With new tariffs now in effect, the company is accelerating its supply chain transition strategy, relocating key operational leadership to the U.S. and initiating plans to build out domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Category: Outdoor

EXEC: Trump Threatens to Push China Tariffs to 104 Percent Total
At issue was what Trump said was an effort to strike a trade deal with China that would be fair to both sides. China’s latest move on Friday to assess a 34 percent retaliatory tariff apparently lit the fuse as Trump threatened to add another 50 percent to the total tariff.

Documentary: Paraglider Peter Thompson Crosses Colorado Using Only Windpower
The film follows competitive paraglider Peter Thompson during his third and successful attempt to be the first man to paraglide across Colorado.

EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz Owner First Vendor to Re-Direct Inventory Destined for U.S.
KMD Brands said that until its has more clarity on changes to consumer demand in the U.S., the Group will redirect some U.S. inventory to other key global markets, or hold inventory with existing international 3PL partners.

MasterCraft Boat Holdings Sets Transition at CFO Position
Company Chief Financial Officer Tim Oxley has decided to retire from the company, effective December 31, 2025. Scott Kent, currently VP of finance, will succeed Oxley as CFO, effective July 1, 2025.

KOA Adds Eighth Blue Water Property to Portfolio
Tall Pines/Chesapeake Bay KOA, located near the Assateague and Chincoteague Island, is nestled between tall pines and the waterfront of the Pocomoke Sound.

Marquee Brands Partners with All Sport to Expand Dakine Presence in Europe
Dakine said this new strategic alliance will bolster the brand’s retail presence across the region, ensuring top-tier service and fulfillment for key retailers and e-commerce platforms.

EXEC: Trump Tariffs Hit Active Lifestyle Stocks Hard; Vietnam Hit a Big Surprise
At issue for many in the active lifestyle market, including sporting goods, footwear, apparel, and outdoor, is the impact on goods sourced in Vietnam after many companies invested considerable time and capital in moving production there from China.

BDA Promotes Former Nordstrom Exec to Divisional VP of Program Management
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC (BDA) is the largest, independently owned branded merchandise agency with operations in over 50 locations worldwide. With a proven record of building large e-commerce solutions, Lisa Battistoni’s expertise will drive innovation and optimize BDA’s digital offerings.

Massimo Motor Launches New Online Sales Platform
The U.S. manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles and products for the outdoor enthusiast, launched a new online sales platform, expanding its national sales channels and enhancing customer convenience.

Duluth Trading Welcomes Stephanie Pugliese Back as President and CEO
Pugliese replaces outgoing CEO Sam Soto, who announced last week he was leaving the business. She first joined Duluth Trading in November 2008 as VP of product and merchandising, and was promoted continuosly until assuming the CEO role in 2015, a role she served in until 2019.

Simms Fishing Launches Resale Program for Pre-Owned Gear
Launching first as a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace, Simms Recast allows the broader angling community to buy and sell pre-owned Simms gear direct with one another.

NRF: Consumer Spending Not Unraveling; Retail Sales Growth to Continue in 2025
The association’s 2025 sales forecast compares with 3.6 percent annual sales growth to $5.29 trillion dollars in 2024. This year’s forecast also aligns with the 10-year pre-pandemic average annual sales growth of 3.6 percent.

Blenders Eyewear Appoints Industry Vet as New CEO
Jack Gray brings nearly two decades of building and scaling global brands, including at Adidas, to the West Coast manufacturerer of men’s and women’s sunglasses and snow goggles.

EXEC: Intersport Posts Tepid 2024 Omni-Channel Sales Growth to €14.0 Bn
Despite a challenging business landscape, Intersport saw particularly positive 2024 growth in its French, Italian and Swiss markets, as well as an upward trend in several specific categories, including Sportstyle, Football and Running.