SGB Update Outdoor
Consumer Confidence Index Flat in March, but Outlook Index May Signal Trouble Ahead
The Consumer Confidence Index was 104.7 in March, essentially unchanged from February. But the Expectations Index, based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, fell to 73.8, which is in recession territory.
NRF: Economy Remains ‘Sturdy’ Despite Forecast for Slower Growth
Adjusted for inflation, GDP is expected to grow about 2.3 percent year-over-year, slower than last year’s 2.5 percent but still strong enough to sustain job growth that drives consumer spending.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Posts DD Same-Store Sales Decline in Q4; Swings to Loss
The retailer reported lower-than-expected Q4 sales for the 14-week period ended February 3, but indicated it was successful in reducing excess inventory. Same-store sales decreased 12.8 percent on a 13-week comparable basis.
Leki USA Hires New Sales Representation for Great Lakes Region
Specialty Sports Reps (SSR) will cover the Great Lakes trekking and outdoor retail territory (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky), effective immediately.
Peak Ski Company Appoints Director of Operations
Alex Ford was, most recently, operations manager and has been with the company since its launch In April of 2022.
Gordon Brothers Acquires Catch Co. Assets
Catch Co. brands include Mystery Tackle Box, 10,000 Fish, BioSpawn, Hard Hat Jigs, Heavy Metal Tungsten, Stickies Hooks, and collaborations.
Oros Labs Secures $22M in Series B Funding
The thermal solutions company serves an array of dual-use applications. The funding round was led by Airbus Ventures.
Confluence Outdoors Partners with Meyer Distributing
Home to the Pelican, Wilderness Systems, Perception, and Dagger brands, inked a partnership with Meyer Distributing to distribute the company’s kayak brands, including the potential for next day delivery.
Salomon Adds Softgoods-Specific Sales Agencies to NA Team
The brand added a softgoods-specific sales team within its North American organization to support accelerated growth focused on footwear, apparel and gear.
GSM Outdoors Acquires Mid-America Rod Company
Located in Arkansas, Mid-America Rod Company has been manufacturing fishing rods in the U.S. since 1976. The company manufactures its signature series of Virtus Rods and produces OEM rods for other companies.
BKK Hooks International Names President of Sales
Michael Sullivan was appointed president of sales and will head a team responsible for expanding commercial sales operations in the Americas, reporting to BKK America’s general manager Magnus Gunnarsson.
VRX Fishing Sees Founder’s Sons Taking Reins in Joint Role
The parent company to the X Zone Lures and The Rod Glove brands confirmed that brothers Zac and Nick Van Ryn, the sons of founder and president Jim Van Ryn, took over the company’s reins on April 1.
Vail Resorts Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Goldstein will lead the company’s Epic Pass business, My Epic Gear membership business, data and analytics, digital experience and marketing for its portfolio of mountain destinations, rental, retail, and ski and ride school businesses.
MyStromer Reaches Settlement as Revolt Zycling Admits to Patent Infringement
The settlement comes after the Swiss Federal Patent Court and previously the Unified Patent Court ordered a preliminary prohibition on manufacturing and marketing against Revolt due to patent infringement for its Opium bikes.
Haro Bikes Hires New Inside Sales Representative
Haro hired Taylor Troney to its inside sales team. He held similar positions at Shimano and Speedplay and has both a supplier sales and retail background.
