Boot Barn Reports Strong Preliminary Fiscal Q3 Results as E-Commerce Jumps
Overall, same-store sales growth was ~5.7 percent in the fiscal third quarter ended December 27, with retail store same-store sales growth of ~3.7 percent and e-commerce same-store sales growth of ~19.6 percent for the 13-week holiday period.
Consumer Confidence Improves Again in January
The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index improved by 2.1 percent in January compared to the previous month, coming in above analysts’ expectations, according to a preliminary report released by the University of Michigan. However, the figure plunged by 24.7 percent on an annual basis.
L.L.Bean Names CRO Greg Elder as Next Company President & CEO
Elder will begin to transition into the role in the first quarter as the company wraps its fiscal year in late February. Outgoing CEO Steve Smith will remain on board in an advisory capacity through March. Smith and Elder have worked closely together during the past decade as Elder held the VP, stores; VP, retail; and the CRO positions.
Retrospec Appoints Scott Lampe as COO
Retrospec, the Los Angeles, CA-based maker of e-bikes, bikes, paddleboards, skateboards, and other outdoor gear, appointed Scott Lampe as chief operating officer.
EXEC: Needham Downgrades Nike, Replaces Deckers Brands with VF Corp. on Conviction List
Needham & Co. downgraded Nike’s shares due to sluggish progress on its turnaround while adding VF Corp. to its conviction list on expectations over a strong holiday quarter for The North Face and Timberland. Deckers was removed from Needham’s conviction list due to projected continued slowing growth at Hoka and Ugg.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit Continues to Shuffle Leadership Roles
The latest news involves the appointments of Bryan Seti to VP of the Yamaha Boat Business Unit and Ben Mallett to VP of Marine Development. Seti will oversee Yamaha’s Boat Business Unit, which includes G3 Boats and Skeeter Boats. Before joining Yamaha, Seti served as director of marketing at Diamondback Bicycles.
Authentic Brands Group Expands Eddie Bauer Partnership with Outdoor 5
Authentic, owner of Eddie Bauer, expanded its partnership with longtime licensee Eddie Bauer Outdoor 5, LLC (Oved) to manage e-commerce and wholesale operations, design, and product development for Eddie Bauer in North America, focusing on digital growth, while Catalyst Brands will continue to operate Eddie Bauer’s retail and outlet stores across North America.
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead — Outdoor Market Leaders (Part 2)
Vendors, retailers and trade association leaders in the outdoor space expect cautious buying stances from outdoor retailers to continue in 2026 amid trade and economic uncertainty, but still see outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing innovation, durability and sustainability as well as outdoor adventures. Insights from industry leaders at Grassroots, Gregory, Merry People, Sun & Ski Sports, SIA, Nemo Equipment, Tersus Solutions and more…
Canada Goose Names Daniel Binder President for Asia Pacific; Sinclair and Mihaljevic Plan Exits
Daniel Binder, current SVP, Global Stores, will become president, Asia Pacific, effective April 2026, with Jonathan Sinclair stepping down from the role. Niclas Ekerot joined the company as SVP, Global Stores. Ana Mihaljevic, president of North America, plans to leave the business in February to pursue other opportunities.
Walmart Adds Board Member
Walmart Inc. announced that Shishir Mehrotra, chief executive officer at Superhuman (formerly Grammarly), has been appointed to its Board of Directors, serving on the Compensation and Management Development Committee and the Technology and eCommerce Committee.
EXEC: Fuji Brand’s Chinese Parent Pacific Glory Worldwide Hires U.S. Sales Manager
Pacific Glory Worldwide, Ltd. (PGW), the owner of the Fuji, SE and Tuesday bike brands, appointed Jim Marshall as U.S. sales manager. His past experience includes stints at Giant Bicycles, Specialized Bicycle Components, Jamis Bicycles, and BikeCo LLC.
Nicole Johnson Takes Reins at Boyd Cycling as Co-Founder Focuses on Engineering
The Landrum, SC, manufacturer of performance bike wheels, reports that company Co-Founder Nicole Johnson has officially moved into the CEO role, accelerating its stateside production of carbon fiber and alloy rims to offer competitively priced alternatives to overseas manufacturing.
Accell Sells Vaan Nicholas to Velo-ce
Accell announced the sale of Van Nicholas, its titanium bike brand, to the Italian manufacturer Velo-ce S.R.L. Accell said the sale streamlines its portfolio, removes overlap, and ensures focus on brands with category depth, brand strength and geographic reach.
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead — Outdoor Market Leaders (Part 1)
Vendors, retailers, and trade association leaders in the outdoor space expect cautious buying from outdoor retailers to continue in 2026 amid trade and economic uncertainty; however, they see outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing innovation, durability, sustainability, and outdoor adventures. Insights from industry leaders at ASA, Coulée Coffee, OIA, Ocean Bottle, RVIA, Gordini, Nite Ize, Ketl Mtn., NBDA, NMMA, Zamberlan, and more…
EXEC: Osprey Still Posting Growth for Parent; Hydro Flask Slips Again in Q3
Helen of Troy, Ltd.’s Home & Outdoor segment, which includes Hydro Flask, Osprey and Oxo, reported sales declined 6.7 percent to $229.6 million, dragged down by Hydro Flask. Helen of Troy also said it now expects to show a companywide loss for the year due to the promotional climate, consumer trading down and the impact of tariffs.
