New vehicle same-store unit growth turned positive beginning in December 2023, and January and February to date are trending up from mid-single-digit to low-double-digit growth, but dollar volume is suffering from lower average selling prices for new 2024 models.
Author: SGB Media

On Expanding Global Retail Presence; to Open Portland, OR Store
The Swiss performance sportswear brand, will open its newest U.S. store in Portland, OR, on February 24 in an area of town vibrant with shops and restaurants and one mile from its Americas HQ.

Authentic Partners with Aldo Group for Hunter Bags and Small Leather Goods
The company’s will tap into Hunter’s heritage and translate it into a range of accessories that resonate with consumers seeking quality, style and functionality.

Play It Again Parent Sees Growth Moderate in 2023 Second Half
Parent company of the Play It Again Sports franchisor and other retail resale banners, reported revenues for the year ended December 30, 2023 were $83.2 million, up from $81.4 million in 2022.

Pvolve To Bring New Studio to Denver
Pvolve, the omnichannel fitness company, signed a franchise agreement with member Cali Kyle to open its first studio in Denver, CO this fall.

EXEC: Inside the Wolverine Worldwide C-Suite – Assessing the Year Ahead
Fiscal 2024 revenue is expected in the range of $1.7 billion to $1.75 billion, roughly a 5.5 percent decline at the mid-point versus the 2023 revenues. Gross margins are expected to reach 45.5 percent of sales, a record high, and EPS is forecast to improve 5X at the mid-point.

Garmin Posts Solid Q4 Growth in All Active Lifestyle Segments; EPS Up 27 Percent
The company reported that consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter was $1.48 billion, a 13 percent increase compared to the prior-year quarter, with growth across all segments except Aviation.

Puma partners with F1 Academy, Champions Women in Motorsports
“Puma’s collaboration with F1 Academy is so much more than just a sponsorship; it’s a continued commitment to the advancement of females in sport, specifically Motorsport.” — Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer, Puma

Planet Fitness: Former CEO Resigns from Board Over Staff Cuts, Other Matters
The company believes the resignation was due to its decision to cut approximately 9 percent of HQ staff in February 2024, the scope of the role of the interim CEO in managing the company and the Board’s role in reviewing and approving such decisions.

Gildan Activewear Posts Strong Q4 Profit Growth as Input Costs Moderate
Net sales were $783 million in Q4, up 9 percent year-over-year, consisting of Activewear sales of $644 million, up 8 percent, and sales of $139 million in the Hosiery and Underwear category, which was up 11 percent year-over-year.

Golfzon Range by Leadbetter Opens Second Location
Golfzon Range by Leadbetter—a new concept in indoor golf training from Golfzon and instructor David Leadbetter—will open its second location in Westbury, N.Y. in March.

Wolverine Improves Margins in Tough Q4; Sees Double-Digit Decline for 2024
Fourth quarter revenue from the ongoing business was $521.2 million and declined 18.4 percent on a constant-currency basis, with all segments and brands posting declines.

EXEC: Havaianas Parent Ends 2023 on Low Note; Works to Conserve Cash
Havaianas revenues for the fourth quarter declined 8.7 percent year-over-year (YoY) to R$991.8 million. International revenues were down 48.9 percent to R$96.6 million in the period.

Camping World Chair and CEO Named Executive Chair at Beyond, Inc.
Marcus Lemonis has been a director of Beyond since October 2023 and the chairman of its Board since December 2023. As executive chairman, he will work closely with the management team to lead and execute Beyond’s strategic priorities.

Malibu Boats, Inc. Sees C-Suite Shuffle; Re-Affirms Outlook
Ritchie Anderson, company COO, was promoted to president, effective immediately. Michael Hooks, chair of the Board, will become executive chair, effective immediately. CEO Jack Springer is leaving the company on/or before May 17, 2024.