SGB Update Sportsmans
Univ of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Drops to All-Time Low on War Worries
Consumer sentiment has dropped to an all-time low this month (April) as fears mount over rising energy prices and the broader impact of the war in Iran, according to the latest University of Michigan survey.
American Holoptics Acquires Armasight
American Holoptics has acquired the Armasight night vision and thermal optics brand from Ecentria Group, the corporate parent of OpticsPlanet.com. Terms were not disclosed.
Survey: Consumers Favor Multi-Brand Retailing for Sporting Goods Purchases
A new survey published by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) finds 79 percent of consumers favor shopping at multi-brand stores for sporting goods equipment, while nearly 70 percent prefer multi-brand stores for apparel and footwear.
Costco’s March Comps Climb 9.4 Percent, Digital-Enabled Sales Gain 23.3 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corp.’s sales excluding changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange were up 6.2 percent in th U.S. and in total. Digitally-enabled sales gained 22.5 percent on that basis.
NRF Sees Rising Fuel Costs Impacting Import Cargo Volume
Import volume at major U.S. container ports is not being significantly affected by the conflict in Iran but ocean carriers are seeing a related increase in fuel costs that could eventually affect retailers and their customers.
Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Connie Klimenko Passes Away
Klimenko survived World War II and eventually made his way to the United States, where he would spend more than three decades building Sevylor, Inc. into a nationally recognized name in water sports and recreational products.
Axil Brands Expects Strong Finish to Fiscal Year After Solid Q3 Top-Line Growth
Net Income was halved as gross margin declined 260 basis points to 69.1 percent of net sales, as compared to 71.7 percent for the prior-year Q3 period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales reportedly decreased primarily due to higher customs duties (increased tariffs).
Okuma Fishing Tackle Opens Canadian Fulfillment Center
Okuma Fishing Tackle announced the launch of a new Canadian third-party logistics (3PL) fulfillment center designed to speed delivery times, improve inventory availability and lower overall costs for Okuma’s Canadian wholesale partners.
Solo Brands Appoints Chief Accounting Officer
Paul Seeds will succeed David McGuire, who on March 31 informed the company of his resignation as chief accounting officer to pursue another professional opportunity.
Academy Sees First-Quarter Sales Climbing 6 Percent to 7 Percent
Academy Sports + Outdoors reported it expects first-quarter sales to climb between 6 percent and 7 percent, with comparable sales in the range of 2 percent to 3 percent. The forecast was issued ahead of an Analyst Day on Tuesday, April 7.
L.L.Bean Opens First Store in Alabama
L.L.Bean announced the official opening of its first store in Alabama. The store’s footprint in Huntsville, at Bridge Street Town Center, measures roughly 16,000 square feet. The store opening brings the retaiiler’s active store count to 66.
ASA Updates Importers on Products Affected by Section 232 Tariff Removals
The ASA reported President Trump has issued a Proclamation that removes previously-imposed Sec. 232 aluminum tariffs on fishing reels, reel accessories, and landing nets, among other products.
U.S. Sporting Goods Wholesale Sales Reached $130 Billion in 2025
With standout gains in pickleball, baseball/softball, running footwear, and several other categories, wholesale sales in the U.S. sporting goods industry reached $130B in 2025, a 334.7 percent since 2020, according to SFIA’s 2026 Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report.
Thermore Adds Industry Vet to U.S. Sales Team
Don Reichelt has joined the company as a sales rep to support its growth in the U.S. market. He brings experience across the outdoor and endurance sports industries, with a combined background in sales and marketing rooted in the performance community.
West Virginia’s McFly Outdoors Hits Selling Block
The owners of McFly Outdoors, the hunt, fish, and outdoor gear store serving North Central West Virginia, announced they will be selling the business.
