February Retail Sales Increase 4.4 Percent Over Last Year
February retail sales increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 4.4 percent year-over-year as the economy continued to grow, the National Retail Federation said. Sporting goods stores were down 3.4 percent year-over-year but up 2.2 percent from January seasonally adjusted.
Dick’s Hopes Healthier Margin Outlook Offsets Top-Line Challenges
Dick’s Sporting Goods said on its fourth-quarter conference call that it’s facing top-line challenges in the hunt and fitness tracker categories as well as the Under Armour brand overall. But stronger product innovation from select key partners and the continued expansion of its private brands are expected to result in less margin pressure in 2018 than previously expected.
Camping World’ Updates Q4 Results
Camping World Holdings Inc. updated its fourth-quarter results to reflect the benefit of a deferred tax asset.
Clarus Sees Double-Digit Growth For Black Diamond Equipment
Sales for the Black Diamond Brand grew 11 percent, led by a 24 percent gain in the Ski category and 21 percent in the Climb Black category. Unseasonally dry weather in the Western U.S. restrained growth in apparel.
Dick’s Q4 Earnings Arrive At Upper End Of Guidance
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported earnings fell 13.8 percent before non-recurring charges in the fourth quarter, to $127.3 million, or $1.22 a share, but came in at the top of guidance. Same-store sales slid 2.0 percent, in line with guidance. Earnings for 2018 were guided to be flat to down 7 percent.
Clarus’ Q4 Sales Climb 27 Percent
Clarus Corp., the parent of Black Diamond Equipment, Sierra Bulletts and PIEPS, reported sales in the fourth quarter rose 27 percent along with strong earnings improvement.
NSSF Supports President’s School Safety Plan Initiative
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industries, announced its support for President Donald Trump’s plan to help ensure children are kept safe and that firearms remain beyond the reach of prohibited individuals while respecting the rights of law-abiding firearms owners.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Apparel Segment Sees Modest Gain In 2017
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reported sales from apparel and footwear businesses – including Fruit of the Loom, Garan, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Brooks Sports – increased 1.2 percent in 2017 compared to 2016, to $4.2 billion.
Clarus Promotes John Walbrecht To President
Clarus Corp., the parent of lack Diamond, Sierra and PIEPS, promoted John Walbrecht to president. Walbrecht has been with Clarus for nearly 18 months, serving as president of the company’s Outdoor Group.
White House Backs Off On Raising Age For Buying Guns
The Trump administration on Sunday night proposed providing some school personnel with “rigorous” firearms training while intending to establish a federal commission to examine other proposals, such as raising the age to purchase some weapons.
Gander Outdoors Prepares For Grand Opening In Fort Wayne, IN
Gander Outdoors, formerly known as Gander Mountain, is open in Fort Wayne, IN.
Bass Pro Provides Update On Cabela’s Future In Sidney, NE
In a note to the media on Thursday, Bass Pro said 680 of Cabela’s corporate employees had applied for a voluntary buyout plan and that 290 would be leaving the company this week. A full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal also went out to support Bass Pro’s goal of donating any unused space in Cabela’s offices to bring jobs to the city of Sidney, NE. Full details here.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 5
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Bass Pro Provides Details On Cabela’s HQ Buyouts
Bass Pro said Thursday that 290 Cabela’s employees located in Sidney, NE will leave the company this week as part of a voluntary buyout program. Another 390 former Cabela’s employees also applied for buyouts, but no immediate action will be taken on those.
CODI Sees 2017 Gains for 5.11, Crosman; Liberty Safe Declines
Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI) reported revenues at 5.11 Tactical grew 5 percent and Crosman added 1.1 percent in 2017 while sales at Liberty Safe were down 11.4 percent.
