SGB Executive

McKinsey & Co.’s “Future of Wellness” survey found that 79 percent of worldwide consumers said they believe that wellness is important, and 42 percent consider it a top priority. In fact, consumers in every market showed a substantial increase in the prioritization of wellness over the past two to three years.

Shares of Peloton Interactive were down about 9 percent in mid-day trading Monday after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in an unusual move warned people to stop using the company’s Tread+ “immediately” if they have children or pets in the home, citing 39 incidents including one death.  Peloton called the warning “inaccurate and misleading” but some analysts felt the heightened safety concerns could slow subscriber growth.

At the JP Morgan Retail Round-Up, Academy Sports’ officials said strong sales momentum continues for many pandemic-boosted categories but they also spent time elaborating on the chain’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with Nike, The North Face, Adidas and other key brands.

The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of April 12, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day.

REI Co-op logged a net loss of $34.5 million in 2020 and sales on a Proforma basis were down 8 percent. However, the retailer was able to exceed its pandemic-adjusted targets and finish the year in a strong financial position, said Kelley Hall, REI SVP and CFO, in an interview with SGB Executive. Sales have also seen a resurgence since the initial pandemic-driven store closures and momentum has continued into 2021.

JD Sports Fashion, Britain’s biggest sportswear retailer, predicted profits would rebound more strongly than expected in 2021 as stores reopen after lockdown and its aggressive expansion in the U.S. shows early signs of paying off.

Studies continue to predict the pandemic will likely change behaviors in the years ahead, including an expected greater focus on physical and mental health. A notable weight gain was seen by most Americans as well as continued stress also points to opportunities for brands supporting active lifestyles.

SGB Executive spoke with G-form CEO Glen “Gava” Giovanucci for more on its foray from outdoor sports into the armed forces.

In an extensive interview with SGB Executive, Steve Lawrence, EVP and chief merchandising officer, Academy Sports + Outdoors, discusses how the many drivers of the retailer’s 16.1 percent same-store gain in 2020 will support growth in 2021 and beyond.

The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of April 5, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day.

The athletic apparel and athletic footwear categories again grew mindshare among the Gen-Z generation, led by increased interest from girls, according to Piper Sandler’s 41st Biannual Taking Stock With Teens Spring 2021 Report. Nike and Lululemon were again the big winners in the active lifestyle space. Other brands increasing in popularity among teens were Crocs, Shein and PacSun, while Vans and Adidas lost ground.

SGB Executive sat down with CEO David Mellon, a former Simms executive and head of product for Black Diamond, for the reason behind the brand’s footwear launch, the fishing industry and the brand’s sustainability efforts.

Led by ex-Costa VP Al Perkinson, a new team has launched Bajío Sunglasses, a line of shades aimed to fill the void as the only independent premium eyewear brand in the market. SGB executive spoke with Perkinson for his take on the industry, new brand, launching a company amidst the pandemic, and more.

Swedish companies POC and Mips are entering a new phase of their decade-long partnership. SGB Executive caught up with POC CEO Jonas Sjögren to glimpse what the future holds for the headwear brand.

Inventory levels were just as hot a topic as sales and margins on recent quarterly investor calls as delays caused by congestion at the nation’s ports risk restraining top-line growth in the months ahead. Here is a roundup of recent discussions on analyst calls regarding inventory flow.