
Ross Stores Comps Up 7 Percent in Q4 and EPS Sees Solid Increase
The discount retailer reported sales for the fiscal fourth quarter ended February 3 grew to $6.0 billion. Ross posted EPS of $1.82 per share for the 14-week fourth quarter ended February 3, up from $1.31 per share for the 13-week Q4 period ended January 28, 2023. The extra week was responsible for 20 cents a share.

NRF Economist Says Inflation and Interest Rates Remain Key to Economy
The NRF’s monthly review indicated that January’s 3.1 percent year-over-year (YoY) inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, improved from December’s 3.4 percent but “still a considerable distance” from the Fed’s target of 2 percent.

Target Corp. Beats on Q4 Earnings Estimates but Sales Fall Short
Sales fell short of expectations in Q4 on a tough holiday selling period, but earnings beat estimates as the retailer posted GAAP and Adjusted EPS of $2.98, compared with $1.89 in Q4 2022. Analysts were reportedly looking for $2.42 a share.

EXEC: Amer Sports Sees Q4 Growth Slow as Wholesale Declines; Posts Adjusted Net Loss
The parent of Wilson Sports, Salomon and Arc’teryx said they saw an expected deceleration from third quarter and year-to-date comparative trends due to the supply chain related sales shift that occurred from the third quarter into the fourth quarter in 2022.

Polaris 2025 Snowmobile Lineup Features New Technology, Model Upgrades
Highlights include Polaris’ patented Dynamix suspension technology, RMKs up to seven pounds lighter, Patriot 9R engine expanded into trail and crossover models, widetrack 650 Titan Adventure, and SnowCheck customization program.

EXEC: Fenix Outdoor Acquires 30 Percent of Fjällräven Retail Partner
Arctic Fox s.r.o. Artic Fox runs six Fjällräven Stores and online businesses in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Fenix Outdoor has an option to increase its ownership over time.

Worksman Cycles to Distribute Pacific Adaptive Tricycles
The long-time U.S. manufacturer of industrial-grade, heavy-duty cycles, is now the exclusive North American distributor for the Pacific Micah Adaptive Tricycle

Gymshark Appoints First Chief Digital Officer
Carly Natalizia was promoted to Chief Digital Officer at Gymshark. She joined the company in 2022 as vice president of marketing, International leading the marketing team for the UK, EMEA and APAC. She was promoted to global marketing director in January 2024.

Swany America Snags 11-Year Smartwool Vet as VP of Sales
Todd Givnish is an industry veteran of the ski and outdoor verticals, having previously led Smartwool sales and marketing efforts for over a decade.

SMC and SSL Merge to Form Winter Sports Retailers, Inc.
Snowsports Merchandising Corporation (SMC) and Sports Specialists Ltd (SSL) merged to form Winter Sports Retailer, Inc. (WSR), creating the largest network of U.S. specialty retailers.

MasterCraft Appoints New CEO and Chair as Fred Brightbill Exits
Brad Nelson will become the company’s new CEO and be appointed to its Board of Directors, effective March 18. Nelson succeeds Fred Brightbill who is retiring as CEO on March 18.

EXEC: Deckers Brands Moving to S&P 500 Index
The parent of the Hoka, Teva and Ugg brands is moving to the S&P 500 Stock Index, effective prior to the open of trading on March 18. DECK shares were previously included in the S&P Midcap 400.

EXEC: Vista Outdoor Board Rejects MNC Capital Acquisition Overture
The Vista Outdoor Board said in a Monday release that it continues to recommend the acquisition of the Sporting Products business by Czechoslovak Group a.s. and remains committed to the strategy of standing up the Outdoor Products business as a standalone public company.

EXEC: Macy’s Suitor Raises Acquisition Price to $6.6 Billion
The rejected suitors for Macy’s are not going away anytime soon after moving this weekend to raise their offer for the struggling department store chain.

EXEC: Vista Outdoor Fields $2.9 Bn Offer to Acquire Company in All-Cash Deal
The unsolicited indication of interest from MNC Capital Partners in acquiring the parent of the Camelback, Bell, Giro, Simms, Bushnell brands, and the Remington and Federal ammunition businesses in an all-cash transaction for $35.00 per Vista share.