Big 5 Delivers Robust First Quarter But Weak Outlook
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. delivered a strong first quarter as cold weather boosted its winter business. But the California-based sporting goods chain also warned of a loss in the current quarter due to a later Easter this year and also warned that overall sales appear soft.
Rocky Brands Inc. Ramps Up Reinvestment After Strong Q1
Marketing efforts clearly paid off for Rocky Brands Inc. in the first quarter, with the company reporting a 9.1 percent earnings increase on a 7.4 percent revenue gain, both of which beat Wall Street’s estimates. Now the company plans to double down on that strategy by reinvesting some of the profits from last quarter into a revamped and rejuvenated marketing strategy aimed at taking more share across end markets.
Academy’s Struggles Continued In 2018
In an update, Moody’s Investors Service confirmed the debt ratings and outlook of Academy, Ltd., the parent of Academy Sports & Outdoors, while also indicating that the retailer’s financial performance continues to erode. The report noted that Academy’s comps declined in the mid-single-digit range and EBITDA declined 12 percent in 2018.
Study Sees Strong Link Between Awards And Labels To Sporting Goods Purchases
A new survey of active consumers across Europe from ISPO finds 75 percent indicating they pay special attention to awards and technical labels such as Gore-Tex, Vibram or bluesign when buying new sporting goods.
Firearms Background Checks Drop In March
FBI background checks, as adjusted by the NSSF, were down 12.4 percent in March to 1.31 million compared to the February 2018 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1.5 million.
IMF Study Finds Tariffs Can’t Fix Trade Problems
New research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finds that if the U.S. and China raise tariffs to 25 percent on all goods traded between the two countries, the U.S. economy would lose between 0.3 and 0.6 percent in growth, the Chinese economy would lose between 0.5 and 1.5 percent, and global growth would slow by 0.1 and 0.2 percent.
Tariffs Less Worrisome For Some, Not Others
While no trade deal has been reached between the U.S. and China, the news around tariffs has been more favorable than unfavorable since the start of the year. But some industry players still have been raising prices, purchasing early to avoid hits and taking other steps to mitigate their potential impact.
Moody’s To Review Camping World’s Debt Ratings For Possible Downgrade
Moody’s Investors Service placed all ratings of Camping World, including the B1 corporate family rating, on review for a possible downgrade due to the retailer’s poor performance in the fourth quarter.
Burris Company Appoints Sales Manager
Burris Company, Inc. the maker of optics under the Steiner and Burris brands, appointed Todd Fulton as the company’s newest sales manager.
American Baitworks Acquires Southern Lure Company
American Baitworks Co. has acquired Southern Lure Company, one of the pioneering brands in the industry with more than 30 years of experience designing and developing frogs and other products for topwater fishing.
Court Rules Remington Can Be Sued Over Newtown Shooting
The Connecticut Supreme Court has reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting against Remington Arms, the manufacturer of the rifle used in the shooting.
Aisle Talk Week Of March 11
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Brooks Running Company’s promotion of Dan Sheridan to a newly configured role of EVP and chief operating officer.
Dick’s Traffic Doldrums Continue
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and outlined a number of initiatives to jump-start comp growth, including replacing its hunt sections in another 120 stores with faster-turning categories and switching out its licensed Reebok brand for a new private-label athletic label. But shares of Dick’s fell as management predicted only minimal top-line recovery in the current year.
American Outdoor Brands Provides Bleak Outlook For Firearms
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, reported year-over-year increases in revenue and operating profits in the third quarter ended January 31 with the help of successful promotions, but also delivered a soft outlook going forward with no signs of a pickup in firearms demand.
Bass Pro Shuttering Facilities In Sidney, Oshkosh In Nebraska
Bass Pro Shops announced it will be closing a distribution center in Sidney, NE, the former hometown of Cabela’s, as well as a merchandise return center in Oshkosh, NE. A total of 162 jobs will be affected.
