
NRF Big Show: Retail’s Transformation On Display
While the trade show floor was packed with many new retail technologies driven by artificial intelligence, the seminars at the NRF Big Show 2019 explored how those digital advances are working their way to retail’s selling floors.

SGB Executive Q&A: NASGW Board Chair & Lipsey’s CEO Laurie Aronson
Laurie Aronson, president and CEO of Baton Rouge, LA-based wholesale firearms distributor Lipsey’s LLC, on January 1 became the first female board chair of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW). She spoke with SGB about what that honor means and her goals for the trade association during the next two years.

Clarus Corp. Sees Q4 Exceeding Guidance
Clarus Corp. again lifted its guidance for the year ended December 31 due to healthy revenue increases in the fourth quarter. The gains were led by 8 percent growth from Black Diamond and 14 percent growth from Sierra Bullets.

Retail Reports Roundup – January 21
A stack of retail surveys and studies arrived just in time for last week’s NRF Big Show in New York City. Research included the arrival of the “Emerging Male ‘Power Shopper” as well as retail developments with artificial intelligence, mobile apps, smart speakers, fulfillment technologies, personalization, card-not-present fraud and more.

Aisle Talk Week Of January 14
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Foot Locker making a strategic investment in Pensole Footwear Design Academy.
Meopta USA Sport Optics Hires Simpson Sales Company
Meopta USA Sport Optics has hired Simpson Sales Company, Inc. as its sales agency for the Southeastern United States.
Edge Technologies Acquires Al Mar Knife Brand
Edge Technologies Engineering LLC has acquired the Al Mar Knife Brand. Gary Fadden, president of Al Mar Knives, has become Al Mar chairman emeritus and will attend SHOT and major industry events.
CRKT Taps The Evans Group For North American Sales Representation
CRKT, a designer, developer and manufacture of knives, tools, and lifestyle accessories, has announce its partnership with The Evans Group for sales representation across the United States and Eastern Canada.
Velocity Outdoor Appoints VP Of Product Development
Velocity Outdoor announced the promotion of Dave Jenner to vice president of product development. Jenner’s recent roll was director of business development.

American Outdoor Brands Acquires LaserLyte
American Outdoor Brands Corp., a provider of firearms and related products, on Tuesday announced that its Electro-Optics Division, Crimson Trace Corp., has completed the acquisition of LaserLyte, a provider of laser training and sighting products for the consumer market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dick’s Ed Stack Discusses Purposeful Leadership At NRF Big Show
At a session, “Company Conscience: Leading With Conviction,” at the NRF Big Show in New York City, Ed Stack, chairman and CEO at Dick’s Sporting Goods, discussed the retailer’s efforts to ensure a work/life balance for its employees and the retailer’s commitment to community that’s reflected both in its Sports Matter funding program and controversial decision to change its gun policy.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints Martha Bejar To Board Of Directors
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. on Monday announced that Martha Bejar has been appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective February 3, 2019. Following her appointment, the board will include eight members.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Same Store Sales Up 1.1 Percent In Q4
Sporting goods retailer Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. on Monday reported sales results for the fiscal 2018 fourth quarter and full year ended December 30, 2018.
CCI Unveils New Logo, Packaging
CCI, the rimfire ammunition manufacturer owned by Vista Outdoor Inc., has announced a new company logo.

Yeti Lifts FY Guidance On Healthy Q4 Results
Yeti Holdings Inc. raised its full-year guidance for earnings and sales after reporting preliminary results for the fourth quarter. Matt Reintjes, CEO, said, “We delivered outstanding performance in all aspects of our business during the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2018.”