EXEC: An Unvarnished Look Inside the ~$1.3 Trillion Outdoor Recreation Economy
EXEC: Coats Group Execs Outline Product and Financial Upside from Ortholite Integration
EXEC: The Footwear and Apparel Brands Bringing the Brand Heat in 2026
Sportsman’s Warehouse Sees First Positive FY Comps Since 2020; Sees Q4 Earnings Topping Guidance
EXEC: Helly Hansen’s Q4 Sales Jump; Accelerated Growth Will Start in 2027
SGB Update
Johnson Outdoors’ CFO to Retire
Johnson Outdoors, Inc. reported that David Johnson, VP and long-time CFO, intends to retire later this year, according to a regulatory filing. The company is commencing a succession process to identify a successor.
Revel Bikes Appoints Global Brand Strategist
Revel Bikes announced that Chris Reichel has returned to the company as global brand strategist. Previously, Reichel was Revel’s marketing director from May 2019 to January 2023. Most recently, Reichel was the marketing director at Esker Cycles.
Costco’s Fiscal Q2 Earnings Rise 14 Percent
Profits at Costco Wholesale Corporation climbed 13.8 percent in the fiscal second quarter ended February 15 on a 9.1 percent sales gain.
Black Diamond and RockyMounts Parent Posts Q4 Declines in Both Segments
Outdoor segment sales decreased 8 percent to $47.2 million, compared to $51.1 million in the same year-ago quarter. Adventure segment sales decreased 10 percent y/y to $18.2 million.
Traeger’s Q4 Revenues Slump 14 Percent, Profitability Improves
Traeger, Inc. reported sales declined 13.8 percent in the fourth quarter, but operating earnings on an adjusted basis improved and both sales and earnings topped guidance. Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger, said, “We took deliberate decisions to navigate tariff pressure, protect profitability and simplify the business in ways that strengthen our foundation for the long term.”
SGB Executive
EXEC: An Unvarnished Look Inside the ~$1.3 Trillion Outdoor Recreation Economy
Numbers from the U.S. Commerce Department indicate that the Real GDP of the outdoor recreation economy in 2024 grew at roughly HALF the rate year-over-year than it did in 2023 — and that sounds more like what the outdoor retail industry has been feeling, at least directionally.
EXEC: Coats Group Execs Outline Product and Financial Upside from Ortholite Integration
The acquisition of OrthoLite has accelerated the company’s strategy to create a “leading Tier 2 supplier in footwear components by adding an exciting, high-growth and high-margin business to the Coats Group portfolio.” The CEO said, “OrthoLite brings with it compelling revenue and cost synergy opportunities.”
EXEC: Tecnica Group’s Revenues Climb 4.7 Percent in 2025
Tecnica Group, the Italian parent of Nordica, Blizzard, Tecnica, Lowa, Moon Boot, and Rollerblade, reported sales grew 4.7 percent in 2025, to €541.3 million ($628 mm). Profits were down due to cost pressures from factory wages and U.S. tariffs.
EXEC: The Footwear and Apparel Brands Bringing the Brand Heat in 2026
L.E.K. Consulting Group released its fifth annual 2026 U.S. Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Brand Heat Index, identifying the brands that have gained popularity, or increasing brand “heat,” across major product categories across the generations in women’s and men’s footwear, apparel, as well as outdoor equipment and sporting goods.
EXEC: Helly Hansen’s Q4 Sales Jump; Accelerated Growth Will Start in 2027
Helly Hansen’s fourth-quarter revenue grew 10 percent and the brand’s earnings outperformed plan by 50 percent, Kontoor Brands’ officials said on an analyst call. Boosted by further investments in marketing and talent as well as expanded distribution, Helly’s sales growth is expected to accelerate starting in 2027. Scott Baxter, Kontoor’s CEO and chairman, on the call, “Helly is a growth asset.”
