EXEC: CEO Kevin Plank Outlines Dramatic Turnaround Plan for Under Armour
With some apparent aggravation on what the brand has become, Plank noted that Under Armour has become a brand that competes primarily on price versus what should be its core competency—performance and technical innovation.
Pnuma Outdoors and Heated Core Appoint Brand Manager
Amber Liljestrand previously worked at Bass Pro Shops, where she was the assistant merchant for Hunting and Tactical Apparel, overseeing design, development and promotion of proprietary brands while collaborating with major national brands.
EXEC: Industry Organizations Push Back on Biden Administration’s Tariff Decisions
The decision to maintain Section 301 China tariffs and implement new tariffs has U.S. retail and brand companies up in arms over the decision released this week by the Biden administration.
U.S. Sporting Goods Segment Retail Sales Decline in April as Market Grows 3.9 Percent
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Bookstore sales were reported down 4.7 percent YoY from April 2023 and down 0.9 percent versus March 2024. Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores sales were up 2.7 percent YoY.
Boulder Boatworks’ Co-Owner & Sales Director Departs for Sales Rep Role
Shaun Hargrave is relocating to Missoula, MT and will be transitioning into a sales rep role in the Northern Rockies, covering Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Tractor Supply Opens Largest Distribution Center in Arkansas
Facility brings 500 full-time jobs to local residents and represents an investment of more than $175 million in the region
Boot Barn Ends the Year with 400 Doors, with Q4 Comps Falling in Mid Singles
An 8.7 percent decrease in net sales was said to be the result of the decrease in consolidated same-store sales and the impact of a 13-week quarter when compared to a 14-week quarter in the prior-year Q4 period, partially offset by the incremental sales from new stores opened over the past twelve months.
Vasque Footwear Expands Waypoint and OSM Sales Partnerships
Vasque expanded Waypoint Outdoor’s coverage to the Southwest and South Central regions, while Outdoor Sports Marketing now extends its reach to the Mid-Atlantic—the two groups now represent six of Vasque’s sales regions.
PetSmart Searching for the Next “Chief Toy Testers;” $20K to New Team Members
The Chief Toy Tester search is back and submissions are open for one lucky dog, cat and human parents to join the PetSmart team.
Meijer Opens New Supercenters in Michigan and Northeast Ohio
Meijer opened its first store in Michigan in 1934. Today, it opened a new 159,000-square-foot supercenter in Hillsdale, MI and two new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Northeast Ohio. This summer, the retailer will celebrate its 90th anniversary as a family-owned Midwest retailer.
Nextorch Signs Elite Outdoor Sports for Sales Representation
Elite Outdoor Sports is a full-service sales and marketing agency with a global reach. Representing hunting, shooting and law-enforcement equipment manufacturers.
Super Pacific Makes New Hires, Key Promotions and Expands Facility to Fuel Growth
Philip Kuroda was hired in the newly created position of B2B sales manager and Jessica Johnson was promoted to general manager of operations. The company is adding new square footage to its facility and the production team was expanded with new hires to support cutting, sewing and fabrication.
Firearm & Ammo Companies Contributed $222M to Conservation in Q4 via Excise Tax
Firearm and ammunition manufacturers topping $17 billion in excise tax contributions to the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund since its inception in 1937, or more than $27.38 billion when adjusted for inflation.
Axil Brands Inks Distribution Agreement with Kinsey’s Inc.
Axil Brands, Inc. inked a distribution agreement with Kinsey’s, Inc. to distribute Axil hearing protection and enhancement products in the shooting sports and outdoor recreation/hunting market.
EXEC: Key Footwear Factory Report Sees Flat Q1 and Unsettled Market for 2024
The Group believes the global footwear industry will remain unsettled in the near term amidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment driven by persistent inflation, high interest rates, regional conflicts, and its impact on shipping lanes.
