
Big Agnes Hires Director of Design and Development
Michael Thompson is an outdoor industry veteran with 20 years of experience, having worked for Black Diamond Equipment, The North Face and Pearl Izumi.

Shimano North America Fishing Appoints Jason Livermore as SVP
As SVP, Livermore will reportedly oversee all operational teams, including sales, marketing, supply chain, e-business, and customer services.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Adds Two Key Leadership Hires
The company named Krischelle Tennessen as chief human resources officer and Michael Simpson as chief information officer .

Academy Sports and Outdoors Taps Google, Walmart Vet for Board Director
Monique Picou has over 30 years of supply chain, logistics, strategic planning, operations, digital/technology, and engineering experience. She has worked as the global EVP of Google Cloud supply chain and operations at Alphabet, Inc. since March 2023.

Report: How Retailers and Consumers are Handling Customer Returns
Consumers are more mindful of changing return policies, which results in fees and shortened return windows. What can retailers do to improve customer relationships, as return rates are at 14.5 percent of sales?

EXEC: Caleres Looks to Invest in Brand Portfolio Growth as Famous Footwear Struggles
The parent company of Famous Footwear and the Naturalizer, Vionic, Allen Edmonds, Blowfish Malibu, and Sam Edelman brands said the Brand Portfolio segment led the financial performance of the company for the first time in nearly two decades.

ASA: U.S. Senate Unanimously Advances Bipartisan Conservation Bill
The sportfishing industry applauded the approval of the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act (S. 3791) by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Kontoor Brands Appoints COO; Promotes Two Execs to Leadership Team
The parent of the Wrangler and Lee denim brands, has appointed Tom Waldron as chief operating officer (COO), effective March 19, 2024, and promoted two others to his new Executive Leadership Team. Christopher Waldeck is leaving the company.

Famous Footwear Parent, Caleres Inc., Posts Flat Sales in Q4 Despite Extra Week
The parent of Famous Footwear and the Naturalizer, Vionic, Allen Edmonds, Blowfish Malibu, and Sam Edelman brands, eked out a slight increase in net sales for the 14-week period ended February 3, increasing just 0.1 percent to $697.1 million, helped by the extra week.

EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz Parent Saw Both Brands Hurt by Retailer Caution in H1
KMD Brands, Inc., the New Zealand-based parent of the Rip Curl, Oboz and Kathmandu brands, reported that total consolidated Group revenue in the first half of fiscal 2024 decreased 14.5 percent year-over-year (YoY).

Report: Retail Industry Continues to be Largest Private-Sector Employer
The retail industry supported 55 million full- and part-time jobs in 2022, accounting for 26 percent of total U.S. employment, according to a new report released by the NRF.

Motocaddy Strengthens U.S. Sales Team Following Record Growth
The new joint Vice Presidents of Sales, Mike Samoles and Andy Warren, have over 50 years of golf industry experience between them and join the brand following a reported record growth of 42 percent last year.

American Apparel Expands Reach in Australian and New Zealand Markets
American Apparel, owned by Gildan Activewear, is expanding its reach in the Australian and New Zealand markets, releasing its 2024 product line through a dedicated e-commerce website.

EXEC: Xtep Gives Nod to Saucony Profits, Provides Details on Wolverine IP Deal
The retail partner for the Saucony, Merrell, K·Swiss, and Palladium brands, and now a 40 percent owner of the Saucony IP in China, said 2023 was a landmark year as it celebrated its 15th Anniversary of listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Dick’s House of Sport Partners with Former NFL Pro J.J. Watt
“J.J.’s passion for sport and his commitment to the community make him the perfect fit for Dick’s House of Sport.” —Mark Rooks, VP of creative, sponsorships and entertainment, Dick’s Sporting Goods