SGB Update Outdoor
Switchback: Spring 2027 Show Shifts to May Dates in New Orleans
Diversified Communications plans to hold Switchback Spring, its outdoor-themed trade show, from May 22 to May 24 in 2027 after holding it from June 16 to June 18 this year. The event will again be held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Polaris Inc. Adds to Board of Directors
The owner of the Ranger, RZR, Polaris Xpedition, Bennington pontoons, and Slingshot brands, among others, has appointed Dustin J. Semach to the company’s Board of Directors, effective June 19, 2026. Semach currently serves as president and CEO of Sealed Air Corporation
Spank Industries Appoints Sales Manager for Distributor and OE Business
Spark Industries, the maker of mountain bike (MTB) and gravel bike components, hired industry veteran Greg Hudson as distributor and OE sales manager. Hudson spent nearly thirteen years at Chris King Precision Components.
L.L. Bean to Open Store in North Dakota
L.L. Bean plans to open a store at West Acres, a shopping center in Fargo, ND.
Johnson Outdoors Names New CFO
the owner of the Old Town, Carlisle, Minn Kota, Humminbird, ScubaPro, Jetboil and Eureka! brands appointed Asad Rahman as vice president and chief financial officer, effective June 30. Rahman previously worked for Mars Inc. and S. C. Johnson & Son..
Halfdays to Move to Larger Denver Headquarters
The women’s ski and outdoor apparel upstart backed in part by DSG Ventures signed a five-year lease to move into new quarters in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood.
Bass Pro Readies Opening for Store in Sayreville, New Jersey
Bass Pro Shops reported plans to open a 200,000-square-foot Outdoor World location in Sayreville, NJ, this fall. The store will be the largest single-level Bass Pro Shops location in the U.S. and mark its second store in New York’s Tri-State Region.
Columbia Sportswear Appoints Joe Vernachio President of Sorel
Vernachio led Mountain Hardwear, a Columbia Sportswear brand, from April 2017 to May 2021, then left to become the COO and ultimately, the CEO of Allbirds. Vernachio begins his role on June 22.
S&S Activewear to Add Ariat International Apparel to Expanding Brand Portfolio
The company’s customers “will gain access to a robust assortment of Ariat apparel for men and women, including wovens, fleece and outerwear designed for work, recreation and daily life.”
Father’s Day Spending Projected to Climb Double-Digits
Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $27.9 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, marking an increase of 16.5 percent from last year’s previous record of $24 billion.
Salomon to Open NYC Flatiron District Storefront
Salomon reports that the upcoming opening of its Flatiron store in New York City “marks a strategic effort to blend and grow its Sportstyle and Performance lines within major creative centers.”
Report: U.S. Retail Sales Rise 1.3 Percent in May as Footwear and Apparel Pressured
Overall U.S. retail spending rose 1.3 percent in May year-over-year, while unit demand declined 1.5 percent, according to Circana. Circana found footwear and apparel categories to be “under the greatest pressure, with declining volumes and pricing compression.”
Seattle’s Westside Bicycle Closes
Westside Bicycle in West Seattle closed after 11 years in business. Its sister location, Woodinville Bicycle in Woodinville, WA, remains open.
Memphis Retailer, Outdoors Inc., Closing After 52 years
Outdoors, Inc., in Memphis, TN, is closing after 52 years in operation. The retailer now has only one store at 5245 Poplar Avenue in East Memphis and an e-commerce site.
USA Surfing Appoints New CEO
USA Surfing has tapped Greg Hulsizer as its new CEO. The appointment comes as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in April certified USA Surfing as the National Governing Body for Olympic surfing in the United States.
