SGB Update Outdoor
Hunter Boots CEO Exits Amid Strategic Review
Hunter Boots announced that CEO Vincent Wauters will step down “by mutual agreement” at the end of July to pursue new opportunities. His exit comes as Hunter begins a strategic review. Wauters joined Hunter in 2016 from Arc’teryx, where he was president.
Safilo’s Debt Rating Downgraded
Moody’s Investors Service lowered its debt rating on the Italian eyeglass manufacturer Safilo S.p.A. due to the prolonged lockdown measures in most European and American countries and its impact on sales, distribution and manufacturing.
Christy Sports Donates $165,000 For COVID-19 Relief
Christy Sports LLC, one of the largest ski retailers in the U.S., announced over $165,000 in donations for COVID-19 Relief. The company focused on contributions in Colorado, Utah, Washington, and New Mexico to support communities where they operate.
Outdoor Retailer Introduces Outdoor Retailer Online This Summer
Outdoor Retailer has launched a new Outdoor Retailer Online platform in the wake of the cancellation of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market due to COVID-19. An online, three-day outdoor business, networking, and educational event will run from July 21-23, 2020.
Merrell Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Merrell, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., announced the appointment of Janice Tennant to the position of chief marketing officer, reporting directly to Merrell’s global brand president, Chris Hufnagel. She was formerly chief marketing officer for Cat Footwear.
Vail Resorts CEO To Donate $11.7 Million
Vail Resorts, Inc. announced that Chairman and CEO Rob Katz has exercised stock appreciation rights (SARs), that were set to expire in 2021, and will be making a charitable donation of 100 percent of the proceeds received. Katz plans to make immediate grants to support COVID-19 efforts, racial justice reform and programs for urban youth.
House Transportation Bill Proposes Major Increases For Federal Bike Programs
PeopleForBikes said a new bill has been released by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that would significantly increase federal funding for bikes.
Backcountry Announces Executive Leadership Changes
Backcountry, the online outdoor retailer, named Melanie Cox, formerly interim CEO at rue21, as its chief executive officer. Jonathan Nielsen, Backcountry’s CEO since March 2016, is departing. Additionally, Sarah Crockett, formerly at Burton, has been appointed chief marketing officer.
Jack Wolfskin’s CEO To Exit
Melody Harris-Jensbach, CEO of Jack Wolfskin, will depart. In a statement, the outerwear brand’s parent, Callaway Golf said an agreement had been reached more than a year ago that Harris-Jensbach would leave as soon as Jack Wolfskin’s integration into the Callaway Group was completed.
Gearlab Adds Canadian Sales Rep
Gearlab Outdoors has added new sales representation in Canada, expanding their global footprint in the paddle and watersports markets. Stepping into the Canadian sales role is Michael Gilbert who is the founder of B.C. Kayak Centre and life-long kayaking instructor and enthusiast.
Wigwam Mills Reopens Factory With New Generation At The Helm
Wigwam Mills Inc. has reopened its factory as Wisconsin’s stay-at-home restrictions have been eased by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. In addition, the Wigwam Board of Directors announced that leadership of the 115-year old brand has shifted to the fourth-generation siblings Chris Chesebro and Margaret Newhard.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Q1 Revenues Soar 41.8 Percent
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc.’s revenues jumped 41.8 percent in the first quarter due to surging demand for firearms and ammunition. Said Jon Barker, CEO, in a statement, “We introduced many new customers to the Sportsman’s Warehouse brand during the first quarter and we believe this bodes well for our long-term growth.”
Canada’s Sail Outdoors Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Sail Outdoors Inc., which operates 18 outdoor stores in Canada under the Sail and Sportium banners, has filed for bankruptcy protection in response to challenges posed by COVID-19 with a plan to restructure finances.
Duluth Trading Sees Modest Q1 Revenue Decline
Duluth Holdings Inc. the holding company of Duluth Trading, reported only a modest sales decline in the first quarter of May 3 as an acceleration of online sales helped to make up for store closures tied to COVID-19. Losses doubled in the traditionally-slow period for the brand.
Columbia Sportswear Closes Stores During George Floyd’s Memorial Services
Columbia Sportswear in an internal memo said it will be closing all its stores for two hours during George Floyd’s memorial service, make donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Marshall Project, and double-match contributions by employees to non-profits addressing racism.
