Cascade Designs Taps Mindful Sales for New England Region
Founded in 2022 by Patrick Manzer, headquartered in Kennebunk, ME, Mindful Outdoor Sales assumes responsibility for the six-state region of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, succeeding longtime rep Chris Lathrop, who is retiring after a three-decade-long career in the outdoor industry.
Rab Names New Sales Agency for North Central U.S.
End2End founded in 2017 by outdoor sales rep Connor Larsen in Austin, TX, will represent the company in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Kona Bicycles Taps Charles Russell to Lead Sales & Marketing
Russell reportedly lived and worked in Europe, Canada and the U.S. for a range of global bike brands, including Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Yeti Cycles and Cannondale, “giving him a unique perspective on building global brand recognition and demand.”
Hydro Flask and Osprey Parent Helen of Troy Sees CEO Exit; CFO Takes Reins
Helen of Troy Limited, the parent of Hydro Flask, and Osprey, said Noel Geoffroy has resigned as CEO and has departed, effective immediately. Brian Grass, chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
Escalade’s Q1 Sales Slide 3 Percent
Escalade, Inc. reported improved earnings climbed 44.4 percent with a boost from improved gross margins. Sales were down 3.2 percent, although growth was achieved in archery, outdoor games, darting, and safety categories.
Lowa Names New U.S. General Manager as Peter Sachs Plans Retirement
Peter Sachs is stepping down as the brand’s USA general manager, with Lance Taylor, an outdoor industry veteran, assuming the role. Taylor worked at Salomon for 17 years, most recently as head of its Outdoor National Business Unit.
Nite Ize Expands Portfolio; Acquires Orange Screw
An alternative to tent stakes and anchoring devices, Orange Screw products come in two sizes, 12.25- and 9.5-inch, and are used for various outdoor applications, including securing tents, canopies and landscape elements.
EXEC: Johnson Outdoors Cites Strong Demand for New Product Despite Market Woes
Camping & Watercraft Recreation sales were down 12 percent, with growth in Jetboil partially offsetting the declines in Watercraft and the exit of the Eureka! business.
Kohl’s BOD Terminates New CEO for Cause; Forecasts Q1 Comps Down in Mid Singles
Multiple sources are publishing that Buchanan was terminated after an investigation found that he violated the retailer’s code of conduct by entering into a “highly unusual” business deal.
Traeger Swings to Q1 Profit on Grill Growth; Sets Pricing Increase and Expense Cuts
In light of the uncertain demand environment and to promote balance sheet health, the company has significantly reduced purchase orders on grills and will reassess purchase plans with further sell-through data in the coming months.
EXEC: Columbia Brand Set to Take Market Share Back in 2025; Q1 Exceeds Outlook
First-quarter net sales and earnings exceeded guidance, driven by late-season demand for winter products and strong early-spring shipments. International markets, which contributed 40 percent of annual sales, performed well, with double-digit growth in the LAAP region and high-single-digit growth in EMEA.
Repreve Maker Unifi Sees Stronger Fiscal Q3 Americas Business as Asia Weakens
Unifi’s results for the third quarter were in line with expectations, driven by an improved performance in the Americas segment due to the positive traction the company experienced with the growth in its Central America business.
EXEC: Coleman, Marmot Parent Shrugs Off Tariff Impact as Q1 Beats Estimates
On a quarterly call Wednesday, Chris Peterson, CEO of Newell Brands, parent of Coleman, Marmot and other outdoor brands, said he expects the company to be able to largely withstand and possibly benefit from a higher-tariff environment while predicting a larger decline in core sales for the year.
EXEC: Authentic Inks New ANZ Licensing Partner for Former Boardriders Brands
Authentic said the move secures the future of over 200 branded retail stores, wholesale and e-commerce platforms, and ongoing success for Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Spyder, and Volcom.
Report: More U.S. Consumers Will Abandon Shoe Purchases Based on Price
The new Spring 2025 U.S. Footwear Consumer Survey from AlixPartners and the FDRA found that consumers are more likely to abandon a purchase due to cost, with 78 percent of respondents in its latest survey stating they halted a purchase due to price, up 12 percentage points from 2024.
