2018 Year In Review: Most-Read SGB Executive Stories
SGB Executive covered an array of sporting goods, outdoors and active lifestyle stories in 2018, but clearly some topics resonated with readers more than others. Our list of the 25 most popular SGB Executive stories during the past 12 months ranges from channel upheaval to companies taking a stance on social issues to new executive appointments to brands’ financial success or sluggishness.
2018 Year In Review: M&A Goes Outside The Box
A healthy dose of straightforward mergers and acquisitions occurred in the sporting goods, outdoor and active lifestyle industries in 2018, but a handful of unconventional deals stole the spotlight. Outside-the-box transactions—which garnered much more attention than traditional ones—included a consortium of Chinese investors and a well-known active lifestyle name purchasing Amer Sports (pictured).
Aisle Talk Week Of December 17
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Thule Group’s announcement of the acquisition of rooftop tent maker Tepui Outdoors Inc. for $9.5 million.
Parker Bows Shutting Down
Parker Bows, the maker of crossbows based in Staunton, VA, is closing down after 34 years in business.
Holiday Reports Point To Merry Retail Haul
With a few days to go, reports continue to arrive indicating the retail industry is heading for record holiday sales. Here, the latest holiday insights around online selling, last-minute procrastinators, returns, BOPIS demand, millennial gifting and more.
Joe Wolthuis Joins Scientific Anglers As Marketing Manager
Scientific Anglers, maker of fly lines, leader and tippet, has announced the hire of Joe Wolthuis as marketing manager. In this new role, Joe will be responsible for the marketing strategy, planning, asset creation and activation of the print, digital and social marketing plan.
Batteries Plus Bulbs Appoints Former Cabela’s Exec As CEO
Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s only battery, light bulb, and phone repair franchise, has named Scott Williams, former Cabela’s president, as its new chief executive officer effective January 2. Williams was president of Cabela’s from February 2016 until October 2017 prior to Cabela’s sale to Bass Pro.
Vista Outdoor Names Michael Robinson To Board Of Directors
Vista Outdoor Inc. announced that it has named Michael Robinson to its board of directors. Robinson was the chief digital officer and head of customer experience at Macy’s and Macy’s.com,
Trump Administration Bans Bump Stocks
The Justice Department on Tuesday issued its final rule banning bump-fire stocks. The firearms accessory came to national attention last October after a gunman in Las Vegas unleashed murderous gunfire on concertgoers, killing 58 people.
OIA Webinar: Tariff War Likely Driving Extensive Supply Chain Changes
In a seminar presented by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), trade experts at KPMG said the U.S./China tariff war may end but the underlying geo-political issues impacting overall trade won’t any time soon. As a result, a holistic “intelligent supply chain” approach that encompasses both customs and supply chain planning will be required in the future.
U.S. Senate Passes Modern Fish Act
The U.S. Senate on Monday unanimously passed S.1520, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 (Modern Fish Act). The legislation, which would make critical updates to the oversight of federal fisheries, marks a big step forward for America’s angling community and now moves to the U.S. House for final passage.
Gander Outdoors Store Closes In Paducah, KY
A Gander Outdoors location has closed in Paducah in Kentucky. By all indications, the store is the second Gander Outdoors location to close since Camping World began re-opening former Gander Mountain locations late last year under the updated name.
GSM Acquires Crossfire Elite
GSM Outdoors LLC, a multi-brand manufacturer of specialized hunting and shooting products, has acquired Crossfire Elite LLC, manufacturer of branded nylon holsters. Terms were not disclosed.
Tariff Talk: How Is The Industry Responding?
GoPro last week announced plans to move most of its U.S.-bound camera production out of China by the summer of 2019 to mitigate the potential impact of inclusion on any new tariff lists. With significant uncertainty continuing, here’s an update from a few industry execs from third-quarter conference calls on what they’re planning to do to mitigate the potential tariff impact.
Aisle Talk Week Of December 10
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Fanatics marking its first licensing agreement with a university, a 10-year deal with the University of Oregon to license, manufacture and sell its sports gear beginning on January 1, 2020.
