June Retail Jobs Increase But Trade War Could Turn Confidence
Retail industry employment in June increased by 50,200 jobs unadjusted over the same time last year despite a seasonally adjusted drop from May of 25,800, the National Retail Federation said Friday. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. Overall, U.S. businesses added 213,000 jobs over May, the Labor Department said.
Softness In Firearms Sales Reflects Typical ‘Ebb And Flow’
Firearms sales are down halfway through the year, presenting another challenge for an industry that has dealt with bad publicity in the form of mass shootings, public protests and well-known retailers altering or stopping their gun sales.
June M&A Roundup: Megaresorts Expand Their Empires
Summer is an odd time to discuss what’s happening at North American ski areas—especially with record high temps now sweeping the U.S.—but the escalating “arms race” between megaresort operators Vail Resorts Inc. and Alterra Mountain Co. was among the hottest M&A developments in June.
Firearms Background Checks Slump In June
The June 2018 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 892,479 is a decrease of 12.2 percent compared to the June 2017 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1.02 million.
Aisle Talk Week Of June 25
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Adidas announcing a potential data security incident.
Retailers Say Customer Service Will Suffer Under ‘Deeply Flawed’ California Privacy Law
The National Retail Federation called new state privacy legislation expected to be signed into law in California today “deeply flawed” and said customer service could be severely hampered if the legislature fails to address retailers’ concerns before the measure takes effect in 2020.
Retail Report Roundup – June 25
Studies arrived last week on the benefits to local retailers from community engagement, quality beating price as a purchase driver, apparel’s continuing appeal in malls, the benefits of perks over raises for workers, the stress of online shopping, and Fourth of July sales.
Trijicon To Acquire AmeriGlo
Trijicon Inc., the provider of aiming solutions for the hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement markets, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire AmeriGlo, a leading supplier of U.S. made night sights.
Retailers Cheer Supreme Court Ruling On Online Taxes
Specialty retailers in the active space – decimated over the years by consumers showrooming stores and then fetching lower prices online – stand to significantly benefit from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that requires online retailers to collect sales taxes. Amy Roberts, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling is a huge win for the future of specialty outdoor retailers and will help ensure that all retailers compete on a level playing field.”
Aisle Talk Week Of June 18
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Puma signing endorsement deals with the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton and Hall of Fame legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
Why Did Winnebago Acquire Chris-Craft?
On the company’s first-quarter quarter conference call, Winnebago Industries’ CEO Michael Happe said the reason it acquired the Chris-Craft, the recreational boat builder, was not only for diversity but to tap burgeoning growth opportunities in the marine segment.
Vista Outdoor Names President of its Blackhawk!
Vista Outdoor Inc. announced that Joshua Waldron will serve as president of the company’s Blackhawk! business unit.
American Outdoor Brands Sees Firearms Weakness Continuing
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, closed a challenging year by reporting a sales drop of 24.9 percent in its fourth quarter ended April 30 while projecting flat earnings on a slight decline in sales for its current fiscal year.
American Outdoor Brands Q4 Revenues Sink 25 Percent
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson reported earnings before special items tumbled 58.2 percent in the fourth quarter ended April 30 on a 24.9 percent drop in revenues. James Debney, CEO, said, in a statement, “Fiscal 2018 was a year characterized by lower consumer demand for firearms, heightened levels of inventory in the consumer channel, and a host of aggressive, industry-wide promotions.”
American Sportfishing Association Elects Board Members For 2018
Four members of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) were elected to fill two at-large seats and two regional seats on the board of directors. Their terms begin October 1 and they each will serve three-year terms. ASA is the trade association that represents the recreational fishing industry.
