SGB Executive Outdoor

GoPro Sets Six-Point Sales Revival Plan

Wrapping up a disappointing holiday campaign, GoPro reported fourth-quarter results that came in even below a severe downward revision given only on January 8. But management said a move to lower prices in early December had boosted sell-throughs and listed six priorities for 2018 designed to build on that traction.

Academy Sports Faces Layoffs Again

Following a round of layoffs last summer, Academy Sports + Outdoors said it will be laying off approximately 140 corporate employees largely due to the outsourcing of certain IT functions at the retailer.

Hello Denver! (Take Two)

SGB reached out to a number of attendees of the inaugural Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show and heard largely positive feedback. Comments from Klean Kanteen, Vasque, Bogs, Pro-Tec, Massey Outfitters, OrthoLite, Croakies, Implus, Sweet Protection, Maine Outdoor Brands, Walls Outdoor Goods, Dare 2b, Craghopppers, Free Country, Kamik, MSR and Honey Stinger.

Hello Denver! (Take One)

With healthy traffic in the aisles extending into the last two days of the show for many exhibitors, the inaugural Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show was largely a hit. Comments from SCARPA, LEKI, OOFOS, SIA, Smartwool, Osprey Packs, Kari Traa, Oboz, Mountain Khakis, Downlite Outdoor, Stanley, Honeywell Retail and Seirus. More responses to come Thursday.

Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show off to Strong Start  

“2017 was wild. 2018 is our new beginning,” said Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer Thursday morning at the annual OIA Industry Breakfast. “The beginning of a more unified industry as we welcome our friends from the snow sports industry.”

GoPro Downgraded by Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley lowered its rating on GoPro Inc. to “Underweight” from “Equal Weight.” The analysts, led by Yuuji Anderson, warned that GoPro could be in for a “long year ahead” given “limited earnings power” and weak demand for its new camera line.

Susquehanna Upgrades Dick’s SG To Positive On Weather Benefit

Believing the retailer’s fourth-quarter results should surprise on the upside given management’s conservative guidance and the benefits of cold weather, Susquehanna Financial Group raised its rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods to “Positive” from “Neutral.”

Amazon Already Dominant Website For Buying Apparel

Amazon, which has ramped up its investments in the apparel space in only the last few years, appears to have quickly become the leading place consumers buy apparel online, according to a new survey from CPC Strategy.

CES 2018: Sports Tech’s Highlights

Artificial intelligence, sensors embedded in apparel, the quantified self and gamification were some underlying themes across the sports and fitness-related products that landed at CES 2018. Black Box VR, Garmin, Peloton, Myant, L’Oreal and Sony were among the brands earning some hype.

Buckingham Research Hikes Dick’s To Buy

Buckingham Research raised its rating due to the potential bottoming of domestic athletic cyclical pressures, an improving vendor product pipeline set to arrive in the second half of 2018, and an eventual payback from its strong partnerships with the industry’s key branded players: Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.

Macquarie Capital Downgrades Under Armour To Underperform

Macquarie Capital downgraded its rating on Under Armour to “Underperform” due to sales, margin and capital concerns. Sales In North America are expected to be pressured by the speculated exit out from tennis and some outdoor categories as well as continued challenges from Academy Sports & Outdoor.