Aisle Talk Week of August 27
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. sending Walmart a cease and desist notice in response to the launch of a new outdoor website on Walmart.com curated by Moosejaw.
Smith & Wesson’s Parent’s Shares Pop On Raised Outlook
Shares of American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, M&P, and Thompson/Center Arms, were trading up nearly a third in mid-day trading on Friday after the company exceeded guidance in the first quarter ended July 31 and aggressively lifted targets for the company’s full fiscal year. The firearms leader still cautioned that overall demand for firearms isn’t showing clear signs of a recovery.
American Outdoor Brands Sees Profit Uptick In Q1
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, M&P, Thompson/Center Arms and Gemtech, reported revenues rose 7.6 percent in the first quarter ended July 31. Earnings also came in well ahead of year-ago levels and topped company guidance.
Dick’s Blames Q2 Top-Line Shortfall On Under Armour
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported earnings that easily topped Wall Street’s targets but sales came in well below as weakness from Under Armour continued to place a drag on sales. On a conference call with analysts, Ed Stack, CEO, said the company is “repositioning” its Under Armour business, including gaining more exclusives from the brand while finding other product to fill traditional Under Armour space.
U.S., Mexico Reach Preliminary Agreement To Restructure NAFTA
The Trump administration and Mexico have reached a preliminary accord to end the North American Free Trade Agreement and replace the agreement with a deal that the administration wants to be more favorable to the United States, according to the Associated Press.
Aisle Talk Week of August 20
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including 5.11 opening a new store in Reno, NV, as part of a nationwide brick-and-mortar retail expansion.
Firearms Sales Help Sportsman’s Warehouse Gain Share In Q2
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. gained additional market share in the second quarter thanks to continued success in firearms sales as the shifting landscape has sent other retailer exiting that business.
U.S., China Escalate Trade War With New Round Of Tariffs
The United States and China went ahead with tariff hikes on billions of dollars of each other’s automobiles, factory machinery and other goods Thursday in an escalation of a battle over Beijing’s technology policy that companies worry will chill global economic growth.
Malibu Boats Acquires Pursuit Boats
Malibu Boats Inc., a manufacturer of recreational fiberglass boats, announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement with S2 Yachts Inc. to acquire the assets of Pursuit Boats for $100 million.
Work Sharp Outdoor Celebrates Annual Knife Day
Work Sharp Outdoor, a manufacturer of knife and tool sharpeners, is in the fourth week of the company’s #WorkSharpStaySharp campaign. The campaign was designed to build engagement around annual Knife Day, which takes place nationwide August 24.
Sportfishing Industry Association Appoints New Government Affairs Policy Director
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced that Clay Crabtree, most recently a legislative analyst with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has joined the ASA staff as policy director.
5.11 Opens Store In Reno, NV
Tactical apparel and gear company 5.11 has opened a brick-and-mortar retail store in Reno, NV, bolstering the company’s 2018 retail expansion goal of 50 company-owned retail stores.
Shopify Bans Sale Of Certain Firearms
Shopify, a provider of e-commerce storefronts, has moved to ban certain firearms and parts on the company’s platform, including some semi-automatic weapons and 3D-printed guns.
Retail Reports Roundup
Studies arrived last week on consumers placing a higher priority on newness, online cart abandonment challenges, digital marketing’s effectiveness, strapped consumers and stores associate bonds helping deter shoplifting.
Aisle Talk Week of August 13
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including VF Corp.’s market-moving news that the company is spinning off its jeans division and relocating to Colorado along with The North Face, Smartwool and other brands.