EXEC: Columbia Sportswear CEO Lays Out Brand’s “Accelerate” Growth Program
The company said the decline in net sales reflects lower Fall ’24 wholesale orders, as well as weak consumer demand in the U.S. partially attributable to warm weather and outdoor category headwinds. Mountain Hardwear was the only brand in positive territory.
Consumer Confidence Bounces Back In October
The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index jumped to 108.7 in October from 99.2 in September—the biggest monthly gain since March 2021. Analysts had forecast a more modest reading of 99.3.
Luth-AR Acquires Acro Machine
Luth-AR, a manufacturer of AR-15 firearms and firearm components based in Buffalo, MN, has purchased all the assets of Acro Machine Inc., including several CNC turning and milling machines and all fixtures, programs, designs and knowledge.
Garmin Ltd. Ups Guidance on Strong Double-Digit Q3 Growth in Fitness, Outdoor and Marine
Garmin adjusted its full year guidance and now anticipates revenue of approximately $6.12 billion and pro forma EPS of $6.85 based on gross margin of 58.5 percent, operating margin of 24.0 percent and a full year effective tax rate of 16.5 percent.
GoPro to Cut 26 Percent of Workforce in Revised Restructuring Plan
The action camera maker now plans to layoff about 26 percent of its workforce (240 employees), up from a plan announced in August that called for the reduction of 15 percent (140 employees).
EXEC: Big 5 Sees Improving Sales Trends Leading into Holiday Season
The retailer saw the Apparel and Footwear categories each down ~9 percent and Hardgoods was down ~6 percent in Q3 but a number of product categories are contributing to the improvements in sales trending, including the early rates in fall and winter apparel.
Hoist Appoints Board Chair
The manufacturer of “IV-level hydration,” announced that Gerry David has been appointed chairman of the board of directors.
EXEC: Shimano Returns to Growth in Third Quarter on Cycling Uptick
Shimano, Inc. reported its first sales increase in several quarters as a recovery at its bicycle components offset a slight decline in its fishing tackle business.
On, Patagonia, Puma, Salomon, and LVHM Unveil 100% Fiber-to-Fiber Recyled Tee
In July 2022, On, Patagonia, Puma, and Salomon announced that they had joined forces with French biochemical company Carbios to use its biorecycling technology for synthetic fiber recycling. Together they have produced the world’s first enzymatically recycled t-shirt made entirely from biorecycled fibres.
VF Corporation Sees Fiscal Q2 Improvement But Americas Region Still a DD Drag
Revenue for the quarter amounted to $2.8 billion, down 6 percent year-over-year from the fiscal 2024 Q2 period. The company said the decline was a sequential improvement from the 10 percent decline in the fiscal 2025 first quarter.
Camping World Profits Plummet in Third Quarter on Lower ASPs
Profits at Camping World Holdings Inc. fell 73.9 percent in the third quarter ended September 30 due in part to lower average selling prices on new and used RVs. On a positive note, combined new and used same-store unit sales returned to positive growth.
Boot Barn Posts Another Strong Quarter; CEO to Exit to Ross Stores
Jim Conroy, the retailer’s CEO since 2012, is stepping down to assume the role of CEO of Ross Stores. John Hazen, Boot Barn’s chief digital officer, will assume the role of interim CEO.
Rural King Opens Newest Store in Hopkinsville, KY
The store boasts a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.
Kampgrounds of America Hires SVP, Franchise Operations
Mark Lemoine reportedly brings first-hand franchise experience to KOA’s executive leadership team. He has owned and operated the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday in southwest Michigan since 2016.
Winnebago Industries Closes Out Fiscal Year with Q4 Loss; Shuffles Leadership Deck
CEO Michael Happe announced leadership changes focused on enhancing the Winnebago Motorhome and Winnebago Towables businesses, which he noted have underperformed in recent quarters.
