RV Shipments Up 8.1 Percent in December, Down 36.5 Percent for 2023
Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 11.4 percent from December 2022, while Motorhomes finished the month down 9.4 percent compared to the corresponding month in 2022 with 2,842 units.
GearJunkie Parent Acquires Pack Hacker
Pack Hacker’s focus on travel gear reviews and buying advice is expected to complement AllGear Digital’s brand portfolio covering outdoor sports, cycling, surfing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Shot Scope Debuts Pro ZR Laser Rangefinder
“Shot Scope is very excited to innovate the laser rangefinder category once again with a device that provides the best combination of distance and accuracy, with a construction and design that offers unmatched durability for handling harsh conditions on the course.” —David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope.
Report: Nearly 8 of 10 Online Chargebacks Originate from Consumers, Not Fraud
Based on anonymized data obtained from Chargeflow’s merchant database, the company’s 2024 report found that 79.03 percent of chargeback cases result from friendly fraud, driving the need for businesses to adopt automated fraud detection solutions and educational initiatives.
Marine Products Corp. Sees Q4 Boat Unit Sales Sink 34 Percent
The parent of the Chaparral and Robalo boat brands said Q4 net sales came in at $70.9 million, down 35 percent from Q4 2022, primarily due to a 34 percent decrease in the number of boats sold during the quarter.
Report: Camper’s Preferences Could Mean More Business, New Employees
KOA created its 2023 Odds and Ends report to bring quirky and intriguing findings that showcase travel’s diversity and evolving nature. Many could mean more business for outdoor brands, retailers, campgrounds, and RV dealers.
JLab Partners with PGA Tour Pros
JLab plans to add to its roster of international golfers in 2024 as its product assortment and brand grow globally in the US, Europe and APAC. JLab is available in more than 100 countries.
Pard Optics Names 2023 Rep Group of the Year
“The Odle team has demonstrated professionalism, dedication and a focus that helped Pard enjoy significant market growth.the company.” —Derick Cole, VP Sales, Pard USA.
KV Capital Merges Two Powersports Brands Via Acquisition
The company anticipates merging the UTV Canada business with Mountain Sports Distribution, the full-service powersports distributor that joined the KV Capital Fund II portfolio in 2023. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Thor Industries Appoints Chief Human Resources Officer
Michele McDermott joins the company as chief human resources officer, reporting to Thor President and CEO Bob Martin.
Academy Sports and Outdoors Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer
Rob Howell will join the company as SVP and chief supply chain officer in February 2024, reporting to President Sam Johnson. He will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic and international logistics.
Werner Riethmann Departs Active Management of Lowa
After more than 30 years, Werner Riethmann left active management of Lowa Sportschuh GmbH at the end of December 2023. He will remain with the Bavarian hiking and mountain boot specialist as a shareholder with a 20 percent share and in an advisory capacity.
Duluth Trading Appoints New CFO
Heena Agrawal will assume the role of SVP and CFO, effective February 12, 2024.
Zamberlan Bolsters Sales Team for Southeast and South Central U.S.
“We’re thrilled to have Odle represent us in a new territory and to new customers,” —Bob Whip, General Manager, Zamberlan USA.
EXPLORE Act Passes Out of Committee, Heads to House Vote
ORR and its members celebrated the milestone and is urging swift passage of the EXPLORE Act through the full House and Senate, for the benefit of public lands, waters, and the communities that thrive because of them.
