SGB Update Outdoor
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Erodes Slightly in May
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index dipped in May from April as the inflationary effects of the war in the Middle East intensified. The research group reported Tuesday, May 26, its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 93.1 in May from an upwardly revised 93.8 in April. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a reading of 92.0
Univ of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Declines for Third-Straight Month
U.S. consumer sentiment fell for the third straight month to another record low in May due to rising gas prices and fears of persistent inflation, according to the latest University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey.
Report: Western Mountain Resorts See 15 Percent Jump in Summer Bookings After Rough Winter
Occupancy at Western winter resorts reportedly ended the 2025/26 season down 7 percent y/y, while average daily rates managed to capture a 1.2 percent year-over-year increase. Inntopia reported that the dollars and cents for summer are on the upswing, with 181,681 nights booked in April for arrivals from May through October 2026.
Dover Saddlery Faces Liquidation
Dover Saddlery, which claims to be the largest equestrian retailer in the U.S., is expected to close all its approximately 30 stores unless an “economically viable” deal emerges.
Mountain High Outfitters to Open Store in Huntsville
Mountain High Outfitters plans to open a store next month at Parkway Place Mall in Huntsville, representing its eighth store in Alabama and 31st overall.
Grassroots Names Top Retailer Members and Vendor Partner Nominees
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Names Top Retailer Members and Vendor Partner Nominees for 2026
Authentic Brands Group Shifts Top Leadership
Authentic Brands Group announced that Matt Maddox has been promoted to president and CEO. Founder Jamie Salter transitions from CEO to executive chairman. Maddox joined Authentic in January as president and formerly served as CEO of Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts since 2018.
Kontoor’s Lee Brand Divesture Could Fuel Major Helly Hansen Expansion and Focus
Kontoor Brands, Inc. signed a definitive agreement to sell its Lee business to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion, including an initial transaction value of $750 million and a $250 million earnout opportunity in future years based on the performance of Lee under Authentic’s ownership.
Lycra Emerges from Bankruptcy, CEO Exits
The Lycra Company completed its financial restructuring and has emerged from Chapter 11, eliminating more than $1.2 billion in long-term debt and securing more than $75 million in new equity funding. Gary Smith has stepped down as CEO and a search for a successor has begun.
Ruffwear Appoints VP of Sales
Ruffwear promoted Sarah McCandless, formerly the brand’s director of customer experience, to head of global sales.
Chêne Gear Plans Store Location for the Buckhead District in Atlanta, Georgia
The 5,800 square-foot Buckhead store will open its doors in fall 2026. It is also expected to serve as a community hub for sportsmen and women, outdoor enthusiasts, and lifestyle customers across the Southeast region.
Sierra Discount Outdoor Banner Reaches 153 Doors as Parent TJX Tops Q1 Expectations
The TJX Companies, Inc. reported earnings rose 29 percent in the first quarter as consolidated comparable sales increased 6 percent, well above the company’s plan. The off-pricer lifted its guidance for the year. Sierra closed the quarter with 153 stores, up from 145 at the start of the quarter.
Target Corp. Boosts FY Sales Guidance as Q1 Comps Return to Growth
Target Corp. hiked its sales outlook for the year after reporting same-store sales in the first quarter grew 5.6 percent, the retailer’s first increase in the key metric in five quarters. Earnings also came in well ahead of analyst expectations and the discounter now sees full-year EPS at the high end of its prior range.
TNF and Vans Parent Sees Annual Growth for First Time in Three Years
VF Corp. reported that fiscal fourth quarter currency-neutral (C$) sales grew 7 percent at The North Face and 2 percent at Timberland. Vans declined 5 percent overall but the Americas returned to growth in the quarter.
The North Face Closes Only Store In Kansas
The North Face has closed its store at Leawood, Kansas, its only store in Kansas, leaving just one store in the broader “MINK” states region.
