First Holiday Sales Wrap Up Sees 3.8 Percent Growth for 2024
Preliminary insights reveal that U.S. retail holiday sales, excluding automotive, increased 3.8 percent year-over-year from November 1 through December 24, exceeding the firm’s September forecast of 3.7 percent growth for the holiday sales period.
Bollé Brands Partners with Optician Distributor for Western Europe
Seaport-ODLM will manage the distribution of Bollé, Serengeti and Spy+ products across several key European markets, including Germany, Italy, Austria, France, Spain, and Portugal.
Manna Tree Appoints Managing Director of Human Talent
The a global private equity firm in the health and wellness sector, has appointed former Cotopaxi executive Grace Zuncic as its first managing director of human talent, effective January 2, 2025.
Saks Global Completes Acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group
The company finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) for a total enterprise value of $2.7 billion. Marc Metrick will serve as CEO of Saks Global Operating Group, and Ian Putnam will serve as CEO of Saks Global Properties & Investments.
Fleet Feet Franchise Opens in Hattiesburg, MS
New owners Chris and Angie Walker opened their new Fleet Feet location in Hattiesburg, MS on December 17, with a Grand Opening scheduled for January 2025.
Nordstrom Family and Mexico-Based Partner Acquire Nordstrom Business for $6.25B
The company has signed a definitive agreement under which Erik Nordstrom, Pete Nordstrom and Jamie Nordstrom, and other members of the Nordstrom family will own 50.1 percent and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. (Liverpool), will own 49.9 percent of Nordstrom, Inc.
Sqairz Forms Medical Advisory Board to Elevate Brand
The formation of a Medical Advisory Board brings together accomplished doctors of sports medicine, biomechanics and physical therapy, whose insights will “allow us to continue to set new benchmarks for athletic footwear.”
Fairfax Closes Transaction for Bauer Hockey Parent Peak Achievement Athletics
Peak announced in September Fairfax’s plans to acquire the remaining equity of Peak not owned by Fairfax, giving it control of the company. The deal includes Bauer Hockey, Cascade Lacrosse and Maverik Lacrosse.
Imperial Rebrands Peter Millar Soft Goods Licensing Division
Under the leadership of PGA of America member Andrew Blatnik, Peter Millar Licensing Co. will continue to offer an extensive range of soft goods accessories, including t-shirts, belts, and key fobs, in close collaboration with Peter Millar.
PGA of America Appoints New CEO
Derek Sprague is the first person to serve the PGA as a past president and CEO. He served as the 39th president from 2014-2016. Sprague succeeds Seth Waugh, who served as CEO from August 2018 to June 2024.
Heritage Golf Group Expands Organization, Acquires Two North Carolina Golf Clubs
The owner and operator of private country clubs and high-end daily-fee courses across the U.S., has acquired Wilmington, NC-based Compass Pointe Golf Club and Magnolia Greens Golf Club. The clubs represent Heritage’s 7th and 8th acquisitions in 2024, bringing its total club count to 41.
Scholastic Sports Sales Owner Jeff Miller Passes Away
Miller owned Scholastic Sports Sales, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2024 and is in its third generation of family ownership. He was a member of the NSGA Board for two terms from 2015 to 2021. He unexpectedly passed away on December 19 at age 69.
U.S. Congress Re-Authorizes the Economic Development Administration
The EDA, a federal agency focused on promoting economic growth and job creation in communities across the country, plays a crucial role in supporting the outdoor recreation economy.
U.S. Senate Passes EXPLORE Act Modernizing Outdoor Recreation Policy
A first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the President’s desk for signature.
Powder Valley Outdoors Taps Willie Vernon as New VP Marketing
With a career spanning the firearms and outdoor industries, Vernon’s experience includes having worked for SilencerCo, Vista Outdoor, Bote, and Christensen Arms.
