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.
M&A Insights: 4 Traits That Buyers Seek In Targets
Look for M&A to continue at a rapid pace in 2018, as companies like VF Corp. and others look to add valuable assets to their portfolio. But what are buyers looking for?
College Basketball Scandal Spreads To Kansas And NC State
Kansas and North Carolina State have joined Louisville and Miami (Fla.) in the FBI’s ongoing probe into corruption in college basketball as federal prosecutors in New York added additional criminal counts to the indictment of former Adidas executive Jim Gatto.
Adidas And Vans Winning With Teens
Adidas, Vans, Supreme, Champion and Lululemon all saw a strong uptick in mindshare among teens in Piper Jaffray’s 35th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey. Nike, Converse and Under Armour all lost ground.
Carving A Niche: Behind Elan’s U.S. Growth Strategy
After doubling the company’s alpine ski sales in the U.S. over the last five years, Elan Skis is now doubling down on that recent success with the creation of Elan Sports USA.
Nike Continues Tech-Buying Binge
The acquisition of Invertex promises to move Nike further down the road of being able to offer more personalization and customization to consumers while addressing the complexities of finding the correct shoe size online.
Pentland COO Talks Endura Acquisition, M&A Strategy
Pentland has big plans for its newest asset Endura – the company plans to accelerate the cycling apparel brand’s growth around the world. “We’ve got really big international aspirations,” COO Chirag Patel told SGB Executive in a Q&A about the Endura deal and Pentland’s M&A overall strategy.
REI Sees Modest Profit Gain in 2017, Sets New Sustainability Standards For Vendors
REI reported a 3.1 percent gain in operating earnings in 2017 on improving gross margins and record sales. The co-op also ramped up sustainability efforts by announcing new rigorous standards that will impact every brand the co-op sells.
Where And When Will The Trade War End?
President Trump this week threatened additional tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting sharp criticism from outdoor and sporting goods brands that might not be directly impacted but generally view trade wars as “so last generation,” according to Jeff Turner of Kokatat.
