Author: Thomas J. Ryan

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, officials at On indicated holiday results came in strong for the Swiss running brand, highlighted by continued healthy demand and full-price selling. Several catalysts were also cited to drive growth in 2023. (Read More)

In a session at the 2023 ICR Conference, Crocs Inc.’s CEO Andrew Rees said the return of significant new product introductions for both the Crocs and Hey Dude brands is expected to stimulate growth in 2023 after innovation efforts were challenged over the pandemic. (Read More)

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, Delta Apparel Inc. officials said four out of its five primary market channels, including Salt Life and DTG2Go, saw double-digit growth in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31, but elevated inventory levels at the mass channel continue to impact its Delta Direct business to drive a slight sales decline in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31. (Read More)

In a presentation at the 2023 ICR Conference, Jay Schmidt, president at Caleres, Inc., said Famous Footwear plans to sharpen its focus on the Millennial mom to deepen the chain’s connections with the overall Millennial family. (Read More)

Speaking Monday at the 2023 ICR Conference, Ed Thomas, president and CEO, Tilly's, said the retailer was a “little disappointed” with holiday sales with the environment turning “a lot more promotional” than expected due to aggressive clearance efforts by key brands, including Vans. (Read More)

SGB reached out to key leaders in the Active Lifestyle space to share their outlook for 2023. In this final installment, here are a series of responses that gauge what they see for the year ahead. The final installment will run Friday. The first installment can be read here; the second, here; and the third, here. (Read More)

Helen of Troy Ltd. reported Hydro Flask’s sales in the fiscal third quarter ended November 30 continued to be impacted by cautious buying by retailers. (Read More)

SGB Executive reached out to key leaders in the Active Lifestyle space to share their outlook for 2023. This third installment includes insights from Brooks Running, OIA, Fleet Feet, Vibram, Selkirk Sport, Fjällräven and others. (Read More)

SGB reached out to key leaders in the Active Lifestyle space to share their outlook for 2023. In the second installment, here are a series of responses that gauge what they see for the year ahead. (Read More)

The majority of stocks in the active lifestyle space took it on the chin in 2022 as broader stock markets in the U.S. saw their worst performance since the 2008 financial crisis. Stocks managing gains included Academy Sports + Outdoors, Deckers Outdoor, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Xponential Fitness, and TJX Cos. (Read More)

SGB reached out to key leaders in the Active Lifestyle space to share their outlook for 2023. In the first installment, here are a series of responses that gauge what they see for the year ahead. (Read More)

Mergers & acquisitions in the active lifestyle space continued at a healthy pace in 2022 despite macroeconomic pressures having the stock market reporting its least favorable annual performance since 2008. Below is the complete list of M&A transactions SGB Media reported on in 2022. (Read More)

Rocky Brands' sales climbed 17.5 percent in the third quarter as the strong appeal for the retailer's wide range of functional, affordable footwear offset inflationary consumer pressures. Jason Brooks, president & CEO, in an interview with SGB Executive, talked about his long run at the family-run business, the acquisition of Honeywell's lifestyle footwear business, and how the company is managing a challenging macroeconomic environment. (Read More)

Sports Endeavors, the parent of Soccer.com, recently sold a majority stake in the company to Seawall Capital. In an interview with SGB Executive, CEO Mike Moylan, shown left above, said the funding is expected to support continued momentum around the sport of soccer that’s expected to reach another inflection point when North America hosts the 2026 World Cup. (Read More)

Academy Sports + Outdoors last week again raised its earnings outlook for the year as robust merchandise margins elevated its Q3 profits ahead of analyst targets. Ken Hicks, Academy's chairman, president and CEO, discusses the retail chain's continued momentum coming out of the pandemic with SGB Executive, its robust transformation over the last five years and rising promotional pressures.  (Read More)

Speaking at Morgan Stanley’s Global Consumer & Retail Conference, Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor’s CEO, said the company sees “a bifurcation” in its performance amid inflationary pressures “where the more well-heeled consumers and the more well-heeled products we have—higher-end premium products—are doing better than the entry-level.” (Read More)

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. said a strong bounce back in its Fishing segment, due to the easing of supply chain issues, drove an 18.1 percent sales increase and improved profitability in its fiscal fourth quarter ended September 30. Helen Johnson-Leipold, chairman and CEO, told analysts, “Managing the challenging supply chain environment remains a key priority, and we will continue to evaluate all avenues to mitigate cost pressures into the next fiscal year." (Read More)

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. raised its full-year outlook on robust third-quarter results that surpassed plans, but soft guidance for the fourth quarter sent the stock down about 12 percent Friday in mid-day trading. Speaking to analysts, CEO Calvin McDonald acknowledged a "challenging" environment for sales. The tempered guidance came despite Black Friday ranking as LULU's most profitable for revenue and traffic, driven by worldwide sales. (Read More)