SGB Update Outdoor
U.S. Consumer Confidence Shrinks in December Survey; Tariffs Top of Mind
Based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, the Board’s Expectations Index tumbled 12.6 points to 81.1 for the month, just above the threshold of 80 that usually signals a recession ahead.
First Holiday Sales Wrap Up Sees 3.8 Percent Growth for 2024
Preliminary insights reveal that U.S. retail holiday sales, excluding automotive, increased 3.8 percent year-over-year from November 1 through December 24, exceeding the firm’s September forecast of 3.7 percent growth for the holiday sales period.
Bollé Brands Partners with Optician Distributor for Western Europe
Seaport-ODLM will manage the distribution of Bollé, Serengeti and Spy+ products across several key European markets, including Germany, Italy, Austria, France, Spain, and Portugal.
Manna Tree Appoints Managing Director of Human Talent
The a global private equity firm in the health and wellness sector, has appointed former Cotopaxi executive Grace Zuncic as its first managing director of human talent, effective January 2, 2025.
Nordstrom Family and Mexico-Based Partner Acquire Nordstrom Business for $6.25B
The company has signed a definitive agreement under which Erik Nordstrom, Pete Nordstrom and Jamie Nordstrom, and other members of the Nordstrom family will own 50.1 percent and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. (Liverpool), will own 49.9 percent of Nordstrom, Inc.
Scholastic Sports Sales Owner Jeff Miller Passes Away
Miller owned Scholastic Sports Sales, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2024 and is in its third generation of family ownership. He was a member of the NSGA Board for two terms from 2015 to 2021. He unexpectedly passed away on December 19 at age 69.
U.S. Congress Re-Authorizes the Economic Development Administration
The EDA, a federal agency focused on promoting economic growth and job creation in communities across the country, plays a crucial role in supporting the outdoor recreation economy.
U.S. Senate Passes EXPLORE Act Modernizing Outdoor Recreation Policy
A first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the President’s desk for signature.
Winnebago Industries Posts Fiscal Q1 Net Loss on Lower Unit Volume and ASPs
The company said the RV and marine operating environment remained challenging in the first quarter, marked by subdued consumer demand and a cautious dealer network reluctant to make significant commitments on new orders ahead of the historically slow winter season.
Big 5 Sporting Goods Renews Five-Year Credit Facility with BofA
The company has entered into an agreement to amend and extend its credit facility with Bank of America, N. A., as administrative agent and lender.
Smith Expands Snow Marketing and Product Teams with New Hires
Grady Skelton joins the company as global snow marketing manager working collaboratively with Kevin Wonnacott in his new role as the snow category manager.
SIA Participation Study Data Reveals Snowboarding and XC Skiing as Most Diverse
The SIA study found that Black male snowboarders make up 13 percent of male participants, which stands as the highest proportion of male snowboarders across all winter sports disciplines in the U.S.
ICSC Makes Final Argument for Brick & Mortar Holiday Shopping in New Survey Report
The membership trade organization serving the commercial real estate and retail industries reported physical stores remain an important part of holiday shopping, as 84 percent of surveyed respondents intend to shop in-store or visit a store to pick up an online order.
Nordstrom Sets Plan to Open Rack Store in Nashua, NH
The 30,000-square-foot store will be located in Royal Ridge Center, a shopping center that includes Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post, HomeGoods, PetSmart, The Paper Store, and other retailers.
Birkenstock Saw Fiscal Q4 Sales Growth Accelerate as Full Year Beats Forecast
The company said over 90 percent of wholesale growth came from within existing doors as key retail partners continue to expand the breadth and depth of their Birkenstock offerings to meet growing consumer demand.
