Last year, Camping World Holdings Inc. closed or sold more than 60 locations that didn’t sell or service RVs, a move took a toll on 2019 results by causing some short-term revenue and earnings pressure. But as Camping World turns the page on its retail model and refocuses on its core RV business, the company appears better positioned for 2020 and beyond. (Read More)
5.11 Tactical, the apparel and gear brand owned by Compass Diversified Holdings LLC (CODI), truly found its stride in 2019 and Q4, in particular. The brand posted its second consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth and fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit EBITDA growth. Here’s how 5.11 did it and what’s in store for 2020 and beyond. (Read More)
The TJX Cos. Inc. clearly doesn’t subscribe to the “retail apocalypse.” The parent of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra and other retailers added 223 net stores in 2019 even as competitors shuttered doors. On TJX’s earnings call this week, CEO Ernie Herrman shared some of the reasoning behind the company’s ability to buck the wider industry trend. (Read More)
When Rocky Brands Inc. was awarded “seller-fulfilled status” on Amazon Prime last year, it opened up a new channel—and significant new high-margin revenue opportunities—for the Nelsonville, OH-based company. The program provided a lift for Rocky Brands in the fourth quarter and should boost the company throughout 2020. (Read More)
On Monday’s fourth-quarter earnings conference call, Nautilus Inc. CEO Jim Barr admitted that the Vancouver, WA-based fitness manufacturer got a late start bringing connected equipment to the marketplace. Despite being late to the category, Nautilus has shifted into high gear and is spinning furiously to gain ground on leaders like Peloton, Echelon and others. (Read More)
FW Apparel (the FW is pronounced “forward”) is the skiwear brand that launched last fall. With its inaugural season not yet completed, FW Apparel—whose sister company is Faction Skis—has already begun targeting bigger aspirations for year two. Brand director Olivier Gouby, aka “OG,” spoke with SGB Executive at the recent Outdoor + Snow Show about FW’s lofty expectations. (Read More)
In his opening remarks on this week’s earnings call with analysts, Sturm, Ruger & Co. President and CEO Chris Killoy called 2019 a “challenging” year for Ruger and the entire firearms industry, both of which were rankled by a host of headwinds. But could those winds be shifting as the 2020 presidential campaign heats up? (Read More)
Fresh off an acquisition and the opening of a new Woodward facility, Park City, UT-based Powdr is feeling flow. In this SGB Executive conversation, Powdr Co-President Wade Martin dishes on everything from the health of the ski resort industry to the importance of capital investment allocation to why the company doesn’t view M&A like it’s a game of Risk. (Read More)
Meier Skis dubbed its Denver, CO, digs a “craft skiery”—a combination manufacturing facility and bar where patrons can learn about the brand, watch the production process and knock back a cold one. At last month’s Outdoor + Snow Show, company owner Ted Eynon dished on the concept and other initiatives brewing at the independent ski maker. (Read More)
Utah’s outdoor industry enters 2020 on a roll. Not only did the state land the headquarters of newcomer brands Jack Wolfskin and Ventum, but it’s also seeing investments from stalwarts like Amer, Black Diamond and Gregory, and this summer it welcomes a new outdoor hardgoods trade show—all despite a recent high-profile setback for the state. What’s driving the turnaround? (Read More)
The decision to cancel Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last November and consolidate it with January’s Outdoor + Snow Show—thereby reducing the annual OR show cycle to two—cost parent company Emerald Expositions Events Inc. $5.5 million in the fourth quarter, the company said this week. (Read More)
In 2019 and particularly Q4, Thule Group AB notched enough revenue growth elsewhere in the world to overcome what CEO Magnus Welander called a “challenged” U.S. market. But with low-margin OE contracts now phased out and a competitor no longer discounting a particular jogging stroller, Thule has brighter days ahead here for 2020. (Read More)
Like any manufacturer with suppliers in China, Callaway Golf Co. is reeling from the coronavirus. The company lowered its outlook for 2020 because the coronavirus should have a negative impact of $25 million on sales into China and $13 million on EBITDA for the year, company officials told analysts on Monday afternoon’s earnings call. (Read More)
On Canada Goose Holdings Inc.’s fiscal third-quarter earnings call, CEO Dani Reiss addressed the disruption that the coronavirus is having on supply chain, sourcing and sales in China. The near-term impact resulted in reduced guidance for the current fiscal quarter and year, but company leaders and analysts believe Canada Goose is positioned to weather the storm. (Read More)
Shares of Vista Outdoor Inc. jumped 11.7 percent Thursday following the company’s upbeat earnings report that included its first quarter of positive organic revenue growth since extensive transformation efforts began in 2018. Though the company’s stock dipped Friday morning, the accomplishments of the previous quarter provided a much-welcomed boost for the Anoka, MN-based company. (Read More)
Peloton Interactive Inc. continues to measure success a little differently than most companies beholden to shareholders. Although the company widened its loss in Q2, profitability is a journey for Peloton, which estimates that the company will hit the coveted aspiration of being “adjusted-EBITDA profitable by 2023,” said CFO Jill Woodworth. (Read More)
The active lifestyle marketplace began 2020 with a high volume of M&A transactions, but the most notable story didn’t involve a done deal—just one of the highest-profile companies in the industry announcing plans to rightsize its portfolio and potentially target new assets. The January M&A Roundup examines VF’s latest move and asks what’s next? (Read More)
Growing concern over the coronavirus, sharpened focus on participation and climate, and restored faith in the outdoor trade show lineup were among SGB Executive’s top takeaways from last week’s Outdoor + Snow Show in Denver, CO. Here’s what emerged from three days of walking the show and talking with dozens of industry stakeholders. (Read More)
Bollé Brands, the Lyon, France-based parent of such brands as Bollé and Spy Optic, on Wednesday announced a new corporate headquarters for its U.S. operation and a heightened focus on the North American market. The company’s global and U.S. marketing leaders spoke exclusively with SGB Executive about the changes. (Read More)
Royal Robbins is taking its apparel and accessories directly to consumers through an ambitious and adventurous brick & mortar initiative that kicks off in two strategic U.S. locales—Denver and Seattle—the company's CEO Michael Millenacker told SGB Executive this week. He breaks down the decision behind the retail gambit. (Read More)