Escalade’s Earnings Dip In Part On E-Com Investments
Escalade Inc. reported that its key archery category is finally showing some signs of stabilizing but investments in new businesses and e-commerce brought down earnings slightly in the first quarter.
Hi-Tec Integration Stymies Cherokee Global Brands In Fiscal 2018
As Cherokee Global Brands integrated Hi-Tec into its portfolio and moved it from an indirect sales model to a licensed royalty model, headwinds ensued. The company on Thursday reported a loss for Q4 and fiscal 2018.
Skechers’ Shares Crash On Weak Guidance
Shares of Skechers USA Inc. were trading down about 25 percent in mid-day trading Friday after the company issued softer-than-expected sales and earnings forecasts for its fiscal second quarter following a solid start to the year.
Susquehanna International Cuts Nike’s Price Target On Executive Departures
Susquehanna International Group lowered its price target for Nike shares to $59 from $62 due to heightened risks at the company following a number of senior-level departures in recent weeks after allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior arrived.
Kelty’s ‘Ditch Day’ Encourages Outside Play, Elevates Brand Position
Next Friday, April 27, Kelty employees will play hooky as part of Ditch Day, a company-approved day for employees to eschew their work responsibilities and get outside. Ditch Day is part of the company’s Built for Play campaign that encourages more outdoor adventuring.
Study: Nike Recognized For Rep
Nike ranked second among American’s Most Reputable Companies by the Reputation Institute, a leading research and advisory firm focused solely on corporate reputations. The US RepTrak rankings measure the public’s perception of companies based on seven dimensions: innovation, leadership, governance, citizenship, workplace, performance, and products.
Huffy CEO: Batch Bicycles To Target ‘Underserved’ Market
Huffy’s new brand, Batch Bicycles, is a higher-end line of bikes to be sold only in independent shops. In a Q&A with SGB Executive, Huffy CEO Bill Smith (left) said the new products will target an underserved market—customers who want a bike priced somewhere between big-box and specialty store offerings.
Wells Fargo Upgrades Newell Brands On Potential Further Sales
Wells Fargo raised its rating on Newell Brands due to expectations that proceeds from divestitures will come in greater than planned. West Fargo expects the second round of asset sales will include Newell’s outdoor & recreation division, which includes Coleman, along with outdoor apparel and beverage brands; and its fishing brands.
TomTom Margins Soar As Consumer Segment Sales Slip
TomTom consumer segment sales—which includes PNDs, navigation apps and sports watches—decreased 28 percent in the first quarter, but gross margin increased thanks to 70 percent of revenue now derived from data, software and services.
Camping Taking Off
Driven by an influx of younger and more ethnically diverse newcomers, camping is making a comeback with more than 6 million campers arriving over the last three years, according to the 2018 North American Camping Report. The report still found conflicted about technology as part of the camping experience and their commitment to “un-plug” in the outdoors.
Frank Hugelmeyer Sees RVs Supporting Camping’s Growth
With the RV (recreational vehicle) industry seeing record sales over the last three years at a double-digit growth pace, it’s no surprise to Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), that camping is seeing an uptick.
Local Talent Program Boosts POC’s Global Branding Efforts
When Olympic silver medalist Alex Ferreira (left) was 15, he joined the Local Talent Program run by Swedish helmet and goggle manufacturer POC. The program helps increase sports participation and improve product development—and it promotes the company’s branding efforts around the globe.
SFIA: Sporting Goods Scores Highest Annual Growth In Three Years
SFIA’s 2018 Manufacturers’ Sales Report showed sales in the sports and fitness industry grew 2.9 percent in 2017, representing the best annual growth in three years. Strong category performance was seen in basketballs, batting gloves, camping coolers, sports bras, fitness/workout footwear and fishing equipment.
Aisle Talk Week Of April 9
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
‘Keeping The Tribe Together’: Industry Praises OR + Snow Show Date Change
Outdoor Retailer’s announcement that OR + Snow Show is moving to the end of January for at least the next four years and will immediately follow Winter Sports Market has garnered high praise from snow sports and outdoor stakeholders alike.
