SGB Update Outdoor
REI Co-op Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Shannon Damen joins the company from Gap, Inc., where, most recently, she was the global head of real estate and held roles as chief financial officer and chief commerce & experience officer at Athleta.
Boot Barn Holdings Removes “Interim” from John Hazen’s CEO Title
Hazen has served as the company’s interim CEO since November 2024. In October 2024, Boot Barn reported that then-CEO James Conroy was leaving the retailer to become CEO of Ross Stores.
Cascade Designs Taps Mindful Sales for New England Region
Founded in 2022 by Patrick Manzer, headquartered in Kennebunk, ME, Mindful Outdoor Sales assumes responsibility for the six-state region of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, succeeding longtime rep Chris Lathrop, who is retiring after a three-decade-long career in the outdoor industry.
Rab Names New Sales Agency for North Central U.S.
End2End founded in 2017 by outdoor sales rep Connor Larsen in Austin, TX, will represent the company in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Kona Bicycles Taps Charles Russell to Lead Sales & Marketing
Russell reportedly lived and worked in Europe, Canada and the U.S. for a range of global bike brands, including Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Yeti Cycles and Cannondale, “giving him a unique perspective on building global brand recognition and demand.”
Hydro Flask and Osprey Parent Helen of Troy Sees CEO Exit; CFO Takes Reins
Helen of Troy Limited, the parent of Hydro Flask, and Osprey, said Noel Geoffroy has resigned as CEO and has departed, effective immediately. Brian Grass, chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
Escalade’s Q1 Sales Slide 3 Percent
Escalade, Inc. reported improved earnings climbed 44.4 percent with a boost from improved gross margins. Sales were down 3.2 percent, although growth was achieved in archery, outdoor games, darting, and safety categories.
Lowa Names New U.S. General Manager as Peter Sachs Plans Retirement
Peter Sachs is stepping down as the brand’s USA general manager, with Lance Taylor, an outdoor industry veteran, assuming the role. Taylor worked at Salomon for 17 years, most recently as head of its Outdoor National Business Unit.
Nite Ize Expands Portfolio; Acquires Orange Screw
An alternative to tent stakes and anchoring devices, Orange Screw products come in two sizes, 12.25- and 9.5-inch, and are used for various outdoor applications, including securing tents, canopies and landscape elements.
Kohl’s BOD Terminates New CEO for Cause; Forecasts Q1 Comps Down in Mid Singles
Multiple sources are publishing that Buchanan was terminated after an investigation found that he violated the retailer’s code of conduct by entering into a “highly unusual” business deal.
Traeger Swings to Q1 Profit on Grill Growth; Sets Pricing Increase and Expense Cuts
In light of the uncertain demand environment and to promote balance sheet health, the company has significantly reduced purchase orders on grills and will reassess purchase plans with further sell-through data in the coming months.
Repreve Maker Unifi Sees Stronger Fiscal Q3 Americas Business as Asia Weakens
Unifi’s results for the third quarter were in line with expectations, driven by an improved performance in the Americas segment due to the positive traction the company experienced with the growth in its Central America business.
Report: More U.S. Consumers Will Abandon Shoe Purchases Based on Price
The new Spring 2025 U.S. Footwear Consumer Survey from AlixPartners and the FDRA found that consumers are more likely to abandon a purchase due to cost, with 78 percent of respondents in its latest survey stating they halted a purchase due to price, up 12 percentage points from 2024.
Garmin’s Fitness and Outdoor Segments Deliver Double-Digit Growth
Garmin, Ltd. reported sales rose 12 percent in its Fitness segment and 20 percent in its Outdoor segment while its Marine segment showed a 2 percent decline.
Liberated Brands Europe Acquired by OneTurn S.A.S.
OneTurn S.A.S., a company newly formed by members of Liberated’s leadership team — CEO Joost Grootswagers and COO Antoine Lanusse — will continue to “preserve and grow the business independently.”
