SGB Update Outdoor

Vail Resorts Announces 2024/25 Winter Season Opening Dates
The company will kick off the ski season in October at Keystone Resort, with more resorts across the Rockies and West opening closer to the winter season.

Leatt Corporation Swings to Q2 Loss as Global Sales Fall Despite U.S. Growth
Consumer-direct sales increased by 19 percent, and dealer-direct sales increased by 14 percent, which the company believes is a testament to brand recognition and the success of its drive to reach a wider global consumer group.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Appoints Outdoor Marketing Division Manager
A 21-year company employee, Scott Higgins now oversees Yamaha Marine advertising, events, tournaments and sponsorships, Yamaha pro staff, and Yamaha Marine dealer education. He succeeds Susan Camp, who retired in August 2024.

Reports: Rad Power Bikes Cut More Headcount in July
This is the sixth round of layoffs that have hit the e-bike startup since 2021.

Winnebago Makes Transitioning Moves on Executive Leadership Team
Chris West, senior vice president of Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, has been named president of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses, replacing Huw Bower who is stepping down at the end of August.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Plans New Distribution Center in Fort Worth, TX
Construction on the facility will begin early this fall with a groundbreaking. The building phase is expected to create more than 800 temporary construction jobs. The facility is expected to open in early 2026.

Nordstrom Plans to Open Four New Locations in North Carolina by Spring 2025
In addition to a planned 25,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store in Morrisville, NC, the retailer will also open three stores in Mooresville, Raleigh and Matthews, NC this fall and next spring.

Black Diamond to Launch Partner-Run Mountain Shop with Wilderness Exchange
Wilderness Exchange, a purveyor of specialty outdoor gear and clothing for 25 years in downtown Denver, will launch the first partner-run mountain shop in North America with Black Diamond.

Outtech Adds Acurite to Brand Stable
Outtech, the sales and marketing agency for the outdoor industry, added the manufacturer of weather stations and weather technology for outdoor and indoor home monitoring, to its portfolio of brands.

Deuter to Integrate Packs With HydraPak Hydration Reservoirs and Soft Flasks
Deuter will integrate customized hydration reservoirs and soft flasks designed by HydraPak into a range of its performance backpacks. Deuter expects to release the first product to the market in Spring 2025.

Massimo Group Sees 32 Percent Q2 Growth on E-Bikes, UTVs & ATVs Segment Gains
Revenue from sales of UTVs, ATVs, and E-Bikes increased 53.3 percent to $34.2 million in the second quarter, partially offset by a 73.5 percent decrease in revenue from sales of pontoon boats.

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Reveals Lower Growth in July Core Retail Sales Trend
July’s increase of 1.7 percent was half the June trend, which showed a 3.4 percent increase y/y. Sporting goods, hobbies, music, and bookstores were up just 1.1 percent y/y, while clothing and accessory stores fell 4.8 percent.

Rockport Secures Australia and New Zealand Distribution Partner
Rockport, acquired last year by Authentic in bankruptcy proceedings, retained Munro Footwear Group as its distribution partner for Australia and New Zealand.

Gregory Parent’s Debt Ratings Raised on Improved Credit Metrics
S&P Global Ratings upgraded the debt ratings of Samsonite International S.A., the parent of Gregory and High Sierra, due to improved credit metrics driven by strong operating performance and disciplined expense management.

The Ironman Group Appoints Managing Director of North America
Keats McGonigal began his career at The Ironman Group as an intern in 2007, rising steadily in responsibilities. In this new role, he leads the North American region’s more than 75 full-time employees and over 55 annual events across multiple sporting disciplines.