SGB Executive Apparel
Outdoor Participation Shows Some Recovery
The Outdoor Foundation’s newly-released Outdoor Recreation Participation Report found that 48.8 percent of the U.S. population participated in an outdoor activity at least once in 2016, up from 48.4 percent in 2015.
NSGA Highlights Importance Of Physical Retail
The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) cautioned industry executives not to overreact to what it considers to be “incorrect conclusions” found in an study from Astound Commerce on the value of vendor stores and websites.
Study: Over Half of Online Shoppers Prefer Shopping Directly With Brands Over Retailers
The survey of consumers who have visited a brand manufacturer’s website in the past six months found the majority (54 percent) turn to brands over retailers for more comprehensive product information, in addition to enhanced customer service, better prices and more personalization options.
Camping World Lowers Re-Opening Target For Gander Mountain
On its second-quarter conference call, Camping World now says it may reopen as few as 40 former Gander Mountain locations, far short of earlier expectations, due to challenges renegotiating leases. Camping World also confirmed that the re-opened Gander stores will be much smaller than its traditional locations and feature significantly less footwear and apparel.
Aisle Talk, Week Of August 7
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Acushnet Lowers Revenue Outlook For Year
Acushnet Holdings Corp. reduced its sales guidance for the year after seeing a drop in sales of Titleist golf balls in the second quarter and a steeper quarter-over-quarter decline in Titleist clubs.
FGL Sports To Miss Revenue Goals For 2017
FGL Sports, which includes Sport Chek, is now expected to miss its ambitious growth goals for 2017 due to its sluggish sales through the second quarter, according to its parent, Canadian Tire Corp.
Starter And Ocean Pacific Exiting Wal-Mart
Iconix Brand Group Inc. confirmed on its second-quarter conference call that Starter and OP (Ocean Pacific) are being phased out at Wal-Mart. Both had been exclusive brands in the entry-level category at the discount chain for years.
Canada Goose Q1 Benefits From Pull-Forward Orders
Said Dani Reiss, president and CEO, on a conference call with analysts, “Many retailers are specifically asking us to accelerate shipments so they can get our product on the floor earlier. We see this as a testament to our belief that Canada Goose is a bright spot for our retail partners.”
Wolverine Worldwide’s Transformation Plan Paying Dividends
Most of Wolverine Worldwide’s brands exceeded revenue expectations for the quarter while also over-delivering on operating profit goals.Among key brands, Merrell’s grew just over mid-single digits, Chaco ahead mid-teens, Saucy up slightly, Wolverine ahead double digits. Sperry was down mid-single digits.
Asics U.S. Sales Drop 11.5 Percent In First Half
Asics America Group (AAG) reported that sales in the U.S. fell 11.5 percent in the first half year over year. The decline was largely attributed “to market forces and additional retail partner store closings.”
Black Diamond Sees Innovation Driving Robust Back Half
Black Diamond Inc. widened its losses in the second quarter due to stepped-up efforts to jumpstart growth. But its renewed focus on its flagship brand already helped drive top-line growth in the period and officials expect the momentum to continue in the back half of 2017.
Rapha Sold To Sam Walton’s Grandsons
Rapha, the London-based trendy cycling apparel brand, said that U.S.-based RZC Investments, led by Tom Walton with his older brother Steuart, has acquired a majority stake in the company.
West Marine Sees Fatter Margins Offset Lower Q2 Sales
West Marine Inc., which on June 29 agreed to be acquired by a private equity firm, reported basically flat earnings before charges in the second quarter as fewer markdowns offset a small sales decline.
North America Momentum Builds For Adidas
Helped by securing 400 new doors with Dick’s and Foot Locker so far this year, Adidas AG delivered 33 percent growth for the Adidas Brand in the North America region in the second quarter. On a conference call with analysts, Kasper Rorsted, Adidas AG’s CEO, said Adidas Brand has “not had the appropriate distribution” at places like Dick’s and Foot Locker and continues to benefit from greater allocations.
