SGB Executive

Americans skateboarded, played tennis, surfed, camped, and played basketball at record highs in 2020, helping reduce inactivity rates to their lowest levels since 2007, according to SFIA’s 2021 Annual Topline Participation Report. While social-distancing requirements decimated team sports participation, recreational or backyard play saw an uptick and strong interest in kids returning to team play.

Garmin Ltd. reported sales in the fourth quarter came in well ahead of Wall Street expectations as sales surged 48 percent in its Marine segment, 40 percent in Outdoor, and 26 percent in Fitness. Continued double-digit growth was forecast for the three segments for 2021. Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and CEO, told investors, “Right now we’re believing that the trends that we’ve been seeing in the business over the past year are solid and will continue.”

Run specialty has finally embraced online retailing due to COVID-19 to support a strong sales recovery in the second half of 2020, according to the latest survey from the Running Industry Association (RIA). However, according to the survey, it’s still uncertain how big a driver online will be for the channel, and direct-selling continues to cause tension in supplier relationships. In an interview with SGB Executive, Terry Schalow, RIA’s executive director, explains more.

In 2019, textile manufacturer Milliken & Co. acquired Polartec from Versa Capital Management. This year Polartec celebrates the 40th anniversary of inventing synthetic fleece and the 30th anniversary of the brand. SGB Executive caught up with Polartec President Steve Layton for his thoughts on the company’s new owner, the pandemic and what’s next for Polartec.

At a webinar as part of Outdoor Retailer Winter Online, supply chain executives from Keen, Simms Fishing Products, NEMO Equipment, REI and Columbia Sportswear elaborated on how agility and the resilience of internal teams helped offset logistics disruptions caused by the pandemic, including ongoing port congestion and shipping container shortages.

Newell Brands reported sales in its Outdoor & Recreation Segment in 2020 were held back by weakness at the Marmot technical apparel business and Contigo beverage business due to reduced on-the-go activities during the pandemic. However, Coleman experienced its first positive sales annual growth since 2017.

Asics’s sales in its North American region fell 11.9 percent in the fourth quarter as continued robust online growth was offset by wholesale declines. However, Asics predicted a return to double-digit growth in 2021. Said Richard Sullivan, president and COO of Asics America, in a statement, “We have seen a sustained demand for our products across our owned and partner channels even given the circumstances of the last year.”

The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of February 8, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day.

Callaway Golf Company CEO Chip Brewer let out an enthusiastic “wow” when looking back at 2020 during a recent conference call with analysts to discuss 2020 fourth quarter and full-year results.

Yeti Holdings Inc. reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings as the thirst for outdoor pursuits amid the pandemic continued. Officials are targeting mid-teens growth for the current year and expect to catch up to inventory shortages hampering wholesale growth by the second quarter.

Under Armour Inc. reported fourth-quarter results that blew past Wall Street estimates due to better-than-expected sell-throughs and full-price selling. However, officials provided a cautious sales outlook for 2021 as the company seeks to “constrain demand” to reestablish Under Armour’s position as a premium-priced brand.

With winter lovers heading to the slopes this season, ski manufacturers have not wasted time facilitating the craze. They’re experimenting with materials, shapes, profiles, and sustainable practices to keep consumers schussing well after the pandemic ends. The following is a roundup from SGB of what you will find at retail this season.

HanesBrands reported a solid finish for the year with revenue, operating profits, EPS, and operating cash flow all coming in above expectations, led by double-digit growth for its Champion brand. Officials also detailed its Full Potential plan to drive growth and profitability in the years ahead that includes further steps to accelerate growth for the Champion brand globally.

Delta Apparel reported sales in its fiscal first quarter ended December 31 were well ahead of internal expectations for both sales and profitability. The company achieved nearly-flat sales despite notable headwinds from inventory constraints, hurricane-related disruptions in Central America and freight carrier limitations during the holiday season.

With fishing license sales up across the country, angling gear companies have been reeling in sales during the pandemic, helping fuel both participation and the continued protection of our natural resources. SGB Executive caught up with Orvis President Simon Perkins for his take on how the business has evolved during the pandemic.