EXEC: Craft North America CEO Talks Gaining Traction in Run Footwear
In late November, Craft Sportswear announced plans for a phased relocation of its North American headquarters to Seattle, WA, in 2024 to bolster the brand’s expansion into outdoor and specialty retail and its recent entry into running footwear in the U.S. Craft North America CEO Eric Schenker talked with SGB Executive about Craft Sportswear’s heritage, the run footwear opportunity, and why the CEO has chosen not to move to Seattle.
RVIA Expects RV Shipments to Post Double-Digit Growth in 2024
The new forecast projects 2024 RV shipments to range between 343,900 and 356,300 units with a median total of 350,100 units. This total would represent a 11.8 percent to 15.8 percent increase over the expected 2023 year-end range.
NRF: Imports Peaked in October, Volume Expected to Increase in 2024
Inbound cargo volume at the major container ports in the U.S. will continue to slow during the final weeks of 2023 after peaking later than expected in the fall, according to the Global Port Tracker* report released by the NRF and Hackett Associates.
NRF: Economy Delivers “Vigorous Growth” Despite Slowdown
According to the National Retail Federation’s Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, after a challenging year, the economy remains healthy despite slowing.
GoPro Named Official Camera of Vans Pipe Masters Surf Contest
The world’s most versatile camera is set to deliver epic perspectives from the legendary Pipeline Wave on the North Shore of Oahu
EXEC: Lululemon’s Tepid Holiday Guidance Overshadows Strong Q3
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. lifted its overall full-year outlook after earnings and sales in the third quarter ended October 29 topped guidance for the third straight quarter but also forecast fourth-quarter guidance that came in lighter than expected in an apparent sign to investors of a potential sales slowdown.
Johnson Outdoors Sees Q4 Revenues Halved as Fishing Sinks
Consolidated net sales in fiscal Q4 were $96.3 million, a $100.1 million decrease from the prior-year Q4 sales of $196.4 million. The net loss for the quarter was $16.0 million, or a loss of $1.56 a share, compared to net income of $9.7 million, or EPS of 95 cents a share in the fiscal 2022 fourth quarter.
Vail Resorts Posts Wider Fiscal Q1 Loss on Australian Weather Woes, N.A. Expenses
Mountain segment net revenue decreased 14.5 percent to $172.5 million for the first quarter, said to be primarily driven by the company’s Australian ski areas, which experienced weather-related challenges that impacted terrain in the current year, compared to record visitation and favorable snow conditions in the prior year.
Adventure Wagon Introduces Gear Shop and Ox Box
The builder of modular camper vans, launched a gear shop for outfitting vehicles, including branded apparel to sleep systems, camping gear, power options, and storage solutions, and released its stackable Ox boxes for outdoor adventures.
Backpacker’s Pantry Names Vice President of Operations
Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods promoted Kris Luikart to vice president of operations. Luikart brings ten years of experience in planning and operations in the food industry to the position.
Backcountry Renews Utah Avalanche Center Partnership
Content creation is reportedly part of the agreement, leveraging Backcountry’s channels and building on its video library.
EXEC: Sports Direct Gets Fiscal H1 Boost from New Brands
Frasers Group reported retail revenue increased 4.0 percent in the first half ended October 29 to £2.69 billion ($3.4 bn), helped by a “strong underlying performance” from Sports Direct due in part to the addition of new brands, including On Running, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear and Salomon.
Winchester Launches Pet Products Line
Winchester Ammunition, a subsidiary of Olin Corp., introduced a line of pet products, the Winchester Signature series, and a brand called King Buck for U.S. consumers.
Tanger Acquires First Open-Air Lifestyle Center
Tanger acquired Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL for $193.5 million using cash on hand and available liquidity. Management expects the center to deliver a first-year return in the mid-eight percent range, with potential for additional growth over time.
Pura Vida’s Q3 Revenues Fall 18 Percent
Pura Vida’s revenues totaled $17.7 million in the third quarter, an 18.3 percent decrease year-over-year, according to the bracelet brand’s parent, Vera Bradley, Inc. Declines within wholesale and e-commerce channels were only partly offset by higher retail sales.