SGB Executive

Sturm, Ruger & Company’s sales jumped 49.2 percent in the first quarter. On a conference call with analysts, Chris Killoy, CEO, said the company still hadn’t been able to catch up to demand for firearms despite a 22 percent expansion of its workforce over the last twelve months.

Big 5 Sporting Goods reported its fourth consecutive quarter of record quarterly earnings as the pandemic continues to elevate demand for many fitness and outdoor products. Big 5 officials also expressed confidence they’ll be able to manage Nike’s pending exit from the chain. Steve Miller, Big 5’s CEO, told analysts, “Although we are disappointed by Nike’s decision, we are encouraged by the response of other vendors, both new and existing about the opportunity to expand their presence in our stores.”

Under Armour Inc. significantly increased its guidance for the year after reporting first-quarter results that came in well above expectations due to strong sell-throughs at both its wholesale and direct-to-consumer segments. Marketing investments will be ramped up in the second half to build on momentum seen in North America, China and Germany.

SGB Executive caught up with its vice president of marketing, TJ McMeniman, on the brand’s partnerships geared toward preservation, ongoing conservation initiatives and new styles of shades hitting retailers’ shelves.

With the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, Emerald Holding expects a full resumption of its in-person events calendar beginning this summer, CEO Hervé Sedky believes the event business is “at an important inflection point” as vaccines are rolled out with many states scheduling their reopening dates for large in-person gatherings over the next two months.

Newell Brands said strong sales of Coleman coolers, tents and stoves and improving trends at Marmot and ExOfficio helped drive a 9.4 percent sales gain for its Outdoor & Recreation Segment in the first quarter. The beverage business, including Bubba and Contigo, continued to face challenges due to stay-at-home trends.

Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI) reported healthy double-digit revenue gains for Velocity Outdoor, Marucci Sports, Boa Technology, and Liberty Safe in its first quarter ended March 31, 2021. The company’s 5.11 brand achieved more modest growth but saw robust retail gains.

Columbia Sportswear Inc. increased its full-year financial outlook based on what company chairman and CEO Tim Boyle described as first-quarter sales growth that outpaced expectations, favorable early season spring sell-through, the visibility provided by the company’s fall order book, and an “improvement in business fundamentals.”

The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of April 26, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day. This week’s Ambassador Athlete is Meagan Ethell, Professional Wakeboarder, Body Glove and Red Bull Sponsored Athlete.

On Puma’s quarterly media call, CEO Bjørn Gulden said the brand’s 26 percent jump in first-quarter sales came despite ongoing coronavirus lockdowns and congestion at U.S. ports and reflected strength across running, golf, basketball and lifestyle offerings. He also predicted a return to sport with the help of the Olympics and EURO Cup.

SGB Executive caught up with GM Jonathan McFarland for his take on Mountainsmith’s longevity, momentum and more.

Olin Corp. reported sales at its Winchester ammunition business catapulted 107 percent in the first quarter. The gains were driven by its purchase of the Lake City U.S. Army Ammunition Plant and heightened interest in target shooting coming out of the pandemic.

Helen of Troy said Hydro Flask topped internal plans in its fiscal year ended February 28 and trends have improved as social distancing restrictions have eased. Julien Mininberg, Helen of Troy’s CEO, on a conference call with analysts, said, “We are excited about Hydro Flask growth prospects as the world begins to reopen.”

Garmin Ltd.’s first-quarter revenues came in well above Wall Street targets as all its active segments achieved healthy double-digit gains, led by Outdoor and Fitness. Cliff Pemble, president and CEO of Garmin, said, “Interest in fitness, health, and active lifestyle products has never been higher.”

Crocs Inc. reported sales jumped 64 percent in the first quarter and said it now expects sales for 2021 to climb about 45 percent for the year. The comfy shoe brand has clearly benefited from the comfort footwear trend in the stay-at-home economy but it’s also increasingly being seen as a fashion statement.