SGB Update Outdoor

United Sports Brands Names CEO

Phil Gyori was appointed CEO. Most recently, he was the CEO of Pelican Products. His hire follows the company’s recent acquisition by Norwest Equity Partners.

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Names SVP of Communications & Operations

Whitney Potter Schwartz will reportedly oversee branding and communications, strategy, and events for ORR and support the development and operations goals through new partnerships to “elevate” the organization’s policy objectives for the outdoor economy at the national level.

Bell Slope Bike Helmets Recalled

About 11,000 Bell Slope adult bike helmets are being recalled. The strap anchor could dislodge from the helmet when sufficient force is applied, violating CPSC federal safety guidelines.

Costco’s Global Sales Climb 10 Percent In December

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $26.15 billion for the retail month of December, an increase of 9.9 percent from $23.80 billion last year. U.S. sales were up 7.3 percent.

Report: U.S. Holiday Online Sales Grow 4.9 Percent

Online spending in the U.S. during the 2023 holiday season climbed 4.9 percent to $222.1 billion in November and December, according to Adobe Analytics. Growth was reportedly driven by sizeable discounts across electronics, toys and apparel, as well as increased usage of the flexible ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ payment option.

Lazydays Promotes Dillard to VP Operations

Amber Dillard was promoted to VP of operations, effective immediately. The company said Dillard’s tenure began in 2011, “reflecting over a decade of commitment and service to the company.”

Academy Sports’ Former President Lands at Groundworks

Groundworks, the foundation and water management solutions company, hired Michael Mullican as CFO. Last October, Mullican stepped down from Academy Sports as president and CFO to pursue personal and professional opportunities.

Chums Expands Marketing Team

Chums hired Grace Overby as its new marketing coordinator, enabling Maddy Morton to transition to the newly created role of creative brand manager.

Haro Bikes Hires Chief Marketing Officer

Haro Bikes, based in Vista, CA, hired Megan Tompkins as chief marketing officer. Haro reported that she has “lengthy experience in international marketing and sales for cycling brands, including Crankbrothers, Specialized and Shimano.

Costco Store in Virginia to Unionize

At the Costco store in Norfolk, VA, employees voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, the largest union in America, marking the first “victory” for workers at a Costco location in two decades.

Xcel Wetsuits Hires Head of E-Commerce

Xcel Wetsuits hired Johnny Gothard to head its e-commerce business in the U.S. and international markets. Most recently, Gothard was director of e-commerce at Rip Curl.