Survey: Back-To-School Spending Expected to Hold Up
According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey of nearly 1,200 parents, over one in three parents anticipate spending more than the amount they spent last year. For surveyed respondents who plan to cut back on shopping for back-to-school items this year, technology and clothing were cited as top categories for reducing spend.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Worsens in June
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Sales Leader, Work Group
Jim O’Connor previously held executive roles at Timberland Pro, Shoes for Crews and Lands’ End. Wolverine’s Work Group includes Bates, Cat Footwear, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Hytest, Wolverine Boots & Apparel.
VF Corp. Appoints President of Napapijri
Valentina Visconti Prasca, formerly at Yoox Net-a-Porter Group, was appointed president of Napapijri, the Italian brand known for its travel bags and outdoor apparel. VF has owned Napapijri since 2004.
Amazon Expands Same-Store Day Delivery to More Rural Markets
The rural push comes as Amazon’s delivery speed hit record levels in 2023 and 2024, and the number of items Amazon delivered the same or the next day in the U.S. increased over 30 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.
MarineMax Expands Role for EVP and Chief Digital Officer
The nationwide boat dealer with 70 dealerships announced that Shawn Berg, EVP and chief digital officer, is taking on an expanded role to help support the company’s strategic growth and innovation initiatives.
Redarc Partners with Command Electronics; Strengthens Commitment to the U.S. RV Market
Command Electronics, a third-generation, family-owned and operated business since 1969, brings over 50 years of manufacturing experience to the partnership. With their facility located near the heart of U.S. RV production in Elkhart, IN, Command’s capabilities complement Redarc’s product portfolio.
GSM Outdoors, Pelican Products and Momentec Brands Owner Adds Solo Group to Stable
Los Angeles-based Platinum Equity reached an agreement to acquire Solo Group, a European maker of business-to-business personalized products including apparel, drinkware, bags and luggage, stationery and tech accessories.
Swany America Appoints Director of Marketing and Creative
Adam Weitzel brings nearly a decade of experience in the outdoor industry. He has held key in-house marketing positions at Smartwool and Exxel Outdoors while also creating content campaigns in the agency world
Mechanix Wear Protective Apparel Acquires Kinco to Broaden Portfolio
Kinco manufactures and distributes gloves for farm, outdoor, and industrial use, with an enthusiast following in the ski and snowboard industry. This transaction represents the second add-on acquisition for the Mechanix Wear platform, which previously acquired Chicago Protective Apparel.
Report: Dick’s SG Seeking Orland Park Financial Support for New House of Sports Project
The sporting goods retailer is looking to convert a 200,000-square-foot former Sears anchor space at the Orland Square shopping center, in a Chicago suburb, which has been empty since 2018.
Airstream Parent Thor Industries Sets Stock Buyback
The Board of the manufacturer of recreational vehicles retired its share buyback plan and reauthorized the company to repurchase up to $400 million of its common stock.
EXEC: Giant Group May Bike Shipments Crater Nearly 30 Percent
May shipments declined 29.3 percent y/y to NT$5.06 billion, pushing the five-month year-to-date period to a decline of 8.3 percent y/y to NT$27.6 billion. The May decline builds on a 7.3 percent decline in May 2024.
EXEC: Switchback Spring 2025 Through the Eyes of the Industry
Sights and sounds from the inaugural Switchback Spring event in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring photos from show attendees, exhibitors and Outdoor Industry Association.
Dick’s SG Sees Strong Response to Foot Locker Debt Exchange Offer
The retailer reported that 92.5 percent of Foot Locker’s note holders have agreed to exchange their debt for Dick’s notes as part of an early tender offer. The debt swap supports the retailer’s acquisition of Foot Locker.
