Selle Royal Group Appoints New U.S. Based Sales Managers
Two dedicated OE (original equipment) sales managers, already part of the Selle Royal Group team, Chris Ballard and Patrick Gore, were appointed as territory managers for the H2 (Highway 2) saddle brand to drive growth in its OEM Business in North America.
Skratch Labs Opens New European Headquarters and Distribution Facility
Skratch Labs, based in Boulder, CO, expanded its distribution network to Europe to serve endurance sports retailers and establish Skratch’s DTC online sales capabilities through its new European domain. Skratch Labs tapped industry veteran Sebastian Eckmann as managing director to lead European operations.
BikeCo Appoints U.S. Sales Manager, Adds New Sales Agencies
Anthony Mikrut has been appointed U.S. sales manager and the company added five new sales agencies across key regions to reflect BikeCo’s commitment to expanding its sales network and enhancing customer service across the United States.
AnyCreek Secures $1.8 Million in Funding
AnyCreek, the Memphis, TN-based guided fishing and hunting experiences company, announced the completion of a $1.8 million seed funding round, brining total funding since its launch in 2022 to $3.3 million.
Piper Sandler Bolsters Consumer Equity Research Team
Anna Andreeva will join the New York office and is responsible for footwear, softlines and global brand analysis. Andreeva began her career in equity research at J.P. Morgan, where she was part of the number one-ranked Institutional Investor team covering specialty retail.
Vista Outdoor Sees Alternative Ammo Bidder Withdraw Offer
The alternative party that made a play for the company’s ammo business last week has withdrawn its offer to acquire The Kinetic Group, Vista’s ammunition business.
Consumer Sentiment Falls to 7-Month Low
University of Michigan Survey Director Joanne Hsu stated, “While consumer sentiment declined this month, the 3.5 Index point dip is relatively minor in the grand scheme. That decline is within the margin of error for the survey.”
Cocona Labs Finalizes China WFOE Incorporation
The company is now a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) in Shanghai, China. With a growing percentage of Cocona’s yearly revenue attributed to Chinese brand customers, the market is a “critical component for success.”
Paka Opens Flagship in Peru
Paka Apparel, maker of sustainable clothing using fully traceable alpaca wool from wild-roaming alpaca in Peru, opened its first store in Cusco, Peru.
Yeti Opens Store In Kansas City
Yeti opened a store in Leawood, KS, a suburban community in the Kansas City metro area. The location is Yeti’s first in Kansas and 21st overall in the U.S.
Black Diamond Recalls Neve Strap Crampons
The recall involves Neve Strap Crampons and Accessory Kits, Style No. 400073, with date codes 01-2021, 05-2022, 07-2023, 01-2024, and SS1271.
Numerator: Consumer Confidence Held Steady in May
Consumer confidence was about flat compared to April, with 41 percent of consumers very or somewhat comfortable spending money on discretionary purchases.
Coghlan’s Snaps Up Fozzils
The integration of Fozzils’ products into Coghlan’s, maker of camping accessories, will begin immediately, with plans to introduce Coghlan’s branded products by Fall 2024.
PetSmart Goes for the Gold with Team USA Collection for Dogs
The limited-edition stars, striped and sporty collection for soccer, karate and basketball, also features tracksuits, hats and gold medal toys for pets to show “team pride in style.” PetSmart Doggie Day Camps will host a one-day-only Team USA-themed Doggie Day Camp experience on August 8, 2024, to celebrate and support Team USA.
EXEC: Academy Sports Talks Push for Better Footwear Allocations
Steve Lawrence, CEO at Academy Sports, elaborated on the retailer’s efforts to improve access to better product from its footwear vendor partners and secure new brands, including Hoka and On.
