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.
Forward Outdoor Apparel Hires Global Brand Director and Head of Product
Forward Outdoor Apparel, the freeskiing and snowboarding apparel brand, appointed Tony McWilliam as global brand director and Lionnel Ducruet as head of product.
EXEC: Outdoor Active Lifestyle Market Leaders Share 2024 Outlook
Feedback unique to this group versus the broader market was the focus on sustainability, responsible sourcing, new technologies focused on renewable and reusable components and textiles, and the looming impact of new rules governing the use of PFAS and its impact on the market.
Xcel Wetsuits Hires Head of E-Commerce
Xcel Wetsuits hired Johnny Gothard to head its e-commerce business in the U.S. and international markets. Most recently, Gothard was director of e-commerce at Rip Curl.
Lazydays Closes on $35 Million Mortgage Loan Facility
The $35 million mortgage loan facility is funded by clients of Coliseum Capital Management and is reportedly secured by mortgages against certain dealership facilities and land held for future development.
Lands’ End Secures New Term Loan
Lands’ End, Inc. entered into a new term loan of $260 million. The company used the proceeds to refinance its existing term loan ahead of maturity in September 2025.
Bulls Bikes USA Hires Sales Chief
Los Angeles-based Bulls Bikes USA hired Rob Kaplan as head of sales. Most recently, Kaplan was VP of sales at Alta Cycling Group.
Thule Group Transitions CFO Role
In May 2023, Thule announced that Jonas Lindqvist, its CFO since 2020, would leave his position but remain in the role until it found his successor. The company announced in July 2023 that it had hired Toby Lawton to fill the CFO position.
Camping World to Add 15 Dealerships in the First Quarter
The company closed on the acquisition of Ashley Outdoors in Salem, AL, the first of 15 dealership locations Camping World expects to open in the first quarter of 2024.
EXEC: 2024 Look Ahead with Active Lifestyle Market Leaders
SGB Executive reached out to key leaders in the Active Lifestyle space to share their outlook for 2023. This first installment includes a cross-section of insights from Academy Sports + Outdoors, Baird, Fleet Feet, Gore, NSGA, Ortholite, Thermore, RIA, and more.
Blackcrows expands partnership with Freeskier Nikolaï Schirmer
Blackcrows, the French ski brand focused on design-driven performance ski gear and apparel announced it expanded its partnership with freeskier Nikolaï Schirmer to include apparel and equipment.
2023 Year in Review: Active Lifestyle M&A Activity Slows—Part II
Fewer major deals were executed across the active lifestyle space in 2023 amid rising interest rates and persistent economic uncertainty but several tuck-ins and smaller to medium-size acquisitions were inked. Still, SGB Media found a few key trends expected to continue into 2024.
