
NRF: Import Cargo Volume Could Hit 2 Million TEU Three Months in a Row
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to hit the 2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) mark for the second consecutive month in September and remain there in October.

VF Corp. Loses Appeal On Tax Dispute Tied to Timberland Acquisition
VF reported in a regulatory filing that The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit decided in favor of the IRS in a tax issue connected to its acquisition of Timberland in September 2011.

Yue Yuen Sees Another Sharp Footwear Manufacturing Sales Decline in August
The manufacturer of footwear for most major outdoor and athletic brands, reported that in August, net consolidated operating revenue, declined 19.8 percent after posting a 106 percent increase in the prior-year month.

Mark’s Rolls Out Two New Workwear Retail Formats in Canada
Mark’s, the Canadian retailer owned by Canadian Tire and sister company to SportChek, Sports Experts, Pro Hockey Life, and Helly Hansen, introduced two new industrial-exclusive retail stores—Mark’s WorkPro and L’Equipeur Pro.

Cotopaxi Taps Two Outdoor Industry Sales Vets to Drive Wholesale Sales
Joining the team in August are Jody Carlson as VP of global wholesale and Kari Larsen as director of North American wholesale.

EXEC: American Outdoor Brands Execs Detail Fiscal First Quarter Progress
The recent issues with inventory and reduced consumer demand in the broader firearms market at retail had an effect of the company’s Shooting Sports segment, but strong growth in the company’s Outdoor Lifestyle segment offset the decline in the shooting accessories business.

Portland’s Andy and Bax to Close
Andy and Bax, the Portland, OR-based retailer of camping equipment and military surplus gear, is closing after 78 years.

EXEC: Zumiez Hopeful for Holiday Selling After Q2 Beat and BTS Momentum
Zumiez, Inc. reported better-than-expected Q2 results with sales declines lessening further into the third quarter, including men’s, its largest category, turning positive. The action sports chain predicted another high-single to low-double-digit decline for the third quarter but remains hopeful of continued improvement through holiday selling.
Gatorz Eyewear Hires Product Line Director
Gatorz Eyewear, developing eyewear for military and law enforcement, shooting sports, hunting, and outdoor, hired Marilyse Gagnon as product line director with over a decade of experience in the eyewear industry.
Zumiez Second-Quarter Results Beat Expectations
Zumiez, Inc. showed a loss in the second-quarter ended July 29 on a sales decline of 11.6 percent, but results exceeded guidance as sales trends improved each month with encouraging early back-to-school sell-throughs.
American Outdoor Brands Narrows Fiscal Q1 Net Loss on Flattish Sales
First quarter net sales were $43.4 million for the period ended July 31, a decrease of 0.5 percent versus the comp quarter last year. Traditional channel net sales increased 8.4 percent, while e-commerce net sales declined 10.6 percent.

BRC Sees Confident UK Consumers Boost August Retail Sales
Total UK retail sales increased by 4.1 percent in fiscal August, against growth of 1.0 percent in August 2022, coming in above the 3-month average growth of 3.6 percent and in line with the 12-month average growth of 4.1 percent.

NRF Acquires Reverse Logistics Association
While hundreds of retail brands offer “gently used” products for sale, others sell excess inventory at a discount. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing, and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.

Authentic Appoints EVP to Manage Former Boardriders Brand Portfolio
The company hired David Brooks as EVP of action and outdoor sports lifestyle. Most recently, Brooks with the global general manager for RVCA and Boardriders Partnerships at Boardriders.
CPSC Issues Warning on Cyclingsell Zacro Bicycle Helmets
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using Cyclingsell Zacro adult bike helmets because they can fail to protect a cyclist’s head in the event of a crash. The seller, cyclingsell.com, of China, has not agreed to recall the helmets or to offer a remedy to buyers.