Report: Decathlon Explores Sales of Minority Stake in China Business
Decathlon SA is working with advisors to explore the sale of a minority stake in its China business, sources told Bloomberg. The report indicated that the French retailer seeks a strategic partner to drive regional expansion.
VF Corp. Sees Continued Americas Weakness In U.S. in Q2 Tied to Vans Declines
The company also said that Kevin Bailey will be stepping down from his role as global brand president, Vans. He will remain on the Executive Leadership Team reporting to the CEO and will transition to lead Reinvent, the company’s business transformation plan. CEO Bracken Darrell will be more involved with Vans until a new brand president is found.
REI to Open in Beavercreek, OH
REI reported it will open a retail store in Beavercreek, OH, in spring 2024. The 23,000-square-foot space will operate in the Beavercreek Shopping Center at 2650 N Fairfield Road.
EXEC: EMS and Bob’s Stores Look to Reignite Growth
In May 2022, GoDigital Media Group acquired Eastern Mountain Sportsand Bob’s Stores for $70 million in cash. SGB Executive talked with Jason Peterson, GoDigital’s CEO, and Dave Barton, president and CEO, Bob’s Stores and EMS, about how the companies is repositioning the banner for growth.
Garmin Distributor for India Expands Category Representation
Under the new agreement, Amit India will add Garmin fitness, outdoor recreation and consumer automotive products to its existing lineup of Garmin marine products that it began distributing in 2017.
PedalCell to Cease Operations
PedalCell, a manufacturer of weather-proof generators for power bikes, announced it will cease operations on January 1.
BlackStrap Makes Sales Hires
BlackStrap, based in Bend, OR, hired Chris Vaday as senior director of sales and Valerie Axworthy as sales operations manager.
EXEC: Thule’s Profits Bounce Back in Third Quarter
Thule Group reported a strong recovery in earnings in the third quarter as sales rose 8.0 percent. Sales in the North American region decreased 15 percent on a currency-neutral basis.
MEC Appoints New CEO
Canadian outdoor gear retailer MEC promoted COO Peter Hlynsky to CEO, succeeding Eric Claus, who led the retailer during the filing for creditor protection and sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Kingswood Capital Management.
EXEC: Columbia Sportswear Sees Rocky Road Ahead for Wholesale Business
The company is forecasting a low-double-digit percent decline in wholesale net sales in first half 2024. The company added that it expects the wholesale net sales decline will be partially offset by continued growth in the global DTC businesses.
Mystery Ranch Promotes Fleming to Marketing Director
Mystery Ranch promoted Michelle Fleming to marketing director. She has worked for the company since earlly 2021. Most recently, Fleming wasa the senior product marketing manager after two years as product marketing manager.
Altra Running Hires Run Industry Vet as Director of Merchandising
Altra Running hired Samantha Terral as director of merchandising, effective immediately. Most recently, Terral was the digital/e-commerce manager at Saucony.
EXEC: Deckers Delivers Blowout Q2 as Hoka Takes Lead in U.S. Run Specialty
Deckers Brands hiked its annual guidance as results for its fiscal second quarter ended September 30 were boosted by an robust recovery at Ugg. However, Hoka’s momentum showed no signs of slowing down with Deckers’s officials telling analysts the brand has become the leading footwear seller in the U.S.-run specialty channel.
Newell Outdoor & Recreation Segment Declines Another 20 Percent in Q3
The parent company of Marmot, Ex Officio, Stearns, Bubba, Coleman, and Contigo. The Outdoor segment’s 20.1 percent sales decrease in the third quarter was the fifth consecutive quarter with a segment sales decline in excess of 20 percent.
Martha Headwear Adds Reps for Three More U.S. Sales Territories
Byron Seegers is now responsible for the Pacific Northwest region, Chris Baylinson was tapped to cover the North Atlantic region and Ashley White is now handling retailers in Florida for Martha Headwear.
