SGB Update

Bell Slope Bike Helmets Recalled

About 11,000 Bell Slope adult bike helmets are being recalled. The strap anchor could dislodge from the helmet when sufficient force is applied, violating CPSC federal safety guidelines.

NSSF: December Adjusted NICS Background Checks Climb 1.6 Percent

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that the December 2023 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) number increased by 1.6 percent, its third consecutive positive month. For the year, adjusted checks were down 3.5 percent.

Sacks Parente Golf Adds Industry Veteran to Board

Jane Casanta reportedly brings “a rich background in the golf industry” to Sacks Parente Golf, having served in various marketing and product development roles at the Acushnet Company for 26 years, including as director of marketing for Titleist Gloves and Accessories worldwide.

Therabody Pushes Back Against Hyperice Claims

Hyperice filed a lawsuit in federal court on January 2, 2024 against Therabody, the maker of the Theragun line of percussive massage guns, alleging infringement of the company’s patented percussion massage technology.

Costco’s Global Sales Climb 10 Percent In December

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $26.15 billion for the retail month of December, an increase of 9.9 percent from $23.80 billion last year. U.S. sales were up 7.3 percent.

Report: U.S. Holiday Online Sales Grow 4.9 Percent

Online spending in the U.S. during the 2023 holiday season climbed 4.9 percent to $222.1 billion in November and December, according to Adobe Analytics. Growth was reportedly driven by sizeable discounts across electronics, toys and apparel, as well as increased usage of the flexible ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ payment option.

Lazydays Promotes Dillard to VP Operations

Amber Dillard was promoted to VP of operations, effective immediately. The company said Dillard’s tenure began in 2011, “reflecting over a decade of commitment and service to the company.”

Brooks Hires VP of Apparel and Accessories 

Brooks Running hired Gabriel Rodriguez as VP of apparel and accessories. Most recently, Rodriguez was the director of run apparel and competitive train/Curry and basketball at Under Armour.

SFIA Re-Elects Ram as Chair; Adds Three New Board Members

SFIA re-elected Jonathan Ram, CEO of Clarks, Inc., as chairman of the Board of Directors for the 2024 term. Isabel Coscia, SVP of marketing at Technogym, Ryan Cruthirds, chief digital commerce and brand development officer at Implus LLC and Koichiro Kodama, president and CEO for Asics North America, were newly elected to the SFIA Board,

Riton Optics Appoints Marketing Director

Riton Optics hired Trent Marsh as marketing director. Marsh has almost 15 years of experience as a marketer in the shooting sports industry, having worked in the UTV, trail camera and optics categories.

Hornady Names Director of Manufacturing

Hornady Manufacturing Company hired Scott McKelvey as director of manufacturing, oversee manufacturing processes throughout all production divisions.