Skeeter Boats Appoints New General Manager
John Clark was the assistant GM, and his responsibilities included managing daily operations, staff, facilities, and Skeeter’s long-term vision. He joined the company in 2006.
Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets Appoints New CEO
Most recently, Jim Bruno, the new CEO, was president at Vista Outdoors’ Bushnell unit, which holds many brands in its portfolio, including Bushnell, Simmons, Primos, Hoppes, Champion, Gold Tip, BeeStinger.
Nike Faces Shareholder Lawsuit Over DTC Strategy
A Nike, Inc. shareholder has filed a securities class action in the District of Oregon’s Portland division, claiming the company misled investors about the financial effects of prioritizing direct-to-consumer sales. Plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial.
Rally House Expansion Continues in Texas
The retailer announced the first of several stores to open in a new market for the company in Houston, TX with Rally House Houston Outlets.
Shaun White’s Unrivaled Sports Acquires Stake in Snobahn
Snobahn, founded in 2016, offers indoor facilities to advance skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and BMX skills to with features that include revolving slopes and trampoline freestyle areas.
Athleta-Parent Hires Chief Technology Officer
Prior roles for Sven Gerjets include chief information officer, Time Warner; SVP, information technology, DirecTV; chief technology officer, Pearson; director, global e-commerce, Symantec. Most recently, Gerjets was the EVP and chief technology officer from July 2017 to May 2024 at Gap, Inc.
Report: Retail Sales Show Signs of Stabilization in May
The latest report from Circana reveals that U.S. retail sales, encompassing discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG), have experienced a 1 percent growth, with consumers adapting their spending habits in response to moderating price pressures.
Athleta Hires Former Nike Exec to Lead Design
Athleta has hired Tania Flynn, formerly VP of apparel design at Nike, as head of design.
Head Rush Technologies Recalls Belay Devices
Head Rush Technologies recalled about 2,200 Trublue iQ auto belay devices for climbers sold in the U.S. due to a fall risk.
Allbirds Completes Distributor Deals for Benelux, Scandinavia and Japan
Footwear brand finalizes agreements that will cover Benelux and Scandinavia. Japan Region transitioned to Goldwin, Inc.
Nike, Converse Sue 52 ‘Counterfeiting Networks’
Nike and sister brand, Converse, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against 52 alleged counterfeit networks, which collectively operate 98 websites and 267 social media handles, over the sale of counterfeit goods.
Smith & Wesson’s Revenues Expand 10 Percent in Fourth Quarter
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis gained 43.1 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter ended April 30. Sales advanced 9.9 percent. Mark Smith, president and CEO, said, “We continue to expect healthy demand overall for firearms in fiscal 2025.”
BioLite Acquires MPowerd
Co-founded in 2012 as a B Corp. and Benefit Corporation by John Salzinger, MPowered CEO Seungah Jeong and the sales and marketing departments will join the BioLite team.
NSGA Promotes Jenny Shaffer to CFO
Shaffer worked as a summer intern for the Association in 2011 and returned to join the company full-time in 2019 as comptroller. Before that, Shaffer worked for the accounting firm of Plante Moran in Chicago from 2012 to 2019.
Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
