SGB Executive

The hottest category this side of a six-foot social distance is the ubiquitous neck tube primarily used in a variety of outdoor pursuits to protect wearers from the elements. Now, the makers of those products have seen demand spike as consumers look to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

Many members of Gen Z are struggling with adolescence and now have to deal with COVID-19. A number of surveys have detailed the challenges younger generations are facing handling social distancing restrictions and COVID-19’s potential fallout. 

Catic Wellness Group (CW Group) has taken draconian steps to open up its fitness clubs again in China, including mandating that members work out in masks and take temperature checks, installing disinfection stations throughout premises, and banning showers. But the fact that the clubs re-opened could provide a path and some hope for other fitness clubs struggling to envision re-opening.

In another installment of SGB Executive’s series of interviews with industry leaders exploring how businesses are coping with the coronavirus, CamelBak President Greg Williamson provides an update on product demand, ways that CamelBak is supporting front-line medical workers and the brand’s hope for a renewed emphasis on outdoor activities once the outbreak has ended.

Delta Apparel Inc. said COVID-19’s spread led to a sales decline in its second quarter ended March 28 and warned sales would be “dramatically lower” in the third quarter. On a conference call, the activewear company further said it furloughed 300 U.S. workers as part of steps to preserve liquidity. On a positive note, officials noted that 25 percent of its business isn’t being impacted by the virus.

As the White House looks to reopen the country, our latest Coronavirus Notebook looks at this week’s grim economic news that drove the president’s decision. We also recap our recent COVID-19 business coverage in case you missed anything.

Top National Stories and the Latest Headlines from SGB Updates across the Active Lifestyle Market during the week of April 13, 2020.

“This is a humbling time given the uncertainty of the path the health crisis will take and its impact on the economy,” Jim Weber, the CEO of Brooks Running Company, said in an interview with SGB Executive. Weber talks about the many ways COVID-19 has impacted Brooks, the brand’s recovery plan and running’s fresh appeal amid shelter-at-home life.

U.S. retail sales plummeted 8.7 percent to $483.1 billion in March from the previous month, their largest dip in three decades since the government started tracking the data, the Department of Commerce reported Wednesday. But that is just the first sign of what is sure to be a season-long bloodbath across the retail sector for any business not selling essential items such as groceries.

With no signs of a coronavirus vaccine arriving anytime s soon, when it’s safe to play, many are uncertain and related concerns have been found in recent surveys. Even solo activities such as running and cycling are also facing challenges with social distancing guidelines and restrictions.

Exxel Outdoors announced its acquisition of outdoor apparel and gear brand Compass 360 during an unlikely time for U.S. business expansion. Exxel CEO Harry Kazazian spoke exclusively with SGB Executive about the company’s reasons for moving forward with the deal despite the economic uncertainty.

Tom Cove, SFIA’s president and CEO, believes the sporting goods industry is still scrambling to offset the fallout from the pandemic. But he also believes many have “settled in a little bit” into how to manage amid the crisis and have started to position themselves to be ready for better business conditions.

In another installment of SGB Executive’s series of interviews with industry leaders exploring how businesses are coping with the coronavirus, Outdoor Industry Association’s new executive director Lise Aangeenbrug discusses the challenges facing the outdoor industry, how OIA is helping member businesses cope and the industry’s path forward out of this unprecedented crisis.

Top National Stories and the Latest Headlines from SGB Updates across the Active Lifestyle Market during the week of April 6, 2020.

Sneaker culture is alive and well among teenagers, especially males, even as teens’ overall spending has declined amid the coronavirus, which has quickly become one of their top concerns. That was one of many key takeaways from investment bank Piper Sandler, which published its semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens Survey this week.