SGB Update Outdoor
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.
Kreedom Eyewear Hires National Sales Manager
Brandon Hidalgo was appointed national sales manager, replacing Dave Cohen who departed the company.
Trango Hires Facility Sales Coordinator
Roy Quanstrom will work with Trango’s independent sales teams to enhance its relationship with commercial gyms in the U.S. and “wall” accounts
Centric Brands Inks Global Licensing Partnership with Messi Brand
The product categories will offer a diverse range of styles that embody the Lionel Messi brand, featuring men’s, women’s and kid’s categories, including apparel, outerwear.
JCPenney Invests $40 Million in Supply Chain Upgrades
As part of the retailer’s self-funded $1 billion reinvestment strategy announced last year, the centerpiece of the upgrade is implementing the Joey Pouch sorting system at its distribution center in Reno, NV.
Helinox Opens Flagship in Paris
The company opened its first retail store in Europe and will also serve as a community hub, hosting events, artists and activities.
Retail Sales in May Weaker Than Forecasted
Retail sales increased slower than expected in May versus the prior month, as high interest rates and inflation pressured consumer spending.
Report: Cooling Rates Spark Strongest Western Resort Bookings in a Year
DestiMetrics reported the positive news for lodging properties and consumers represented the strongest booking pace in over a year, along with a return to more predictable pre-pandemic patterns for day-of-the week arrivals.
Authentic Appoints General Manager of Africa
Authentic Brands Group appointed of Warren Bowers as general manager. Bowers’ previous roles include managing director at Bounty Brands and senior retail director at Adidas.
Bass Pro Sets To Open In Grand Prairie, TX
The store will mark the 15th Bass Pro Shops location in Texas and fifth in the Dallas metro area.
EVent Fabrics Names Marketing and Branding Manager
EVent Fabrics hired Shannon Walton as marketing and branding manager. Previously, Walton represented industry brands as a partner with The Walton Works agency and as a PR and marketing manager for Schoeller Textil, Inc., USA, for ten years.
Selle Royal Group Appoints New U.S. Based Sales Managers
Two dedicated OE (original equipment) sales managers, already part of the Selle Royal Group team, Chris Ballard and Patrick Gore, were appointed as territory managers for the H2 (Highway 2) saddle brand to drive growth in its OEM Business in North America.
Skratch Labs Opens New European Headquarters and Distribution Facility
Skratch Labs, based in Boulder, CO, expanded its distribution network to Europe to serve endurance sports retailers and establish Skratch’s DTC online sales capabilities through its new European domain. Skratch Labs tapped industry veteran Sebastian Eckmann as managing director to lead European operations.
