SGB Executive

Helping to reduce debt, boost its ammunition opportunities, and repair some retail relationships, Vista Outdoor announced that it had sold the Savage Arms and Stevens firearms brands to a financial buyer for $170 million. In response, REI said it would immediately resume taking orders on Vista products.

JD Sports acquired The Finish Line last June to mark its entry into U.S. retailing and by all indications that entry continues to proceed smoothly. In a brief update of results for the first half, management particularly called out the progress of the first six JD Sports banners it’s opened in the U.S. while indicating they “remain encouraged” by the overall performance in the U.S.

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the U.S. and China agreeing to resume trade talks after a seven-week breakdown, and the Trump administration deciding to hold off adding 25 percent tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports, which would have included apparel and footwear classifications and other popular consumer products.

Italy-based Oberalp Group on June 21 broadened its focus on mountain sports by announcing the acquisition of U.S. climbing shoe brand Evolv. That was just one highlight from a busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space that also included deals in the fishing and fabric categories. Our June M&A Roundup breaks them down.

Matt Lyon, president of Oakland, CA-based hydration company HydraPak LLC, sat down with SGB Executive at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market to discuss the acquisition of Polar Bottle. Here’s what he shared about the ongoing integration and what’s in store for the longtime bottle brand—including a focus on the specialty channel.

Lululemon, Under Armour and Adidas led a number of major players in the sporting goods sector generating robust stock gains in the first half of 2019. Declining issues included Nautilus, Canada Goose and Foot Locker.

Nike Inc. capped off another robust fiscal year with a fourth quarter that exceeded top-line guidance but missed earnings targets. On a conference call, Nike officials said strategic investments, including its focus on digital and growth through strategic partners, are just starting to pay off.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.