SGB Executive Outdoor
REI Chicago Union Workers Disrupt Anniversary Sale, Walk Off Job
REI Union Chicago workers walked off the job this on Saturday May 18, during the retailer’s annual Anniversary Sale, demanding the retailer reach a “fair contract” by the end of 2024.
EXEC: Tom Cove to Retire from SFIA Leadership Post in October
Always the gentleman, always understated and always a class act, Tom Cove let slip this week that he will retire from his leadership role at the SFIA, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, formerly SGMA, in the fall.
EXEC: CEO Kevin Plank Outlines Dramatic Turnaround Plan for Under Armour
With some apparent aggravation on what the brand has become, Plank noted that Under Armour has become a brand that competes primarily on price versus what should be its core competency—performance and technical innovation.
EXEC: Descente Ltd. Fiscal Year Profits Increase in Double Digits on Solid Sales Growth
Net sales for the fiscal year increased 5.3 percent to ¥127.0 billion reportedly due primarily to growth in DTC net sales that expanded the channel composition ratio, sales growth in South Korea, and China’s incorporation of Le Coq Sportif Co., Ltd. into consolidated results from the previous fourth quarter.
EXEC: Industry Organizations Push Back on Biden Administration’s Tariff Decisions
The decision to maintain Section 301 China tariffs and implement new tariffs has U.S. retail and brand companies up in arms over the decision released this week by the Biden administration.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees Improving Bike Picture as April Shipments Close to Flat
The 1.75 percent year-over-year decline was the smallest year-over-year decrease in sales since April 2023 when sales grew 20.3 percent to NT$7.03 billion. First quarter results that were down 20.3 percent.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees China Q1 Gains Offset by Inventory Reduction, OEM Sales Elsewhere
The Taiwan-based manufacturer of bikes, bike parts and components reported that the sharp sales decline came despite increased bike sales in China offset by inventory reductions in Europe and North America and order adjustments from OEM customers.
EXEC: Leatt Posts Another DD Decline in Q1 as Body Armor and Helmets Sales Falter
Sales to the company’s global distributors decreased by 31 percent as distributors continue to manage industry-wide stocking dynamics, while consumer direct sales increased by 15 percent and dealer direct sales increased by 9 percent in Q1.
EXEC: Key Footwear Factory Report Sees Flat Q1 and Unsettled Market for 2024
The Group believes the global footwear industry will remain unsettled in the near term amidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment driven by persistent inflation, high interest rates, regional conflicts, and its impact on shipping lanes.
EXEC: Havaianas owner Alpargatas Shows Modest Growth In Q1
Alpargatas, the Brazilian parent of the Havaianas, Rothy’s and Ioasys brands, reported net revenue reached Brazil Real (R$)931.8 million in the first quarter, climbing 3.2 percent compared to the same period in 2022. For the flagship Havaianas brand, strength in Brazil offset declines in the U.S. and Europe.
EXEC: Xtep Intl Divests K-Swiss Brand to Focus on Merrell and Saucony in China
The move is designed to carve out the consistently underperforming segment from Xtep’s portfolio, allowing the company to concentrate its resources on developing its highly profitable brands – core Xtep brand, Saucony, and Merrell.
EXEC: Solo Brands CEO Outlines Early Progress on Turnaround Plan
Solo Brands, Inc. reported first-quarter sales and adjusted EBITDA topped expectations and noted progress is being made in repositioning its brands for growth. On an analyst call, Chris Metz, CEO, said Solo Stove saw improving DTC trends while Chubbies benefited from the early arrival of a shorts campaign.
EXEC: Yeti Shares Jump as Q1 ProfIts and Revenue Fly Past Estimates
Shares of Yeti, Inc. jumped about 11 percent Thursday after the company reported that lower freight and product costs drove first-quarter earnings well above Wall Street targets, leading to raised EPS guidance for the year. Sales grew by double-digits for the second consecutive quarter.
EXEC: Vista Outdoor Sees Another Tough Year Ahead
Vista Outdoor, Inc.’s fourth-quarter results met expectations with sales at its Kinetic Group ammunition segment reaching the lower end of guidance while the Revelyst outdoor segment grew organically for the first time in nine quarters. However, conservative guidance was provided for the new fiscal year as market conditions in both the hunt and outdoor channel remain challenging.
EXEC: Topgolf Callaway CEO Eyes Sales Pickup for Golf Businesses in Back Half
Topgolf Callaway Brands reduced its sales outlook for the year due to weakness at Jack Wolfskin and currency headwinds seen in the first quarter, but officials on an analyst call said that overall profitability came in significantly better than expected and its Topgolf and Golf Equipment segments are both positioned to accelerate growth in the second half.
