SGB Executive

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.

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.