Faxon Firearms Rounds Out National Sales Coverage with Donaldson & Associates
Donaldson & Associates will serve dealers and distributors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and the MINK states, joining six other agencies to provide national U.S. coverage for Faxon Firearms for the first time since its founding.
Sturm, Ruger to Absorb Restructuring Costs to Clear Inventories, Realign Organization
In an internal memo marking his 100th day as Sturm, Ruger & Co.’s CEO, Todd Seyfert said he expects the firearms maker to incur $15 million to $20 million in expenses over the remainder of the year to clear obsolete inventories, reset its leadership structure and cover severance as part of an organizational realignment.
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Jumps as Inflation Expectations Improve
Consumer sentiment increased in June for the first time in six months, the latest sign that Americans’ views of the economy have improved as inflation has stayed tame and tariff concerns lessen.
Survey: Retailers Passing Along 51 Percent of Tariff Costs
A survey of 500 U.S. e-commerce executives found that 76 percent had increased the price of goods to mitigate the cost of the new and expected tariffs. On average, retailers are passing along 51 percent of the cost of President Trump’s import taxes on to consumers.
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Notes Robust Sporting Goods Sector Continued into May
Growth in the Clothing, Footwear and Accessories store sector decelerated from the April trend. The category that includes Sporting Goods stores was up 8.2 percent y/y unadjusted in May after a robust 9.2 percent y/y gain in March.
Study Shows Strong but Conditional Public Support for Hunting and Sport Shooting
Americans understand the value of ethical hunting and shooting sports, but the results from the survey inform that intention matters and that maintaining public trust requires continuous outreach and education.
FishUSA Hires Kirk Guthrie to Lead New Wholesale Operation
Kirk Guthrie joins FishUSA after 30 years in the fishing tackle industry, where he has focused on driving growth, optimizing dealer programs and building sales teams. Most recently, he was the national accounts manager at Big Rock Sports.
Dick’s SG Joins Top 50 Most Patriotic Brands for First Time; New Balance Falls in Rankings
Nike, Wilson Sporting Goods, LL Bean, Gatorade, New Balance, Converse, and Dick’s Sporting Goods all earned spots on Brand Keys 24th Annual Most Patriotic Brands survey of the Top 50 U.S.-based brands that embody the value “patriotism.” The NFL, NBA and MLB also made the list. Dick’s made the list for the first time.
EXEC: Academy’s Chief Merchant Talks Jordan Launch, Nike Brand Success, Tariff Disruption
Following the retailer’s first-quarter results report, Academy’s EVP and Chief Merchant Matt McCabe added more highlights from the business, including the promise to introduce the Jordan brand, a strong response to expanding Nike product and market share gains among higher-income households.
EXEC: Trump Announces U.S. and China Have Reached Trade Deal With 55 percent Tariff
President Donald Trump declared the trade war with China “done” Wednesday, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said tariffs on Chinese goods will be locked in at the current 55 percent rate without additional increases.
Target Increases Quarterly Dividend
Target Corp. declared a quarterly dividend of $1.14 per common share, a 1.8 percent increase from the prior quarterly dividend of $1.12.
Ruger Appoints VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Sarah Colbert was promoted to vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. She succeeds Kevin B. Reid, Sr., who is retiring after serving as vice president and general counsel since 2008.
EXEC: Trump Tariffs Having Little Impact on Retail Footwear Prices
The May Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in cooler than expected, defying fears that the impact of President Trump’s tariffs would start to show a rise in prices. A separate analysis by the FDRA indicates that footwear prices in May likewise declined year-over-year.
Carbitex Enters Tactical Boot Market
The collaboration introduces Carbitex’s MonoFlex M1 technology into Prabos’s professional footwear tactical boot line. both companies aim to meet the demanding requirements of military and law enforcement personnel.
NFIB: Small Business Optimism Rises For First Time This Year
A gauge of sentiment among small businesses, rose to 98.8 in May from 95.8 in April, bringing the Index back above its long-term average, represented by a reading of 98. The increase ends a four-month streak of weakening sentiment.
