SGB Update Outdoor
Haro Bikes Hires Chief Marketing Officer
Haro Bikes, based in Vista, CA, hired Megan Tompkins as chief marketing officer. Haro reported that she has “lengthy experience in international marketing and sales for cycling brands, including Crankbrothers, Specialized and Shimano.
Costco Store in Virginia to Unionize
At the Costco store in Norfolk, VA, employees voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, the largest union in America, marking the first “victory” for workers at a Costco location in two decades.
A Range of Business Issues, Brands and Retailers Top SGB Media’s Most Read for December
December 2023 featured many of the annual recaps and look aheads inherent in end-of-year business reporting; however, traffic and readership also rewarded a piece on Macy’s $5.8 billion buyout offer with the Most Read Article nod for the month.
Aspen Skiing Co. Sues U.K. Skiwear Brand Over Influencer Photos
Aspen Skiing Co. filed a lawsuit against Perfect Moment, the U.K.-based skiwear brand, for sending influencers to its four resorts to “falsely associate” themselves with the brand to “gain reputation” without permission.
Forward Outdoor Apparel Hires Global Brand Director and Head of Product
Forward Outdoor Apparel, the freeskiing and snowboarding apparel brand, appointed Tony McWilliam as global brand director and Lionnel Ducruet as head of product.
Xcel Wetsuits Hires Head of E-Commerce
Xcel Wetsuits hired Johnny Gothard to head its e-commerce business in the U.S. and international markets. Most recently, Gothard was director of e-commerce at Rip Curl.
Lazydays Closes on $35 Million Mortgage Loan Facility
The $35 million mortgage loan facility is funded by clients of Coliseum Capital Management and is reportedly secured by mortgages against certain dealership facilities and land held for future development.
Lands’ End Secures New Term Loan
Lands’ End, Inc. entered into a new term loan of $260 million. The company used the proceeds to refinance its existing term loan ahead of maturity in September 2025.
Bulls Bikes USA Hires Sales Chief
Los Angeles-based Bulls Bikes USA hired Rob Kaplan as head of sales. Most recently, Kaplan was VP of sales at Alta Cycling Group.
Thule Group Transitions CFO Role
In May 2023, Thule announced that Jonas Lindqvist, its CFO since 2020, would leave his position but remain in the role until it found his successor. The company announced in July 2023 that it had hired Toby Lawton to fill the CFO position.
Camping World to Add 15 Dealerships in the First Quarter
The company closed on the acquisition of Ashley Outdoors in Salem, AL, the first of 15 dealership locations Camping World expects to open in the first quarter of 2024.
Report: Merchandise Returns Reach 14.5 Percent in 2023
According to the report released by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail, for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer reportedly incurs $145 million in merchandise returns. Online sales do see a higher return rate, at 17.6 percent.
Report: U.S. Holiday Season Retail Sales at Low End of Forecast
U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, increased 3.1 percent year-over-year this holiday season, according to a report from Mastercard SpendingPulse measuring the period from November 1 through December 24.
Happy Holidays From SGB Media
In observance of the Christmas holiday, SGB Media is taking time to be with family and will not publish the SGB Updates on December 25. Publishing will resume on December 26 with one Update newsletter daily through December 29.
American Outdoor Brands Names Chief Product Officer
The company promoted James Tayon to chief product officer. Tayon will continue to lead the company’s strategic product direction, including product innovation, design, development, and marketing.
