SGB Executive Outdoor
EXEC: Outdoor Industry Association Partners With Switchback Trade Show
OIA ended its 30-year partnership with Outdoor Retailer trade show this past July and will now support a twice-annual outdoor trade show. The year-round partnership will debut at the inaugural Switchback Spring in Nashville, TN from June 16 to 18, 2025.
EXEC: Vista Inks Deals to Sell Revelyst and The Kinetic Group Separately
Vista Outdoor Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Revelyst outdoor segment to funds managed by Strategic Value Partners and amended its merger agreement with Czechoslovak Group (CSG) to acquire The Kinetic Group ammunition-related segment.
Manufacturing PMI Report Sees U.S. Contraction; Textile Mills Posted Sept Growth
Seventy-seven percent of manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in September, up from 65 percent in August. Textile Mills were one of only five manufacturing industries reporting growth in September.
U.S. Port Workers and Operators Reach Deal to Suspend East Coast Strike
In a joint statement on the evening of October 3, the ILA and USMX reached a tentative agreement on wages and extended the group’s “Master Contract” until January 15, 2025, when they will return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues.
Mavic Promotes François Joly to Head of Sales
Joly will oversee all commercial activities, including OEMs, which he previously led, and the sales teams responsible for aftermarkets and distributors.
EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz Parent Taps Former Nike Exec as New CEO
The parent company to the Rip Curl, Oboz and Kathmandu brands has named former Nike executive and current KMD Board member Brent Scrimshaw as its new group CEO. Michael Daly has given notice to the Board of his resignation.
EXEC: Patagonia Lays Off 41 Employees at Ventura HQ in Restructuring
CEO Ryan Gellert said in a LinkedIn post that the restructuring aims to “enhance product development, improve customer experiences, and foster a vibrant workplace culture.”
EXEC: The Pro’s Closet to Shutter in October After 18-Year Run
Deeper than usual discounts on bike and gear this week were seen as end of season sales, but when opening the site on Thursday, September 26, it was clear the end had come for the 18-year effort to make cycling accessible to more people.
EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz Parent KMD Posts Double-Digit Decline for Fiscal Year
Rip Curl total sales decreased 7.3 percent y/y to NZ$538.9 million, Oboz sales decreased 20.0 percent y/y to NZ$79.4 million, and Kathmandu total sales decreased 14.5 percent to NZ$361.1 million for the year.
EXEC: Vista Delays CSG Merger Vote Again as Large Investor Opposes Deal
The company noted in a media release that October 9 is the last possible date for the company to hold the special meeting ahead of the October 15, 2024 termination date in the merger agreement with CSG. A large investor said not so fast.
EXEC: Leatt Partners with ZyroFisher in Distribution Deal for UK and Ireland
ZyroFisher will begin distributing Leatt products in the UK and Ireland in Spring 2025, with pre-orders starting November 2024, providing a larger portfolio of mountain bike-oriented protective products.
Cultural Shift: Lululemon’s Global Wellness Report Finds Wellbeing Burnout
Lululemon’s fourth annual 2024 Global Wellbeing Report underscores a move towards a more personalized approach to well-being amid a fast-paced digital lifestyle. For market stakeholders, understanding the nuanced needs of consumers is key for success in this evolving landscape.
EXEC: Giant Group Subsidiary Acquires Stages Cycling Assets Out of Chapter 11
SPIA Cycling, Inc., a subsidiary of Taiwan-based The Giant Group, has successfully acquired key assets of the Stages Cycling brand from its owner companies, some of which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June.
EXEC: OR Throws in the Towel on November Event, Will Focus on June 2025
Most in the outdoor industry expected the news from OR’s parent company today that it canceled the November show and the venerable and iconic Outdoor Retailer Winter Market is no more.
EXEC: The 2024 Holiday Retail Calendar Adds Twists, Turns and Speed, According to BCG
In 2023, consumers completed over 50 percent of their Holiday shopping before Thanksgiving. However, the peak Holiday period (after Cyber Monday through Christmas Eve) was still the busiest, with 36 percent of shopping. This year that period will only have 27 days.
