Anderson Manufacturing Appoints New CEO
Jeff Stawiarski took the helm as CEO of the family-owned company, effective April 29, reinforcing Anderson’s commitment to innovation and growth in the manufacturing of rifles, parts and accessories.
German Precision Optics Hires Northeast Sales Group
This strategic partnership with Pestilli Group marks a significant milestone in GPO’s growth in the U.S. and for both companies.
Thompson/Center Arms Acquired by Former Owner
Gregg Ritz, the former owner of Thompson/Center Arms acquired the company to “reinvigorate the brand and its legacy in the firearms market.”
United States SailGP Team Appoints Lindsay Vonn to Board
The U.S. SailGP Team is one of ten national teams in SailGP, the emerging global league now in its fourth season, that races in high-tech, high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans at worldwide.
Wiley X Restructures Sales Management and Adds 100 Reps
The company hired seasoned industry executive Aaron Quigley as SVP of sales. Quigley joins the brand with over 20 years of experience as a sales executive for companies, including Oakley, Stussy and VonZipper.
Dometic Returns Manufacturing to Elkhart, Indiana
The Elkhart plant will produce the 9100 series of power awnings, with subsequent models added in the coming weeks. Its facility in Mexico will continue to service the aftermarket segment, focusing on logistics optimized through Dometic’s Texas distribution center.
EXEC: Thule Gets Shot in the Arm from Resurgent Bike Business in Q1
In the Americas, the recovery of the cycling market boosted bike-related products sales, but Packs, Bags & Luggage category sales declined due to “significantly lower” sales of legacy products that are phasing out gradually.
EXEC: Columbia Using Temp Stores to Offload Excess Goods as it Fights to Right-Size
While the company is focused on improving the Columbia, Sorel and Prana businesses through investments in innovation and marketing, the company only has to look as far as its Mountain Hardwear brand and new leadership and direction to see early results of similar efforts.
Report: RV Shipments Inch Up in March on Towable RV Growth
Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 5.9 percent compared to last March. For the first quarter, RVs are up 9.3 percent compared to the year-ago Q1 period last year with 85,941 units shipped through March.
Newell Brands Sees Turnaround in Sight, but Outdoor Segment Continues Shrinking
The parent company of Marmot, Ex Officio, Stearns, Bubba, Coleman, and Contigo, among others, saw the Outdoor segment fall 25 percent in Q1, reflecting a core sales decline of 20.3 percent and the impact of unfavorable FX and certain business exits.
Olin’s Winchester Segment Q1 Sales Grow on Stronger Ammo Shipments, White Flyer Deal
The increase in Winchester sales was primarily due to higher commercial ammunition shipments, higher domestic and international military sales, and White Flyer sales.
Columbia Sportswear Ups 2024 Profit Guide, Maintains Sales Decline
First quarter net sales decreased 6 percent to $770.0 million. The decline primarily reflects lower wholesale net sales in the U.S. and Canada, driven by retailer cautiousness, a challenging competitive environment and generally soft consumer demand.
Ammo, Inc. Acquires Tooling Manufacturer
The owner of GunBroker.com acquired a tooling manufacturer that provides resources toward the production of ammunition in its Manitowoc, WI factory.
EXEC: Osprey and Hydro Flask Both Expanding Product Ranges and Distribution
Osprey should strengthen internationally with growth in the EMEA and APAC on demand for travel packs, while the U.S. will expand in sporting goods. For Hydro Flask, it’s all about color and configuration in the U.S. while expanding in tge EMEA through Osprey’s distribution footprint.
Escalade Inc. Swings to Q1 Profit as Gross Margins Spike
Total net sales increased 0.7 percent year-over-year to $57.3 million in the first quarter, primarily due to a return in normalized seasonal demand for basketball products, outdoor games and archery.