Blizzard-Tecnica Hires Ski Industry Vet as NSM
The company hired Geoff Curtis as national sales manager to lead Blizzard-Tecnica’s independent sales reps to further grow its brands.
Duluth Trading Opens New Fulfillment Center
The new facility, located in Adairsville, GA is the company’s fourth fulfillment center and first to use automation and robotics.
August Retail Sales Growth Moderates; Sporting Goods Trends Down
August sales were up in five out of nine retail categories on a yearly basis, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Circana reported flat sales growth year-over-year for their categories while the NRF and USCB saw sales up 3.3 percent for the period.
PeopleForBikes Appoints First Chief Marketing Officer
PeopleForBikes hired Jose Maldonado as chief marketing officer. Maldonado started with the U.S. bicycle industry trade association and national advocacy nonprofit in October 2019 and recently returned to lead strategy and other key marketing functions.
Deloitte Forecasts Softer Holiday Sales, Double-Digit E-Commerce Growth
Holiday sales in the U.S. are estimated to grow 3.5 percent to 4.6 percent between November and January, slowing from the 7.6 percent increase seen in 2022, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast. The moderation reflects less inflation but also weaker consumer spending.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Appoints Customer Experience Division Manager
Jason Berry is now responsible for leading and supporting Marine Field Service and call centers for Outboard, WaterCraft, Bennett, and Siren. Berry first joined Yamaha in 2005.
Nordstrom, Inc. Promotes Three to Key Leadership Roles
The retailer promoted Jamie Nordstrom to chief merchandising officer, Fanya Chandler to president, Nordstrom Stores and Gemma Lionello to president, Nordstrom Rack.
Lululemon Athletica Appoints New Board Member
Shane Grant has been the group deputy CEO, CEO Americas, and EVP of dairy, plant-based and global sales at Danone, a global food and beverage company, since January 2023.
Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour to Merge
The operators of the two major pickleball leagues, Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour agreed to merge. The companies will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate scheduling conflicts and competition over players.
True Fitness Hires Western Sales Manager
True Fitness, a commercial cardio and strength equipment provider, hired Chris Van Harte as national and key accounts sales manager for the Western region.
Longstreth Sporting Goods Sold To Private-Equity Firm
Longstreth Sporting Goods, which specializes in field hockey, was acquired by Roebling Capital Partners, a private-equity firm based in Cincinnati.
Report: Online Prices Reach 40-Month Low in August
U.S. online prices in August 2023 fell 3.2 percent YoY, reaching their lowest in 40 months, led by a drop in sporting goods, down 7 percent YoY, according to the latest data from the Adobe Digital Price Index, based on Adobe Analytics. This made August 2023 the 12th consecutive month of overall YoY price decreases.
Cardo Systems Names Sales Manager for U.S. and Canada
Cardo Systems, known for its Bluetooth communication systems for motorcycle, ski and cycling helmets, named Erika Gurnett as its new sales manager for Outdoor Sports in the United States and Canada.
Timpanogos Hiking Co. Opens First Brick & Mortar Store in Provo, UT
A Utah native, Timpanogos Hiking Co. Founder and Owner Joseph Vogel said he started the business as a side project while still living in Massachusetts, where he was a professor.
Big Bear Mountain Resort Adds $12 Million in Upgrades for Season
After a historic winter that saw record-setting snowfall and Snow Valley joining the Big Bear Mountain Resort family, the company is making the investment across its three mountains—Snow Valley, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.
