Consumer Sentiment Inches Up in July; Low Levels of Optimism Persist
The University of Michigan’s preliminary index of consumer sentiment edged up to 61.8 in July from 60.7 in June; however, consumer sentiment has declined by 6.9 percent (4.6 points) compared to the same time last year and is down 16 percent from December.
Chaparral and Robalo Parent MPX Sees Q2 Revenue Declines Moderate; Profit Falls
Second-quarter sales were down 3 percent year-over-year, but shipments and sales grew sequentially again in the quarter and are now said to be solidly above the lows of the second half of 2024.
Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods Extend Antitrust Review Period for Merger
Foot Locker Inc. announced in a regulatory filing that Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. has voluntarily withdrawn its pre-merger notification and report form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act as part of its plans to acquire Foot Locker. The withdrawal, made on July 23, is intended to provide the Federal Trade Commission with additional time to review the proposed transaction.
Brunswick Corp. Ekes Out Revenue Bump Despite Continued Boat Group Weakness
The owner of the Boston Whaler, Lund, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Harris Pontoons, Princecraft, and Quicksilver boat brands, and the Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, MerCruiser, and Flite marine propulsion brands, said second quarter sales were slightly above the year-ago quarter
REI Sets Opening for Durango, Colorado Store
The 22,000-square-foot space will be the retail chain’s 11th store in Colorado. The store will open on July 25 for a soft opening, with an official opening on August 22.
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Elects New Board Members
New board members and officers were elected at the Spring Grassroots Connect show in Reno last month to serve in 2026. The organization also announced new locations in Oklahoma City, OK, and Omaha, NE, for its twice annual Connect buying show, set to start in Spring 2027.
Dick’s House of Sport to Open First Store in California in Fall 2025
With a scheduled opening on October 17, the Glendale, CA store will reportedly feature a rock wall, golf hitting bays and cages for practicing baseball, softball and other sports, as well as an outdoor field and track.
Nordstrom Rack to Open Five New Stores Across Five States in 2026
Nordstrom plans to open five Nordstrom Rack locations in 2026 in Mansfield, MA; Canton, OH; Williamsburg, VA; Elmwood, LA; and Deptford, NJ.
Conquer Padel Inks First Official Padel Franchise Deal in the U.S.
The franchise agreement with the Baker family, who previously operated 24 Planet Fitness locations across the Midwest, includes plans to open 50 Conquer Padel clubs nationwide. The first four locations are slated for the Northeast, with site selection underway by Conquer Padel’s real estate team.
Christensen Arms Appoints President
Matt Fleming most recently served as president and CEO of MidwayUSA. Under his leadership, Christensen Arms is expected to strengthen its brand, elevate its dealer programs and continue to drive innovation in firearm manufacturing.
PGA Tour Superstore To Open First St. Louis Location
The new store in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, will open on September. The 35,000-square-foot retail location is the company’s first in Missouri.
Astral Expands U.S. Regional Indie Sales Team
“As Astral continues to expand into the broader outdoor market, it becomes more and more crucial to invest in the strength and reach of our on-the-ground sales team,” —Christian Mason, Director, B2B Sales, Astral
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Taps Paul Walters as New Buyer
Walters reportedly brings over a decade of expertise in sales, account management and strategic marketing within the firearms and tactical gear industries. He most recently served as a buyer at Primary Arms Government
ICSC’s Survey Finds Back-To-School Shoppers Seeking Promotions
The 2025 ICSC Back-to-School Consumer Survey found that nine in ten respondents said promotions influence their purchases throughout the season, with 46 percent stating they plan their shopping around specific promotional events, such as Target Circle Week, Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals, or Labor Day sales.
Gymshark Opens Store in Manchester, England
The company opened a store in Manchester, marking its first standalone UK store outside of London. The activewear brand now has five stores with plans to open a store in New York City later this year.
