SGB Update Outdoor

NRF Expected Cargo Traffic to Drop Dramatically Before Latest Tariff Moves
The latest Global Port Tracker report released on April 9 by the NRF and Hackett Associates suggests cargo traffic will drop dramatically beginning next month; however, that outlook might change given the changes in the tariff picture.

Costco Sees March Comps Grow 9.1 Percent x-Gas; E-Commerce Up High Teens
Costco reported net sales of $25.5 billion for the retail month of March, the five weeks ended April 6, 2025, an increase of 8.6 percent from $23.5 billion in fiscal March last year.

Sitka Gear Realigns Indie Rep Sales Territories
The company expanded the territory of Jeff Watt to now include the Upper Midwest as well his existing AR, IL, and the MINK states. Sitka has also added new representation in the PNW, CA, AZ, NV and UT, plus Mid-Atlantic and New England.

Report: Affordability and Evolving Traveler Trends Highlight Growth in Camping
This insight comes from a new Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) — Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, released today, which highlights the industry’s resilience, even amid economic uncertainty.

GoPro Expanding Board with Active Outdoor Lifestyle Brand Veterans
Appointee Mick Lopez held leadership roles at Vista Outdoors. Nominee Mike Dennison is currently CEO of Fox Factory and serves on the Boards of Fox Factory Holding Corp. and Solo Brands, Inc. and nominee Emily Culp serves on the Board of Stio.

VF Corp. Promotes Abhishek Dalmia to EVP and Chief Operating Officer
The company’s Board of Directors has named Dalmia as EVP and chief operating officer and principal operating officer, effective April 3, 2025. He has served as EVP and chief strategy, transformation and digital officer since March 2024.

Axil Brands Posts Solid Fiscal Q3 Results; Sets Plan to Move Production to U.S.
With new tariffs now in effect, the company is accelerating its supply chain transition strategy, relocating key operational leadership to the U.S. and initiating plans to build out domestic manufacturing capabilities.

MasterCraft Boat Holdings Sets Transition at CFO Position
Company Chief Financial Officer Tim Oxley has decided to retire from the company, effective December 31, 2025. Scott Kent, currently VP of finance, will succeed Oxley as CFO, effective July 1, 2025.

KOA Adds Eighth Blue Water Property to Portfolio
Tall Pines/Chesapeake Bay KOA, located near the Assateague and Chincoteague Island, is nestled between tall pines and the waterfront of the Pocomoke Sound.

Marquee Brands Partners with All Sport to Expand Dakine Presence in Europe
Dakine said this new strategic alliance will bolster the brand’s retail presence across the region, ensuring top-tier service and fulfillment for key retailers and e-commerce platforms.

BDA Promotes Former Nordstrom Exec to Divisional VP of Program Management
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC (BDA) is the largest, independently owned branded merchandise agency with operations in over 50 locations worldwide. With a proven record of building large e-commerce solutions, Lisa Battistoni’s expertise will drive innovation and optimize BDA’s digital offerings.

Massimo Motor Launches New Online Sales Platform
The U.S. manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles and products for the outdoor enthusiast, launched a new online sales platform, expanding its national sales channels and enhancing customer convenience.

Duluth Trading Welcomes Stephanie Pugliese Back as President and CEO
Pugliese replaces outgoing CEO Sam Soto, who announced last week he was leaving the business. She first joined Duluth Trading in November 2008 as VP of product and merchandising, and was promoted continuosly until assuming the CEO role in 2015, a role she served in until 2019.

Simms Fishing Launches Resale Program for Pre-Owned Gear
Launching first as a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace, Simms Recast allows the broader angling community to buy and sell pre-owned Simms gear direct with one another.

NRF: Consumer Spending Not Unraveling; Retail Sales Growth to Continue in 2025
The association’s 2025 sales forecast compares with 3.6 percent annual sales growth to $5.29 trillion dollars in 2024. This year’s forecast also aligns with the 10-year pre-pandemic average annual sales growth of 3.6 percent.