SGB Executive

Continuing its ambition to bring more diversity to the outdoor industry, Moosejaw, in collaboration with Walmart, last week introduced two gear and apparel lines, Lithic and Allforth. In an interview with SGB Executive, Eoin Comerford, GM of Outdoor at Walmart e-commerce and CEO of Moosejaw, said the launches mark a shift in strategy from 2018’s launch of Walmart’s Premium Outdoor Store but the goal of expanding the overall outdoor pie remains the same.

Sequential Brands Group’s first-quarter results were impacted by store closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, its active brands – including AND1, Avia, Gaiam and SPRI – were cited as “bright spots” as consumers look to stay active at home amid lockdown measures.

The ongoing evolution of VF Corp.—which began in 2017 and was elevated last year through several measures—has the Denver, CO-based well-positioned during this ongoing pandemic. CEO Steve Rendle and CFO Scott Roe discussed VF’s playbook for getting the company back on track after a hard-hit Q4.

On Wednesday, the NBA announced Wilson will replace long-time partner Spalding as the official game ball of the NBA starting with the 2021/22 season. Wilson’s Basketball General Manager Kevin Murphy Wilson talks to SGB Executive about how the NBA partnership will elevate Wilson’s basketball game

Top National Stories and the Latest Headlines from SGB Updates across the Active Lifestyle Market during the week of May 11, 2020.

In a survey of youth sports organizers from youth sports sponsorship platform LeagueSide, 46 percent believe their programs are in danger of permanently shuttering due to the impact of COVID-19. A separate survey of youth sports parents found 54 percent likewise expressing concern that a program their children participate in could fold.

As part of SGB Executive’s ongoing coronavirus coverage, we are highlighting companies and categories that are doing well. Our latest Coronavirus Notebook looks at how Salt Lake City, UT-based gear maker Petzl prepared for the pandemic. We also look at the potential freeze on M&A and recap our recent COVID-19 stories.

Brooks, Vans, Osprey and Alta Cycling Group are just a few of the brands that have launched programs to support independent specialty stores across the cycling, outdoor and run space amid the coronavirus pandemic. Many steer sales or customers to stores while a few are helping with outreach efforts to those sheltering at home.

With more people now looking to ride bikes, the coronavirus has presented a unique opportunity for Dorel Sports, the owner/operator of such brands as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT and Mongoose. “There has been a silver lining in this pandemic cloud,” said Dorel President and CEO Martin Schwartz.

While many opportunities have quickly dried up with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, SFIA’s 2019 State of the Industry Report showed the industry had strong momentum coming into the year, offering some hope that pent-up demand will be there when the industry can relaunch. Decreasing inactivity levels and the increasing popularity of smaller, niche activities supported the gains.

Clarus Corp., the parent of core backcountry brand Black Diamond among others, took on the COVID-19 pandemic with a “climber’s mentality,” President John Walbrecht said on Monday afternoon’s earnings call. SGB Executive breaks down the company’s “live now, climb another day” approach to this crisis.

Under Armour reported a loss in the first quarter on a 22.8 percent drop in its sales while warning second-quarter revenues could slide as much as 50 percent to 60 percent as the COVID-19 fallout worsens. Measures were detailed to reduce 2020 operating expenses by $325 million and capital expenditures to $100 million.

In this latest installment of SGB Executive’s series of interviews with industry leaders exploring how businesses are coping with the coronavirus, Superfeet President and CEO John Rauvola discusses how the coronavirus has impacted Superfeet, why the company was called to help and the brand’s recovery plan.

Acushnet Holdings Corp., the parent of Titleist, FootJoy and KJUS, reported a steep decline in earnings in the first quarter and expects the second quarter to be “significantly impacted” by COVID-19. But company officials were confident that results will improve in the back half of the year as golf play resumes.

Callaway Golf Co. reported first-quarter net sales decreased 14 percent due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the golf equipment and soft goods operating segments globally, but the company is hopeful that the short-term pain will eventually yield to long-term success as the golf industry returns to normal.