Adidas’ Supply Chain Problems Stunt North America’s Momentum
Adidas warned investors it will miss its 2019 growth target because supply chain bottlenecks in the first half of the year are making it difficult to meet demand. The growth is particularly expected to slow in North America, where it has doubled its business in the last three years to take market share from rival Nike
Conversation With Callaway Golf CEO Chip Brewer
Chip Brewer, President and CEO, Callaway Golf Co., spoke with SGB Media recently about the still-developing plans to grow the company’s newest asset—outdoor apparel brand Jack Wolfskin—as well as his expectations for the golf industry in 2019.
Dick’s Traffic Doldrums Continue
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and outlined a number of initiatives to jump-start comp growth, including replacing its hunt sections in another 120 stores with faster-turning categories and switching out its licensed Reebok brand for a new private-label athletic label. But shares of Dick’s fell as management predicted only minimal top-line recovery in the current year.
RV Industry Convenes As Market Continues To Accelerate
The $50 billion recreational vehicle market keeps finding new horizons to explore and the next leg of its journey begins this week when the industry gathers in Salt Lake City, UT, for a revitalized trade show that is aligned with the start of camping season. “RVX: The RV Experience” is the new event offered by the RV Industry Association, and it’s just one reflection of a changing marketplace.
Wall Street: Nike’s Share Gains On Adidas Seen Accelerating
With quarterly results soon arriving from both firms, two reports from Stifel and Cowen arrived finding Nike’s growth accelerating largely at the expense of Adidas.
Mixed Signals Cloud Camping World’s Outlook
After Camping World Holdings Inc. on Thursday posted a fourth-quarter loss of $71.5 million, or earnings per share of (83) cents, due to an impairment charge and costs related to Gander Outdoors openings, the company’s stock tumbled in the high single digits. But a slight market rebound on Friday served as another example of the mixed signals that Camping World conveyed in its fourth-quarter earnings report.
Aisle Talk Week Of March 4
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Bass Pro Shops announcing it will close a distribution center in Sidney, NE, the former hometown of Cabela’s, as well as a merchandise return center in Oshkosh, NE.
American Outdoor Brands Provides Bleak Outlook For Firearms
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, reported year-over-year increases in revenue and operating profits in the third quarter ended January 31 with the help of successful promotions, but also delivered a soft outlook going forward with no signs of a pickup in firearms demand.
Diana Seung Steps Into Camber Outdoors Role At Critical Juncture
Diana Seung, who was appointed interim executive director of Camber Outdoors after Deanne Buck resigned last month, spoke with SGB about her role in helping the organization heal internally and mend relationships with the outdoor community following Camber’s recent PR crisis.
Patagonia, L.L. Bean Near Top Of Reputation Rankings
Patagonia ranked third and L.L. Bean fourth in this year’s Axios Harris Top-100 Poll’s survey ranking the public’s perception of the 100 most visible U.S. companies. Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and Dick’s Sporting Goods also landed on the list.
John Walbrecht Unpacks Clarus Corp.’s ‘Superfan’ Brand Strategy
John Walbrecht, president of Clarus Corp., spoke with SGB recently about the holding company’s focus on “superfan” brands—product-centric disrupters such as Black Diamond that have carved a niche as market leaders with fiercely loyal customers.
Active Offering Most Potential For Sequential Brands
Sequential Brands’ Active division – including Gaiam, AND1, and Avia – remains its largest and most profitable division and will continue to be a focus for investments, including potential acquisitions, in the years ahead, Sequential officials said on the company’s fourth-quarter conference call.
Bogs Sees Revenues Rebound In 2018
Wrapping up a bounce-back year, Bogs saw sales surged 34 percent in the fourth quarter to wind up ahead 10 percent in the year. The brand finally benefited from timely winter weather while also finding success extending into non-winter styles.
Kohl’s Seeing Share Gains In Active, Adding Nike Plus-Sizes
Kohl’s Corp said it continued to see strong momentum across its Active categories in the fourth quarter. The retailer also said that its test of expanded Active areas will be extended to 160 stores and Nike plus-size offerings will arrive this spring.
Black Diamond’s Product Innovation Fueling Clarus Corp.
Product innovation across its entire portfolio—but especially at climbing and backcountry ski brand Black Diamond—helped Clarus Corp. notch a record year in 2018 and also positioned the company for solid growth in 2019 and beyond.
