Driven by increasing consumer demand and rising retail sales, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to set a new record this month even though new tariffs on goods from China just took effect, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Category: Outdoor
Helen of Troy’s Houseware’s Sales Climb 19 Percent
The gains reflected incremental distribution with existing domestic customers, an increase in online sales, new product introductions for both the Hydro Flask and OXO brands, an increase in sales into the club channel, an acceleration of Hydro Flask orders by retailers in advance of the Hydro Flask integration into the Helen of Troy ERP system and international growth.

SGB Exec Q&A: Locally’s Founder And President Mike Massey
In an interview with SGB, Mike Massey, Locally’s founder who is also the owner of Massey’s Outfitters in New Orleans, discussed the rapid expansion and evolution of Locally since its launch in 2014, as well as the fast-changing dynamics of online and offline retailing.

‘Battle Has Begun’: Global Trade War Now Underway
Trade associations called Friday the first official day of the trade war between the U.S. and China, as $34 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods kicked in overnight. The U.S. is expected to add tariffs on an additional $16 billion of Chinese goods at a later date.

Aisle Talk Week Of July 2
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Pentland Group’s solid year driven by a record performance from JD Sports Fashion PLC.
June Retail Jobs Increase But Trade War Could Turn Confidence
Retail industry employment in June increased by 50,200 jobs unadjusted over the same time last year despite a seasonally adjusted drop from May of 25,800, the National Retail Federation said Friday. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. Overall, U.S. businesses added 213,000 jobs over May, the Labor Department said.
Hawaii Bans Sale Of Sunscreens With Coral-Harming Chemicals
Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Judge Sides With L.L.Bean In Return Policy Challenge
A federal judge has rejected an Illinois customer’s lawsuit challenging L.L.Bean’s new policy that put limits on its famous lifetime guarantee.
SylvanSport’s Outdoor Industry Leadership Recognized By North Carolina
SylvanSport was honored with a visit from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and NC First Lady Kristen Cooper. The Coopers met with Tom Dempsey, SylvanSport founder/CEO, to discuss the importance of the Outdoor Industry to the state’s economy.
Canadian Tire Completes Private Placement Offering
Canadian Tire Corporation Limited has closed a private placement offering of C$650 million (U.S.$495 mm) aggregate principal amount of unsecured medium term notes.
Duluth Holdings Appoints Scott Williams To Board
Scott Williams has over 25 years of retail experience and most recently served as president of Cabela’s Inc.

Canadian Tire Completes Acquisition Of Helly Hansen
Canadian Tire Corporation Limited announced that the company has successfully closed the acquisition of the company which owns and operates the Helly Hansen brands and related businesses.
Outdoor Retailer Names Lisa Ramsperger Public Relations Manager
Outdoor Retailer on Tuesday named Lisa Ramsperger public relations manager, effective immediately. Ramsperger brings nearly 20 years of public relations experience in a wide range of sports and events, working with iconic brands and teams, including the Houston Astros, U.S. Olympic Committee, Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup and Amgen Tour of California.

Active-Lifestyle Stocks Bounce Back In First Half
With the nine-year bull market facing some choppiness this year due to a number of macro challenges, many stocks in the athletic-lifestyle space stood out for their outsized performances. Big gainers included Canada Goose, Under Armour, Lululemon, Deckers Outdoor and Crox.

Walking Company Emerges From Chapter 11
The Walking Company Holdings Inc. announced that the company has emerged from Chapter 11.