The Buckle’s Comps Decline 11 Percent in September
The Buckle, Inc. reported that its comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended September 30 decreased 11.1 percent from the year-ago period.

Suunto Unveils Plans for U.S. Direct Distribution
Suunto has implemented a new system to directly distribute its products to U.S. retailers, one of the Finnish company’s key initiatives in expanding its business in North America.

Alterra Mountain Company Adds Three Execs to Leadership Team
Krista Sprenger is the new chief development officer, Gui Karyo chief technology officer and Andrew Bodziak was appointed executive vice president of Hospitality.

Report: U.S. Apparel Sales Down 4 Percent for August YTD Period
Units sold declined at a faster rate for the eight-month period, according to retail data firm Circana.

Atmos to Exit North American Operations
Atmos, the Tokyo-based footwear retailer acquired by Foot Locker in 2021, is reportedly planning to close its three North American stores and cease online operations in the region to refocus on growing business in Japan and Asia.

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Names VP of Programs
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable promoted Chris Perkins to vice president of programs.

PVH Corp. Debt Ratings Outlook Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings revised its debt ratings outlook on PVH Corp. to positive as the parent of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein demonstrated a track-record of maintaining leverage of less than 3x in recent years.
On Plans to Double Sales and Reach 60 Percent Gross Margin by 2026
The company plans to grow 2026 net sales to at least CHF3.55 billion, or approximately $3.95 billion at the average September 2023 conversion rate, reflecting a CAGR of over 26 percent based on its 2023 forecast.
Kryptek Appoints COO
Kryptek Outdoor Group, the tactical and hunting apparel brand, welcomed Tim Piver as its new chief operations officer.

Report: Shot Show is Now the Third Largest Trade Show in Vegas
The show is now the eighth largest trade show in America, according to Trade Show Executive’s just-released Gold 100 rankings. The rankings were based on trade shows held throughout the U.S. in 2022 and measured by net square feet.

NSSF: September Adjusted NICS Background Checks Decline 8.2 Percent
The September decrease reflects a moderating trend in the decline rate, following declines of 13.0 percent in August, 17.0 percent in July and 19.6 percent in June. May was down only 0.1 percent.

Swag Golf Raises $10 Million in Funding Round
Swag Golf, a golf accessory, equipment and apparel company based in Northbrook, Il, closed a $10 million growth round led by Verance Capital, a New York-based growth investment firm focused on sports and entertainment.

American Outdoor Brands Names COO
American Outdoor Brands Inc. said Brent Vulgamott, vice president of sales, operations and analytics, was promoted to chief operating officer, a newly created role. Vulgamott will continue to lead all facets of the company’s sales, operations, and analytics functions.
Hydro Flask, Osprey Parent Sees Flattish Outdoor Segment Sales In Fiscal Q2
Helen of Troy reported sales in its Home & Outdoor segment, including OXO, Hydro Flask and Osprey eased 0.2 percent in the fiscal second quarter ending August 31, to $240.0 million.

The Good Feet Store Opens 250th Location
The Good Feet Store, based in Carlsbad, CA, announced a milestone with the opening of its 250th store, in partnership with franchisee group, The Watermans. The new store is located at 4400 Hwy 6 #200 in College Station, TX.