SGB Executive

Meier Skis dubbed its Denver, CO, digs a “craft skiery”—a combination manufacturing facility and bar where patrons can learn about the brand, watch the production process and knock back a cold one. At last month’s Outdoor + Snow Show, company owner Ted Eynon dished on the concept and other initiatives brewing at the independent ski maker.

Newell Brands said its Outdoor & Recreation segment, which includes Coleman, Contigo and Marmot, again saw declines in the fourth quarter with another challenging year for growth expected for 2020.

Utah’s outdoor industry enters 2020 on a roll. Not only did the state land the headquarters of newcomer brands Jack Wolfskin and Ventum, but it’s also seeing investments from stalwarts like Amer, Black Diamond and Gregory, and this summer it welcomes a new outdoor hardgoods trade show—all despite a recent high-profile setback for the state. What’s driving the turnaround?

Partly reflecting fallout from a bankruptcy scare endured early last year, Modell’s Sporting Goods is facing a liquidity crisis. Mitchell Modell, the chain’s long-time CEO, said the retailer is seeking concessions around payments from vendors and landlords to provide time to enact a restructuring.

The decision to cancel Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last November and consolidate it with January’s Outdoor + Snow Show—thereby reducing the annual OR show cycle to two—cost parent company Emerald Expositions Events Inc. $5.5 million in the fourth quarter, the company said this week.

Top headlines from across the active lifestyle industry featured in SGB during the week of February 10, 2020.

Helly Hansen sales grew 20.4 percent in the fourth quarter, to Canadian $199.7 million ($151 mm). Allan Angus MacDonald, EVP of retail for Canadian Tire Corp., said on a conference call with analysts, “Helly Hansen has also been outstanding, ramping up fast, with sales doubling at Sport Chek year-over-year and nearly the same as Mark’s.”

Yeti Holdings Inc. reported adjusted net income rose 31 percent in the fourth quarter on a 23 percent revenue gain while predicting another year of healthy double-digit growth for 2020. Matt Reintjes, CEO, told analysts, “Customers continue to embrace the Yeti brand and our innovation.”

In 2019 and particularly Q4, Thule Group AB notched enough revenue growth elsewhere in the world to overcome what CEO Magnus Welander called a “challenged” U.S. market. But with low-margin OE contracts now phased out and a competitor no longer discounting a particular jogging stroller, Thule has brighter days ahead here for 2020.

Earnings estimates on Under Armour were slashed by Wall Street in line with management’s guidance with many analysts significantly reducing their outlook for 2021 as well. To many analysts, Under Armour’s fourth-quarter underperformance and the dim outlook underscores the brand’s challenges reviving growth against formidable competitors in North America although a few remain confident the turnaround is only delayed.

Shares of Under Armour Inc. were trading down about 17 percent in mid-day trading Tuesday after the company guided its 2020 outlook well below Wall Street targets with no recovery now expected for North America. UA officials also said it was considering additional restructuring activities that would include abandoning its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York City.

Last month that long-time Managing Director, Allison Hill, was appointed CEO of the brand. The following is SGB Executive’s exclusive interview with Allison to talk about what’s next for LifeStraw as she takes over as the highest-ranking, senior executive in the company.

Like any manufacturer with suppliers in China, Callaway Golf Co. is reeling from the coronavirus. The company lowered its outlook for 2020 because the coronavirus should have a negative impact of $25 million on sales into China and $13 million on EBITDA for the year, company officials told analysts on Monday afternoon’s earnings call.

On Canada Goose Holdings Inc.’s fiscal third-quarter earnings call, CEO Dani Reiss addressed the disruption that the coronavirus is having on supply chain, sourcing and sales in China. The near-term impact resulted in reduced guidance for the current fiscal quarter and year, but company leaders and analysts believe Canada Goose is positioned to weather the storm.

Champion saw 22 percent growth in the fourth quarter, in line with expectations, according to the brand’s parent, HanesBrands. The growth reflected 22 percent growth in both Champion’s domestic and international businesses.