NRF Chief Economist Sees Potential Rough Road Ahead for Retail
The National Retail Federation’s Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz believes consumers spent more than expected amid high inflation and interest rates during 2023, but spending growth is likely to slow in 2024.
Alpha Silencer Adds New Regional Sales Director
The company hired Keith Feeley as regional sales director after building a career at Tactical Solutions developing his industry knowledge.
Microbest Inc. Appoints New Chief Operating Officer
The firearms component maker Microbest, Inc. hired Will Brown as its new chief operating officer to oversee the company’s day-to-day operations.
Lipsey’s Promotes Cloessner to SVP; Hires New CFO
The firearms distributor has promoted Jason Cloessner to the position of SVP of product development and hired David Wascom, a former partner at Baton Rouge-based CPA firm Hannis T. Bourgeois, as company CFO.
Alpha Silencer Appoints Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy
Miranda Cook will reportedly oversee creative services, brand marketing, multimedia, social media initiatives, content creation, event marketing, and strategic marketing initiatives, reporting to VP Rebecca Steele.
Coleman, Marmot Parent Sees Further Cuts in New Organizational Realignment
The majority of the plan’s costs are in the area of cash severance payments and other termination benefits. The company plans to reduce its office roles by approximately 7 percent, with most expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
Compass Diversified Promotes Three on Investment Team
The owner of Velocity Outdoor, BOA, Primaloft, 5.11, and other active lifestyle brands, promoted investment team members Raj Dalal, Lucas Scholhamer and Phoebe Madsen.
NRF: Import Cargo Enters Winter Lull as Red Sea Disruptions Continue
Inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports should gradually decline during the first quarter of 2024 before increasing in the spring, according to the latest NRF report.
Helen of Troy Home & Outdoor Segment Posts Fiscal Q3 Growth
The segment, which includes OXO, Hydro Flask and Osprey, increased 3.1 percent to $235.9 million for the three-month period ended November 30, compared to $228.9 million in the prior-year corresponding period.
Solo Brands Names Chris Metz as CEO; Company Cuts Full-Year Guidance
Revenue is now expected to be between $490 million and $500 million. This compares to our previous guidance of $520 million to $540 million. New CEO Chris Metz was, most recently, CEO of Vista Outdoor.
Wolverine World Wide Expects 2023 Results In Line with Estimates
The company expects to deliver financial results in line with previous guidance and achieving better-than-anticipated year-end debt and inventory levels.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Names SVP of Communications & Operations
Whitney Potter Schwartz will reportedly oversee branding and communications, strategy, and events for ORR and support the development and operations goals through new partnerships to “elevate” the organization’s policy objectives for the outdoor economy at the national level.
EXEC: Active Lifestyle Stocks Miss Market Rally in 2023
The broader stock market saw a robust recovery in 2023 but the majority of stocks in the active lifestyle space underperformed, marked by declines by industry bellwethers including Nike, VF Corp. and Columbia Sportswear.
Clarus Ammo Business Sold to Owner of Savage Arms and Pure Archery
Clarus Corp. said in a regulatory filing that the entity acquiring Sierra and Barnes Bullets is Bullseye Acquisitions, LLC, an affiliate of JDH Capital Company, the owner of Savage Arms and Pure Archery.
NSSF: December Adjusted NICS Background Checks Climb 1.6 Percent
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that the December 2023 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) number increased by 1.6 percent, its third consecutive positive month. For the year, adjusted checks were down 3.5 percent.