Bluebird Backcountry Ski Area Shutters Operations After Three-Year Run
Bluebird Backcountry, which describes itself as a “human-powered ski area,” has apparently run out of human power and is permanently closing.
Vista Outdoor Names President for Simms Fishing Products
Vista Outdoor, Inc. named Jordan Judd as president of Simms Fishing Products, effective August 1. He joins Simms from Salomon North America, where he was president and general manager since early 2020.
U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association Names Executive Director
The U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association (USSMA or USA Skimo) named Anthony Armstrong to the newly-created executive director position, responsible for leading the association and as it prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Arc’Teryx Opens First Store in Sydney
Arc’teryx opened its first store in Sydney, Australia, at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center.
June UK Indoor Retail Foot Traffic Down as Weather Pushes Shoppers Outside
The British Retail Consortium reported that June retail foot traffic (footfall) was down versus the comp period last year as the hot weather meant that people opted to enjoy the outdoors rather than spend time shopping inside.
NRF Sees Imports Building Toward August Peak Amid Labor Disruptions
The NRF said that despite a tentative contract agreement reached at West Coast ports, retailers are closely following labor disputes at the ports in Western Canada and a potential teamsters strike against United Parcel Service (UPS).
Camping World Holdings Acquires Wyoming RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. is poised to acquire Sonny’s RVs in Casper, WY. The transaction will close in the fourth quarter of 2023, increasing the company’s RV locations in the state to two.
Hydro Flask Segment Sales Down in Q1 at Parent Company on Lower Club Sales
The Home & Outdoor segment decrease was said to be driven by a decline in the insulated beverage category and lower houseware sales due to a reduction in club channel programs and the impact of the Bed, Bath & Beyond bankruptcy.
Big Rock Sports Names VP Sales, Dealer Channel and New VP Merchandising
Big Rock Sports promoted Brad McNutt to VP of sales, dealer channel, and Ryan Link to VP of merchandising.
Neomouv Acquires Portuguese Bike Manufacturer Unibike
Neomouv, the French brand of e-bikes, announced the acquisition, via its parent company VAxE, of 80 percent of the capital of Unibike.
U.S. Jobs Growth Continues to Slow
The Labor Department reported Friday that U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs in June for the 30th consecutive month of job gains, but there was also a continued cooling in the labor market. The retail sector was the hardest hit, recording losses of about 11,000 jobs seasonally adjusted.
Giant Loop Adventure Shop Opens in Bend
Hydration pack and apparel maker USWE Sports, based in Malmö, Sweden, is opening its first retail store in the U.S.—USWE Sports Giant Loop Adventure Shop. Giant Loop was acquired last year by USWE Sports, and the company’s warehouse is the U.S. headquarters for both brands.
KMD Brands, Rip Curl and Oboz Parent, Reports Year-End Departure of Group CFO
KMD Brands Limited, the parent of the Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz brands, reported that Group Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid had given notice of his resignation, effective December 2023, to become the CEO with another NZX-listed company.
JD Sports Moves Forward to Acquire Balance of Iberian Sports Retail Group Shares
JD Sports Fashion Plc, the parent of the JD, Finish Line, DTLR, and Shoe Palace retail brands in the U.S. and others worldwide, reiterated its intention, first announced on May 9, to acquire the remaining 49.98 percent of shares in Iberian Sports Retail Group, S.L.
NRF Economist Says Conditions ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ Despite Slower Growth
The U.S. economy did better in the first half of 2023 than early indicators suggested and appear to be “rolling forward” even as the rate of growth slows for the remainder of the year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
