Firearms Background Checks Drop In February
FBI background checks, as adjusted by the NSSF, were down 12.8 percent in February to 1.11 million, a decrease of 12.8 percent compared to the February 2018 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1.27 million.
Four Questions: Matt Highby, President, Highby Outdoors
In early February, a number of former Cabela’s employees, led by Matt Highby, officially launched Highby Outdoors, an e-commerce site focusing on hunting and outdoor gear. SGB talked to Highby about what inspired the concept.
5.11 And Velocity Outdoor Deliver Double-Digit Growth For CODI In 2018
Compass Diversified Holdings’ (CODI) reported 5.11’s 2018 revenues expanded 12.2 percent in 2018 while Velocity Outdoor’s revenue increased 10.3 percent. Liberty Safe saw a 10.1 percent decline last year.
Camping World Delays 10K Filing
Camping World Holdings Inc. announced that has filed a Form 12b-25 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission providing the company a 15-day extension to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018
House Passes Gun-Control Measure Expanding Background Checks
The Democratic-led House on Wednesday passed an expansion of background checks for nearly all gun sales. The measure extends background checks to guns purchased outside of licensed gun dealers.
Big 5 Turns Bullish As Winter Kicks In
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. said its holiday quarter came out better than expected as chilly weather goosed sales. Continued seasonal weather into February also has the California-based chain upbeat for the first quarter.
Academy Sports To Open Five Stores
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced plans to open five stores. The stores will open in Georgetown, TX; Buford, GA; Gastonia and Mooresville NC; and Ardmore, OK.
NSSF Partners To Launch Gun Safety Videos For Children
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has partnered with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) to produce two new firearms safety videos starring McGruff The Crime Dog and his nephew Scruff to help teach young children how to react should they see an unsecured firearm.
Rocky Brands Q4 Boosted By Higher Margins, Plant Efficiencies
Helped by vibrant sales at its higher-margin retail segment and steps to improve efficiencies at company-operated manufacturing facilities, Rocky Brands Inc. reported earnings on an adjutted basis rose 28.6 percent in the fourth quarter ended December 31.
Rocky Brands Q4 Profitability Shows Further Improvement
Rocky Brands Inc. reported earnings rose 28.6 percent in the fourth quarter on an adjusted basis. The gains reflect improved gross margins due to segment mix, increased manufacturing efficiencies and improved full priced selling. Wholesale sales increased 3.4 percent.
Retail Reports Roundup
Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks on the value of in-person customer service, in-app spending growth, mobile payments, virtual assistants, supply chain digitization and more…
Trade Talks Showing Some Positive Signals
Facing a March 1 deadline before tariffs on some $200 billion in Chinese imports rise, Chinese and U.S. negotiators held high level talks Thursday and Friday in Washington D.C. The discussions come amid signs of progress on resolving some issues in the seven-month trade dispute.
Wolverine’s Shares Sink On Cautious Guidance
Wolverine World Wide reported sales came in slightly below Wall Street’s expectations but are expected to accelerate to mid-single digit growth in the back half of 2019 due to an expected turnaround at Saucony and accelerated growth at Merrell and Sperry. EPS guidance for 2019, however, came in below expectations as the company plans to ramp up brand-building efforts this year.
SFIA: Sports Industry Facing Too Many Casual Participants
The annual SFIA Topline Participation Report found more Americans embracing healthy lifestyles in 2018, including notable gains in participation in a number of outdoor and fitness activities. But the study found tackle football participation taking another hit and overall gains being driven by casual rather than core participants.
SportChek Q4 Boosted By Owned-Brands Push
Canadian Tire Corp reported that its SportChek segment saw same-store sales climb 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter, helped by a strong reception to its owned brands, Ripzone, Helly Hansen and Woods. Said Allan MacDonald, Canadia Tire’s EVP of retail, “I’m pleased that our owned brand strategy has now taken root at Sport Chek where we have to compete with some of the greatest brands in the world.”
