NRF: Economy Delivers “Vigorous Growth” Despite Slowdown
According to the National Retail Federation’s Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, after a challenging year, the economy remains healthy despite slowing.
Johnson Outdoors Sees Q4 Revenues Halved as Fishing Sinks
Consolidated net sales in fiscal Q4 were $96.3 million, a $100.1 million decrease from the prior-year Q4 sales of $196.4 million. The net loss for the quarter was $16.0 million, or a loss of $1.56 a share, compared to net income of $9.7 million, or EPS of 95 cents a share in the fiscal 2022 fourth quarter.
Delta Apparel Posts Wider Fiscal Q4 Loss as Sales Fall 21 Percent
Salt Life Group segment net sales were $12.5 million in Q4, compared to prior-year fourth quarter net sales of $14 million. Net sales in the Delta Group segment were $78.9 million in Q4, compared to $101.5 million in the prior-year fourth quarter.
Adventure Wagon Introduces Gear Shop and Ox Box
The builder of modular camper vans, launched a gear shop for outfitting vehicles, including branded apparel to sleep systems, camping gear, power options, and storage solutions, and released its stackable Ox boxes for outdoor adventures.
Smith & Wesson Brands Sees Q2 Profits Shrink on Weak Margins
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. posted net sales of $125.0 million in the fiscal second quarter, an increase of 3.2 percent year-over-year. Gross margin continues to be temporarily pressured by fixed-cost absorption, inflationary factors, and inventory reserve adjustments.
Backpacker’s Pantry Names Vice President of Operations
Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods promoted Kris Luikart to vice president of operations. Luikart brings ten years of experience in planning and operations in the food industry to the position.
EXEC: Sports Direct Gets Fiscal H1 Boost from New Brands
Frasers Group reported retail revenue increased 4.0 percent in the first half ended October 29 to £2.69 billion ($3.4 bn), helped by a “strong underlying performance” from Sports Direct due in part to the addition of new brands, including On Running, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear and Salomon.
Winchester Launches Pet Products Line
Winchester Ammunition, a subsidiary of Olin Corp., introduced a line of pet products, the Winchester Signature series, and a brand called King Buck for U.S. consumers.
Tanger Acquires First Open-Air Lifestyle Center
Tanger acquired Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL for $193.5 million using cash on hand and available liquidity. Management expects the center to deliver a first-year return in the mid-eight percent range, with potential for additional growth over time.
ICSC Board of Trustees Elects New 2024 Chair and Vice Chair
The ICSC Board of Trustees elected Jim Taylor, president & CEO, Brixmor Property Group, to serve as ICSC’s chairman and Angele Robinson-Gaylord, SVP, store development americas, Starbucks, to serve as vice chairman for the 2024 term.
FWV Sells CGPR to Integrated Travel and Recreation Marketing Firm
Off Madison Ave acquired PR Agency CGPR from French/West/Vaughan (FWV), the Raleigh, NC-based marketing agency that acquired the company in February 2020. CGPR is the fifth merger and acquisition by Off Madison Ave since 2005.
EXEC: Stifel Survey Finds Consumers Prioritize Price/Value Over Sustainability
The survey, which was conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed active/causal lifestyle brand consumers ages 18 to 55 based in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Italy. It found that only one-third of respondents “Highly Prioritize” sustainability when making purchasing decisions, compared to other factors like “Good Value” (68 percent) and “Low Price” (57 percent).
NSSF: November Adjusted NICS Background Checks Climb 5 Percent
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that the November 2023 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System number increased by 5.0 percent, its second consecutive positive month.
Sporting Goods Industry Mourns the Passing of Jim Easton
Jim Easton, the second-generation owner of the Easton sports equipment companies and a pioneer in aluminum-based manufacturing processes used in sports equipment, died at his home in Los Angeles on December 4 at the age of 88.
Watchtower Firearms Hires Indie Sales Rep Agency
Veteran-owned firearm manufacturing company Watchtower, based in Spring, TX, has appointed independent sales rep agency Lou Leamont Sales & Marketing to handle sales on the East and West coasts, effective immediately.
