Nike CEO Mark Parker On Importance Of Connection
Nike Inc.’s ability to connect in multiple ways—with existing consumers and with new marketplaces, across supply chains and across sports—is helping the company continue to grow and remain on pace to hit $50 billion in annual revenue by 2022. On Thursday afternoon’s earnings call, CEO Mark Parker stressed the importance of connectivity in all company pursuits.
Aisle Talk Week Of June 24
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the Running Industry Association (RIA) announcing the Best in Show Awards from the inaugural KICK Show hosted in Denver, CO, June 3-6.
Fleet Feet Looks To Lead With Culture
The overall message at Fleet Feet’s Annual Conference was again about the importance of people and culture. But the event’s signature theme shifted to “Lead” to signify the franchisor’s determination to lead the run specialty industry. Joey Pointer, CEO and president, in an interview said being the front runner presents new challenges for the franchisor and franchisees that go well beyond complacency.
Behind The Deal: Mustad Hooks A Keeper In TUF-Line
SGB goes behind the scenes of fishing hook manufacturer O. Mustad & Son’s recent acquisition of recreational fishing line brand TUF-Line, the roots of which trace back to the chance placement of two booths at a trade show. Company execs break down why the deal was such a catch for both parties.
Nite Ize, Amazon Join Forces To Sue Alleged Counterfeiters
Boulder, CO-based outdoor accessories brand Nite Ize Inc. has teamed up with the world’s largest online retailer to stop what it calls the “wanton” counterfeiting of one of its patented and trademarked products. Nite Ize and Amazon.com Inc. on Wednesday filed a joint lawsuit against counterfeit product importers and sellers who faked Nite Ize’s Steelie technology and attempted to sell the imposters on Amazon’s third-party marketplace.
Why Is Champion Winning Again?
Champion, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2019, has been on a roll over the last two years. Here, David Robertson, director Champion Brand Marketing, discusses the many facets of the brand’s extensive “100 Years for the Team” anniversary campaign, its decision to open full-price stores and enter the premium footwear category, and what’s driving Champion’s momentum.
Amy Beck Strides Into Top Role At Obōz/Kathmandu NA
Amy Beck, who is taking the reins of Obōz/Kathmandu North America from Obōz founder John Connelly in an ongoing succession plan, spoke with SGB Executive at last week’s Outdoor Retailer show about her new venture, including the impact Connelly has had in the past three months and how she expects to measure success for the brands she now leads.
NGF: On-Course Golf Participation Climbs for First Time in 14 Years
According to NGF’s (National Golf Foundation) 2019 Participation Report, participation in traditional green-grass golf courses increased slightly in 2018 to mark its first measured increase in 14 years. Growth in off-course participation continued to expand at a double-digit rate.
Dispatch From Denver: Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Takeaways
This year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was marked by change, but the spirit of the outdoor world’s premier B2B extravaganza remained the same—uniting the industry tribe under one roof. SGB Executive digs into the business trends and themes culled from three days of walking the trade show floor. Here are our takeaways.
The Hidden Costs Of Tariffs
While the potential costs of tariffs gets all the attention, the countless steps being taken to mitigate tariffs and planning around the uncertainties created by them could be having an even bigger impact on the outdoor industry, executives said at a session at 2019 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
Aisle Talk Week Of June 17
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the Oberalp Group, which owns Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca and Wild Country, acquiring Evolv, the American climbing shoe brand, from BRS Outdoor Holdings, an investment platform of BRS & Co.
American Outdoor Brands Still Seeing Firearms Softness
American Outdoor Brands wrapped up a challenging year with a fourth quarter that came out well ahead of guidance. But James Debney, president and CEO, said the beat was largely driven by promotions and he still sees flat demand for firearms despite May’s uptick in firearms background checks.
Six Questions: Allison Gettings, President, Vasque Footwear
Last September, Vasque Footwear, part of the Red Wing Shoe Company, appointed Allison Gettings as VP and general manager of the 55-year old, iconic outdoor footwear brand. Here, Gettings talks about her aspirations for the Vasque brand, key product initiatives and the brand’s quiet approach to advocacy.
Q&A With Jenny Kordick, Maine Outdoor Brands’ New Executive Director
Two years after forming, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB)—the nonprofit that promotes the state’s outdoor assets to benefit businesses and residents alike—has appointed Jenny Kordick as its first, full-time executive director. In advance of her debut at this week’s OR, Kordick spoke with SGB about MOB and her role in helping it grow.
Thule’s Fred Clark Talks Trade Shows, Tepui Deal, New Category
Thule Group AB is typically a mainstay on the Outdoor Retailer show floor, but the Swedish outdoor and bags brand will exhibit off-site this year to better showcase the company’s explosive category growth—and to spotlight its most recent acquisition. Fred Clark, president, outdoor & bags, Region Americas, spoke with SGB about the latest happenings at the company.
