Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Names SVP of Communications & Operations
Whitney Potter Schwartz will reportedly oversee branding and communications, strategy, and events for ORR and support the development and operations goals through new partnerships to “elevate” the organization’s policy objectives for the outdoor economy at the national level.
EXEC: Active Lifestyle Stocks Miss Market Rally in 2023
The broader stock market saw a robust recovery in 2023 but the majority of stocks in the active lifestyle space underperformed, marked by declines by industry bellwethers including Nike, VF Corp. and Columbia Sportswear.
Bell Slope Bike Helmets Recalled
About 11,000 Bell Slope adult bike helmets are being recalled. The strap anchor could dislodge from the helmet when sufficient force is applied, violating CPSC federal safety guidelines.
Costco’s Global Sales Climb 10 Percent In December
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $26.15 billion for the retail month of December, an increase of 9.9 percent from $23.80 billion last year. U.S. sales were up 7.3 percent.
EXEC: Amer Sports Files for U.S. IPO
The parent of Wilson, Salomon, Arc-Teryx, and other sports and outdoor brands, filed for a long-expected U.S. initial public offering. In its prospectus, Amer touted the benefits of its “Transformation” program following its 2019 acquisition by an Anta Sports-led investor group that led to a brand-direct model, rapidly owned store expansion and accelerated growth in China.
Report: U.S. Holiday Online Sales Grow 4.9 Percent
Online spending in the U.S. during the 2023 holiday season climbed 4.9 percent to $222.1 billion in November and December, according to Adobe Analytics. Growth was reportedly driven by sizeable discounts across electronics, toys and apparel, as well as increased usage of the flexible ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ payment option.
Lazydays Promotes Dillard to VP Operations
Amber Dillard was promoted to VP of operations, effective immediately. The company said Dillard’s tenure began in 2011, “reflecting over a decade of commitment and service to the company.”
SGB 2023 Year in Review—Top 25 Most Read Articles
To say that 2023 was a challenging year for the active lifestyle retail market would be an understatement as brands, reps and retailers dealt with a variety of challenges and very few notable instances of positive news.
Academy Sports’ Former President Lands at Groundworks
Groundworks, the foundation and water management solutions company, hired Michael Mullican as CFO. Last October, Mullican stepped down from Academy Sports as president and CFO to pursue personal and professional opportunities.
EXEC: 2024 Look Ahead – Retailers and Brands Define Issues and Opportunities
In this latest installment of the 2024 Look Ahead series, SGB Executive talked with brand leaders and marketers about how their companies plan to address the challenges and opportunities in the market in 2024 and beyond.
Chums Expands Marketing Team
Chums hired Grace Overby as its new marketing coordinator, enabling Maddy Morton to transition to the newly created role of creative brand manager.
Haro Bikes Hires Chief Marketing Officer
Haro Bikes, based in Vista, CA, hired Megan Tompkins as chief marketing officer. Haro reported that she has “lengthy experience in international marketing and sales for cycling brands, including Crankbrothers, Specialized and Shimano.
Costco Store in Virginia to Unionize
At the Costco store in Norfolk, VA, employees voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, the largest union in America, marking the first “victory” for workers at a Costco location in two decades.
A Range of Business Issues, Brands and Retailers Top SGB Media’s Most Read for December
December 2023 featured many of the annual recaps and look aheads inherent in end-of-year business reporting; however, traffic and readership also rewarded a piece on Macy’s $5.8 billion buyout offer with the Most Read Article nod for the month.
Aspen Skiing Co. Sues U.K. Skiwear Brand Over Influencer Photos
Aspen Skiing Co. filed a lawsuit against Perfect Moment, the U.K.-based skiwear brand, for sending influencers to its four resorts to “falsely associate” themselves with the brand to “gain reputation” without permission.