SGB Update Outdoor
Stan’s NoTubes Hires Product Manager and Engineer
Brendon Brogan was hired by Stan’s NoTubes as a product manager and Kai Gabriel as an engineer, who interned for the company while attending Penn State University for mechanical engineering with a minor in engineering design.
Garmin Appoints Co-COOs
Patrick Desbois and Brad Trenkle were promoted to the newly created role as co-chief operating officers (Co-COO), effective July 1, 2024. Desbois had been Garmin’s EVP of operations, while Trenkle led the company’s outdoor segment.
Shaun White’s Unrivaled Sports Acquires Stake in Snobahn
Snobahn, founded in 2016, offers indoor facilities to advance skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX skills to with features that include revolving slopes and trampoline freestyle areas.
Report: Retail Sales Show Signs of Stabilization in May
The latest report from Circana reveals that U.S. retail sales, encompassing discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG), have experienced a 1 percent growth, with consumers adapting their spending habits in response to moderating price pressures.
Head Rush Technologies Recalls Belay Devices
Head Rush Technologies recalled about 2,200 Trublue iQ auto belay devices for climbers sold in the U.S. due to a fall risk.
BioLite Acquires MPowerd
Co-founded in 2012 as a B Corp. and Benefit Corporation by John Salzinger, MPowered CEO Seungah Jeong and the sales and marketing departments will join the BioLite team.
NSGA Promotes Jenny Shaffer to CFO
Shaffer worked as a summer intern for the Association in 2011 and returned to join the company full-time in 2019 as comptroller. Before that, Shaffer worked for the accounting firm of Plante Moran in Chicago from 2012 to 2019.
Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded By S&P
S&P Global Ratings revised up its full-year guidance to expected annual sales growth of 20 percent in 2024, from 17 percent to 18 percent previously.
Paka Introduces New General Manager and Advisory Board
Paka, the sustainable clothing brand, hired former Prana executive Brian Thompson as general manager while introducing a new advisory board.
Winnebago’s Quarterly Sales Sink 13 Percent
Winnebago Industries, Inc. reported profits fell 50.9 percent in its fiscal third quarter ended May 25 as sales declined 12.7 percent. The company indicated profitability improved sequentially in both its Towable RV and Marine Segments.
FootBalance Appoints New CEO
Most recently, Atul Midha, was the global retail director at Eton Shirts. He also held senior leadership roles at Giorgio Armani, and other fashion retail and tech startups.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New CEO, Exec Chair, and Chief Stores Officer
Mark Hasting was promoted to president and CEO and Kim Treece to chief stores officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will assume the executive chair of the company’s Board and remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.
Report: Solo Camping Continues Upward Trend
The surge in solo camping is closely tied to the availability of free camping sites. In 2023, a significant 65.8 percent of campers chose to camp for free, an increase from 47.5 percent in 2021.
Finisterre Opens First North American Retail Location
The retail storefront, in partnership with Maine Surfers Union in Portland, ME, is expected to spearhead the brand’s global retail expansion into North America.