Forefront Holdings saw net sales decline 20.6% to $8.1 million from $10.1 million for the year-ago first quarter. Sales decreased in all product segments except for OEM/Internet and NFL.

According to a filing with the SEC, sales of Datrek golf bags and travel covers decreased 33.8% to $1.8 million. The decline was partly attributed to a reduction of off-course sales to smaller, independent retail stores, which have historically been the company’s largest sales outlet. In addition, large golf specialty stores and sporting goods chains have increased purchases of their own private label golf bags and accessory products in large quantities directly from overseas vendors.


Sales of Burton golf bags and travel covers decreased 28.0% to $892,329 due to the aforementioned consolidation and the overall weak economy. Sales of Miller and Burton accessories decreased 43.2% to $368,016 due to golf industry conditions and to the decision to discontinue certain less profitable accessory items.


Sales of NCAA items decreased 33.9% to $572,234 as a result of the reduction in off-course sales, as well as the loss of NCAA item sales to one of its major off-course customers. NFL golf bags and accessories rose slightly to $174,848 from $173,361.


Sales of Premium/OEM/Internet items increased 28.2% to $2.2 million as the company has “made great efforts to increase this area of our business” given weakness elsewhere.


Gross margins declined 130 basis points to 21.6% of net sales which lead to net loss expanding to $3.3 million from a loss of $2.9 million last  year.