PetSmart Searching for the Next “Chief Toy Testers;” $20K to New Team Members
The Chief Toy Tester search is back and submissions are open for one lucky dog, cat and human parents to join the PetSmart team.
Meijer Opens New Supercenters in Michigan and Northeast Ohio
Meijer opened its first store in Michigan in 1934. Today, it opened a new 159,000-square-foot supercenter in Hillsdale, MI and two new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Northeast Ohio. This summer, the retailer will celebrate its 90th anniversary as a family-owned Midwest retailer.
Sea to Summit Launches Canadian Website, Expands DTC
The company has seen increased demand for its products from Canadian consumers. This platform meets them where they are with 24/7 access to its full line of gear.
Skechers Enters Global Footwear Partnership With John Deere
The co-branded pro and lifestyle footwear collection is scheduled to launch in July, designed for agricultural professionals, construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and trendsetters.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees Improving Bike Picture as April Shipments Close to Flat
The 1.75 percent year-over-year decline was the smallest year-over-year decrease in sales since April 2023 when sales grew 20.3 percent to NT$7.03 billion. First quarter results that were down 20.3 percent.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees China Q1 Gains Offset by Inventory Reduction, OEM Sales Elsewhere
The Taiwan-based manufacturer of bikes, bike parts and components reported that the sharp sales decline came despite increased bike sales in China offset by inventory reductions in Europe and North America and order adjustments from OEM customers.
GU to Open First Overseas Flagship Store in New York in Fall 2024
GU (pronounced as the letters “G” and “U”) was founded in 2006 as a sister brand of Uniqlo and operates approximately 470 stores in Asia, mainly in Japan; this is the first official opening of a store outside of Asia.
Nextorch Signs Elite Outdoor Sports for Sales Representation
Elite Outdoor Sports is a full-service sales and marketing agency with a global reach. Representing hunting, shooting and law-enforcement equipment manufacturers.
Nite Ize Adds Two Indie Sales Agencies in U.S. Market
Effective immediately, the company is partnering with Action Sports, Inc. serving the Southeast, and Sanitas Sales Group, located in Colorado and covering the West.
Super Pacific Makes New Hires, Key Promotions and Expands Facility to Fuel Growth
Philip Kuroda was hired in the newly created position of B2B sales manager and Jessica Johnson was promoted to general manager of operations. The company is adding new square footage to its facility and the production team was expanded with new hires to support cutting, sewing and fabrication.
Firearm & Ammo Companies Contributed $222M to Conservation in Q4 via Excise Tax
Firearm and ammunition manufacturers topping $17 billion in excise tax contributions to the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund since its inception in 1937, or more than $27.38 billion when adjusted for inflation.
EXEC: Leatt Posts Another DD Decline in Q1 as Body Armor and Helmets Sales Falter
Sales to the company’s global distributors decreased by 31 percent as distributors continue to manage industry-wide stocking dynamics, while consumer direct sales increased by 15 percent and dealer direct sales increased by 9 percent in Q1.
EXEC: Key Footwear Factory Report Sees Flat Q1 and Unsettled Market for 2024
The Group believes the global footwear industry will remain unsettled in the near term amidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment driven by persistent inflation, high interest rates, regional conflicts, and its impact on shipping lanes.
EXEC: Havaianas owner Alpargatas Shows Modest Growth In Q1
Alpargatas, the Brazilian parent of the Havaianas, Rothy’s and Ioasys brands, reported net revenue reached Brazil Real (R$)931.8 million in the first quarter, climbing 3.2 percent compared to the same period in 2022. For the flagship Havaianas brand, strength in Brazil offset declines in the U.S. and Europe.
EXEC: Xtep Intl Divests K-Swiss Brand to Focus on Merrell and Saucony in China
The move is designed to carve out the consistently underperforming segment from Xtep’s portfolio, allowing the company to concentrate its resources on developing its highly profitable brands – core Xtep brand, Saucony, and Merrell.
