SGB Update Outdoor
NRF: Back-To-School Shopping Expected to Reach Record Levels
Back-to-school spending is expected to climb 12.4 percent while back-to-college shopping will increase about 27 percent this year as both tiers reach recording spending levels, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Quality Bicycle Products Cuts U.S. Work Force
In response to an over-inventoried supply chain that continues to pressure the bike industry, Quality Bicycle Products reported that it reduced its U.S. workforce by 5 percent on July 12. The workforce reduction reportedly affected multiple departments.
Diddy Launches Online Marketplace for Black Entrepreneurs
Sean “Diddy” Combs launched Empower Global (EG), an e-commerce platform for selling products created and sold by Black entrepreneurs.
Authentic Brands Group Names Chief Financial Officer
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) named Kevin Wills as chief financial officer. Wills is based in the company’s New York headquarters and reports to Founder, Chairman and CEO Jamie Salter.
Western Mountain Destinations See Pick-Up in Summer Bookings
Summer is in full swing in mountain communities focused on hiking, biking, paddling and outdoor concerts, with a handful of resorts still offering limited skiing and riding. Positive economic news in June spurred an uptick in summer bookings, according to DestiMetric’s most recent monthly Market Briefing.
VanMoof Explores Sale Under Court Protection
Dutch e-bike manufacturer VanMoof reportedly applied to a local Dutch court and received an official suspension of payment provision to avoid bankruptcy proceedings while pursuing options to reduce debt, including a sale.
Amazon Sees ‘Biggest Ever’ Prime Day
U.S. online sales rose 6.1 percent to $12.7 billion during Amazon’s Prime Day two-day sales from July 11- 12, according to Adobe Analytics, which measures transactions at U.S. retail sites. Amazon called the first 24 hours of Prime Day the “single largest sales day in company history,” but did not disclose total sales.
Outdoor Market Alliance Names New Board President
Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA), Denver’s outdoor industry hub, named Steve Copeland as board president.
Indiana’s Bart’s Water Sports Heads to Auction Block
Bart’s Water Sports, founded in 1972 and based in North Webster, IN, will be offered for sale at auction on September 5, 2023.
Camping World Opens Location in Oshkosh
Camping World Holdings, Inc. opened an RV dealership at 3855 S. Washburn Street in Oshkosh, WI.
Zumiez, Inc. Appoints Foot Locker, Inc. Vet to Board
Zumiez, Inc. appointed Guy M. Harkless to its Board of Directors to serve as an independent Class II director for a term expiring at the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. Harkless will also serve on Zumiez Audit Committee.
ORR Launches Hub for Growing Outdoor Workforce
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable launched an Outdoor Workforce Hub on its website, developed with support from The VF Foundation, for employers, educators, those interested in joining the outdoor recreation industry, and those looking to expand their careers.
Smith’s Sporting Group Acquires Tanners Team Sports
Smith’s Sporting Group reported it acquired Tanners Team Sports, Inc. The two companies distribute over 1,000 products worldwide and nationally through specialty retailers and big box stores.
Report: Americans Continue to See Cathartic Relief in Recreational Fishing
Following a record increase in participation in 2020, Americans continue to find enjoyment, companionship, and peace of mind on the water, according to data from the latest Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s Special Report on Fishing.
Rip Curl, Oboz Parent Reiterates NZ$1.1 Billion Sales Outlook for Fiscal Year
KMD Brands, the parent company of Rip Curl, Oboz and Kathmandu brands, reported it is on track to deliver a record A$1.1 billion in full-year sales, despite softening consumer sentiment in the fiscal fourth quarter.
