SGB Update Outdoor
Import Volume Remains Strong Despite Recent Dockworker Strike
The NRF and Hackett Associates, in its recent Global Tracker Report, expect continued elevated shipment levels through October at the nations major container ports despite the recent strike by dockworkers.
Ted Ligety Joins DPS Skis and PHANTOM Glide Product Teams (COPY)
A member of the U.S. Ski Team for 18 seasons, Ligety has 25 World Cup wins under his belt and is regarded as one of the best giant slalom skiers in ski racing history. Ligety will help develop the DPS and Phantom Glide product lines, working with Senior VP Thomas Laakso and DPS Founder Peter Turner.
Bain Forecasts Record Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales
U.S. retail sales over Black Friday – Cyber Monday (BFCM) weekend may set a new record, surpassing $75 billion in sales, according to a forecast from Bain & Company. The weekend is expected to deliver year-over-year growth of around 5 percent, outpacing Bain’s overall holiday sales growth forecast of 3 percent for the entire holiday season.
Ski Kare Has New Owners
Ski Kare, LLC, the largest distributor of Vola Racing Waxes in the United States, was acquired by Kyle and Rachel Kucin. Gifford Hoback, the former owner, will continue to work for the company in a consulting and manufacturing capacity.
Accell Group Undergoes Debt Restructuring
Backed by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR), Accell Group agreed to a restructuring that writes off 40 percent of its debt and will see its liabilities at the operating group level cut to €800 million ($881 million) from €1.4 billion, with maturities extended through to 2030.
Gill Marine Taps Travis Watson as National Sales Manager, Gill Fishing
The company said Watson brings a wealth of experience to his role, with 20 years experience in sales, buying, product development, and sourcing in the hunting and fishing space.
Paka Expands Senior Leadership to Fuel Brand Growth
The Peru-based sustainable apparel brand hired Christian Castellani as director of wholesale sales, Matt Etzler as senior director of e-commerce, Erika Marsh as senior director of supply chain and operations, and Megan Krajco as design director. Paris Karstedt was promoted to director of brand and marketing.
Coal Headwear Names Sales & Marketing Manager
Mike LeBlanc will “modernize the brand’s marketing approach, expand sales channels and elevate Coal’s presence in the global headwear market.”
NuOrder by Lightspeed Appoints New Head of Revenue
Chris Akrimi, most recently, was the CEO of The Layer, a tech company that “transforms commerce data through AI. ” There, he focused on positioning the company at the “forefront of AI-driven product data management.”
Footasylum Secures Funding to Drive Expansion
The company secured a £35 million ($46 mm) revolving credit line from HSBC to support expansion and sustainability initiatives, and set a goal to achieve carbon net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and Scope 3 by 2040.
Adidas’ UK Sales Fall 9 Percent in 2023
Companywide, Adidas’ sales in 2023 declined 5 percent to €21.4 billion in Euro terms with flat currency-neutral revenues. The discontinuation of the Yeezy business represented a drag of around €500 million on the year-over-year comparison during 2023.
Orvis Sets Layoffs and Store Closures; Discontinues Catalog
The 112 employees affected by the layoffs represent 8 percent of Orvis’ workforce. In the U.S., Orvis operates 70 retail stores and 10 outlets. In the UK, the company operates 18 retail stores and one outlet. The company did not disclose what store would be affected by the closures.
Salomon Opens Pop-Up In New York City, Plans Store Openings
The brand’s first store in SoHo, will serve as a test for Salomon as it plans to open five stores in 2025, beginning with a permanent space in New York City.
Report: Growing Participation Rates Supporting Outdoor Rec Sales and M&A
Capstone suggested that financial performance across the sector is expected to improve as firms work through excess inventories, limit promotion activity, and mitigate margin pressures.
Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Raised by S&P
S&P Global Ratings raised Academy Sports And Outdoor Inc.’s debt rating because the retailer has sustained S&P’s adjusted leverage well below the 2x area despite modest EBITDA margin contraction.
