SGB Executive Outdoor

Wells Fargo Upgrades Newell Brands On Potential Further Sales

Wells Fargo raised its rating on Newell Brands due to expectations that proceeds from divestitures will come in greater than planned. West Fargo expects the second round of asset sales will include Newell’s outdoor & recreation division, which includes Coleman, along with outdoor apparel and beverage brands; and its fishing brands.

Camping Taking Off

Driven by an influx of younger and more ethnically diverse newcomers, camping is making a comeback with more than 6 million campers arriving over the last three years, according to the 2018 North American Camping Report. The report still found conflicted about technology as part of the camping experience and their commitment to “un-plug” in the outdoors.

Frank Hugelmeyer Sees RVs Supporting Camping’s Growth

With the RV (recreational vehicle) industry seeing record sales over the last three years at a double-digit growth pace, it’s no surprise to Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), that camping is seeing an uptick.

Local Talent Program Boosts POC’s Global Branding Efforts

When Olympic silver medalist Alex Ferreira (left) was 15, he joined the Local Talent Program run by Swedish helmet and goggle manufacturer POC. The program helps increase sports participation and improve product development—and it promotes the company’s branding efforts around the globe.

SFIA: Sporting Goods Scores Highest Annual Growth In Three Years

SFIA’s 2018 Manufacturers’ Sales Report showed sales in the sports and fitness industry grew 2.9 percent in 2017, representing the best annual growth in three years. Strong category performance was seen in basketballs, batting gloves, camping coolers, sports bras, fitness/workout footwear and fishing equipment.

Adidas And Vans Winning With Teens

Adidas, Vans, Supreme, Champion and Lululemon all saw a strong uptick in mindshare among teens in Piper Jaffray’s 35th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey. Nike, Converse and Under Armour all lost ground.

Where And When Will The Trade War End?

President Trump this week threatened additional tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting sharp criticism from outdoor and sporting goods brands that might not be directly impacted but generally view trade wars as “so last generation,” according to Jeff Turner of Kokatat.

Newell Brands’ Proxy Fight Still A Go

Believing the company’s recent partnership with famed billionaire investor Carl Icahn will be enough to fix the company, activist investor Starboard Value LP said it has no plans to drop its proxy fight against Newell Brands.

Good News On Tariff Front For Apparel, Footwear, Outdoors Industries

Apparel, footwear and outdoors products weren’t caught directly in the crosshairs of the escalating trade war with China on Wednesday, allowing those industries to take a “deep sigh of relief,” said Matt Priest, president and CEO of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.