NRF’s Chief Economist Believes 2024 Ended on a High Note
Jack Kleinhenz’s comments came in the January edition of the NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, in which he reported that the 2024 gross domestic product was on track to grow 2.7 percent over 2023, based on results for the first 11 months of the year.
Burton Adds Exec Hires to Drive Brand and Product Categories
The privately-owned snowboard manufacturing company, hired Jennifer Valentine as chief merchandising officer and Debbie Lee as chief marketing officer based in the company’s global headquarters in Burlington, VT.
Sitka Gear Opens Eighth U.S. Storefront
Sitka Gear has opened a new brand store in Columbus, OH, carrying its technical hunting and outdoor apparel gear. The company will host a grand opening on January 11.
Tilly’s Inc. Appoints PacSun Veteran to Board of Directors
Michael Relich has over 40 years of experience in retail, with an emphasis on systems and information technology. Most recently, Relich served as the co-CEO of PacSun.
Sports Impact Appoints Industry Vet as Chief Marketing Officer
Nick Addecott, who is based in London and has previous golf industry expertise with the agency’s longest-serving client, Wilson Golf. He has over 20 years of senior management and board-level experience.
Massimo Group Adds New Illinois Distribution Center to Network
With the addition of this Illinois facility, Massimo Group’s nationwide distribution network now has six points of distribution, including Edison, NJ; City of Industry, CA; Port Wentworth, GA; Houston, TX; Garland, TX; and Edwardsville, IL.
Birdwell Names Surf Industry Veteran Lance Eddy as EVP of Sales
Lance Eddy has over 20 years of experience working with multichannel heritage lifestyle brands. Most recently, he served as sales director at RVCA.
Roll Recovery Hires Biz Development Lead; Partners with Indy Rep Group
The manufacturer of deep tissue massage therapy tools and recovery footwear, has hired Craig Sinbine to lead business development. The company has also partnered with a new sales agency, The Endorphin Group.
Crunch Fitness Sets Opening Timeline for New Mega Crunch in Palm Harbor, FL
The opening timeline for Crunch Palm Harbor, a 55,000-square-foot fitness facility is projected for late Summer 2025.
Columbia’s Chief Digital Information Officer Exits
Columbia said it would launch a search for Skip Potter’s replacement. In the interim, EVP and CFO Jim Swanson will oversee the company’s digital technology department.
SIA Appoints Four New Board Directors for 2025
Snowsports Industries America (SIA) appointed four outdoor industry veterans to its Board of Directors for 2025: Gary Fleming, Sergio Kiehl, Helmut Holzer, and Drew Saunder to bring a global perspective to the association.
Pvolve Set to Open Third Franchise Location in Connecticut
The company signed an agreement with Christine Friedman Partouche to bring two new studios to Fairfield County, CT, marking the company’s third franchise location in the state.
Topgolf Breaks Ground on Grand Prairie, TX Venue
The new venue is set to open in late 2025. This will be the 15th venue in Texas and the fifth in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for the company.
Acon Investments Takes Controlling Stake in True Religion
Founded in 2002, True Religion has been a staple in the global denim and apparel industry for over decades. The company opened three new stores prior to Christmas 2024, bringing its total retail footprint in the U.S. to 51 doors.
Report: 2024 Holiday Online Spending Sets New Record; Sporting Goods Up Big
Strong discounts this season also drove consumers to purchase higher-ticket items in categories such as electronics, appliances and sporting goods. The share of units sold for the most expensive goods was up 54 percent in sporting goods.
