In September 2021, Travis Campbell made a leap in acquiring Eagle Creek, a brand that its former owner and his former employer, VF Corp., had planned to discontinue. He talks to SGB Executive about the ongoing reset of Eagle Creek and the opportunities in the adventure travel consumer market.
Author: Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas J. Ryan
Senior Business Editor | SGB Media
tryan@sgbonline.com | 917.375.4699
EXEC: Former Brooks CEO Jim Weber Highlights Key Leadership Traits
At a keynote session held during Switchback Spring, which took place from June 16-18 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Jim Weber, former CEO of Brooks Running, listed focus, curiosity and trust as his “winning” trifecta formula for leadership success.
EXEC: Sport Obermeyer CEO Kris Kuster Talks Year ‘Round Mountain Opportunities in Ski, Hunt & Fish
Kris Kuster, Sport Obermeyer’s new CEO, spoke with SGB Executive about the opportunities he sees for the company in targeting female hunters and anglers, as well as plans to introduce fashion-forward capsules, including those connected to Obermeyer’s hometown of Aspen, the revamp of its online presence, and the impact of tariffs. Kuster also spoke about the impossibility of replacing Klaus Obermeyer.
EXEC: Topo Athletic CEO Tony Post Talks Meteoric Growth for the Running Brand
SGB Executive talks with Topo Athletic’s Founder and CEO Tony Post about the brand’s momentum, recent product wins, its partnership with DBI, tariff turmoil, and future opportunities.
EXEC: Wall Street Remains Skeptical of Any Nike Recovery in Fiscal Q4
Analysts expect Nike, Inc. will meet or exceed conservative guidance when it reports earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter ended May 31 on Thursday evening, June 24; however, results will again be well below year-ago levels.
EXEC: OIA Study Finds Outdoor Stores Still Missing Emerging Casual Consumers
At a session this week at Switchback Spring being held in Nashville, Kelly Davis, director of research at the Outdoor Industry Association, highlighted new consumer research that shows the outdoor space remains fixated on “Core” consumers at the expense of reaching the more “Active” and “Casual” participants.
EXEC: Academy’s Chief Merchant Talks Jordan Launch, Nike Brand Success, Tariff Disruption
Following the retailer’s first-quarter results report, Academy’s EVP and Chief Merchant Matt McCabe added more highlights from the business, including the promise to introduce the Jordan brand, a strong response to expanding Nike product and market share gains among higher-income households.
NFIB: Small Business Optimism Rises For First Time This Year
A gauge of sentiment among small businesses, rose to 98.8 in May from 95.8 in April, bringing the Index back above its long-term average, represented by a reading of 98. The increase ends a four-month streak of weakening sentiment.
EXEC: Academy CEO Sees Promising Returns from Improved Nike Allocations, Jordan Launch
First-quarter results missed analyst estimates and the retailer widened its full-year guidance due to potential inflationary pressures arriving this year. Management also shared many positive developments, including a healthy response to Nike product expansion and Jordan brand launch.
EXEC Q&A: Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks Running
Sheridan, who was promoted to Brooks’ CEO last April, talks with SGB Executive about Brooks’ recent momentum, entry into lifestyle footwear category, the tariff playbook, as well as the health of the overall run industry.
EXEC: Tariff Worries Overhang NSGA Leadership Conference Energy
Tariffs were top of mind at the NSGA 2025 Leadership Conference but so was confidence that the sporting goods industry would figure out ways to mitigate any fallout. Attendees told SGB Executive that suppliers were so far keeping price increases to a minimum while also ramping up communications with dealers to provide an early read on potential changes.
EXEC: Under Armour’s Turnaround On Track, Forgoes FY Guidance on Tariff Uncertainty
Under Armour, Inc. saw another quarter of progress in its turnaround efforts but refrained from providing guidance for the full year due to the tariff situation. Officials told analysts they’re exploring “a range of mitigation strategies” to offset tariffs, including cost sharing, sourcing diversification and potential price adjustments.
EXEC: Adidas CEO Clarifies U.S. Pricing Position; Will Wait for Competitors’ Moves
On Adidas’ first-quarter analyst call, Bjørn Gulden CEO, said Adidas hasn’t yet raised prices on U.S. products due to the U.S. tariffs but expects to should the tariffs remain and only after other brands raise prices. He said, “I have seen that certain press is writing that Adidas is raising prices. That is, of course, not true.”
EXEC: Citi Downgrades Nike Shares, Cuts Price Target After Hill Meeting
Nike management indicated that Air Jordan and Air Force One will “still be large franchises” even after inventories are managed lower, but Dunks will “not be a relevant part” of the mix over time.
EXEC: Asics Hikes FY Outlook As Q3 Revenues Climb 16 Percent
Asics raised its guidance for the year after reporting sales in the third quarter grew 16.0 percent with profits expanding faster. Double-digit revenue growth in the quarter was achieved in North America, Europe, Japan and Greater China.
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