Rocky Brands Announces New Share Repurchase Program
Rocky Brands Inc. announced that its board of directors has approved a new share repurchase program of up to $7.5 million of the company’s outstanding common stock.
Deckers Outdoor’s CFO To Step Down
Deckers Outdoor Corporation said in a regulatory filing that, after nine years of valuable contributions and dedicated service to the company, Thomas A. George will be stepping down as chief financial officer of the company to pursue other interests.
LL Bean Raises Age To Buy Rifles To 21
L.L. Bean became the latest retailer to announce that it will no longer sell guns or ammunition to customers younger than 21.
Gita Sporting Goods Furthers Partnership With Pinarello
The newly formed Pinarello US is a fully owned subsidiary of the Italian Cicli Pinarello and is led by company president, David Vigil.
Johnson Outdoors Announces 20 Percent Increase In Cash Dividend
Johnson Outdoors Inc. announced approval by its board of directors of a quarterly cash dividend of 12 cents per class A share and $0.1091 per class B share – an 20 percent increase from the previous dividend rate announced on December 8, 2017.

Starboard Issues Letter To Newell Shareholders
Starboard Value LP, the hedge fund, said on Monday it nominated two additional directors to the board of Newell Brands Inc, bringing its total nominees to 12 as the activist investor seeks to replace Newell’s board and CEO.

Americas Stars For Crocs In Q4
Crocs’ sales in the Americas region soared 13.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Wholesale revenues jumped 29.1 percent, driven by at-once sales as consumers continued to purchase clogs and sandals despite winter weather, and retailers restocked shelves.

Aisle Talk, Week of February 26
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

TJX Takes Impairment Charge For Sierra Trading
The TJX Cos. took an impairment charge of 10 cents a share, or about $64 million, against fourth-quarter earnings for Sierra Trading Post due to a decrease in projected revenue growth rates.
REI And MEC Suspend Shipments From Vista Outdoor
Both REI and Canada’s MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) late Thursday said they have suspended orders from Vista Outdoor due to the company’s manufacture of semi-automatic rifles. Vista Outdoor’s brands in the outdoor and cycling space include Bell, Blackburn, Bollé, Bushnell, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Giro and Jimmy Styks. CamelBak issued a statement on the changes.
Industrial Revolution Adds Rep Group
Colorado-based Granite Marketing Inc. will represent IR’s wholesale partners in the Rocky Mountains territory, including Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
Turtle Fur Partners With Locally
Locally, an online store and product locator, is now integrated into turtlefur.com, connecting consumers with Turtle Fur products currently available at their local shop.

Target Announces Limited-Edition Collaboration With Hunter
Target Corp. announced a limited-edition spring collaboration with Hunter, known for its iconic Original Wellington boot.

SMC/SSL Winter Sports Market Headed To Salt Lake City
Sports Specialists, Ltd. (SSL) of Golden CO and Snowsports Merchandising Corp. (SMC) of Springfield MA, co-hosts of the Winter Sports Market, announced a change beginning in 2019, and will call Salt Lake City its new home.
CODI’s Q4 Earnings Climb
Compass Diversified Holdings, the owner of Crosman, 5.11, Liberty Safe and other middle-market brands, reported a sharp gain in earnings in the fourth quarter ended December 31 due to a tax benefit. Cash flow from operations improved slightly.