REI is piloting new store layouts and deepening staff training to support its running departments as part of a bigger investment in the running category.
Category: Outdoor

March Retail Sales Grew Despite Higher Inflation
Retail sales grew in March even as inflation edged higher, the National Retail Federation said. The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in March were up 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted from February and up 6.9 percent year over year.
Hammerhead Promotes Vice President Of Product
Hammerhead, the Karoo 2 cycling computer maker, promoted Jessica Braun to vice president of product. In her new role, she will lead its software and hardware teams.
Bollé Brands Appoints VP Finance And Operations North America
Bollé Brands has hired Peter Moore as senior VP of finance and operations for North America. In his new role, Moore will support the ongoing expansion of Bollé Brands across the Americas.

Amazon To Surcharge U.S. Merchants For Fulfillment Services
Amazon sellers in the United States who use the company’s packaging and delivery fulfillment service will see a 5 percent surcharge on shipping due to rising fuel prices and growing inflation.
TALO Announces New Executive Director
The Board of Directors of TALO Distributors, Inc. announced it hired Kane Cannedy as executive director of TALO. Cannedy was, most recently, vice president of purchasing at Davidson’s.
Pedego E-Bikes Hires Chief Marketing Officer
Pedego Electric Bikes, with over 200 stores worldwide, appointed Kevin Mayer as chief marketing officer of Pedego.
Thule Opens Second North American Brand Store
Thule officially opened its first Canadian brand store in West Vancouver, BC. Thule Store Vancouver is the second North American brand store opened by Thule in the last six months, with Thule Store Denver opening in June 2021.

Norma Precision Ammo Relocates To Georgia
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Norma Precision Ammunition, a subsidiary of the leading European ammunition manufacturer RUAG Ammotec, has established its U.S. headquarters, manufacturing site, and warehousing and distribution operations in Chatham County.
Hibbett Expands, Amends Credit Line
According to a regulatory filing, Hibbett, Inc. modified its unsecured credit agreement with Regions Bank that expires July 9, 2026, to expand the limit to $125 million from $100 million. All covenants remain unchanged.

Walmart Names PayPal’s Finance Chief As CFO
Walmart, Inc. appointed John Rainey, former head of finance at PayPal, as CFO, effective June 6. He replaces Brett Biggs, who announced his exit from the retailer last year.

REI’s Sales Surge 36 Percent In 2021
REI Co-op released its 2021 financials and annual impact report, ending the year with $3.7 billion in sales, an increase of 36 percent compared to 2020.

Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 269 Percent Since 2008
The total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $70.52 billion in 2021, a 269 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to over 375,819, a 126 percent increase in that period, according to a report released by the NSSF.
T&C Surf Names New President
Craig Sugihara, founder and owner of T&C Surf Designs, appointed his son Ryan Sugihara president.
Vail Resorts Announces Employee Housing Investments At Key Resorts
Vail Resorts announced four investments to provide accessible and affordable housing for its employees at Park City Mountain in Utah, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Vail Mountain in Colorado, and Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont.