SGB Executive Outdoor
LL.Bean Chairman Urges UNH Grads To Lead ‘Adventure-Filled” Lives
In his commencement address for the University of New Hampshire’s 2018 graduating class, Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s chairman, called the outdoors “a critical antidote to this hyper-competitive, hyper-stressed, tech-driven world we live in.” While technology powers the world in wonderful ways, “it will never fill your soul like a sunrise in the mountains,” he said.
Kohl’s Delivers Blow-Out Q1 On Active Strength
Led by 10 percent comp growth in its active assortments, Kohl’s Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that easily topped Wall Street’s targets and lifted its guidance for the year. Nike, Under Armour and Adidas led the active gains and the department-store operator is planning a 30-store test that will see square footage dedicated to active expand by 40 percent.
U.S.-China Trade War ‘On Hold’ … But Should Companies Remain Wary?
The looming trade war with China that dominated headlines all spring and forced U.S. companies to fear heavy tariffs on their imports is now on hold. But is it really?
Aisle Talk Week Of May 14
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Kayak Maker Hemisphere Design Works Sets Course For Growth
Hemisphere Design Works is the result of a 2017 merger between KL Outdoor and GSC Technologies. The newly formed, 500-employee company is now ramping up production of a wide range of kayaks, pedal boats, human-powered fishing boats and paddling accessories under the Sun Dolphin, Evoke, Future Beach and Swiss Cargo brand names.
Patagonia CEO: Public Lands Stance Having ‘Positive Effect On Business’
Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario has again spoken out in defense of her company’s campaign against the current administration’s attack on public lands, telling the popular podcast Recode Decode the stance has had a “positive effect on business” and that Patagonia is poised to have its “best [sales] year ever.”
Adidas Gets Caught In Rockport Bankruptcy
The Rockport Group filed for bankruptcy and cited a complex and expensive two-year transition process separating from the company’s former parent, Adidas, as one of the reasons for the filing. Court filings also show Adidas holds unsecured claims amounting to more than $70 million.
Whack-A-Mole: Inside The Fight Against Knockoffs, Counterfeits & Fake Sites
SGB goes inside the fight against counterfeits, knockoffs and fraudulent websites by looking at how two companies—Nite Ize and Scott Sports—are combatting the problem, as well as outlining steps a business can take to mitigate risk.
Behind The Deal: Canadian Tire Goes Global With Helly Hansen
Canadian Tire Corp.’s acquisition of iconic outdoor brand Helly Hansen from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan for US$771 million fulfills two goals for the diversified company—bolster the company’s core business and extend the company’s reach across the globe.
Aisle Talk Week Of May 7
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Herschel Walker (pictured) being appointed to President Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
SGB Executive Q&A: Helly Hansen CEO Discusses Sale To Canadian Tire
Helly Hansen is being sold to Canadian Tire Corp. for about $771 million in a deal announced early Thursday, but don’t look for sweeping changes at the iconic Norwegian outdoor brand. Helly Hansen CEO Paul Stoneham (pictured, pointing) spoke with SGB about what’s in store for the company moving forward.
Wolverine’s ‘Consumer Obsession’ Kicks Into High Gear
Wolverine Worldwide Inc.’s first-quarter performance not only beat analysts’ expectations on both revenue and income, but it prompted the company to raise full-year earnings guidance as the next phase of an ambitious, multimillion-dollar global growth agenda kicks in.
Despite Delays, Gander Outdoors Openings Off To Solid Start
Camping World Inc. remains “very encouraged” with the initial performance of the company’s re-opened Gander Outdoors locations, although officials admitted that some stores are opening later than initially planned because of the complexities involved in re-opening so many stores.
Ammunition, Apparel Carry Clarus To Robust Q1
Even though Clarus Corp. missed analysts’ estimates on income in the first quarter, the parent company of Black Diamond, Sierra Bullets and Pieps exceeded revenue expectations behind the strength in ammunition and apparel.
Poor Weather, Toys “R” Us Liquidation Stymie Dorel Sports In Q1
Dorel Industries executives blamed “poor cycling weather” and financial fallout from the Toys “R” Us liquidation as the primary drivers for Dorel Sports segment revenue declining 3.5 percent in the first quarter.
