L.L. Bean Drops Unlimited Returns Policy
L.L. Bean has ended its lifetime-returns policy due to rampant abuse in recent years. The retailer has initiated a new one-year limit on returns.
Aisle Talk, Week of February 5
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Columbia Q4 Boosted By Improving U.S. Business
President and CEO Tim Boyle said, “In the fourth quarter, the U.S. wholesale channel played a significant role contributing to our top line beat relative to our October outlook, aided by improved order conversion.”
Columbia Sportswear’s Q4 Revenues Climb 8 Percent
Columbia Sportswear reported earnings excluding a massive tax charge and restructuring costs rose 9.2 percent on an 8 percent revenue gain. U.S. net sales increased 8 percent to $492.6 million, reflecting growth in DTC and benefits from a shift in the timing of shipments of Fall 2017 advance wholesale orders from the third quarter to the fourth quarter.
Crosman Announces New Director Of Sales For LaserMax Products
Crosman Corporation announced that Kurt Worden has joined the company as director of sales for LaserMax Products.
Vista Outdoor’s Q3 Hamstrung By Weak Hunt Business
On a conference call with analysts, Christopher Metz, Vista Outdoor’s CEO since October, said the company made progress in the third quarter generating cash, reducing inventories and driving down costs, but continued weakness in its Shooting Sports continues to erode earnings.
Dick’s Announces Grand Opening Of Four Stores In February
Stores will open in Evansville, IN; Baxter, MN; Santa Maria, CA; and Warwick, RI.
Vista Outdoor Q3 Profitability Slides Before Special Items
Vista Outdoor Inc. reported earnings before special items fell in the third quarter ended December 31 as sales slid 11 percent.
Dick’s Seen Benefiting From Eagles Win And Bat Regulation Changes
J.P. Morgan reiterated its “Overweight” rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods as it expects a “near-term comp” benefit from the Philadelphia Eagle’s Super Bowl win and an equal benefit from new Little League bat regulation.
Garmin And Navico Resolve Patent Disputes
Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. and Navico, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G brands, announced that they have ended a three-year-long dispute relating to sonar and auto guidance patents.
Winchester’s Q4 Profits Tumble On Pricing Pressures
Said John Fischer, Olin’s chairman, president and CEO, on a conference call with analysts, “We’re currently cautious about our Winchester forecast due to the high commodity and other material costs and the pricing environment.”
Winchester’s Revenues Rise Slightly In Q4
Olin Corporation reported Winchester sales for the fourth quarter 2017 were $165.4 million compared to $161.4 million in the fourth quarter 2016, representing a gain of 2.5 percent.
Gander Outdoors Opens Stores In Kentucky And Indiana
Gander Outdoors, formerly known as Gander Mountain, opened stores in Paducah, KY and Indianapolis, IN.
Bass Pro, Cabela’s To Award $40K In Female Scholarships
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops, together with The Harry & Reba Huge Foundation, will be awarding $40,000 in scholarships to four female graduates of Nebraska or Missouri Ozarks region high schools this spring.
Dick’s Chief Merchant Resigns
Dick’s Sporting Goods said in a regulatory filing that Keri L. Jones, executive vice president – chief merchant, plans to resign from her position, effective February 9,, in order to accept a CEO position at another company.
