Orion Wholesale Promotes Nicholson to VP of Sales
Matt Nicholson is now responsible for sales team leadership, expanding new sales territories, developing new distribution channels and contributing to the company’s marketing and business strategies, reporting to CEO Brent Taylor.
Heckler & Koch Hires Sales Manager
Heckler & Koch welcomed back John Harrison as sales manager. Most recently, Harrison was the director of sales and marketing at PTR Industries, LLC, from 2017 to 2023. ·
Vista Outdoor Sees Alternative Ammo Bidder Withdraw Offer
The alternative party that made a play for the company’s ammo business last week has withdrawn its offer to acquire The Kinetic Group, Vista’s ammunition business.
Rapala VMC Makes Big Changes in Global Management Team
Ohvo, managing director of Marttiini and Rapala VMC North Europe; Ravennil, EVP and head of distribution in APAC countries and global rods; and Tuominen, EVP of global business development and IT, left the company on June 14.
Consumer Sentiment Falls to 7-Month Low
University of Michigan Survey Director Joanne Hsu stated, “While consumer sentiment declined this month, the 3.5 Index point dip is relatively minor in the grand scheme. That decline is within the margin of error for the survey.”
Burris Optics Appoints New General Manager
Burris Optics, headquartered in Greeley, CO and part of Beretta Holding S.A., the Italian industrial group, hired Bruno Beccaria as U.S. general manager.
Ammo, Inc.’s Losses Steepen On Sales Declines
Ammo, Inc., the owner of GunBroker.com, reported sales fell 7.5 percent in the fourth quarter and 24.2 percent in the fiscal year ended March 31 with losses widening in both periods.
Numerator: Consumer Confidence Held Steady in May
Consumer confidence was about flat compared to April, with 41 percent of consumers very or somewhat comfortable spending money on discretionary purchases.
Momentec Brands Names Chairman, CFO and SVP of Product Development
Formed out of the merger of Augusta Sportswear Brands and Founder Sport Group, Momentec Brands appointed David Baxter as chairman, Mike Moore as chief financial officer, and Joel Bennink as SVP of product development. Most recently, Baxter was the president of Under Armour for the Americas Region. Bennink spent 13 years at Under Armour, where he led the growth and development across Team, Golf and Curry-branded apparel.
Sig Sauer Names New Chief Marketing Officer
Sig Sauer promoted Robby Johnson to chief marketing officer. Former chief marketing officer and EVP of commercial sales, Tom Taylor, becomes EVP, global brand development. Robby Johnson, the SVP of commercial sales, will now report to CEO Ron Cohen.
EXEC: Academy Sports Talks Push for Better Footwear Allocations
Steve Lawrence, CEO at Academy Sports, elaborated on the retailer’s efforts to improve access to better product from its footwear vendor partners and secure new brands, including Hoka and On.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems Names Director of U.S. Commercial Sales
Christopher Harrison joins joins the company with over 40 years of experience in sales in the firearms and defense industry. He has worked for Paratore Enterprises, NP Aerospace, Tactical and Survival Specialties (TSSi), and Tacprogear.
EXEC: Academy Sports CEO Remains Bullish on Sales Recovery
Academy Sports and Outdoors missed Wall Street’s earnings expectations for the second straight quarter on lower-than-expected sales but Steve Lawrence, CEO, told analysts he remains confident growth will improve in coming quarters as the chain benefits from a focus on newness and value while capitalizing on key selling occasions over the year.
WatchOS 11 from Apple Offers Intelligent Customization
WatchOS 11 offers breakthrough insights from Apple into users’ health and fitness and more personalization.
Academy Sports’ Q1 Earnings Miss Wall Street Targets
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported first-quarter earnings on an adjusted basis slid 20.8 percent and came in lower than analyst expectations for the second straight quarter. Same-store sales were down 5.7 percent, and gross margins were off slightly. Steve Lawrence, CEO, said, “Our customers remain under pressure in the current economic environment.”
