SGB Executive Outdoor
Rocky Brands Q4 Boosted By Higher Margins, Plant Efficiencies
Helped by vibrant sales at its higher-margin retail segment and steps to improve efficiencies at company-operated manufacturing facilities, Rocky Brands Inc. reported earnings on an adjutted basis rose 28.6 percent in the fourth quarter ended December 31.
Retail Reports Roundup
Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks on the value of in-person customer service, in-app spending growth, mobile payments, virtual assistants, supply chain digitization and more…
Trade Talks Showing Some Positive Signals
Facing a March 1 deadline before tariffs on some $200 billion in Chinese imports rise, Chinese and U.S. negotiators held high level talks Thursday and Friday in Washington D.C. The discussions come amid signs of progress on resolving some issues in the seven-month trade dispute.
Wolverine’s Shares Sink On Cautious Guidance
Wolverine World Wide reported sales came in slightly below Wall Street’s expectations but are expected to accelerate to mid-single digit growth in the back half of 2019 due to an expected turnaround at Saucony and accelerated growth at Merrell and Sperry. EPS guidance for 2019, however, came in below expectations as the company plans to ramp up brand-building efforts this year.
SFIA: Sports Industry Facing Too Many Casual Participants
The annual SFIA Topline Participation Report found more Americans embracing healthy lifestyles in 2018, including notable gains in participation in a number of outdoor and fitness activities. But the study found tackle football participation taking another hit and overall gains being driven by casual rather than core participants.
SportChek Q4 Boosted By Owned-Brands Push
Canadian Tire Corp reported that its SportChek segment saw same-store sales climb 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter, helped by a strong reception to its owned brands, Ripzone, Helly Hansen and Woods. Said Allan MacDonald, Canadia Tire’s EVP of retail, “I’m pleased that our owned brand strategy has now taken root at Sport Chek where we have to compete with some of the greatest brands in the world.”
Canada Goose Q3 Revenues Surge 50 Percent
Canada Goose again raised its guidance for the year after banging out significant gains in earnings and sales in the third quarter ended December 31. Results benefited from strong demand for expanded lightweight offerings, retailer requests for earlier shipments of merchandise, and a strong reception to new stores.
Can ‘Bench Strength’ Bolster REI During Leadership Transition?
As SGB Media reported yesterday, the outdoors world got a jolt with the news that Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI Co-op, had resigned after a board-initiated investigation into his admitted “personal and consensual” relationship with “the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry.” But what impact, if any, will this development have on the industry?
Always Good Times: Jeff Mechura Dishes On Elan’s U.S. Growth
Jeff Mechura, head of global brand development and marketing for Elan Skis, spoke with SGB Media at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show about what’s been driving the company’s growth in the U.S. and why Elan remains the “good Catholic boys” when it comes to the retail channel.
Christoph Engl Seeks New Heights For Oberalp’s ‘Passionate Mountaineers’
Christoph Engl, who last fall was appointed CEO of Oberalp Group—parent company of Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca and Wild Country—spoke with SGB recently about his goals for the Italian-based company as it looks to grow market share in North America.
Retail Roundup … 7 Reports For February 2019
Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks around the state of influencer marketing, the link between inventory efficiencies and markdowns, turning one-and-dones into recurring customers, brands’ opportunities to “mend A divided nation,” and more…
Columbia Sportswear Sailing Into 2019 With Broad-Based Momentum
Growth in all channels, all geographies and all brands but one lifted Columbia Sportswear Co. to record revenue for both the fourth quarter and 2018, and the company believes it is riding that momentum to another stellar year. “2018 was a tremendous year for Columbia Sportswear and I’m thrilled to see it end on a high note … ,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear’s president and CEO.
Aisle Talk Week Of February 4
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including a number of former Cabela’s employees, led by Matt Highby, officially launching Highby Outdoors, an e-commerce site focusing on outdoor gear.
Transformation Efforts Pay Dividends For Amer Sports In 2018
Amer Sports, which is close to completing its mega-merger with China’s Anta Sports, reported a “solid” fourth quarter with slightly lower earnings but improving sales momentum. The gains were led by its Arc’teryx and Peak Performance apparel brands, strong DTC growth, and accelerated growth in China and the U.S.
Vista Outdoor Cuts Guidance Amid Continued Headwinds
Shares of Vista Outdoor fell $1.58, or 15 percent, to $8.99 on Thursday after the company earlier in the day cut guidance on its third-quarter report of a 20 percent revenue decrease and a $514.6 million loss on a goodwill write-down. The company reported sales of $468 million, shy of Wall Street’s consensus target of $505 million.
