SGB Executive Outdoor
EXEC: REI’s CEO Discusses “Unique Challenges” Facing the Co-Op
At a session at the NRF Big Show in New York City, Mary Beth Laughton, president of REI, talked about the retailer’s many “unique assets,” citing its co-op structure, outdoor mission and “green vests” in-store associates, but also the “unique challenges” that are behind its “Peak 28: Ascending Together” three-year transformation.
EXEC: VF Brand Presidents for “Big 3” Brands Talk Transformation
At a keynote session at the NRF Big Show, the global brand presidents of VF Corp’s top brands — Sun Choe, Vans; Nina Flood, Timberland; and Caroline Brown, The North Face — discussed the playbooks they are using to transform their brands to revive or accelerate growth.
EXEC: VF Corp. CEO Outlines Keys for Vans, TNF and Timberland Revivals
Speaking Tuesday, January 13, at the ICR Conference in Orlando, FL, VF President and CEO Bracken Darrell said Vans continues to find success with new product as the brand moves forward on its recovery while also spelling out significant opportunities for The North Face to expand in the U.S. and for Timberland to capitalize on the recent fashion revival in the Premium 6-inch boot.
EXEC: Dick’s SG’s Ed Stack Eyes Big Opportunity in “Fixer Upper” Foot Locker
On Sunday, January 11, during a session at the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2026 venue, Ed Stack, executive chairman of Dick’s Sporting Goods, took a deep dive into the company’s leadership strategies which have paved the way for its success while also indicating that he remained bullish on Dick’s recently-acquired Foot Locker business which he described as a “fixer upper.”
EXEC: Needham Downgrades Nike, Replaces Deckers Brands with VF Corp. on Conviction List
Needham & Co. downgraded Nike’s shares due to sluggish progress on its turnaround while adding VF Corp. to its conviction list on expectations over a strong holiday quarter for The North Face and Timberland. Deckers was removed from Needham’s conviction list due to projected continued slowing growth at Hoka and Ugg.
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead — Outdoor Market Leaders (Part 2)
Vendors, retailers and trade association leaders in the outdoor space expect cautious buying stances from outdoor retailers to continue in 2026 amid trade and economic uncertainty, but still see outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing innovation, durability and sustainability as well as outdoor adventures. Insights from industry leaders at Grassroots, Gregory, Merry People, Sun & Ski Sports, SIA, Nemo Equipment, Tersus Solutions and more…
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead — Outdoor Market Leaders (Part 1)
Vendors, retailers, and trade association leaders in the outdoor space expect cautious buying from outdoor retailers to continue in 2026 amid trade and economic uncertainty; however, they see outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing innovation, durability, sustainability, and outdoor adventures. Insights from industry leaders at ASA, Coulée Coffee, OIA, Ocean Bottle, RVIA, Gordini, Nite Ize, Ketl Mtn., NBDA, NMMA, Zamberlan, and more…
EXEC: Osprey Still Posting Growth for Parent; Hydro Flask Slips Again in Q3
Helen of Troy, Ltd.’s Home & Outdoor segment, which includes Hydro Flask, Osprey and Oxo, reported sales declined 6.7 percent to $229.6 million, dragged down by Hydro Flask. Helen of Troy also said it now expects to show a companywide loss for the year due to the promotional climate, consumer trading down and the impact of tariffs.
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead — Active Lifestyle Footwear Leaders
Footwear leaders in the active lifestyle space are hopeful that product differentiation and enhanced online engagement can help soften the sting of higher footwear prices in 2026. Forecasts for 2026 from industry leaders at AAFA, Altra Running, Brooks Running, Circana, Charm City Run, Diadora, FDRA, Fleet Feet, Gazelle Sports, Lowa, Playmakers, and RG Barry Brands.
EXEC: French Outerwear Brand JOTT Seeking Buyer
JOTT, the French casual outerwear brand owned by L Catterton, was placed in receivership in December 2025 and is seeking a buyer, according to French media outlet Fashion Network.
EXEC: Vail Resorts Comments on NYE Bar Fire Near Crans-Montana Ski Resort
Swiss officials have identified the 40 deceased victims of the New Year’s Eve bar fire near the Crans-Montana Ski Resort in Switzerland, which is owned by Colorado-based Vail Resorts, Inc. A criminal investigation is underway into the French couple who managed the bar. Officials did not identify the owners of the bar.
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead – Active Lifestyle Industry Analysts and Advisors
This is the first installment in a series of articles from SGB Media exploring the industry’s outlook for 2026, with future reporting to include the viewpoints of vendors, retailers, component companies, and trade organizations in the active and outdoor lifestyle space. Insights from executives at Houlihan Lokey, RW Baird, Lincoln International, Karnan Associates, Wells Fargo, Stifel, BCE Consulting, and Outsize Consulting.
SGB 2025 Year in Review: Active Lifestyle Stocks Take It On the Chin Again
The wide majority of stocks trading in the active lifestyle space in 2025 sharply underperformed broader market gains for the fourth straight year. The lackluster performance was in large part due to disruptions from tariffs, as well as stalled turnaround efforts in several major stocks, including Nike, VF Corp. and Lululemon.
EXEC: Fuji Brand’s Chinese Parent Pacific Glory Worldwide to Launch U.S. Distributor Network
The China-based owner of the Fuji, SE and Tuesday bike brands has formed a dedicated distribution arm, the company said, which was “created to better serve U.S. bicycle retailers and adapt to the realities of a shifting global market.”
SGB 2025 Year In Review: Active Lifestyle M&A — Part Two
SGB Media presents a roundup of M&A action in the industry for the second half of 2025, including new deals struck or closed in the final days of 2025..
