SGB Executive Outdoor

Tariff War Far From Over

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to a temporary trade cease-fire to allow time for more negotiations but trade experts are doubtful that 90 days will be enough time to resolve the thorny and complicated issues that divide the two countries.

November M&A Roundup: Big Outdoor Deals Bookend Busy Month

Two large acquisitions in the outdoor space bookended November—Canada Goose bought Baffin to kick off the month and Callaway bought Jack Wolfskin to close it—while a flurry of M&A activity occurred in the days between.

Prayers Answered: Early Snowfall Bodes Well For Ski Resorts

Skiers and snowboarders aren’t the only ones whose prayers for plentiful snow to start the season have been answered. The owners and operators of resorts across the country are especially thankful for the early openings and hopeful that this momentum will lead to a long and prosperous season.

Aisle Talk Week of November 26

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including analysis from The Running Event (TRE), which shows that the industry is flying high once again after a couple of years of declining sales in the run specialty channel.

Yeti ‘Wild’ On Growth Prospects

In its first earnings report since going public, Yeti Holdings Inc. reported third-quarter earnings that topped Wall Street’s consensus target by $3.00 a share and set long-term growth targets of 10 to 15 percent as it pursues new categories, new customer segments and new channels. But shares fell $3.09, or 16.1 percent, on Thursday apparently due to concerns over weakness in its Cooler/Equipment segment.

Dick’s Top-Line Struggles Continue

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. increased its 2018 earnings guidance for a third consecutive quarter as earnings easily beat Wall Street’s targets, thanks to stringent expense controls. Sales, however, came in lower than Wall Street’s targets due to the continued drag from hunt and activity trackers categories, weakness at Under Armour and flat footwear comps.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Shares Rise After Mixed Q3

Shares of Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. were up 23 cents, or 4.9 percent, at market close Wednesday after the company posted mixed performance for the third quarter despite numerous headwinds, most notably weather-related.

Black Friday Weekend Momentum Portends Robust Holiday For Retail

Covering the revenue haul on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday on through to Cyber Monday, a number of favorable reports arrived proclaiming a healthy start to the 2018 holiday shopping season for retail. Although online appears to again be seeing over-sized gains with a boost from mobile purchases, brick & mortar traffic also appears to be recovering or at least stabilizing.

North Face Amps Up Engagement And Storytelling In Williamsburg Concept Store

In a walk-through of North Face’s new Protoype concept in Williamsburg, Mark Parker, the brand’s VP of direct to consumer (DTC), said the store showcases North Face’s expansive lifestyle offerings, puts a major focus on community engagement and will serve as a testing lab for future retail ideas. Said Parker, “This is a place where we’re going to play and learn.”

Kohl’s Sees Q3 Comps In Active Segment Jump 10 Percent

The Active segment for Kohl’s, which has grown to represent about 20 percent of the retailer’s mix, saw comps climb 10 percent in the third quarter and Kohl’s officials believes the chain is increasingly being perceived as a go-to place for active apparel. Shares slipped on a weak guidance for the fourth quarter.

TJX Shares Slip On Q3 Gross Margin Dip, Earnings Miss

Shares of The TJX Cos. fell $2.14, or 4.4 percent, Tuesday as increased freight costs and supply chain expenses offset the company’s strong expense leverage in the third quarter, dropping gross margin 90 bps to 28.9 percent.

Nordstrom, Macy’s Stand Out In Disparate Q3 For Department Stores

Department stores are a mixed bag heading into Black Friday and the 2018 Holiday Season, as companies like Nordstrom Inc. and Macy’s raised guidance with hopes of closing out the year on strong footing while J.C. Penney and Dillard’s continued looking for ways to keep from stumbling.

Aisle Talk Week of November 12

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Tony Hawk announcing the launch of D/CAL, a hybrid brand consultancy and creative agency, with Adam Wilson, Jared Prindle and Ryan Maconochie.

SGB Executive Q&A: G3 Founder & CEO Oliver Steffen

Oliver Steffen, founder and CEO of British Columbia-based backcountry ski brand G3, spoke with SGB recently about a wide range of topics, including an in-depth look at the company’s G3 University that he and his team designed to help backcountry enthusiasts improve their skills and get the most out of their adventures.

4 Hot Topics From Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

Exhibitors and retailers offered mixed reviews of last week’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market—the first in November and first in Denver—with the majority of companies that SGB interviewed saying they lamented the show’s lack of attendees and overall dearth of energy but lauded the show’s new date.