SGB Executive

Driven by outsized growth overseas and across the company’s domestic direct-to-consumer (DTC) network, Skechers USA Inc. reported second-quarter earnings rose significantly over year-ago levels and handily topped guidance. Company officials also predicted domestic wholesale revenues would turn positive in the third quarter with growth accelerating in the fourth.

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including European lifestyle retailer Snipes acquiring Detroit, MI-based Mr. Alan’s Men’s Bootery Inc., a lifestyle specialty retailer of urban-inspired footwear, apparel and accessories.

The bankruptcy judge overseeing the Ellett Brothers’ bankruptcy case sided with the unsecured trade creditors’ committee and is urging the firearms distributor to fully assist in exploring a sale option. As reported, a buyer in a going concern has to be found by July 24 to avoid an outright liquidation.

Thule Group AB’s $9.5 million acquisition of rooftop tent maker Tepui Outdoors Inc. last December gave the Swedish company quick entry into the booming category of overlanding without the time and energy needed to expand organically. Now that the integration is complete, Thule this week shed some additional light on the company’s global plans for its newest asset.

Amazon’s annual two-day Prime Day sales event this week showed little signs of plateauing, besting the e-tail giant’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales of 2018 and becoming the largest shopping event in the company’s history. The event also paid off handsomely for other retailers tailoring campaigns tied to the event.

Recent sports participation studies find playing team sports can drive success in the workplace, reduce depression in boys and extend overall lifespans. Another new study touts the broad health benefits of spending at least two hours a week in nature.

Garmont International S.r.l. is focused on four drivers—people, efficiency, pricing and marketing—as the brand works to amplify its North American business. Bill Dodge, CEO, Garmont North America, breaks down how the company is pulling each lever in hopes of growing both mind and market share here.

Hibbett Sports Inc. CEO Jeff Rosenthal in March announced he would retire from the Birmingham, AL-based company’s top post later this year as soon as his replacement was on board. He recently spoke with SGB Executive about his “tough” decision to leave Hibbett, the legacy he’s leaving and what’s needed for a retailer to survive in today’s changing landscape.

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. But major and minor victories are also being claimed for women’s soccer fandom and Nike’s overall women’s push, as well as potentially for soccer participation and women’s pay equality.

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announcing that Executive Director Amy Roberts will leave the organization at the end of September to join The North Face as senior director, communications & corporate social responsibility.

Herb Philipson, the sporting goods chain in Central New York, is heading to be sold in a bankruptcy auction.

In its first-ever State of Climbing report. The American Alpine Club estimated that climbing as a whole contributed $12.45 billion to the economy in 2017. Boosted by formal competitions and millions of millennials taking up the sport, climbing’s contribution is expected to expand in the years ahead.

Boosted by shelf-space gains in existing and new retailers as well as strong acceptance of newer products, Hydro Flask’s sales vaulted again in the first quarter ended May 31, prompting its parent, Helen of Troy, to lift its outlook for the year.

Ken Hicks has earned credit for stabilizing Foot Locker Inc. and setting it back on a path towards growth. Now, he’s looking to do the same for Academy Sports + Outdoors. Hicks talks to SGB Executive about what makes Academy unique in the marketplace, the progress being made on repositioning efforts, and the chain’s financial stability.

Ellett Brothers, the firearms distributor that filed for bankruptcy protection on June 10, has until July 24 to find a buyer in a going concern sale of its assets to avoid an outright liquidation.