SGB Executive Outdoor

Amer Sports’ Q1 Boosted By DTC, China And Arc’teryx
Amer Sports’ operating earnings before charges rose 14 percent in the first quarter, boosted by robust growth across its DTC channels and in China as well as strong momentum for Arc’teryx, Precor and Sunto.

Keen CMO: ‘Better Takes Action’ Campaign Aims To Inspire Change
Tyler LaMotte, chief marketing officer at Keen Inc., spoke with SGB Executive about the footwear company’s new campaign, Better Takes Action, which was designed to follow the company’s longstanding philosophy of giving back, taking action and making an impact.

Balanced Portfolio, Channel Strategy Fuels Rocky Brands’ Q1
Though Rocky Brands Inc. narrowly missed Wall Street’s revenue estimates in the first quarter, the Nelsonville, OH-based company rode a healthy balance across portfolio and sales channels to more than double net income from the same quarter a year ago.

Native Eyewear Hitting Stride Two Seasons After Return To Goggle Market
Colorado-based Native Eyewear returned to the goggle market in 2016, and the company is sharpening its focus on delivering “premium technologies at an attainable price tag,” General Manager John Sanchez said in a Q&A with SGB Executive.

New Digs Bolster Adidas Outdoor’s Growth Plans
Adidas Outdoor USA has opened a new office in Golden, CO, giving the company a strategic hub in the Rocky Mountains as it looks to gain share across trail running, cycling, hiking and climbing footwear and apparel categories.

Newell Brands Averts Proxy Battle
The battle over board seats at Newell Brands has come to a quicker-than-expected end. But the divestitures will continue.

Aisle Talk Week of April 16
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Escalade’s Earnings Dip In Part On E-Com Investments
Escalade Inc. reported that its key archery category is finally showing some signs of stabilizing but investments in new businesses and e-commerce brought down earnings slightly in the first quarter.

Hi-Tec Integration Stymies Cherokee Global Brands In Fiscal 2018
As Cherokee Global Brands integrated Hi-Tec into its portfolio and moved it from an indirect sales model to a licensed royalty model, headwinds ensued. The company on Thursday reported a loss for Q4 and fiscal 2018.

Kelty’s ‘Ditch Day’ Encourages Outside Play, Elevates Brand Position
Next Friday, April 27, Kelty employees will play hooky as part of Ditch Day, a company-approved day for employees to eschew their work responsibilities and get outside. Ditch Day is part of the company’s Built for Play campaign that encourages more outdoor adventuring.

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.