EXEC: On Delivers Record Quarterly Results, Elevated Inventories Concerning
Swiss running brand On delivered its seventh consecutive record quarter in revenues and achieved its highest gross margin since its August-2022 IPO. However, shares closed down slightly on Tuesday due to concerns over elevated inventory levels and its ability to deliver growth to match On’s stock’s high multiple.
Oiselle Names New CEO
Oiselle hired Arielle Knutson as CEO. She joins the women’s running brand from Nuun Hydration, where, most recently, she was VP of marketing.
VF Corp.’s Corporate Affairs VP leaves to join Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises hired Craig Hodges, formerly the VP of corporate affairs and communications at VF Corp., as SVP of corporate affairs.
GoPro Hires SVP of Engineering
GoPro hired Vince Nakayama, a former employee at Microsoft, as senior vice president of engineering, effective immediately.
NSSRA Names New Chairman
The National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association named Tom Fuerst of Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains, NY, the new chairman of its Board of Directors. Fuerst’s family has been a part of the snow sports industry for over 60 years.
NMMA Appoints SVP of Government Relations
The National Marine Manufacturers Association appointed Robyn Boerstling as senior vice president of government relations, reporting to NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer.
NRF and CNBC Develop New Retail Monitor; Report October Trends
The new Retail Monitor partnership reported that total October retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were down 0.08 percent from September and up 2.57 percent year-over-year (YoY).
EXEC: Samsonite Sees Gregory’s Q3 Sales Climb 23 Percent
Samsonite International S.A. reported sales from its Gregory backpack brand grew 23 percent in the third quarter while an overall recovery in travel led to similar gains for the overall company.
Paka releases Fully Traceable, Ethically Sourced Apu Parka
Paka, the maker of alpaca apparel, launched its “ethically-insulated” jacket—the Apu Parka. The patent-pending insulation is fully traceable, ethically sourced from local ‘alpaqueros’ and proves a more sustainable future for the clothing industry.
Free Fly Signs Surf Icon Mark Healey to Team
Free Fly, the family-owned brand and manufacturer of performance bamboo apparel, reported it signed big-wave surfer, free diver, and spear-fisherman Mark Healey as its first surf athlete and ambassador.
On Third Quarter Sales Jump 46.5 Percent and Diluted EPS Triples
On’s DTC channel recorded growth of 54.6 percent to CHF 164.7 million when compared to Q3 2022, reflecting “the strength of the On brand and ongoing ambition for DTC to outgrow wholesale.” Wholesale channel sales increased 42.6 percent to CHF 315.7 million.
Backcountry To Broaden Reach Going Wholesale With In-House Brand
Backcountry, the online specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, reported it will expand its wholesale business, starting with its in-house Backcountry brand, selling since 2018, through select nationwide retailers, beginning in fall 2024.
EXEC: Giant Group October Sales Fall One-Third, Adds to Negative YTD Trend
The Taiwanese bike brand said that although they saw strong growth from the China domestic market, the weak demand from the U.S. and Europe markets for entry to mid-level products and the high inventories in the channel resulted in a 12.4 percent decline in YTD sales.
Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings raised its debt ratings on Birkenstock following debt repayments using proceeds from its recent initial public offering.
EXEC: Kamik CEO Talks 125 Years of Fighting Bad Weather
The Montreal-based boot maker is celebrating its 125th anniversary of protecting feet from wet, chilly, slushy, and icy conditions. CEO Gillian Meek talked with SGB Executive about the company’s roots, the benefits of Canadian manufacturing, the brand’s strength in kid’s boots, and more.
