NRF Expects 2024 Holiday Spending to Reach New Record
Consumer spending on the winter holidays is expected to reach a record $902 per person on average across gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items, according to the NRF’s latest consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
FireDisc Cookers Adds Another Key Sales Agency to its Team
Continental Sales and Marketing is the company’s new independent sales rep partner for the hardware, sporting goods and grocery stores channels.
Garmin Ltd. Acquires Marine LED Lighting Company Lumishore
The privately-held company has manufactured LED lighting systems used on various vessels, from runabouts to superyachts, for over 15 years. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.
National Marine Manufacturers Association Board Elects Three Division Directors
New individuals joining the NMMA Board of Directors include Ben Duke (Polaris Marine), Tommy Hancock (Sportsman Boats) and Rob Parmentier (Sailfish Boats
St. Croix Rod Appoints Sales Teams for Midwest, Colorado and PNW Territories
The family-owned fishing rod company based in Park Falls, WI, has tapped Redband Sports Group and Wisco Outfitters to represent the company’s fly-fishing portfolio and brand in two key U.S. fly-fishing regions.
Buds Gun Shop Names New President & COO
Mark Stecher was named president and chief operating officer. He will assist CEO Joe Murphy across all areas of the company.
Ottolock Forms U.S. Distribution Partnership with BTI
The new U.S. distribution partnership with with Bicycle Technologies International comes as Ottolock recently added new products to its mobile security offering to pair with its original cinch lock.
Sitka Gear to Open Two Stores in Minneapolis
Based in Bozeman, MT, Sitka recently opened a 1,580-square-foot store on October 4 in The Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, and a 2,629-square-foot retail space in Maple Grove.
X-Vision Optics Expands Midwest Coverage
Farm King will use its extensive retail network in the Midwest to distribute X-Vision’s products in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, meeting the growing demand for its thermal imaging, night vision equipment and accessory lines.
Cox Enterprises Acquires Loop Tackle
Loop Tackle owns and manages Atlantic salmon rivers and invests in conservation, science and education. Cox Enterprises acquisition is expected to better position Loop Tackle, in business for over 40 years, to expand its offerings of sustainable products.
Report: M&A Activity in Active Lifestyle Sector Seeing Strong Recovery
Houlihan Lokey’s “Active Lifestyle Market Update” for the second quarter shows M&A activity in the active lifestyle space has rebounded strongly from a “muted” 2023, “supported by increasing confidence, renewed financing market activity, and a return of mega deals.”
Bass Pro to Open Location in Corpus Christi
The announcement came during a news conference led by local Bass Pro officials and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo. The opening is planned for 2025 and will be the retailer’s 21st in the state.
Audubon International Adds Two Board Members from Golf Industry
Rick Lohman, senior director of corporate accounts at The Toro Company, and Ruth Engle, EVP and CFO at Troon Golf, have been added as at-large board members.
Academy Sports to Open Location in Meridian, MS
The new store will open on November 11, in time to make the Holiday shopping season. The 55,000-square-foot space at the Meridian Crossroads shopping center will be the retailer’s ninth store in Mississippi.
Report: September Retail Sales Top Expectations, Led by Clothing and Footwear
U.S. retail sales increased a seasonally-adjusted 0.4 percent month-over-month in September, up from the unrevised 0.1 percent gain in August, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The performance was slightly ahead of the 0.3 percent the Dow Jones forecasted.
