SGB Update Outdoor
Cotopaxi Signs New Canadian Market Distributor
Montreal-based In-Sport Fashions Inc. is said to bring 35 years of experience representing premium outdoor and lifestyle brands across Canada.
Vail Resorts Sees Lower-than-Expected NA Spring Lift Ticket Visits
CEO Kirsten Lynch said destination visitation among pre-committed pass-holder customers improved as expected in March and April; however, visitation from lift ticket customers was below expectations.
Hudson’s Bay to Close Balance of Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue Locations
The Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue stores in Canada are expected to operate until no later than June 15, 2025; however, some may close earlier. The company will close 9 Saks Off 5th stores on Sunday, April 27.
SGB Media Relaunches SGB Outdoor Email Newsletter
The publishing company, which has focused on the active lifestyle market since 2003, is now delivering a weekly SGB Outdoor Update email newsletter each Friday morning, except for holidays, to provide a focused view and weekly wrap of the top stories of the week for outdoor market industry professionals heading into the weekend.
Sweet Protection Names Brand Marketing Manager for U.S. and Canada
Industry veteran Jon Jay is responsible for increasing Sweet Protection’s brand awareness in North America through marketing and public relations channels and also working with large- and small-scale retailers in the territories.
Sea to Summit Strengthens Canadian Sales Agency Network
Sea to Summit is expanding its presence in Canada through enhanced sales partnerships with Tandem West Sales in the West and Agence Quartier Général in the East.
Grassroots Expects 5.9 Percent Growth in Spring Connect Buyer Attendance
Grassroots indicated that the 148 retail businesses and 147 exhibitors are essentially flat versus last year’s Spring Connect Show, but individual buyers increased 5.9 percent year-over-year to 391 buyers.
S&S Activewear Appoints Three Senior Leaders to Strengthen Commercial Team
The distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, has appointed Jim Sturgell as senior vice president of sales, Nick Blannin as senior vice president of merchandising and Bill Topf as senior vice president of commercial strategy and operations.
Report: Consumers Willing to Spend More for Brands if Prices Increase
A recent report from UserTesting, a provider of human insights for the enterprise, reveals that brand loyalty isn’t just holding steady in 2025, it’s becoming a safe haven for consumers navigating higher prices and watching their wallets.
Bike Nashbar Founder Arni Nashbar Passes Away; Leaves a Rich Legacy
In response to what he saw as a gap in quality customer service in bike mail-order companies, he and his wife founded Bike Nashbar. At its peak, the company mailed over 14 million catalogs annually across the U.S. and Canada, employed over 350 people and shipped over 6,000 packages daily.
Rural King Opens New Kingsport Store
The store carries a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.
Castle Peak Holdings Acquires Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, WY
The acquisition marks Castle Peak’s eighth property and the company’s largest, following the recent opening of Trailborn Grand Canyon, Trailborn Surf & Sound, and Trailborn Highlands.
Shred. Accelerates Distribution in Switzerland with Catrade SA
The company’s will work closely to bring the Shred. products to specialty retailers in Switzerland and to strengthen the brand’s presence in the region’s discerning ski and snowboard markets.
OIA Reports Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Returned to Growth in 2024
Outdoor market retail sales totaled $28 billion in 2024, up 1 percent year-over-year. OIA noted that overall Apparel sales remained stagnant, Equipment sales declined slightly, and Accessories and Footwear saw positive growth in 2024.
Planet Fitness Franchisee Joins NewRoad Capital Partners
The new partner at the firm, Vincent Love, is based out of Denver, CO. He is a Planet Fitness franchisee, owning five gyms in Colorado and Wyoming.
