SGB Executive Sportsmans

EXEC: Sturm, Ruger Gets Q4 Lift from New Products as NICS Checks Weaken
New products represented $159.3 million, or 32 percent of firearms sales in 2024, an increase from $119.0 million, or 23 percent, in 2023. The launch of the RXM pistol collab with Magpul reportedly had a significant impact in December.

EXEC: Jackson Kayak Adds to Paddle Stable with Eddyline Kayaks Deal
The company said “the deal unites two iconic brands with one mission: to inspire more people to experience the joy of kayaking.” Jackson Kayak also owns Werner Paddles and Kialoa.

EXEC: Wolverine Worldwide Shares Fall 17 Percent as 2025 Forecast Disappoints
Fourth quarter revenue fell 5.8 percent year-over-year but rose 3.3 percent to $494.7 million when tallying the company’s ongoing business. The company posted big improvements in gross margin and operating margins in Q4, leading to a positive earnings result.

EXEC: VF Corp. Spin-Off Acquires Helly Hansen
The VF spin-off parent of the Wrangler and Lee brands has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of Helly Hansen from Canadian Tire Corporation for ~ $898 million.

EXEC: Shimano Inc. Sees 2024 Sales Decline on Soft Bike and Fishing Demand
Uncertainty about the outlook increased due to rising tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, a stagnant Chinese economy, and the changes in leadership in various countries. The observations came in the company’s year-end financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

EXEC: Under Armour Cautious on North America’s Return to Growth
Under Armour, Inc. reported third-quarter results that exceeded guidance for the third straight quarter with the help of some recovery in North America. However, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank declined to forecast a return to growth in the region, with the current priority of driving full-price sales.

EXEC: Columbia Sportswear Shares Fall on Q4 EPS Miss and Tepid Q1 Forecast
Net sales increased 3 percent to $1.10 billion in the fourth quarter. First quarter net sales are expected to range between $749 million and $764 million, representing a decline of 3 percent to 1 percent from $770 million for the comparable Q1 period in 2024.

EXEC: Boot Barn Raises Fiscal 2025 Guide After Strong Holiday Season
Consolidated same-store sales increased 8.6 percent, with retail store same-store sales increasing 8.2 percent and e-commerce same-store sales increasing 11.1 percent.

EXEC: Megabass is Latest Outdoor Brand to Partner with L Catterton
The deal positions the Japan-headquartered fishing gear manufacturer for further expansion by leveraging L Catterton’s operating capabilities and industry network on the back of rising demand for its products.

EXEC: Winchester Ammo to Acquire Ammo Inc.’s Small Caliber Manufacturing
Olin Corporation, the parent of Winchester Ammunition, has entered into a definitive agreement with Ammo, Inc. to acquire the company’s small caliber ammunition manufacturing assets for a purchase price of $75 million.

EXEC: Hydro Flask Adds Velocity with Expanding Amazon, Target and Costco Programs
Hydro Flask e-commerce reportedly “overdelivered” in the quarter, said to be driven by stronger-than-forecasted POS that lifted post Labor Day replenishment and stronger-than-forecasted performance on Amazon Prime Day with Hydro Flask achieving the No. 1 Best Seller ranking within water bottles during the event.

EXEC: SGB 2025 Look Ahead with Active Lifestyle Market Leaders
Leaders in the active lifestyle space expressed cautious optimism about 2025 with inflationary pressures easing, supply chains largely normalized and generally healthy interest in sports. Insights from Academy Sports, Brooks Running, Rawlings, Fleet Feet, Selkirk Sport and others.

EXEC: SGB 2025 Look Ahead with Trade Association Leaders
Trade associations representing the active lifestyle space shared their concerns with SGB Executive regarding potential tariffs, supply chain disruptions and the likelihood of an unstable economy in 2025. However, they were generally upbeat about the year ahead.

EXEC: SGB 2024 Year in Review Wrap Up
If you are just back from two weeks in Fiji, never fear as SGB Media has you covered on the people, brands and issues that made 2024 a year to forget for many retailers and brands in the active lifestyle space.

EXEC: Jens Ansø Parting Ways With GiantMouse to Focus on Ansø of Denmark
Effective immediately, GiantMouse Co-Founder Jens Ansø will step back from the knife company to dedicate more time to his Ansø of Denmark brand.