Fitbit CEO: Versa Gives Retailers ‘Counterbalance To Apple’
For the second consecutive quarter, Fitbit Inc.’s Versa delivered a significant revenue boost for the wearables company. The Versa, which sold out in the quarter ended June 30, helped Fitbit lift smartwatch sales to 55 percent of the company’s 2.7 million total of devices sold in Q2, up from 30 percent in Q1.
Unifi Seeing Some Benefits From Pricing Adjustments
Unifi Inc.’s adjusted earnings declined in the fourth quarter ended June 24 due to spiking crude oil prices. But the recycled fiber specialist saw healthy top-line growth and gross profit and operating income for the fourth quarter improved compared to the third quarter with the help of pricing adjustments.
Garmin Raises Wearable Stakes With Expanded Sensor Technology
Garmin Ltd.’s ability to meet growing customer demands for better technology in wearables was on display in the company’s Q2 earnings report. Garmin reported better-than-expected quarterly profit in the second quarter ended June 30 and raised its full-year forecast in the process.
Winchester’s Q2 Profits Sink On Rising Raw Material Costs
Winchester’s income before taxes declined 37.9 percent in the second quarter to $11.8 million compared to $19.0 million in the second quarter 2017, according to the gun maker’s parent, Olin Corp.
Can Champion Offset Loss Of Target Mega-Deal?
Shares of HanesBrands fell $4.30, or 19.3 percent, to $17.96 on Wednesday after management said the wildly-successful C9 by Champion line would be exiting Target once the contract expires in January 2020. Gerald W. Evans Jr., Hanesbrands CEO, said the brand is close to maturity on Target’s selling floors and the company was sticking to its target for Champion’s global sales to reach over $2 billion by 2022.
Weakness In Camping, Water Sports Sinks Big 5 Sporting Goods’ Q2
Poor weather around the country stymied the sales of camping and water sports products at Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. stores in the back half of the second quarter, driving down income and revenue for the company during the period.
Shares of Rocky Brands Soar On Earnings Beat
Shares of Rocky Brands jumped $6.00, or 23.2 percent, to $31.85 after the boot maker delivered earnings that ran past Wall Street’s targets. Georgia Boot, Durango and Rocky Boot all delivered robust growth in the quarter at healthy margins.
July M&A Roundup: Where Will Perry Ellis Ownership Saga End?
July was quiet for M&A activity in the outdoor and active lifestyle space, but the ownership saga surrounding Perry Ellis International made plenty of noise as it took more twists and turns.
Nomura Downgrades Acushnet On Valuation, Cautions On Under Armour And Canada Goose
Nomura Instinet analyst Simeon Siegel downgraded Acushnet Holdings, the parent of Titleist and Footjoy, to “Neutral” due to the stock’s recent run-up in price while also expressing valuation concerns on Under Armour and Canada Goose.
Nautilus’ Q2 Retail Momentum Driven By Mass Channel
Nautilus Inc. saw a 5.7 percent gain in sales of the company’s Retail segment, driven by double-digit expansion in the mass retail channel, offsetting weakness in the commercial and specialty channels. The fitness-equipment giant raised the company’s overall sales guidance for the year due to healthy retail results and promising back-half launches.
Beyond Product: Industry Trends, Brand Stories Take Center Stage At OR
New product releases tend to garner most of the headlines at trade shows, but at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, SGB’s editorial team also wanted to discover what’s happening with brands beyond the latest and greatest gear and apparel. Here are some of the stories and industry trends we found and hints of what’s to come.
VF Corp. CEO Steve Rendle Talks Company’s ‘Purpose-Led Journey’
VF Corp. CEO Steve Rendle spoke at last week’s Camber Outdoors keynote breakfast—held in conjunction with Outdoor Retailer Summer Market—where he shared his company’s vision for becoming more inclusive and diverse.
Arc’teryx Sales, China Growth Boost Amer Sports In Q2
Double-digit improvement with the Arc’teryx brand and a 21 percent sales growth in China were the primary drivers behind Finland-based Amer Sports’ performance in the second quarter.
Columbia Gaining Traction With ‘Project Connect’ Initiative
Columbia Sportswear Co. launched an ambitious transformation plan, Project Connect, one year ago, and so far the project has delivered the results the global apparel and footwear company sought, according to executive comments made during Thursday’s earnings call with analysts.
Aisle Talk Week of July 23
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the U.S. House of Representatives approving the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, which allows the use of pre-tax savings accounts for physical activity-related expenses.
