SGB Executive Outdoor
EXEC: Frasers Group’s Sports Direct UK Segment Posts DD Profit Growth as Sales Decline
Frasers Group reported that profits at its UK Sports segment rose 17.6 percent in its fiscal year ended April 26 as higher gross margins tied to Sports Direct’s Elevation Strategy and reduced expenses offset sales declines due to store rationalization at its Game UK chain and restrained consumer spending. The retailer warned that consumer spending will likely remain challenging this year.
EXEC: Mips AB Organic Growth Accelerates in Q2, Posting 42 Percent Increase
The Bike sub-category continued to perform very well in Q2, and the quarter reportedly marked the eleventh consecutive quarter of growth, following the post-pandemic slowdown in the sector as a whole.
Selle Royal Group Appoints New Head of U.S. Operations
The Italian manufacturer of bike saddles, components and cycling accessories, appointed Andy Pliszka as president and CEO of Selle Royal USA. He was formerly senior product manager, Footwear and Apparel, at Trek Bicycle Corp.
EXEC: Lowa Appoints General Manager Operations
Germany’s Lowa Sportschuhe GmbH appointed Giuseppe De Biasi as its new general manager of operations. Most recently, he was at Luxottica as general manager, retail Greater China.
EXEC: Grassroots President Sees Outdoor Specialty in Best Shape Since Pandemic
In a LinkedIn post, Gabe Maier, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, shared financials from the association’s retail members for 2025 and the first five months of 2026, showing that the independent outdoor specialty channel has recovered from the inventory corrections of 2023 and 2024 and appears to be outperforming big-box chains.
EXEC: Giant Group June 2026 Shipments Jump Most Since February 2025
The Taiwan-based bike manufacturer saw shipments jump in the mid-teens in the most recent reported month and tallied the largest percentage increase since February 2025 (+30.9 percent).
EXEC: Osprey Paces Robust Growth for Helen of Troy’s Home & Outdoor Segment
Helen of Troy Ltd.’s Home & Outdoor segment’s sales expanded 9.5 percent year-over-year to $194.9 million in the fiscal first quarter ended May 31, led by strength at its Osprey backpack brand that were boosted by international and e-commerce momentum. Hydro Flask’s gains were boosted by increased distribution at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
EXEC: Ski Vermont Reports Standout 2025/26 Ski Season
After nearly 30 years of ownership under Bill Stritzler, Smugglers’ Notch Resort announced the sale of “Smuggs” to Bear Den Partners, which owns Burke Mountain Resort. The sale comes as Ski Vermont reports the state’s best season since 2014/15.
EXEC: Elan Group’s Ski Division Director Departs
Leon Korošec, director of Elan’s Sports Division, has left the Slovenian maker of alpine skis and snowboards after nearly 25 years to assume a State Secretary role in Slovenia’s Ministry of the Economy, Labor and Sport. Žiga Schmidt has been appointed interim director of its sports division.
EXEC: West Marine Cancels Bankruptcy Auction, Pursues Reorganization Plan
West Marine has cancelled an auction for the sale of its assets in bankruptcy proceedings due to a lack of qualified bids. The boating and fishing retailer now plans to move forward with its pre-arranged reorganization plan that calls for the closure of about a quarter of its locations and an exchange of debt for equity.
EXEC: La Sportiva Builds Out New Ziano di Fiemme HQ after Strong 2025 Performance
The new HQ, which was imagined as an expansion of the current La Sportiva campus, is expected to integrate new workspaces and production areas with facilities designed for employees, including an indoor climbing gym.
EXEC: Rip Curl Parent KMD Brands Appoints Independent Board Director
KMD Brands, the parent of the Rip Curl, Oboz and Kathmandu brands, has appointed Ian Morrice as an independent non executive director to the Board of Directors (Board), effective August 20, 2026, The move comes following the Board renewal process announced in May 2026.
EXEC: Polygiene Appoints Head of Commercial Growth for Addmaster
Dr. Kurt De Meyer has been tapped as head of commercial growth for Addmaster, one of the textile company’s business segments.
EXEC: Portland’s Next Adventure to Remain Open Under Store Founders
Portland’s Next Adventure’s Co-Owners, Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen, plan to keep operating the flagship at 426 SE Grand Avenue and its store in Sandy, OR, after initially announcing plans to shutter the business and retire and then seeing a planned sale fall through.
EXEC: Safilo Completes Acquisition of Spy+ and Serengeti
Safilo Group, the parent of Smith, announced the closing of its acquisition of the Spy+ and Serengeti eyewear brands from Bollé Brands for $24.6 million.
