MKS Supply’s Kelly Walton Retires
MKS Supply announced the retirement of Kelly Walton after a 28-year career with the importer and distributor of firearms and accessories, including the Hi-Point and Inland Manufacturing brands.
Pelican Intl USA Bumps Prices on Wilderness Systems, Dagger and Perception Products
The company started to adjust pricing on newly produced kayaks, effective June 4, 2025. The price hikes are said to be in response to ongoing economic pressures, including rising operational costs, sourcing challenges, and fluctuating tariffs.
Duluth Holdings Widens Q1 Loss, Plans Further Restructuring Moves
The casual apparel and workwear brand widened its loss in the first quarter ended May 4 as sales dropped 12.0 percent. Returning CEO Stephanie Pugliese stated in a media release that she is conducting an “in-depth review” of the organization to simplify its operations, focusing on brand awareness, solution-based products, product innovation, and customer service.
Costco May Comps Grow 6.0 Percent x-Gas; E-Commerce Up 12 Percent
Excluding gas, Costco’s same-store sales in the U.S. were up 5.5 percent in the U.S. and 6.0 percent overall. E-commerce sales advanced 12 percent.
Yeti Appoints VP Investor Relations
Arvind Bhatia has joined Yeti Holdings as vice president, investor relations. Before Yeti, Bhatia led SharkNinja’s investor relations strategy as they transitioned to a public company.
NSSF: Adjusted NICS Background Checks Decline Again in May
The decline has continued a downward trend since October 2024, except for a slight increase in January 2025. May marked the 70th consecutive month of exceeding one million sales-related background checks.
Airstream Parent Thor Industries Returns to Sales Growth in Fiscal Q3
Thor Industries, Inc.’s earnings and sales surpassed expectations in the fiscal third quarter ended April 30, driven by efforts to reduce costs coupled with modest top-line improvement. The maker of recreational vehicles posted its first quarterly sales gain since 2022.
EXEC: Sportsman’s Warehouse Execs Lay Out Turnaround Wins; Reiterate Guidance
Comp sales grew for the first time in nearly four years as the company focused on replenishing in-store stock, which boosted sales in the Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Sports categories. Ammunition was up 3 percent and Fishing was up 11 percent.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Expanding with Three New Locations
The retailer has opened two new locations in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. and Midlothian, Virginia; and will open another new store in Morgantown, West Virginia later this month.
Yankee Hill Machine Expands Distribution Network; Signs with Countrywide Sports
Headquartered in High Point, NC, Countrywide Sports was established in 2013 and is best known in the shooting sports community for its leadership in ammunition distribution including its Made in the USA suppressors, mounts and related firearm accessories.
Pitman Creek to Acquire Sports Specialists of Milwaukee, Inc.
The agreement to acquire Sports Specialists of Milwaukee, Inc. takes effect on June 23, 2025. Founded in 1972 and owned by Tom and Susan Ducrest, Sports Specialists also specializes in fishing tackle.
NRF: Father’s Day Spending To Hit Record $24 Billion this Year
U.S. consumers are poised to spend a record $24 billion on Father’s Day this year, according to an annual survey from the National Retail Federation. Over three-quarters of consumers (76 percent) plan to celebrate the occasion, spending an average of $199.38 per person, up from $189.81 in 2024.
Maryland’s Molly’s Place to Open Second Location
The hunt & fish retailer serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore plans to open a second location in Easton, MD featuring a “more elevated, curated take on the beloved Molly’s Place experience.” Its original store is in Kennedyville, MD.
Iron Valley Supply Promotes Jeremy Jester to Director of Sales Strategy
Jeremy Jester is a 25-year veteran of the distributor of handguns, optic accessories, gun parts, ammunition and suppressors.
Woox Expands U.S. Sales Team Representation with Elite Outdoor Sports
The manufacturer of rifle stocks, knives, axes, and accessories has retained Elite Outdoor Sports, based in Alta, WY, for representation in the hunting and shooting sports channel.
