Second Chance Opens European Office and Warehouse
Second Chance Ltd, a sporting goods distributor specialising in golf, cycling, football, fishing and connected sports technology based in Frankfurt, Germany, announced the opening of a new trading business, and limited GmbH company, SC Distribution Europe.
United Sports Brands Acquired by Norwest Equity Partners
Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) has acquired United Sports Brands, the parent of Shock Doctor, McDavid, Cutters, Nathan, Pearl Izumi, and Glukos, from Bregal Partners. NEP’s history with USB brands dates to 2008, when it acquired Shock Doctor as part of its consumer products portfolio.
EXEC: Vista Outdoor Receives Unsolicited Offer to Acquire Company
Colt CZ Group has made an unsolicited offer to acquire the company for $30 per share, or $1.74 billion, potentially derailing a planned sale of Vista’s Sporting Goods business to Czechoslovak Group (CSG) and spinoff of the Outdoor Sports segment.
Backcountry Sells Bergfreunde European Subsidiary
Backcountry reported it entered into a definitive agreement to sell its European subsidiary, Bergfreunde, to Decathlon, the largest sporting goods retailer in the world.
Report: Black Friday Traffic Sees Uptick
Sensormatic Solutions released its initial shopper visit data for U.S. brick-and-mortar stores and shopping centers for Black Friday, November 24, noting that foot traffic increased 4.6 percent compared to 2022.
Report: U.S. Black Friday Retail Sales Up Modestly
According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, retail sales grew 2.5 percent year-over-year on Black Friday, slowing as expected from a gain of 12 percent on the same day a year ago.
Report: Black Friday Sees Record Online Spending
According to Adobe Analytics, a record $9.8 billion was spent online in the U.S. for Black Friday, up 7.5 percent year-over-year (YoY). Adobe had estimated this year’s Black Friday sales at $9.6 billion.
Wolverine World Wide Sees Debt Ratings Downgraded
Moody’s downgraded Wolverine World Wide, Inc.’s debt ratings to reflect Wolverine’s “ongoing steep revenue and earnings declines and Moody’s expectations that the challenging retail environment will hinder the company’s ability to realize significant near-term benefits from its turnaround efforts.”
KOA Sees Surge in Interest to Camp this Holiday Season
The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report, November 2023 Edition, outlines a notable increase in holiday travel expectations, with camping a favored option for Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas.
EXEC: Wall Street Reacts to Strong Q3 for Dick’s and Hibbett
The third-quarter earnings beats and raised guidance for both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hibbett increased investor confidence that the athletic retail space is positioned to at least outperform the broader retail sector in a challenging marketplace, although some analysts were concerned about margin pressures at Dick’s.
Reima USA Expands Indie Sales Rep Team
Reima USA hired Kerry O Sales to its independent sales rep network, marking a “significant step” in growing its U.S. business.
Solo Stove partners with Snoop Dogg on Limited-Edition Collection
Solo Stove announced that Snoop Dogg will be the company’s official “smokesman” to support its mission to eliminate smoke from backyards.
Dakine Continues Partnership with Alterra Mountain Company
Dakine reported continuing its partnership with Alterra Mountain Company as the official pack and bag sponsor for the 2023/24 winter season, in addition to supporting events, programs, staff products, and uniforms for the bike parks.
SGB Media Thanksgiving Schedule
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, SGB Media is taking time to be with family and will not publish the SGB Evening Update on November 22 or the SGB Morning and SGB Evening Updates on November 23, or November 24. Publishing will resume on November 27, 2023.
Outdoor Research Appoints VP of Operations
Outdoor Research recently promoted long-time employee Geoff Potter to vice president of operations, who has worked in planning and operations for nearly 12 years.
