OIA Webinar: Tariff War Likely Driving Extensive Supply Chain Changes

In a seminar presented by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), trade experts at KPMG said the U.S./China tariff war may end but the underlying geo-political issues impacting overall trade won’t any time soon. As a result, a holistic “intelligent supply chain” approach that encompasses both customs and supply chain planning will be required in the future.

Stifel Outlook: Uncertainty Presents Opportunity For Active Lifestyle Brands

In “2019 Outlook: Uncertainty Presents Opportunities,” a note that was sent to investors this week, Jim Duffy of Stifel outlined what he believes are going to be the differentiators for sports and active lifestyle brands in the new year. The newly public Yeti Holdings Inc., for example, was among those forecasted for a strong year based on its new product drivers and digital competency.

YFM Equity Partners Sells Stake In Gill Marine

YFM Equity Partners has sold its stake in Gill Marine Holdings Limited, best known for their waterproof jackets  made for powerboating, sailing and fishing, for an undisclosed sum to the Myers family office,

Outdoor Industry Unites To Support Klean Kanteen And Victims Of The Camp Fire

In the midst of the Camp Fire tragedy in California that affected employees of Klean Kanteen and many others, the outdoor industry rallied to support those in need. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $160,000 to date. On Giving Tuesday, an additional $110,000 was raised for fire victims from the sale of a limited-edition Klean Kanteen “Butte Strong” bottle.

Gander Outdoors Store Closes In Paducah, KY

A Gander Outdoors location has closed in Paducah in Kentucky. By all indications, the store is the second Gander Outdoors location to close since Camping World began re-opening former Gander Mountain locations late last year under the updated name.

Accell Group To Explore Sale Of U.S. Business

In an update on its recently sharpened ‘Lead Global, Win Local’-strategy, Accell Group said it determined that the U.S. business is a non-core asset and management will explore a sale of the unit. Accell’s cycling brands sold in the U.S. include Raleigh, Diamondback and Redline.

Tariff Talk: How Is The Industry Responding?

GoPro last week announced plans to move most of its U.S.-bound camera production out of China by the summer of 2019 to mitigate the potential impact of inclusion on any new tariff lists. With significant uncertainty continuing, here’s an update from a few industry execs from third-quarter conference calls on what they’re planning to do to mitigate the potential tariff impact.

Amer Sports’ Board Issues Statement Supporting Sale

The board of directors of Amer Sports Corp issued a statement providing detailed reasons behind its support of a sale of the company to a consortium led by China’s Anta Sports. The statement points to the major premium Amer’s shareholders will earn at the offering price and the benefits from partnering with Anta, including a “significant opportunity to accelerate the expansion of its businesses in the Chinese market.”  Heikki Takala, president and CEO of Amer Sports, and his key executives are expected to continue leading the Amer Sports’  businesses.

November Retail Sales Increase 5 Percent

November retail sales were up 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted from October and increased 5 percent unadjusted year-over-year, completing the first half of the holiday shopping season with spending on track to easily meet the National Retail Federation’s forecast, NRF said.