SGB Update Outdoor
Costco’s Longtime CEO to Step Down at End of Year
Costco Wholesale Corp. said Craig Jelinek, CEO since 2012, plans to step down, effective January 1, 2024. Ron Vachris, president and COO since February 2022, will succeed Jelinek as president and CEO.
Heiq Appoints New GM for Heiq China
UK-based textile and materials manufacturer Heiq hired Robert Liu as general manager of Heiq China, leading its business operations.
Deloitte Sees 2023 Holiday Spending Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Deloitte is forecasting that holiday spending this year will surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Consumers surveyed for the report plan to spend an average of $1,652 during the shopping season—a 14 percent year-over-year increase, though a modest four-year CAGR of 2.5 percent reflecting a normalization of trends.
Sea to Summit Appoints Board Chair
The global adventure equipment brand headquartered in Perth, Western Australia appointed former Nestlé SVP Wayne England as the new chair of the company’s board of directors.
Rumpl Names Yeti Strategy Vet as New VP, Global Brand Marketing
Rumpl hired brand and marketing professional Josh Weichhand as VP of global brand marketing, leading marketing, strategy, e-commerce, creative, and international efforts.
Play It Again Sports Parent Posts Q3 Earnings Growth
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported earnings improved 7.5 percent in the third quarter ended September 30, to $11.1 million, or $3.05 a share, from $10.4 million, or $2.93, a year ago.
Wild Rye Taps Method Outdoor Collective to Lead Sales
Outdoor lifestyle apparel brand Wild Rye hired Method Outdoor Collective, a sales agency based in Burlington, VT. Its Founder, Sasha Dietschi-Cooper, will reportedly serve as a fractional VP of sales for the brand.
Mountain Hardwear Adds New Midwest Independent Sales Group
Parallel 45 Sales reportedly specializes in connecting brands and people to “build the communities of those who enjoy spending time in the outdoors, aligning with Mountain Hardwear’s commitment to make better outdoor gear and get more people outside using it.”
Retail Sales Grew 3.8 Percent in September; Sporting Goods Trailing Market
The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.7 percent from August and up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) said the gains have moderated as consumers face continued pressures from the slowed economy.
Winnebago Sales Decline Accelerates in Summer Quarter; Profits Nearly Halved
Revenues fell 34.6 percent to $771.0 million for the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter ended August 26. Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter net income was $43.8 million, a decrease of 47.0 percent. Full year revenues were down $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion, a decline of 29.6 percent.
Outerknown to Open Four Stores
Outerknown, the sustainable clothing brand, co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, reported plans to open four brick-and-mortar retail stores, bringing the total operating store count to nine, with one store slated to open in Spring 2024.
CrankTank Hires Managing Director for Europe, Opens Innsbruck Office
The digital marketing and e-commerce strategy agency hired German-born marketer Susanne Pfrengle as managing director of CrankTank Europe and opened a new office in Innsbruck, Austria to service its European business.
Thor Industries Board Member to Retire
Thor Industries, Inc. announced that Wilson Jones, a member of its Board of Directors, is retiring effective December 15, following nine years of service.
Dalbello Appoints Global Brand Business Director
The Italian ski boot brand has confirmed that Giuseppe Bianchini was appointed as global brand business director this past summer and is now responsible for the brand’s “strategic direction in an international context.”
Krimson Klover Hires Pacific Northwest Sales Rep
Krimson Klover hired Katie Borgen as a sales rep covering the Pacific Northwest, which includes Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska. Borgen has a decade of experience working in the outdoor space.
