SGB Executive

Champion brand’s global sales increased 20 percent over the third quarter of 2019, with 22 percent growth in the U.S. and 19 percent growth internationally, according to quarterly results posted by its parent, Hanesbrands.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. posted solid year-over-year sales and earnings growth in the third quarter, but sequential quarter comparisons with the company’s second quarter caused concerns on Wall Street as RGR shares fell over 8 percent on Thursday.

Vista Outdoor Inc. reported sales jumped 35 percent in the second quarter ended September 26 due to stellar growth by its ammunition business and a record quarter by Camelbak. With contributions from the acquisitions of Fiber Energy Products, Foresight Sports, QuietKat, Venor, HEVI-Shot and Remington, sales for the fiscal year ended March 2022 are projected to expand over 30 percent.

Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s earnings and sales soared past Wall Street targets as the parent of the Titleist and FootJoy was able to circumvent extensive supply chain challenges to meet continued vibrant demand across golf categories. Acushnet’s outlook was significantly raised for the year.

Big 5 Sporting Goods’ same-store sales were down 0.7 percent in the third quarter ended September 30 against tough comparisons given the year-ago sales surge during the early months of the pandemic. On a two-year stack basis, comps jumped 13.2 percent versus the 2019 third quarter. The gains were achieved despite supply chain challenges that are causing some product shortages.

Brooks said they shipped over 50 percent more orders in the third quarter of 2021 versus Q3 of last year, but at the same time, the amount of product they received at the DC was up nearly 200 percent year-over-year. The congestion apparently made it difficult to keep up with the strong demand for the brands under the RCKY umbrella.

Boosted by a better-than-expected performance in North America and continued momentum at direct-to-consumer, Under Armour reported third-quarter earnings arrived well above Wall Street’s target and significantly hiked earnings targets for the year. Officials said the company is now on track to deliver record revenue and earnings results in 2021.

Emerald Holding Inc. said trade show attendance in the third quarter ran about half of pre-pandemic levels, but the organization was able to hold 33 live events, including Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo; exhibitor satisfaction markedly increased, and rising vaccination rates are promising to elevate attendance going forward. 

LifeLabs recently introduced a thermally-efficient material. The company’s CEO, industry-veteran Scott Mellin, who drove the development of Futurelight product as global GM of The North Face’s Mountain Sports division, spoke about its thermal regulating properties with SGB Executive.

Newell Brands’ Outdoor & Recreation segment delivered modest revenue growth in the third quarter as strength at Coleman and Contigo helped offset challenging year-ago comparisons. Newell officials remain confident heightened interest in outdoor activities coming out of the pandemic will continue to be a tailwind.

Compass Diversified (CODI) reported BOA and Marucci Sports banged out strong double-digit gains in the third quarter. Velocity Outdoor’s sales were up 8.9 percent, while 5.11, which confidentially filed for an IPO, saw 12.9 percent growth.

Skechers USA reported strong earnings and sales gains in the third quarter but delays tied to supply chain constraints caused both to come in below guidance and the company’s outlook was slightly reduced for the full year. Skechers officials see the logistics challenges easing somewhat and remained upbeat on holiday selling.

Deckers Brands reported sales and earnings missed Wall Street’s targets in its fiscal second quarter ended September 30 as numerous supply chain challenges slowed Ugg’s growth in the quarter. However, the company still maintained its revenue outlook for the full year, driven by its projected 50-plus percent growth at Hoka One One.

After notching a strong second-quarter performance tied to the company’s ability to ship Q3 orders early for retailers Columbia Sportswear found itself on the deficit end of the supply chain issues impacting most companies in the third quarter.

With the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show scheduled to take place January 26-28, 2022, SIA’s President Nick Sargent and Emerald Expositions CEO Hervé Sedky hosted a webinar late this month related to the show’s evolution.