SGB Executive

In its second-annual report on the sporting-goods industry, “Sporting Goods 2022: The new normal is here,” The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) and McKinsey teamed up to find the sporting-goods industry experienced a broad recovery in 2021 and is expected to see above-average growth over the next several years. The report also called out five key trends set to shape the sporting-goods industry in 2022.

At an investor meeting hosted by Craig-Hallum, Jon Barker, CEO of Sportsman’s Warehouse, reasserted his bullish outlook on the retailer’s ability to reach more than 300 stores on its own following the termination of its merger with Bass Pro. Larger competitor moves to reduce their emphasis on shooting sports and pent-up demand from shooting sports due to low inventory levels of ammunition inventory are seen as newer growth drivers.

Following a cycle of bad news that has caused Peloton Interactive’s stock price to drop below its 2019 IPO price, CEO John Foley late Thursday acknowledged that the company is adjusting its output and reviewing its cost structure but denied that production is halting.

At the 2022 NRF Big Show, top executives at JD.com and Authentic Brands Group discussed how pervasive, mobile and big the opportunities are surrounding Chinese shopping festivals.

At the 2022 NRF Big Show in New York City, Nordstrom’s President and Chief Brand Officer Pete Nordstrom provided an extensive view of the retailer’s revamped merchandising strategy that has lately included expanded assortments, the arrival of several direct-to-consumer brands and partnerships with retail competitors. One collaboration he discussed during the session was its new deal with Fanatics.

At a 2022 NRF Big Show session, the top sustainability executives from Walmart and Rothy’s said one of the biggest lessons they have learned to achieve environmental goals is to set short-term targets as a pathway to long-term goals.

In its inaugural Style Forecast report, Stitch Fix predicted continued growth in athleisure and the emergence of the “business comfort” workwear category that combines athleisure with a “polish” look often associated with traditional workwear.

At the ICR Conference 2022, Chris Rondeau, CEO of Planet Fitness, talked up the benefits of the company’s acquisition of one of its largest franchisees and the drivers of its strong membership growth in 2021. He also said the fitness chain at least through the fourth quarter wasn’t being impacted by the Omicron variant.

At the ICR Conference 2022, Andrew Rees, Crocs’ CEO, took another stab at explaining the merits of its pending acquisition of Hey Dude, predicting the little-known casual footwear brand would reach $1 billion in sales by 2024, up from $580 million in 2021.

At the 2022 ICR Conference, John Merris, CEO, Solo Brands, provided a deep dive into the company’s direct-to-consumer model as it seeks to become the outdoors’ “digitally-native direct-to-consumer lifestyle disruptor.”

A comprehensive study from the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), “The Global Wellness Economy: Looking Beyond Covid,” finds the broader wellness market expanding to $4.9 trillion in 2019 and then sliding to $4.4 trillion in 2020. However, with a consumer “values shift” underway, the future of the wellness market looks strong and is predicted to grow 10 percent annually through 2025 to reach $7 billion.

On is forming partnerships with Roger Federer and other athletes as well as starting to open its own retail stores. However, David Allemann, On’s co-founder and executive co-chairman, told investors Tuesday at ICR Conference 2022 that the Swiss running brand is focusing on product innovation foremost to differentiate from the competition.

Journeys’ sales in the fourth quarter through December 25 grew a better-than-expected 8 percent against the 2020 period and 3 percent against the 2019 period. At ICR Conference 2022, Mimi Vaughn, president and CEO of Genesco, Journey’s parent, said a strong casual trend offsets severe inventory challenges.

The Editors from SGB Executive present the third and final installment of our annual outlook survey exploring what leaders in the active lifestyle market are projecting for 2022. Comments from PGA Tour Superstore, Academy Sports, Asics, Lowa, SFIA, Implus, OrderMyGear, Certor Sports, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, and more.

The Editors from SGB Executive present the second installment of our annual outlook survey exploring what the leaders in the active lifestyle market are projecting for 2022. Comments from Columbia Sportswear, Fleet Feet Maine Running, OIA, Rawlings, Baird, Klean Kanteen, DPS Skis, and more.