Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Connie Klimenko Passes Away
Klimenko survived World War II and eventually made his way to the United States, where he would spend more than three decades building Sevylor, Inc. into a nationally recognized name in water sports and recreational products.
Axil Brands Expects Strong Finish to Fiscal Year After Solid Q3 Top-Line Growth
Net Income was halved as gross margin declined 260 basis points to 69.1 percent of net sales, as compared to 71.7 percent for the prior-year Q3 period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales reportedly decreased primarily due to higher customs duties (increased tariffs).
The Tech Stack Problem Costing Team Dealers Time and Money — and How the Industry Is Solving It
For team dealers, decorators and promo distributors, running the business across multiple disconnected systems is a hidden drain on growth. A new platform approach is changing that.
Okuma Fishing Tackle Opens Canadian Fulfillment Center
Okuma Fishing Tackle announced the launch of a new Canadian third-party logistics (3PL) fulfillment center designed to speed delivery times, improve inventory availability and lower overall costs for Okuma’s Canadian wholesale partners.
EXEC: Colt CZ Appoints Board Member
Prague-based Colt CZ Group SE appointed Martin Durčák as a member of its Board of Directors of Colt CZ. Durčák will be responsible for business development in strategic areas beyond the group’s core product portfolio of firearms, small-caliber ammunition, and energetics.
Solo Brands Appoints Chief Accounting Officer
Paul Seeds will succeed David McGuire, who on March 31 informed the company of his resignation as chief accounting officer to pursue another professional opportunity.
EXEC: Academy Sports Sets Roadmap to $8 Billion in Revenues
At an Analyst Day event in New York City, Academy Sports revealed a five-year plan to reach $8 billion in sales, largely through the opening of 125 new stores, while improving operating margins from 9 percent to 10 percent. Around merchandising, CEO Steve Lawrence said growth is expected to benefit from a “steady diet of newness,” including new categories, new national brands and private labels, and an amplification of “good, better, best” offerings.
Academy Sees First-Quarter Sales Climbing 6 Percent to 7 Percent
Academy Sports + Outdoors reported it expects first-quarter sales to climb between 6 percent and 7 percent, with comparable sales in the range of 2 percent to 3 percent. The forecast was issued ahead of an Analyst Day on Tuesday, April 7.
L.L.Bean Opens First Store in Alabama
L.L.Bean announced the official opening of its first store in Alabama. The store’s footprint in Huntsville, at Bridge Street Town Center, measures roughly 16,000 square feet. The store opening brings the retaiiler’s active store count to 66.
ASA Updates Importers on Products Affected by Section 232 Tariff Removals
The ASA reported President Trump has issued a Proclamation that removes previously-imposed Sec. 232 aluminum tariffs on fishing reels, reel accessories, and landing nets, among other products.
U.S. Sporting Goods Wholesale Sales Reached $130 Billion in 2025
With standout gains in pickleball, baseball/softball, running footwear, and several other categories, wholesale sales in the U.S. sporting goods industry reached $130B in 2025, a 334.7 percent since 2020, according to SFIA’s 2026 Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report.
Thermore Adds Industry Vet to U.S. Sales Team
Don Reichelt has joined the company as a sales rep to support its growth in the U.S. market. He brings experience across the outdoor and endurance sports industries, with a combined background in sales and marketing rooted in the performance community.
West Virginia’s McFly Outdoors Hits Selling Block
The owners of McFly Outdoors, the hunt, fish, and outdoor gear store serving North Central West Virginia, announced they will be selling the business.
Amazon to Add Fulfillment Surcharge to Third-Party Sellers as Fuel Costs Surge
Amazon is adding a 3.5 percent fuel and logistics surcharge for third-party sellers in the U.S. and Canada amid a spike in energy prices due to the war in Iran. Amazon said it will “continue to evaluate this surcharge as conditions evolve.”
EXEC: Decathlon’s 2025 Profits Climb 16 Percent on 4 Percent Revenue Gain
France’s Decathlon Group reported gross merchandise volume (GMV) rose 7.1 percent and net sales increased 5.6 percent in local currencies in 2025. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, global GMV reached €20.7 billion while net sales grew 4.0 percent to €16.8 billion ($19.4 bn).
