
Kohl’s To Build On Active’s Momentum In 2020
Kohl’s Inc.’s 2019 results missed expectations due to weakness in home and women’s as well as margin pressures. Traffic and new customer acquisition, however, grew in the second half of the year. Moreover, the active category saw momentum throughout the year and the chain plans to build on that in 2020.

Coronavirus Crippling Supply Chains, But For How Long?
The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is wreaking havoc across the global supply chain. SGB Executive’s latest report looks at the outbreak’s economic impact on the active lifestyle marketplace, including how companies, consumers and even trade show operators are reacting.

Conversation With Velofix’s CEO Chris Guillemet
Velofix has become the largest fleet of mobile bike shops in North America with more than 125 franchise partners in Canada and across the U.S. and plans to accelerate that growth with fresh funding and the introduction of corporate-owned vans. Chris Guillemet, CEO and co-founder, talk to SGB Executive about Velofix’s disruptive business model.

February M&A Roundup: BSN Sports, CGPR And More
BSN Sports dominated last month’s M&A activity. The Dallas, TX-based team sports apparel and equipment distributor announced a trio of acquisitions in February, bringing the company’s 2020 total to four. Also, the boutique outdoor and active lifestyle public relations firm CGPR found a new home with a larger agency in a deal that provides synergies for both.

Acushnet’s Momentum Jeopardized By Coronavirus
Acushnet Holdings Corp. is riding an impressive wave of momentum into 2020. But the Fairhaven, MA-based parent of Titleist and other brands is facing a sizeable hazard midway through the first quarter, one that should be a drag on the top and bottom lines for at least the first half of the year—the coronavirus.

Foot Locker Eyes Sales Bounce Back On Basketball Momentum In 2020
Foot Locker Inc.’s fourth-quarter sales came in below expectations due to ongoing challenges in the apparel category and underperformance by Adidas in footwear. But sales growth is expected to resume in 2020 as demand for Nike and Jordan product remains strong and several newer initiatives – including its Power Centers, FLX rewards program, and dedicated women’s spaces – are showing promise.

Camping World Turns The Page
Last year, Camping World Holdings Inc. closed or sold more than 60 locations that didn’t sell or service RVs, a move took a toll on 2019 results by causing some short-term revenue and earnings pressure. But as Camping World turns the page on its retail model and refocuses on its core RV business, the company appears better positioned for 2020 and beyond.

Aisle Talk Week Of February 24
Top headlines from across the active lifestyle industry featured in SGB during the week of February 24, 2020.

HSBC Sees “Health As The New Wealth”
HSBC Global Research issued a bullish report on the sporting goods space, believing industry growth in the years ahead will be fueled by younger and more health-focused consumers, a global shift towards casualization, and the growing importance of sustainability among consumers.

2019 Was Watershed Year For 5.11 Tactical
5.11 Tactical, the apparel and gear brand owned by Compass Diversified Holdings LLC (CODI), truly found its stride in 2019 and Q4, in particular. The brand posted its second consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth and fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit EBITDA growth. Here’s how 5.11 did it and what’s in store for 2020 and beyond.

Crocs’ Revenue Growth Accelerates In Q4
In a further sign that it’s extensive restructuring efforts are paying off, Crocs Inc. reported a profit against a loss in the fourth quarter as sales climbed 21.8 percent. Crocs, however, joined other firms in warning of a near-term hit to revenues due to the coronavirus outbreak.

How TJX Bucked Retail Trends In 2019
The TJX Cos. Inc. clearly doesn’t subscribe to the “retail apocalypse.” The parent of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra and other retailers added 223 net stores in 2019 even as competitors shuttered doors. On TJX’s earnings call this week, CEO Ernie Herrman shared some of the reasoning behind the company’s ability to buck the wider industry trend.

Amazon Status Boosts Rocky Brands In Q4, Bodes Well For 2020
When Rocky Brands Inc. was awarded “seller-fulfilled status” on Amazon Prime last year, it opened up a new channel—and significant new high-margin revenue opportunities—for the Nelsonville, OH-based company. The program provided a lift for Rocky Brands in the fourth quarter and should boost the company throughout 2020.

Warm Winter Halts Big 5’s Momentum
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported a strong 2019, marked by a comp gain and its strongest margin performance in more than 10 years. However, inclement winter weather has led to a poor start to 2020. CEO Steve Miller said, “Although this year began with solid winter weather conditions in our geography, unfortunately, the conditions turned highly unfavorable over the course of the quarter, particularly in our key California market.”

Wolverine Issues Soft Guidance Despite Accelerated Growth In Q4
Wolverine World Wide reported another quarter of accelerated growth in the fourth quarter for its two biggest brands, Merrell and Sperry, and predicted a recovery year in 2020 for Saucony. Conservative guidance, however, was given for 2020 due to the expected fallout from the coronavirus outbreak and some continued challenges facing the U.S. wholesale channel.