SGB Executive Outdoor

Retail Report Roundup – July 1

Studies arrived last week showing Nike ranked highest among active lifestyle brands, but lost ground on Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the most valuable American brands. Studies also rated the digital expertise of department stores, the relevance of social activism for brands with teens, robust urban population growth and apparel’s expansion online.

Aisle Talk Week Of June 25

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Adidas announcing a potential data security incident.

Does The Online Tax Ruling Even The Playing Field?

Many brick-and-mortar retailers hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling late last week that finally gave states the authority to require online retailers to collect sales tax. But interviews with a number of independent specialty retailers show many in the industry still face uphill battles competing with online selling.

Four Questions: Smartwool’s Jennifer McLaren

On June 26, VF Corp. announced that Jennifer McLaren would succeed Travis Campbell as president of Smartwool. Here, she talks about Smartwool’s strengths, near-term priorities in her new role, and becoming the first female to be promoted to president in the VF Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition.

Goldman Sachs Initiates Apparel Coverage With Attractive View

In initiating coverage on the Apparel & Accessories sector, Goldman Sachs said many companies in the space are expected to benefit from ongoing lifestyle shifts towards active and casualwear, the ability to react to faster fashion cycles and digital’s ability to drive direct communications with consumers and commerce. Among active lifestyle stocks, VF was initiated at a “Buy” while “Neutral” ratings were given to Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon and Canada Goose.

Retail Report Roundup – June 25

Studies arrived last week on the benefits to local retailers from community engagement, quality beating price as a purchase driver, apparel’s continuing appeal in malls, the benefits of perks over raises for workers, the stress of online shopping, and Fourth of July sales.

Retailers Cheer Supreme Court Ruling On Online Taxes

Specialty retailers in the active space – decimated over the years by consumers showrooming stores and then fetching lower prices online – stand to significantly benefit from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that requires online retailers to collect sales taxes. Amy Roberts, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling is a huge win for the future of specialty outdoor retailers and will help ensure that all retailers compete on a level playing field.”

Aisle Talk Week Of June 18

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Puma signing endorsement deals with the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton and Hall of Fame legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier.

Why Did Winnebago Acquire Chris-Craft?

On the company’s first-quarter quarter conference call, Winnebago Industries’ CEO Michael Happe said the reason it acquired the Chris-Craft, the recreational boat builder, was not only for diversity but to tap burgeoning growth opportunities in the marine segment.

Retail Report Roundup – June 18

Studies arrived last week on the growth of customization in footwear and apparel, omnichannel order tracking, online-ad spam, mobile pay, the important of brand’s values and retailers paying off hackers.

Brand Vision: Collabs Boost Backcountry’s New Private Label

Online outdoor retailer Backcountry isn’t the only beneficiary of product collaborations the company has undertaken with Black Diamond, DPS, Flylow and Smartwool on a new touring collection due out in the fall. The brands themselves and especially customers stand to gain from these new partnerships.

Aisle Talk Week of June 11

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Eddie Bauer and PacSun combining under a new operating company.

Clarus Eyes Explosive Growth In Climbing Participation

Citing the rapid expansion globally in climbing gyms already and a huge boost expected by climbing becoming an Olympic sport for the 2020 games, John Walbrecht, president of Clarus Corp., the parent of Black Diamond (BD), sees the appeal of climbing expanding by leaps and bounds in the years ahead.

Fox Factory Sees Growth In Mountain Bike Market

Speaking at the William Blair 2018 Growth Stock Conference in Chicago, IL, on Wednesday afternoon, Fox Factory Holding Corp. CEO Larry Enterline said the company has significant growth potential with sales of mountain bike parts.