IBEX Appoints New Show Director
As the former SVP of business development for the MADA and the Twin Cities Auto Show and the group show manager at Cygnus Business Media, Velline is said to have a proven track record in creating vibrance in existing businesses and new opportunities across various domains.
Axil Brands Posts Strong FY Growth, or How to Survive on 73 Percent Gross Margins
Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 increased 17 percent year-over-year to a record $27.5 million, delivering gross margins of 73.4 percent of sales and operating margins of 68.0 percent for the fiscal year.
U.S. Census Bureau Reports 5.2 Percent Y/Y Growth for July Core Retail Sales
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instruments, and Bookstore sales were reported down 6.8 percent y/y from July 2023, doubling the 3.4 percent year-over-year decline reported in June, and down 0.1 percent versus June 2024.
Walmart’s Strong Second Quarter Drives Wall Street Indices Higher
Walmart Inc. shares were up in the mid single digits on Thursday morning, Aug. 15 and assisted in driving the stock market up as a whole as analysts heralded strong retail numbers.
TrueTimber Builds on Partnership with Honda
“The addition of four camo patterns to the Foreman ATVs, Rancher ATVs and even more Pioneer series SXS vehicles further solidifies our commitment to providing customers with top-quality products that combine performance, style and functionality.” —Rusty Sellars, CEO, TrueTimber
Report: Online Spending Rose in July, but Shifted to Lower Cost Options
Signifyd’s data shows e-commerce sales are still growing, but consumers are relying on discounts and low-cost options as merchants wonder what it means for the coming Holiday shopping season.
Garmin Response Extends SOS to Google Pixel Smartphones
Beginning in the U.S., Garmin has integrated its satellite SOS emergency response coordination service into Google’s Pixel 9 smartphones.
Escalade’s Walt Glazer to Retire from President and CEO Roles
Glazer, a shareholder since 1991, a Board Director for the past nine years, and chairman since 2018, will continue serving on the Board after his retirement, pending annual shareholder approval.
Hodgdon Powder Company Adds Two Industry Pros at RCBS Unit
Reloading industry leader RCBS, a division of Hodgdon Powder Company, has hired Chris Rodgers as digital & e-commerce senior manager and Joel Hodgdon as the company’s new marketing director, with both hires effective immediately.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Appoints Outdoor Marketing Division Manager
A 21-year company employee, Scott Higgins now oversees Yamaha Marine advertising, events, tournaments and sponsorships, Yamaha pro staff, and Yamaha Marine dealer education. He succeeds Susan Camp, who retired in August 2024.
Winnebago Makes Transitioning Moves on Executive Leadership Team
Chris West, currently senior vice president of Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, has been named president of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses, replacing Huw Bower who is stepping down at the end of August.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Plans New Distribution Center in Fort Worth, TX
Construction on the facility will begin early this fall with a groundbreaking. The building phase is expected to create more than 800 temporary construction jobs. The facility is expected to open in early 2026.
EXEC: Yue Yuen Sees Improving FW Manufacturing but China Retail Still a Drag
The volume of shoes shipped during the first half period increased by 9.9 percent to 120.7 million pairs amid a “decent recovery trend” and a further normalized order book. Pou Sheng China retail decreased 12.7 percent to $1.38 billion in U.S. dollar terms for the first half.
EXEC: Giant Group Saw Ugly but Improving Trends in First Half; H2 Shaping Up Nicely
The 5.8 percent decline in Q2 was a clear quarter-over-quarter sequential improvement versus the 2024 first quarter, when Giant Group saw revenues fall 20.2 percent for the January through March period, on top of a 9.7 percent decrease in the corresponding Q1 period last year.
Outtech Adds Acurite to Brand Stable
Outtech, the sales and marketing agency for the outdoor industry, added the manufacturer of weather stations and weather technology for outdoor and indoor home monitoring, to its portfolio of brands.
