Gill Marine Taps Travis Watson as National Sales Manager, Gill Fishing
The company said Watson brings a wealth of experience to his role, with 20 years experience in sales, buying, product development, and sourcing in the hunting and fishing space.
NuOrder by Lightspeed Appoints New Head of Revenue
Chris Akrimi, most recently, was the CEO of The Layer, a tech company that “transforms commerce data through AI. ” There, he focused on positioning the company at the “forefront of AI-driven product data management.”
Orvis Sets Layoffs and Store Closures; Discontinues Catalog
The 112 employees affected by the layoffs represent 8 percent of Orvis’ workforce. In the U.S., Orvis operates 70 retail stores and 10 outlets. In the UK, the company operates 18 retail stores and one outlet. The company did not disclose what store would be affected by the closures.
EXEC: Vista Inks Deals to Sell Revelyst and The Kinetic Group Separately
Vista Outdoor Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Revelyst outdoor segment to funds managed by Strategic Value Partners and amended its merger agreement with Czechoslovak Group (CSG) to acquire The Kinetic Group ammunition-related segment.
Manufacturing PMI Report Sees U.S. Contraction; Textile Mills Posted Sept Growth
Seventy-seven percent of manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in September, up from 65 percent in August. Textile Mills were one of only five manufacturing industries reporting growth in September.
U.S. Port Workers and Operators Reach Deal to Suspend East Coast Strike
In a joint statement on the evening of October 3, the ILA and USMX reached a tentative agreement on wages and extended the group’s “Master Contract” until January 15, 2025, when they will return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues.
Thermore Invisiloft: High Warmth with Minimal Thickness
Thermore Group, a Milan-based manufacturer of thermal insulation alternatives for performance apparel since 1972, has launched Invisiloft, a slim insulation that combines “exceptional warmth with unprecedented thinness.”
Puma #Know Your Stuff: Real leather vs Vegan Leather Debate
The educational content series from Puma explores the conversation surrounding manufacturing goods with leather versus vegan leather and the environmental impact of each, created with input from Aishwarya Sharma, a Puma “Voices of a Re:Generation” and global goals ambassador.
Report: Growing Participation Rates Supporting Outdoor Rec Sales and M&A
Capstone suggested that financial performance across the sector is expected to improve as firms work through excess inventories, limit promotion activity, and mitigate margin pressures.
Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Raised by S&P
S&P Global Ratings raised Academy Sports And Outdoor Inc.’s debt rating because the retailer has sustained S&P’s adjusted leverage well below the 2x area despite modest EBITDA margin contraction.
GSM Outdoors Acquisition by Platinum Equity is Finalized
GSM Outdoors, headquartered in Irving, TX, owns over 50 outdoor brands. Previous owner Gridiron Capital acquired GSM in 2020. CEO Eddie Castro will continue to lead the company.
Report: Holiday Shopping Intentions Driven by Consumer Optimism, Quest for Value
This year’s household food and grocery costs will impact holiday shopping for 62 percent of consumers, but more holiday shoppers, 57 percent, feel positive about personal finances than in 2023.
NSSF: NICS Background Checks Moderate in September
The 1.3 percent gain marks a sequential deceleration from increases of 8.3 percent in August and 4.0 percent in July, although the July figure had marked the first year-over-year monthly increase since December 2023.
GSM Outdoors Acquires Roboworm
Roboworm has produced hundreds of millions of bass worms. “When you think of impactful soft plastic brands in the bass fishing space, you can’t have the conversation without talking about Roboworm.” —Crispin Powley, SVP of fishing, GSM
Scent Thief Retains New Sales Rep Group
The maker of scent control technology for the hunting industry retained The Outdoor Business Solutions Group, founded by Bill Harris and Brad Schorr, as its sales rep agency.
