SGB Executive Outdoor
VF Corp. Moves Into Performance Running
Stepping into the road running category, VF Corp. reached an agreement to acquire Altra, the maker of road and trail running shoes popular with ultra-runners. While Altra is expected to benefit from VF’s Corp’s expertise in both footwear and apparel, VF secures one of the fastest-growing brands in run specialty.
Dick’s Hopes Healthier Margin Outlook Offsets Top-Line Challenges
Dick’s Sporting Goods said on its fourth-quarter conference call that it’s facing top-line challenges in the hunt and fitness tracker categories as well as the Under Armour brand overall. But stronger product innovation from select key partners and the continued expansion of its private brands are expected to result in less margin pressure in 2018 than previously expected.
Clarus Sees Double-Digit Growth For Black Diamond Equipment
Sales for the Black Diamond Brand grew 11 percent, led by a 24 percent gain in the Ski category and 21 percent in the Climb Black category. Unseasonally dry weather in the Western U.S. restrained growth in apparel.
Study: Inactivity Rates Among Low-Income Households Near Historic Levels
The 2018 Physical Activity Council Participation Report finds a moderate rise in participation for many sports and activities, including fitness sports, outdoor sports and winter sports. On the downside, the study identified a continuing trend toward the affluent getting more active while the less affluent are becoming more inactive.
Ibex Finds A Buyer
Ibex, which ceased operations last November, has been sold to Flour Fund, a New York-based group led by David Hazan, a marketing expert.
Bass Pro Provides Update On Cabela’s Future In Sidney, NE
In a note to the media on Thursday, Bass Pro said 680 of Cabela’s corporate employees had applied for a voluntary buyout plan and that 290 would be leaving the company this week. A full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal also went out to support Bass Pro’s goal of donating any unused space in Cabela’s offices to bring jobs to the city of Sidney, NE. Full details here.
Dorel Sports Returns To Growth In Q4
”Despite a continued weak global bicycle market, Dorel Sports grew its top-line in Q4 improving considerably from the third quarter driven by strong performance in Cycling Sport Group (CSG)’s international business, and at Caloi,” said Martin Schwartz, CEO of Dorel Industries.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 5
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Bogs Q4 Hurt By Warm December And Retailer Caution
Impacted by a warm December and general cautiousness by retailers around replenishing out-of-stocks, Bogs sales fell 10 percent in the fourth quarter and 9 percent for the year.
The Walking Company Returns To Bankruptcy Court
Blaming the challenges selling third-party wholesale brands with the rise of online selling as well as losing rights to sell Ugg, The Walking Company (TWC) filed for bankruptcy the second time in less than a decade.
Americas Stars For Crocs In Q4
Crocs’ sales in the Americas region soared 13.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Wholesale revenues jumped 29.1 percent, driven by at-once sales as consumers continued to purchase clogs and sandals despite winter weather, and retailers restocked shelves.
Aisle Talk, Week of February 26
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
TJX Takes Impairment Charge For Sierra Trading
The TJX Cos. took an impairment charge of 10 cents a share, or about $64 million, against fourth-quarter earnings for Sierra Trading Post due to a decrease in projected revenue growth rates.
Gander Outdoors Openings Off To Heathy Start
Camping World said the opening of its first Gander Outdoors locations are off to a good start. Officials also estimated that its overall Outdoor and Active Sports business segment – also including Overton’s, TheHouse.com, Uncle Dan’s, W82, and Erehwon – will bring in $400 million in revenue in 2018.
Big 5’s Q4 Blasted By Warm Winter Out West
Said CEO Steve Miller on a conference call with analysts. “While much of the country has endured often extreme winter weather conditions over the past few months our western U.S. markets have experienced significantly warmer than normal weather and one of the driest periods on record.”
