SGB Update Outdoor
GearJunkie Parent Acquires Pack Hacker
Pack Hacker’s focus on travel gear reviews and buying advice is expected to complement AllGear Digital’s brand portfolio covering outdoor sports, cycling, surfing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Report: Nearly 8 of 10 Online Chargebacks Originate from Consumers, Not Fraud
Based on anonymized data obtained from Chargeflow’s merchant database, the company’s 2024 report found that 79.03 percent of chargeback cases result from friendly fraud, driving the need for businesses to adopt automated fraud detection solutions and educational initiatives.
Marine Products Corp. Sees Q4 Boat Unit Sales Sink 34 Percent
The parent of the Chaparral and Robalo boat brands said Q4 net sales came in at $70.9 million, down 35 percent from Q4 2022, primarily due to a 34 percent decrease in the number of boats sold during the quarter.
Report: Camper’s Preferences Could Mean More Business, New Employees
KOA created its 2023 Odds and Ends report to bring quirky and intriguing findings that showcase travel’s diversity and evolving nature. Many could mean more business for outdoor brands, retailers, campgrounds, and RV dealers.
Phantom Glide Expands Sales Team in U.S. and Europe
“With the launch of Phantom Glide Nordic and the strong momentum we’re seeing with Phantom Glide sales, we jumped at the opportunity to add two veteran sales managers to the team.” —Steve Kropf, Senior Vice President, Sales, Phantom Glide.
KV Capital Merges Two Powersports Brands Via Acquisition
The company anticipates merging the UTV Canada business with Mountain Sports Distribution, the full-service powersports distributor that joined the KV Capital Fund II portfolio in 2023. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Thor Industries Appoints Chief Human Resources Officer
Michele McDermott joins the company as chief human resources officer, reporting to Thor President and CEO Bob Martin.
Academy Sports and Outdoors Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer
Rob Howell will join the company as SVP and chief supply chain officer in February 2024, reporting to President Sam Johnson. He will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic and international logistics.
Werner Riethmann Departs Active Management of Lowa
After more than 30 years, Werner Riethmann left active management of Lowa Sportschuh GmbH at the end of December 2023. He will remain with the Bavarian hiking and mountain boot specialist as a shareholder with a 20 percent share and in an advisory capacity.
Duluth Trading Appoints New CFO
Heena Agrawal will assume the role of SVP and CFO, effective February 12, 2024.
Zamberlan Bolsters Sales Team for Southeast and South Central U.S.
“We’re thrilled to have Odle represent us in a new territory and to new customers,” —Bob Whip, General Manager, Zamberlan USA.
EXPLORE Act Passes Out of Committee, Heads to House Vote
ORR and its members celebrated the milestone and is urging swift passage of the EXPLORE Act through the full House and Senate, for the benefit of public lands, waters, and the communities that thrive because of them.
L.L.Bean Set to Open Eighth New York Store in Spring
The retailer’s first new store of 2024 will open in Kingston, NY, in March/April.
Vaude Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
With new CFO Melissa Wach and CEO Antje von Dewitz, the management team is now 50 percent female. Women hold prominent positions across the board in leadership roles at Vaude, constituting approximately 45 percent of executive positions.
Christy Sports Expands Footprint in Colorado Mountain Resort Areas
Some of the locations were vacated as part of Vail Resorts’ exit from Aspen and Telluride. Christy Sports made the decision to invest in serving those markets by bringing or expanding its services to the two communities.
