SGB Executive Outdoor

EXEC: Active Lifestyle Retail Weathers Rough Second Quarter Waters

Although a few retailers outperformed in the second quarter, big names in the active lifestyle space fought through a challenging  quarter amid promotional pressures, retail theft and the consumer’s continued shift away from discretionary purchases.

EXEC: American Outdoor Brands Execs Detail Fiscal First Quarter Progress

The recent issues with inventory and reduced consumer demand in the broader firearms market at retail had an effect of the company’s Shooting Sports segment, but strong growth in the company’s Outdoor Lifestyle segment offset the decline in the shooting accessories business.

EXEC: Zumiez Hopeful for Holiday Selling After Q2 Beat and BTS Momentum

Zumiez, Inc. reported better-than-expected Q2 results with sales declines lessening further into the third quarter, including men’s, its largest category, turning positive. The action sports chain predicted another high-single to low-double-digit decline for the third quarter but remains hopeful of continued improvement through holiday selling.

EXEC: Amer Sports Files Confidentially to Go Public

Amer Sports, the parent of Salomon, Wilson, Arc’teryx and other sports brands, filed confidentially for a U.S. initial public offering that could value the group as high as $10 billion. The offering would come as Amer Sports’ business has seen accelerated growth, driven by Arc’teryx and Salomon and growth in China.

Study: American Malls Making a Comeback Post-Pandemic

A study conducted by Coresight Research found that traffic at U.S. shopping malls has recovered and surpassed pre-COVID levels, supported by the “halo effect” created by a brand’s online and offline presence in a mall, brand synergy in malls and omnichannel retail investments.

EXEC: Academy Sports’ Shares Jump On Upbeat Outlook

Shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. closed up $4.63, or 9.3 percent, to $54.57 Thursday as second-quarter earnings topped analysts’ estimates and the retailer reiterated its guidance for the year. Academy officials said sales steadily improved throughout the second quarter as customers responded to its message around value and newness.

EXEC: Mips AB Takes 25 Percent Stake in Sensor Technology Company

Quintessential Design’s proprietary technology reportedly turns passive gear into smart companions capable of detecting safety events, triggering emergency response protocols and connecting the closest emergency services to those in distress.

EXEC: Mainland Headwear H1 Revenues, Profits Fall Double-Digits

The manufacturer and seller of headwear and accessories products said in its H1 report that manufacturers and traders faced the “challenges of built-up inventories waiting to be consumed, weakened new demand and stagnant production and sales.”

EXEC: Saris Plots Continued Recovery Under New Ownership

The bike racks and trainers manufacturer Saris is under new ownership, acquired by C+A Global in October 2022. SGB Executive talked with Stefan Guelpen, head of global sales, about how the company helped stabilize and reposition Saris for growth.

EXEC: Active Lifestyle Well Represented on 2023 Inc. 5000 List

Golftec, Xero Shoes, SylvanSport, Stinger Sports, Bases Loaded and GiantMouse are brands in the wide range of companies in the active lifestyle space to land in Inc’s 5000 for 2023 annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America—a snapshot of companies’ performance from 2019 to 2022.

EXEC: Department Stores Stung by Apparel Category Woes

Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, and Dillard’s saw sales decline in the second quarter as the retailer’s core apparel category faced promotional pressures and weak demand. The active category was a bright spot for Nordstrom, but continued to struggle at Macy’s and Kohl’s.