SGB Update Outdoor
NRF: Economic Conditions Look Like A Soft Landing, Not Recession
Economic indicators are giving conflicting signs but the nation does not appear to be in a recession and should be headed toward a soft landing from the rampant inflation and high interest rates of the past two years, according to National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.
Report: Labor Still A Top Challenge For Manufacturers As Optimism Remains Low
As rising interest rates, poor economic conditions and an ongoing talent shortage continue to plague manufacturers, optimism amongst industry leaders remains low, according to a new industry report.
Camping World Acquiring Mid-Atlantic RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. is set to acquire Hitch RV, including three locations across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2023.
VF Corp.’s Debt Ratings Downgraded By S&P
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt ratings on VF Corp. due to its below-plan results for the fiscal year ended April 1. The rating agency said it believes elevated inventory from realignment in the wholesale channel and weakened consumer demand will continue to pressure its credit metrics in fiscal 2024 and delay the recovery of its largest brand, Vans.
The Dyrt Hires First Head Of Sales
The Dyrt, an app for camping information and booking, hired Rob Hudson as head of sales. Hudson has spent two decades in advertising media and technology, most recently as senior sales director at Outside Interactive for the past three years.
RVIA 2023 Shipment Forecast For RVs Lowest In More Than 20 Years
RV wholesale shipments are projected to climb into the mid-300,000 unit range in 2024 after finishing 2023 in the 300,000-unit range, according to the Summer 2023 Issue of RV RoadSigns, the quarterly forecast prepared by ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association.
G-Form Awarded $1.2 Million R&D Agreement With U.S. Army
G-Form has secured its first Other Transaction Authority Agreement for Prototype (OTAp) with the U.S. Army Development Command – Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC), which ensures the dominance of Army capabilities by creating, integrating, and delivering technology-enabled solutions for soldiers.
Oboz Footwear Names Independent Sales Reps For Two Key Territories
Oboz Footwear named Stoner//Andrews and Evergreen Outdoor Group to represent the brand in New England and the Northwest, respectively.
Helinox Names New Independent Sales Reps For New England
Helinox partnered with Mindful Outdoor Sales to support the brand’s continued growth in the Northeastern U.S. region.
Rossignol Group Appoints New GM Of Global Softgoods Division
The Rossignol Group has tapped Liz Wilson as general manager of the Group’s global Softgoods division. After earlier stints at Nike and TNF, Wilson most recently acted as SVP of global product creation for Outdoor Research where she helped to double the brand’s business over four years.
BRC: May U.K. Retail Growth Moderates Despite Trio Of Bank Holidays
U.K. total retail sales increased 3.9 percent in May, against a decline of 1.1 percent in May 2022; this is below the 3-month average growth of 4.7 percent and above the 12-month average growth of 3.4 percent.
Academy Sports Trims Full-Year Outlook On Q1 Shortfall
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. slightly reduced its guidance for the year after reporting results for the first quarter ended April 29 missed plan although the sporting goods chains predicted sales would improve in the back half of the year.
Thor Industries’ Revenues Drop 37 Percent In Fiscal Third Quarter
Thor Industries, Inc. reported earnings fell 65.3 percent in the fiscal third quarter ended April 30 on a 37.1 percent revenue decline against pandemic-boosted results in the year-ago quarter. The maker of RVs slightly raised its outlook for the year on a better-than-expected performance.
Traeger Appoints Former Fanatics, UA Ops Chief As President Of Meater Brand
Traeger, Inc. appointed Jim Hardy as president of the Meater brand. Hardy has been the COO of Traeger since September 2022 and previously as its chief supply chain officer since March 2021. Hardy held the position of COO of Fanatics, Inc. and was EVP of global operations for Under Armour, Inc.
VF Corp. Launches Operations At New Ontario, CA Distribution Center
VF Corp. started operations at its new distribution center in Ontario, CA, employing approximately 550 people during peak periods. The company said the new 1.2 million-square-foot facility is the largest and most efficient within its global network of 46 distribution centers.
