Retail Sales Grew 3.8 Percent in September; Sporting Goods Trailing Market
The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.7 percent from August and up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) said the gains have moderated as consumers face continued pressures from the slowed economy.
Winnebago Sales Decline Accelerates in Summer Quarter; Profits Nearly Halved
Revenues fell 34.6 percent to $771.0 million for the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter ended August 26. Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter net income was $43.8 million, a decrease of 47.0 percent. Full year revenues were down $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion, a decline of 29.6 percent.
Outerknown to Open Four Stores
Outerknown, the sustainable clothing brand, co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, reported plans to open four brick-and-mortar retail stores, bringing the total operating store count to nine, with one store slated to open in Spring 2024.
CrankTank Hires Managing Director for Europe, Opens Innsbruck Office
The digital marketing and e-commerce strategy agency hired German-born marketer Susanne Pfrengle as managing director of CrankTank Europe and opened a new office in Innsbruck, Austria to service its European business.
Hybrid Apparel Appoints President, Hybrid Digital
Cypress, CA-based Hybrid Apparel hired Stephen Teglas as president of Hybrid Digital, the company’s print-on-demand apparel business.
G-Form Hires Chief Sales Officer
G-Form hired Jade Larrabee as chief sales officer at the end of October. Larrabee has held key sales roles at Fanatics, Under Armour and Nike.
Thor Industries Board Member to Retire
Thor Industries, Inc. announced that Wilson Jones, a member of its Board of Directors, is retiring effective December 15, following nine years of service.
Explosion at Hornady Plant Kills One Employee, Injures Two
Hornady Manufacturing Company, the U.S. maker of ammunition cartridges, components and handloading equipment headquartered in Grand Island, NE, reported that an employee died in an explosion on October 13. Following an investigation, the cause was accidental.
Dalbello Appoints Global Brand Business Director
The Italian ski boot brand has confirmed that Giuseppe Bianchini was appointed as global brand business director this past summer and is now responsible for the brand’s “strategic direction in an international context.”
Gildan to Close Salisbury Factory
Gildan Activewear plans to close its factory on Heilig Road in the Charlotte, NC, suburb of Salisbury, affecting 258 employees, according to a WARN notice first reported by the Salisbury Post.
Krimson Klover Hires Pacific Northwest Sales Rep
Krimson Klover hired Katie Borgen as a sales rep covering the Pacific Northwest, which includes Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska. Borgen has a decade of experience working in the outdoor space.
Academy Sports to Open in Jefferson City
Academy Sports + Outdoors opened a store in Jefferson City, its eleventh location in Missouri, at 739 Stoneridge Parkway.
Topgolf Sets Opening For St. Louis-Midtown Location
Topgolf is poised to open its St. Louis-Midtown venue on October 20 at 3201 Chouteau Avenue; this will be Missouri’s second Topgolf venue in addition to Chesterfield.
VF Appoints VP Supply Chain Operations, EMEA
VF Corp. named An Claes as VP of supply chain operations, EMEA. She replaces Stuart Pond, who is now VP of global supply chain platforms.
Fanatics’ Debt Ratings Outlook Downgraded
S&P Global Ratings revised its debt ratings outlook on Fanatics Holdings, Inc. after the sports fan retailing giant reported meaningful margin deterioration through the first half of fiscal 2023 amid slowing consumer demand and cost pressures partly tied to strategic investments. Fanatics Commerce’s sales were approximately flat in the second quarter while Lids “experienced top line and bottom line pressures.”
