analyst expectations on earnings and revenue has the company doubling down on the “loud brand, quiet company” strategy announced earlier this year. (Read More)
Jeff Rosenthal and Bill Quinn of Hibbett Sporting Goods spoke with SGB Executive about how the company’s newly unveiled app fits into the retailer’s digital strategy and was designed to meet consumers’ shopping and buying demands. (Read More)
Thule Group AB’s strength in Europe and the rest of the world helped overcame softness in the Americas, as the company saw first-quarter revenue improve 5.6 percent (5.5 percent with currency adjustment) to SEK 1.6 billion and net income jump 11.9 percent to SEK 220 million. (Read More)
An impressive first-quarter performance not only increased Columbia Sportswear Co.’s sales expectations for 2018 but also bolstered plans for the company to invest $10 million in e-commerce and other capabilities in the second half of the year. (Read More)
Tyler LaMotte, chief marketing officer at Keen Inc., spoke with SGB Executive about the footwear company's new campaign, Better Takes Action, which was designed to follow the company’s longstanding philosophy of giving back, taking action and making an impact. (Read More)
Though Rocky Brands Inc. narrowly missed Wall Street’s revenue estimates in the first quarter, the Nelsonville, OH-based company rode a healthy balance across portfolio and sales channels to more than double net income from the same quarter a year ago. (Read More)
Colorado-based Native Eyewear returned to the goggle market in 2016, and the company is sharpening its focus on delivering “premium technologies at an attainable price tag,” General Manager John Sanchez said in a Q&A with SGB Executive. (Read More)
Adidas Outdoor USA has opened a new office in Golden, CO, giving the company a strategic hub in the Rocky Mountains as it looks to gain share across trail running, cycling, hiking and climbing footwear and apparel categories. (Read More)
As Cherokee Global Brands integrated Hi-Tec into its portfolio and moved it from an indirect sales model to a licensed royalty model, headwinds ensued. The company on Thursday reported a loss for Q4 and fiscal 2018. (Read More)
Next Friday, April 27, Kelty employees will play hooky as part of Ditch Day, a company-approved day for employees to eschew their work responsibilities and get outside. Ditch Day is part of the company's Built for Play campaign that encourages more outdoor adventuring. (Read More)
Huffy’s new brand, Batch Bicycles, is a higher-end line of bikes to be sold only in independent shops. In a Q&A with SGB Executive, Huffy CEO Bill Smith (left) said the new products will target an underserved market—customers who want a bike priced somewhere between big-box and specialty store offerings. (Read More)
TomTom consumer segment sales—which includes PNDs, navigation apps and sports watches—decreased 28 percent in the first quarter, but gross margin increased thanks to 70 percent of revenue now derived from data, software and services. (Read More)
When Olympic silver medalist Alex Ferreira (left) was 15, he joined the Local Talent Program run by Swedish helmet and goggle manufacturer POC. The program helps increase sports participation and improve product development—and it promotes the company’s branding efforts around the globe. (Read More)
Outdoor Retailer’s announcement that OR + Snow Show is moving to the end of January for at least the next four years and will immediately follow Winter Sports Market has garnered high praise from snow sports and outdoor stakeholders alike. (Read More)
Look for M&A to continue at a rapid pace in 2018, as companies like VF Corp. and others look to add valuable assets to their portfolio. But what are buyers looking for? (Read More)
After doubling the company's alpine ski sales in the U.S. over the last five years, Elan Skis is now doubling down on that recent success with the creation of Elan Sports USA. (Read More)
Pentland has big plans for its newest asset Endura – the company plans to accelerate the cycling apparel brand’s growth around the world. “We've got really big international aspirations,” COO Chirag Patel told SGB Executive in a Q&A about the Endura deal and Pentland’s M&A overall strategy. (Read More)