Solo Brands Appoints Interim CEO as Chris Metz Departs
John Larson, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, has been appointed interim president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Larson succeeds Chris Metz who is stepping down.
Report: Camping Reservation Cancellations and No-Shows Decreased in 2024
Still, the percentage of campers who canceled two-plus days ahead of time in 2024 was 25.8 percent, a decrease of 3.3 percent from 2023. Only 6.9 percent of campers canceled with less than two days’ notice in 2024, a decrease of 3.8 percent from 2023.
NSSF Elects Two to NSSF Board of Governors
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), has elected industry executive Thomas DeBolt and firearms business owner Jacquelyn Clark to the NSSF Board of Governors.
Recall: Umarex T4E TR50 Air Pistols
This voluntarily recall (No.25-119) is in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission. The CO2 cartridge could be unintentionally ejected with force from the handle, posing an impact hazard.
SDS Arms Appoints New Distributor
SDS Arms has partnered with Country Wide Sports as a distributor of all five firearm brands under the SDS Arms umbrella.
Hawke Optics Adds New Marketing Manager
Cameron Derr Derr comes to Hawke after five years as a content director with Exodus Outdoor Gear. His work with influencer marketing, podcasts and video production will reportedly be a major asset to Hawke Optics.
Yeti Inc. Posts Strong Q4 Despite Wrestling with Product Recall Reserve Impact
Adjusted sales, which exclude the impacts of the recall reserves in both the current and prior-year quarters, increased 7 percent to $555.4 million. Sales and adjusted sales in Q4 2024 and 2023 include $1.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of sales related to gift card redemptions in connection with recall remedies.
EXEC: Shimano Inc. Sees 2024 Sales Decline on Soft Bike and Fishing Demand
Uncertainty about the outlook increased due to rising tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, a stagnant Chinese economy, and the changes in leadership in various countries. The observations came in the company’s year-end financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Davidson’s Promotes Three Industry Vets to Senior Merchandising Directors
The promotions are effective immediately for Paul Dickson, Eric Mueller and Justin Saldivar. Each have extensive backgrounds and experience in the firearms industry, boasting thirty-seven years of combined service with Davidson’s alone.
Global Defense Names François Cortes as New Director of International Sales
Cortes will lead the company’s efforts to expand its global presence by developing strategic sales initiatives, identifying emerging market opportunities and fostering strong relationships with key clients and partners.
Wolverine World Wide Promotes Brett Parent to Chief Strategy Officer
The parent company of the Merrell, Saucony, Wolverine Brand and Sweaty Betty brands promoted Brett Parent to CSO, effective February 3. He will now serve on the company’s Executive Team.
Bass Pro Shops to Open Outpost in Arkansas
The Fort Smith, AK, store is expected to open in early 2026. The 70,000-square-foot location will be the retailer’s third in the state.
Arcus Hunting Names New National Sales Manager
Jim Heeren has been hired as national sales manager for the Midwest and Western U.S. regions, played a key role in launching a gun safe division for Dansons and spent 21 years at Cabela’s.
Dick’s SG Begins Enrolling Non-Employees as Paid Social Media Influencers
Since launching as an internal program in 2023, Dick’s Varsity Team members have created over 1,000 pieces of social media content, garnering over 38 million impressions, and have been featured in 10 campaigns for both Dick’s and its national brands.
Report: Import Cargo Trends Remain Fluid Due to Tariff Threats
A strong December brought 2024 to a total of 25.5 million TEU, or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, up 14.8 percent from 2023 and the highest level since 2021’s record of 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.
