SGB Executive

Recent news from the recreational vehicle industry might lead some to believe that it’s doomed, but Winnebago Industries Inc. CEO Michael Happe has a much more upbeat market outlook. Though RV shipments are down and Winnebago just saw its fiscal fourth-quarter revenue dip, a combination of other key factors has Happe and his team optimistic about the company’s prospects.

Mark Parker’s successful run as Nike Inc.’s CEO over the last 13 years included a number of controversies and not surprisingly the move to name his successor is being seen by some as controversial. But digital transformation has morphed into the brand’s primary focus and his replacement, John Donahoe, is expected to only accelerate those efforts.

An increased emphasis on international markets, especially Mexico and China, helped Skechers USA Inc. post record revenue in the third quarter, though a heightened global focus also took a toll on earnings. The company’s international sales increased 21.9 percent, or 25.7 percent on a constant currency basis, accounting for 58.8 percent of sales—the highest in the company’s 20 years of operation.

Analysts and investors reacted positively to Under Armour Inc.’s Tuesday morning announcement that the company would enact a succession plan and have current COO Patrik Frisk replace the company’s founder, Kevin Plank, as president and CEO on January 1, 2020. Here’s what they said about the leadership change.

Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. slipped yet again Monday, down $1.26, or 5.4 percent, to $22.26 at market close, but analysts remain upbeat on the company’s prospects—specifically its ability to disrupt certain markets such as gym memberships—based on recent coverage initiation reports and rating changes to “buy” or equivalent.

Breckenridge, CO-based Rocky Mountain Underground— a ski maker that also runs a combination retail shop and tavern—is expanding into Canada with a locale in Whistler, BC. But Mike Waesche, president, and Scott Mant, North America sales manager, told SGB the company sees this move as a grassroots extension of RMU’s unique concept rather than a corporate expansion. These ski bums and business moguls wouldn’t have it any other way.

Top headlines from across the active lifestyle industry featured in SGB during the week of October 14, 2019.

In her first formal presentation with Wall Street at Caleres’ Investor Day, Molly Adams, president of Famous Footwear, discussed the shoe chain’s strong connections with active families and big opportunities ahead in the sport leisure category. The majority of her talk, however, detailed how her experience working at Walt Disney is helping Famous transform from a “House of Brands” to a “Branded House.”

Six former Cabela’s employees are running the startup outdoor gear seller Nexgen Outfitters Inc. in Sidney, NE, where Cabela’s had been headquartered before being acquired by Bass Pro Shops. With the recent expiration of a noncompete injunction, the online provider is feeling a surge of momentum. SGB checks in on Nexgen’s journey.

The surprise acquisition of Olympia Sports extends JackRabbit deeper into the sporting goods space, but Bill Kirkendall, CEO of JackRabbit, said the Maine-based sporting goods chain is “right in our wheelhouse” because of its focus on specialty retail. The acquisition follows a strong turnaround in the JackRabbit running business.

Smartwool, Icebreaker and Napapijri aren’t the largest assets in VF Corp.’s $12 billion portfolio, combining for about $600 million in annual sales. But the company has big plans for these so-called “emerging” brands, including each one hitting double-digit growth over the next five years to reach $1 billion together.

Nike has been in the news lately over risks the brand may face due to the NBA’s recent controversy in China considering its exposure to the NBA, the basketball category and China. A number of favorable Wall Street notes have arrived over the past week, however, touting the brand’s strong prospects.

Stifel’s second annual Athletic Consumer Survey found Nike solidifying its spot as the primary brand in both athletic footwear and apparel, Adidas retaining its hold on younger consumers and Under Armour demonstrating meaningful year-over-year brand perception improvement.

Top headlines from across the active lifestyle industry featured in SGB during the week of October 7, 2019.

Illustrating the challenges embracing free speech and avoiding taking a political position, Nike, Vans and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have all found themselves facing potential boycotts this week after getting caught in the middle of the Hong Kong protests.