SGB Update Outdoor

PeopleForBikes Coalition Board Reviews 2024 Priorities
PeopleForBikes Coalition Board of Directors, a group of 21 bike industry leaders, virtually met for its semi-annual gathering on December 12 to review the organization’s top priorities and initiatives for 2024.

Rossignol Opens Brand Store in the French Alps
The new store in Courchevel, a summer and winter vacation destination in the French Alps, sells its full range of apparel and winter sports equipment.
Gerber Gear Hires Marketing Chief
Gerber Gear, based in Portland, OR, hired Ash Williams as the outdoor brand’s new head of marketing, effective December 4. Williams was, most recently, the VP of marketing at Grundéns.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Names Senior Manager in Financial Planning
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit hired Chris Postanowicz as senior manager of Marine Financial Planning and Analysis.

Vuori Opens Stores In New York City and Chicago
Vuori opened new stores in New York City and Chicago, representing a second location for the brand in each city. The NYC store opened on the Upper East Side, the Chicago storefront in Lakeview.

Sam’s Club to Reopen Store In Grapevine, TX
Sam’s Club reported plans to reopen in Grapevine, TX, in late 2024 after closing the store due to storm damage incurred in December 2022.

Vista Outdoor, Sport Dimension Renew Jimmy Styks License
Vista Outdoor, Inc. and water sports products manufacturer Sport Dimension, Inc. announced the renewal of their Jimmy Styks LLC brand license covering stand-up paddle boards, inflatable stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and water mats.

Oberalp Group Hires New Sales and Marketing Director
The Oberalp Group, which owns Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country, and Evolv, hired Loren Morshead as sales and marketing director for North America for the five brands in the U.S. and Canada.

Dick’s SG to Open House of Sport Stores in Florida and Delaware
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported plans to open House of Sport stores at Tampa International Plaza, its first in Florida, and another at Brandywine Town Center, its first in Delaware.

Timberland Appoints Global Brand President
Timberland appointed Nina Flood as global brand president. She had been interim Timberland president following Susie Mulder’s exit on November 8.

Gregory, High Sierra Parent Company Sees Debt Ratings Upgrade
S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings outlook of Samsonite International S.A., the parent of Gregory and High Sierra, as the company reported strong operating performance in the third quarter ended September due to both revenue growth and ongoing operational efficiency trends, which enabled it to accelerate its deleveraging.

KOA Appoints VP of Franchise Services
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) promoted Aaron Williamson to vice president of franchise services, highlighting his successful tenure in campground management and franchise operations.

Continental Tires Americas Hires Head of Bicycle
Continental Tires the Americas, LLC, based in Fort Mill, SC, said Shane Messner joined the company as head of Bicycle the Americas timed with the company’s recently announcing it is ramping up its presence in the U.S. and Canada with QBP as a new distribution partner.

Seirus Adds Indie Sales Agency for Colorado Territory
Seirus added Brooke Turner Webster and her agency to its independent sales rep team. As principal and managing partner of Turner LTD, Turner will oversee sales in Colorado, a key territory for the company.

Z-Man Adds and Upgrades Fishing Tackle Talent to Team
Six-year Z-Man veteran and previous sales manager Ryan Harder was promoted this past summer to brand manager. Brandon McKellar recently joined the company at its home office in Ladson, SC to backfill Harder’s former role.