SGB Update Sportsmans
Johnson Outdoors Sees 28 Percent Sales Gain in Fiscal Q4, Flat Growth for Year
Johnson Outdoors, Inc. reported sales grew 28.2 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter ended October 3 with robust increases in its Fishing and Diving segments offsetting double-digit declines in its Camping & Watercraft Recreation segment. Sales were flat for the full fiscal year. Losses shrank in both periods due to improving gross margin and expense reductions.
Costco’s Fiscal Q1 Profits Climb 11 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net profits grew 11.3 percent in its fiscal first quarter ended November 23, topping Wall Street targets. Sales increased 8.2 percent, to $65.98 billion.
Survey Finds 54 Percent of SMB Online Retailers Impacted by Tariffs
A survey of 170 U.S.-based small to medium-sized e-commerce business owners (SMB) found that over half (54 percent) made significant changes due to tariffs. Among all respondents, 39 percent raised retail prices, 29 percent shifted suppliers and 19 percent cut the number of products they sell.
Kent Outdoors Secures New $90 Million Credit Facility
Kent Outdoors, parent of outdoor bands Bote, HO/Hyperlite, Connelly, O’Brien, Liquid Force, Onyx, Aquaglide, Barefoot/Fatsac, and Arbor Snowboards, announced a $90 million asset-based revolving credit facility from PNC Business Credit.
Leatherman Tool Group Promotes Kris Hamper to President and CEO
A Leatherman veteran of over a decade, Hamper has served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer since 2012. In partnership with Ben Rivera, he has guided the company through transformative growth.
Otis Technology Appoints New CEO
The manufacturer of gun cleaning systems and accessories promoted Brad McIntyre to chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Bill Kleftis, who has served as CEO since 2022.
L.L.Bean to Open Eight Stores in 2026
L.L.Bean announced plans to open eight stores in 2026, including its first locations in Alabama and Tennessee. In 2027, it plans to add eight to 10 storefronts, including in new markets for the company in the Midwest and Southeast.
American Outdoor Brands Fiscal Q2 Impacted by Weak Ordering Rates
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. reported that earnings on an adjusted basis were down 24.5 percent in the fiscal second quarter ended October 31 as sales declined 5 percent and gross margins eroded. The parent of a wide range of hunting and outdoor brands said in-store sell-through for its products remains strong, but orders continue to be impacted by “cautious retailer buying.”
Academy Sports and Outdoors Narrows Guidance on Profit Metrics Outperformance
The nationwide sporting goods retailer reported that earnings on an adjusted basis rose 9.6 percent in the third quarter, slightly ahead of analyst targets. Comparable-store sales dipped 0.9 percent, narrowing its sales and gross margin guidance on improving profit metrics.
Global Port Tracker: Tariff Impact on Imports Continuing Into H1 2026
Hackett Associates, the producer of the Global Port Tracker, sees the effects of the tariffs in weakening cargo demand from the fourth quarter of this year and likely into the first half of next year.
Kuiu Sold to Conservation-Minded Investor Group
Under its new ownership, Kuiu will remain a privately-held, independently-operated brand. CEO Melissa Woolf will continue to lead the business, and the existing organizational and operational structure will remain in place. The investor group “brings a long-term orientation and deep commitment to conservation.”
Radians Outdoors Appoints Director of Sporting Goods
The Memphis, TN-based maker of safety products for shooters and hunters, hired Brett Bryan to lead its sporting goods division. Most recently, Bryan was the national account manager for Black Rifle Coffee Company and formerly the hunt and tactical apparel buyer for Bass Pro.
Costco Appoints Former U.S. Commerce Secretary to Board
The retailer announced the nomination of Gina Raimondo for election to its Board of Directors, who previously served as U.S. Commerce Secretary from 2021 to 2025 and the Governor for the State of Rhode Island from 2015 to 2021.
28 Million Americans Plan to Travel by RV this Holiday Season
The latest data from the RV Industry Association (RVIA) identifies that economic uncertainty and unpredictable travel logistics will impact holiday plans nationwide. And for 28 million Americans, RVing is their holiday travel choice, up 33 percent from last year.
Smith & Wesson’s Fiscal Q2 Sales Slip 4 Percent, Eyes Return to Growth in Q3
The firearms manufacturer reported that profits on an adjusted basis fell 61.5 percent in the fiscal second quarter ended October 31, on a 3.9 percent revenue gain. The firearms maker continues to see healthy sell-through of its products and forecasts fiscal Q3 sales to climb in the range of 8 percent to 10 percent.
