Z-Man Appoints Product Manager and Marketing Specialist
The company has hired Richard Dunham, a lifelong bass fisherman and industry veteran, in the newly created role of product manager role, and Marketing Specialist Abbie Skeen, who brings her skills in image and visual branding as well as graphic design.
EXEC: Perfect Moment Opens First Seasonal Store in Austrian Alps Ski Resort
The establishment of the Kitzbühel store, the fashionable winter ski resort in the Austrian Alps, follows the October opening of the company’s first seasonal retail location in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.
Report: Over 157M Consumers Plan to Shop on Super Saturday, with Almost Half Online
The NRF suggests that with only four days between Super Saturday and December 25, shoppers will likely embrace multiple channels as they wrap up their holiday shopping; however, e-commerce appears to be the top destination with 49 percent of respondents going online.
Ombraz to Expand Retail Presence, Adds New Hire
The company plans to expand its representation in other U.S. regions outside the Southwest and Southeast. Internationally, it aims to expand its business in Japan while exploring distribution opportunities in Canada. In October, Samantha Putošová was hired as supply chain and operations manager.
Rusty Saunders Passes Away After 60 Years in SG Industry
Rusty Saunders had a successful 60-plus-year career in the sporting goods industry, having worked in retail, manufacturing and sales. He was inducted into the NSGA Hall of Fame in 2013. Saunders passed away on December 8 at age 88.
PwC’s 2025 M&A Outlook Sees Arrows Pointing Up for Deal Flow
PwC’s analysis of PitchBook Data, Inc., found that several thousand PE exits were delayed over the past two years. The company said some of these exits are more likely to happen now that more certainty has returned to the market — meaning more potential targets for corporate acquirers.
Recall: Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action Travel Mugs
Stanley has received 91 reports worldwide, including 16 in the U.S., of the recalled travel mugs’ lids detaching during use, resulting in 38 burn injuries worldwide, including two burn injuries in the U.S.
Blue Water Acquires Santee Lakes KOA Journey
Rafael Correa, president of Blue Water Development, said, “By investing in significant property enhancements at Santee Lakes KOA Journey, we aim to provide even greater value for our guests and make this picturesque resort a standout destination.”
Marriott International Acquires Postcard Cabins and Trailborn
Marriott has expanded its outdoor-focused lodging offerings through two founding deals in the outdoor lodging segment, acquiring the Postcard Cabins brand, formerly Getaway Outposts, and signing a long-term agreement with Trailborn.
Costco Says Consumer is Healthy as it Reports 7.5 Percent Q1 Sales Growth
The commentary surrounding the fiscal 2025 first quarter results for Costco Wholesale Corporation ranged from “mixed” to “beats” to “strong” on Thursday, December 12 after the retail warehouse giant posted its operating results for the twelve weeks ended November 24.
Ororo Launches the Koldpwoof Heated Dog Vest
The Koldpwoof Heated Dog Vest offers two adjustable heating settings—high and low—and provides up to 9.5 hours of warmth, powered by a rechargeable battery. It also features a no-heating night mode.
EXEC: Giant Group’s 2024 Trend Degrades Further as November Sales Fall 16 Percent
The Taiwan-based bike manufacturer saw its 11-month year-to-date (YTD) sales trend fall further in November after mid-single-digit declines in October and September.
EXEC: Roots Sees Solid Q3 Growth Continuing into Fourth Quarter
Roots Corporation reported that total fiscal third quarter sales were CN$66.9 million for the 13-week period ended November 2, a 5.3 percent increase as compared to CN$63.5 million in Q3 2023, led by double-digit growth in P&O sales.
Nordstrom to Open New Rack Store in Lubbock, TX
The 30,000-square-foot store will be located in West End Center, which includes Costco, Nike Factory Outlet, Bass Pro Shops, World Market, and Marshalls/HomeGoods, among others. Graco Real Estate Development owns and manages the West End Center in Lubbock, TX.
Db Bags Receives Minority Investment from LVMH Luxury Ventures Fund
Db, the Scandinavian luggage and backpack brand, announced a minority investment from LVMH Luxury Ventures Fund I (LLV), the company’s first investment in Norway.
