SGB Update Outdoor

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Sees March Y/Y Retail Sales Growth Accelerate
Growth in the Clothing, Footwear and Accessories Stores sector softened from the January and February trends, while the industry that includes Sporting Goods stores accelerated versus January and February periods, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor for March.

Guardian Bikes Inks Financing Deal to Re-Shore Bike Frame Manufacturing to Indiana
The company has closed on a $19 million financing deal with JPMorganChase to launch the first large-scale bike frame manufacturing operation in the U.S. in Guardian’s manufacturing hub in Seymour, IN.

Yamaha U.S. Marine BU Promotes Dean Burnett to VP, Marine Business
Burnett oversees the Yamaha U.S. Marine Development and Advanced Development teams and Yamaha’s Boat Business Unit, which includes the WaterCraft Business Group, G3 Boats and Skeeter Boats.

NRF Expected Cargo Traffic to Drop Dramatically Before Latest Tariff Moves
The latest Global Port Tracker report released on April 9 by the NRF and Hackett Associates suggests cargo traffic will drop dramatically beginning next month; however, that outlook might change given the changes in the tariff picture.

Costco Sees March Comps Grow 9.1 Percent x-Gas; E-Commerce Up High Teens
Costco reported net sales of $25.5 billion for the retail month of March, the five weeks ended April 6, 2025, an increase of 8.6 percent from $23.5 billion in fiscal March last year.

Sitka Gear Realigns Indie Rep Sales Territories
The company expanded the territory of Jeff Watt to now include the Upper Midwest as well his existing AR, IL, and the MINK states. Sitka has also added new representation in the PNW, CA, AZ, NV and UT, plus Mid-Atlantic and New England.

Report: Affordability and Evolving Traveler Trends Highlight Growth in Camping
This insight comes from a new Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) — Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, released today, which highlights the industry’s resilience, even amid economic uncertainty.

GoPro Expanding Board with Active Outdoor Lifestyle Brand Veterans
Appointee Mick Lopez held leadership roles at Vista Outdoors. Nominee Mike Dennison is currently CEO of Fox Factory and serves on the Boards of Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Solo Brands, Inc. and nominee Emily Culp serves on the Board of Stio.

VF Corp. Promotes Abhishek Dalmia to EVP and Chief Operating Officer
The company’s Board of Directors has named Dalmia as EVP and chief operating officer and principal operating officer, effective April 3, 2025. He has served as EVP and chief strategy, transformation and digital officer since March 2024.

Axil Brands Posts Solid Fiscal Q3 Results; Sets Plan to Move Production to U.S.
With new tariffs now in effect, the company is accelerating its supply chain transition strategy, relocating key operational leadership to the U.S. and initiating plans to build out domestic manufacturing capabilities.

MasterCraft Boat Holdings Sets Transition at CFO Position
Company Chief Financial Officer Tim Oxley has decided to retire from the company, effective December 31, 2025. Scott Kent, currently VP of finance, will succeed Oxley as CFO, effective July 1, 2025.

KOA Adds Eighth Blue Water Property to Portfolio
Tall Pines/Chesapeake Bay KOA, located near the Assateague and Chincoteague Island, is nestled between tall pines and the waterfront of the Pocomoke Sound.

Marquee Brands Partners with All Sport to Expand Dakine Presence in Europe
Dakine said this new strategic alliance will bolster the brand’s retail presence across the region, ensuring top-tier service and fulfillment for key retailers and e-commerce platforms.

BDA Promotes Former Nordstrom Exec to Divisional VP of Program Management
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC (BDA) is the largest, independently owned branded merchandise agency with operations in over 50 locations worldwide. With a proven record of building large e-commerce solutions, Lisa Battistoni’s expertise will drive innovation and optimize BDA’s digital offerings.

Massimo Motor Launches New Online Sales Platform
The U.S. manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles and products for the outdoor enthusiast, launched a new online sales platform, expanding its national sales channels and enhancing customer convenience.