SGB Executive Outdoor

EXEC: Woolrich CEO Named President of Peak Performance
Stefano Saccone has been appointed president of Peak Performance and a member of the Amer Sports Global leadership team, effective April 1, 2025. He will succeed Sara Molnar, the current president. Saccone will be based in Stockholm, Sweden.

EXEC: Liberated Brands Gets Bankruptcy Court Approval to Access DIP Funds
The former licensing company set up to manage Authentic Brands Group’s collection of action sports lifestyle brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday with $3.3 million in cash on hand and $226 million in debt, according to court filings.

EXEC: Columbia Sportswear Shares Fall on Q4 EPS Miss and Tepid Q1 Forecast
Net sales increased 3 percent to $1.10 billion in the fourth quarter. First quarter net sales are expected to range between $749 million and $764 million, representing a decline of 3 percent to 1 percent from $770 million for the comparable Q1 period in 2024.

EXEC: Revo Launches New Australia-Based Joint Venture for APAC Region
This new entity will oversee all sales and customer care for the APAC region, with a focus on establishing Revo as a top choice for consumers in Australia and Southeast Asia.

EXEC: Smith Optics Returned to Growth in Q4, Boosted by DTC Business
Safilo Group S.p.A., the owner of Smith Optics and Blenders and licensee of the Under Armour, Fossil, Havaianas, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, and Liz Claiborne brands for eyewear, saw preliminary sales for 2024 decline 2.3 percent to €993.2 million.

EXEC: Liberated Brands Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
Liberated Brands LLC, the former licensing arm for Authentic Brands Group’s collection of action sports lifestyle brands, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

EXEC: Descente, Ltd. De-Lists Common Shares from the Tokyo Stock Exchange
The company called an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting for December 25, 2024, and offered a proposal regarding a share consolidation that was approved as proposed by the company’s shareholders. As a result, the company’s shares were delisted.

EXEC: Boot Barn Raises Fiscal 2025 Guide After Strong Holiday Season
Consolidated same-store sales increased 8.6 percent, with retail store same-store sales increasing 8.2 percent and e-commerce same-store sales increasing 11.1 percent.

EXEC: Hoka Growth Trend Concerns Sends Deckers Brands Shares Down Double Digits
Net sales increased 17.1 percent to $1.83 billion compared to $1.56 billion in the prior-year Q3 period. On a constant-currency (cc) basis, net sales increased 16.6 percent. Analysts were expecting growth of 11.6 percent, a clear beat.

EXEC: VF Corp. CEO Hints at More Cuts Ahead While Improving Processes
Bracken Darrell said the company is already working on process and organizational changes that will contribute to unlocking another $500 million to $600 million in operating income expansion, with half of that coming from SG&A expenses alone.

EXEC: VF Corp. Sees Global Strength From TNF and Timberland; Vans Improves
The parent of the Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Smartwool, Jansport and Dickies active lifestyle and street lifestyle brands, reported Wednesday that it beat third-quarter revenue and profit estimates.

Bain & Co. Releases 2025 Retail Forecast, Outlines Key Initiatives for Retailers
Bain suggests in its report that retailers face a pivotal moment in 2025. The firm said that for retailers to thrive in 2025 it will require fresh strategies around emerging technologies, customer loyalty, operations, and adaptation.

EXEC: REI Greensboro Employees Unionize; SoHo Ski Workers Get PPE Agreement
RWDSU said in a statement that REI Greensboro workers first began organizing in the wake of REI’s October 2023 round of layoffs, which cut the jobs of 275 of “the most experienced workers.”

EXEC: Saucony Posts 60 Percent Retail Growth in China
The MS (China) Sports Company Limited, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Xtep International Holdings Limited, operates under licensing and royalty agreements for the Merrell and Saucony brands and subsidiaries in China.

EXEC: Megabass is Latest Outdoor Brand to Partner with L Catterton
The deal positions the Japan-headquartered fishing gear manufacturer for further expansion by leveraging L Catterton’s operating capabilities and industry network on the back of rising demand for its products.