SGB Executive Outdoor
Aisle Talk, Week of March 26
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week including VF Corp. appointed Steve Murray, pictured left, former President of Vans, to VP Strategic Projects.
Oboz Looks To Secure Future With Kathmandu Partnership
In an interview with SGB Executive, John Connelly, president and founder of Oboz, said he expects the sale of the outdoor footwear brand to Kathmandu, the New Zealand-retailer, will support its international growth and provide a boost to its innovation and sustainability efforts.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 19
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Outdoor, Footwear, Fashion & Retail Industries Vocalize Opposition to Tariffs
It’s not China that will be punished for stealing American intellectual property but instead U.S. companies and consumers that will feel the effects of President Trump’s move to impose $50 billion in retaliatory tariffs on Chinese imports. That was the message Thursday from numerous trade associations that represent industries whose products might be affected by Thursday’s decision to move forward with the new tariffs.
Dick’s Touts Growth Opportunities In Footwear And Apparel
Speaking last week at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer and Retail Technology Conference, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ officials elaborated on its exit from the fitness tracker category and challenges in firearms. But much of its presentation was spent discussing growth opportunities on the footwear and apparel side with brands including Nike, Adidas, Brooks and Patagonia as well as its numerous private labels.
Ibex’s New Owner Talks Up Merino Wool Brand’s Revival
On March 9, news arrived that Ibex, which ceased operations last November, had been sold to Flour Fund, a New York-based group led by David Hazan, a marketing expert. SGB Executive talked to Hazan about what’s next for Ibex.
Omnichannel Focus Fueling Duluth’s 2018 Ambitions
Bolstered by double-digit revenue growth in both the fourth quarter and fiscal year, Duluth Holdings Inc., parent of Duluth Trading Co., is doubling down on its omnichannel strategy of building its brick-and-mortar presence while also beefing up e-commerce capabilities.
Hibbett Looks To Build On Q4 Momentum In 2018
Hibbett Sports’ earnings fell, as expected, in the fourth quarter due to the promotional marketplace. But results were better-than-expected coming into the quarter due to an acceleration in its e-commerce business and strength in sportswear and overall footwear offerings.
L.L. Bean Forgoes Bonuses After Challenging Year
With sales coming in slightly down in 2017, L.L.Bean said it plans to eliminate employee bonuses for the first time since 2008 and will lay off about 100 positions this spring.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 12
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
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.
