Ottolock Forms U.S. Distribution Partnership with BTI
The new U.S. distribution partnership with with Bicycle Technologies International comes as Ottolock recently added new products to its mobile security offering to pair with its original cinch lock.
Sitka Gear to Open Two Stores in Minneapolis
Based in Bozeman, MT, Sitka recently opened a 1,580-square-foot store on October 4 in The Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, and a 2,629-square-foot retail space in Maple Grove.
X-Vision Optics Expands Midwest Coverage
Farm King will use its extensive retail network in the Midwest to distribute X-Vision’s products in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, meeting the growing demand for its thermal imaging, night vision equipment and accessory lines.
Cox Enterprises Acquires Loop Tackle
Loop Tackle owns and manages Atlantic salmon rivers and invests in conservation, science and education. Cox Enterprises acquisition is expected to better position Loop Tackle, in business for over 40 years, to expand its offerings of sustainable products.
Report: M&A Activity in Active Lifestyle Sector Seeing Strong Recovery
Houlihan Lokey’s “Active Lifestyle Market Update” for the second quarter shows M&A activity in the active lifestyle space has rebounded strongly from a “muted” 2023, “supported by increasing confidence, renewed financing market activity, and a return of mega deals.”
Bass Pro to Open Location in Corpus Christi
The announcement came during a news conference led by local Bass Pro officials and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo. The opening is planned for 2025 and will be the retailer’s 21st in the state.
Audubon International Adds Two Board Members from Golf Industry
Rick Lohman, senior director of corporate accounts at The Toro Company, and Ruth Engle, EVP and CFO at Troon Golf, have been added as at-large board members.
Academy Sports to Open Location in Meridian, MS
The new store will open on November 11, in time to make the Holiday shopping season. The 55,000-square-foot space at the Meridian Crossroads shopping center will be the retailer’s ninth store in Mississippi.
Report: September Retail Sales Top Expectations, Led by Clothing and Footwear
U.S. retail sales increased a seasonally-adjusted 0.4 percent month-over-month in September, up from the unrevised 0.1 percent gain in August, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The performance was slightly ahead of the 0.3 percent the Dow Jones forecasted.
ICSC Holiday Survey Sees Consumers Spending the Most Since 2018
ICSC also released its forecast for the Holiday selling season based on results gathered in its Annual Holiday Shopping Intentions Survey. It indicates that retail sales are expected to grow from 3.0 percent to 3.5 percent.
BRP Inc. to Sell Off its Marine Businesses Excluding Sea-Doo
BRP will channel its efforts and investments into its Powersports year-round products, seasonal products, parts, accessories, and apparel portfolio, including its OEM business.
EXEC: Frasers Group Managing Director of Sport to Step Down
The parent company of Sports Direct, Everlast, and Slazenger, reported that Ger Wright will leave her role as managing director of Sport at the end of November. Wright will remain on the Group’s Board as a non-executive director.
Rural King Opens its First Store in Georgia
The store boasts a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.
BOA and Primaloft Parent Launches Stock Buyback Program
Compass Diversified, owner of BOA, Primaloft, 5.11 Tactical, Velocity Outdoor and other active lifestyle brands, said its board authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of stock.
Arris Composites Selected for U.S. Army for Study on Carbon Fiber Boot Plates
The company was selected by the U.S. Army for a study on the use of advanced carbon fiber plates in military boots. The project builds on Arris’ development of a carbon fiber plate for Brooks’ Hyperion Elite 4 running shoe.
