
EXEC: Super Retail Group Ekes Out 1 Percent Comp Growth In Fiscal H1
The Australia-based parent of the Rebel Sports, BCF outdoor, and Macpac outdoor retail chains reported that sales for the first half of fiscal 2024 increased 3 percent and are expected to reach A$2.02 billion for the period ended December 30.

La Sportiva Opens First Retail Store in the U.S.
The Boulder, CO store is reportedly part of La Sportiva’s global brick-and-mortar strategy that “aims to further integrate the brand into mountain towns worldwide.”

NRF Foundation Adds Four Board Members
The new members from Gap, Inc., Dick’s Sporting Goods, Goodwill Industries, and Burlington Stores were elected during the organization’s winter board meeting in New York City, ahead of NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show and the NRF Foundation Honors.

Fashion Energy Report Uses Sustainability, Transparency and CO2 to Rate Brands
The Fashion Energy Report determined Puma was the most sustainable fashion brand, followed by The North Face and Tommy Hilfiger. Other brands in the active lifestyle rating in the Top 10 include Patagonia, Converse and Timberland.

Astral Buoyancy Drops Bluesign-Approved YTV 2.0 to Life Jacket Collection
Astral YTV 2.0 personal flotation device, the fifth product in its life jacket collection, is the first to use Bluesign-approved materials, ensuring the least possible environmental impact.

Krimson Klover Hires Industry Vet as Director of Sales
Susie Wagner comes to the company with over 20 years of experience in the outdoor and lifestyle apparel industry, having led sales teams for Spyder, Under Armour, and Kari Traa.

Under Armour Appoints New Americas President and Chief Product Officer
The company appointed Yassine Saidi as chief product officer and Kara Trent as president of the Americas. Both will report to company President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz.

Merrell Signs Ambassador Athlete; Names 2024 Test Lab Trail Team Athletes
Merrell reported that for 2024, the company signed ultra-runner Coree Woltering as an ambassador athlete. Sara Aranda, Morgan Elliott, and Mercedes Siegle-Gaither earned a spot on the global roster of trail runners wearing the MTL Skyfire 2.

Mondraker Opening U.S. Office; Appoints GM
The Mondraker USA team, led by long-time bike and triathlon industry vet Chris Bogue as general manager, includes Eric Richter, marketing director; Michael Kowalski, senior manager, customer service and sales operations; and Shane Hensley, manager, technical service.

TSG Consumer Partners Promote Five with Ties to Active Lifestyle Brands
The employees who were promoted have worked with companies in the active lifestyle industry, including Backcountry, Nuun, Canyon Bicycles, CorePower Yoga, Sunshine Fitness, and others.

NMMA Sees New Powerboat Retail Sales Down Slightly in 2023
The National Marine Manufacturers Association reported that new powerboat retail sales are estimated to be down in 2023, approximately 1 percent to 3 percent, to 258,000 units.

Report: RV Shipments Post Rare Increase in November Led by Towables
Total RV shipments ended November with 25,160 units, an increase of 2.8 percent compared to the 24,470 units shipped in November 2022 due to the rise in towable RV’s. Total RV shipments are down 38.4 percent, with 291,652 units.

Patrick Industries Inc. Acquires Sportech, LLC in $315 Million Deal
Following closing, Sportech will continue its operations as a wholly owned subsidiary of Patrick under the Sportech name and within its existing facilities.

Columbia Sportswear Appoints Former Nike Brand President to Board
From 1979 to 2014, Denson held various positions at Nike, Inc., in different management roles, including president of the Nike Brand, a position he held from 2001 until his retirement in 2014.

EXEC: Giant Group Sees Another Steep Decline in December Revenues
While reporting sales down 25.8 percent for the month, the Taiwan-based bike manufacturing group saw a slight improvement versus Q4 and second-half 2023 trends in posting its second month in a row of moderating declines.