James “JC” Curleigh, formerly head of Keen and of Salomon Sports N.A., has been appointed CEO of Gibson Brands Inc., the famed maker of guitars.
Author: SGB Media
Finalists Announced For Inaugural Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards
Outdoor Retailer on Tuesday announced the finalists for the inaugural Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards presented by Capital One Spark Business, which recognize design, innovation and achievement in the outdoor industry.

Rocky Brands Inc. Beats On Q3 Revenue & Income
Rocky Brands Inc. on Tuesday reported net sales for the third quarter ended increased 1.9 percent to $65.9 million compared to $64.7 million in the third quarter of 2017, beating Wall Street estimates by $0.4 million.
The Conservation Alliance Welcomes Browne Accounting
The Conservation Alliance has announced that Seattle-based accounting firm Browne Accounting has joined as the alliance’s newest member. In joining The Conservation Alliance, the full-service, virtual firm is helping to protect public lands for future generations.
Macy’s Names Shawn Outler Chief Diversity Officer
Macy’s Inc. has announced that Shawn Outler has been named EVP, chief diversity officer, effective October 29. Outler was previously EVP, licensed businesses, food services and multicultural initiatives.
REI Co-Op To Close All Stores Again On Black Friday, Thanksgiving
For the fourth year in a row, on Thanksgiving day and Black Friday, REI Co-op will close all 153 stores, process no online payments and pay more than 12,000 employees to “Opt Outside” with friends and family.

Brooks Running Co. YTD Sales Jump 29 Percent
Brooks Running Co., which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, on Tuesday announced record global growth as the company closed out the third quarter of the company’s fiscal year. Year to date, the brand reported a 29-percent increase in global revenue driven by a 32-percent increase in global footwear sales.
September Storms Have Minimal Impact On Southeast Lodging As Winter Season Begins
As of Sept. 30, bookings among participating properties for the winter season at destinations across five southeast states were strong, according to Inntopia in its most recent DestiMetrics Monthly Market Briefing.
Keen Opens “Fan Engagement Center” in Shepherdsville, KY
Keen Inc., a family-owned outdoor and lifestyle footwear brand, on Tuesday opened a product distribution center, which the company is calling a “Fan Engagement Center,” in Shepherdsville, KY.

Luxottica Group’s Sales Expand 3.5 Percent In Q3
Luxottica Group, the parent of Oakley, Ray-Ban and Sunglass Hut, reported net sales in the third quarter of 2018 were up 3.5 percent at constant exchange rates thanks to the strong performance of the Retail division and e-commerce platforms as well as solid growth in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.
Garmin Collaborates With Fitabase
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., announced a collaboration with Fitabase that will enable researchers to access data from Garmin wearables via the Fitabase platform, providing curated data sets ideal for deep analysis.
Assos Of Switzerland Appoints Next CEO
Assos of Switzerland announced the appointment of Derek Bouchard-Hall as the next CEO of the iconic cycling brand. Phil Duff, current chairman and CEO of Assos of Switzerland, will be stepping down as CEO, but maintaining his role as chairman of the board.
Li-Ning’s Comps Grew In The Low-Teens In Q3
Li-Ning Company Limited said same store sales for the third quarter ended September 30 registered a low-teens increase on a year-on-year basis. In terms of channels, retail (direct operation) and wholesale (franchised distributors) registered a high single digit growth respectively while the e-commerce virtual stores business registered a low-thirties growth.
Columbia Sportswear Appoints Gap’s Former CFO To Board
Columbia Sportswear Company announced that the company’s board of directors has elected Sabrina Simmons to serve as a director and member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees, effective immediately.

Perry Ellis Completes Transaction With George Feldenkreis
Perry Ellis International Inc. on Monday announced the successful completion of the company’s acquisition by an entity controlled by George Feldenkreis in which Perry Ellis has become a private company through a $437 million transaction.