SGB Update Sportsmans
X-Vision Optics Expands Distribution Network
The manufacturer of thermal and night vision sights, scopes, binos, and monos, has partnered with Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Inc. as a new distributor making its products more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and tactical professionals.
Retay USA Expands Indie Sales Representation in Mid-East and Northeast
The firearms company has expanded its sales representation through partnerships with Ferguson-Keller Associates, Inc. in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio and Gen 3 Outdoors to cover the East Coast from Maine to Washington, DC.
Import Volume Remains Strong Despite Recent Dockworker Strike
The NRF and Hackett Associates, in its recent Global Tracker Report, expect continued elevated shipment levels through October at the nations major container ports despite the recent strike by dockworkers.
Bain Forecasts Record Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales
U.S. retail sales over Black Friday – Cyber Monday (BFCM) weekend may set a new record, surpassing $75 billion in sales, according to a forecast from Bain & Company. The weekend is expected to deliver year-over-year growth of around 5 percent, outpacing Bain’s overall holiday sales growth forecast of 3 percent for the entire holiday season.
Gill Marine Taps Travis Watson as National Sales Manager, Gill Fishing
The company said Watson brings a wealth of experience to his role, with 20 years experience in sales, buying, product development, and sourcing in the hunting and fishing space.
NuOrder by Lightspeed Appoints New Head of Revenue
Chris Akrimi, most recently, was the CEO of The Layer, a tech company that “transforms commerce data through AI. ” There, he focused on positioning the company at the “forefront of AI-driven product data management.”
Orvis Sets Layoffs and Store Closures; Discontinues Catalog
The 112 employees affected by the layoffs represent 8 percent of Orvis’ workforce. In the U.S., Orvis operates 70 retail stores and 10 outlets. In the UK, the company operates 18 retail stores and one outlet. The company did not disclose what store would be affected by the closures.
Report: Growing Participation Rates Supporting Outdoor Rec Sales and M&A
Capstone suggested that financial performance across the sector is expected to improve as firms work through excess inventories, limit promotion activity, and mitigate margin pressures.
Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Raised by S&P
S&P Global Ratings raised Academy Sports And Outdoor Inc.’s debt rating because the retailer has sustained S&P’s adjusted leverage well below the 2x area despite modest EBITDA margin contraction.
GSM Outdoors Acquisition by Platinum Equity is Finalized
GSM Outdoors, headquartered in Irving, TX, owns over 50 outdoor brands. Previous owner Gridiron Capital acquired GSM in 2020. CEO Eddie Castro will continue to lead the company.
Report: Holiday Shopping Intentions Driven by Consumer Optimism, Quest for Value
This year’s household food and grocery costs will impact holiday shopping for 62 percent of consumers, but more holiday shoppers, 57 percent, feel positive about personal finances than in 2023.
NSSF: NICS Background Checks Moderate in September
The 1.3 percent gain marks a sequential deceleration from increases of 8.3 percent in August and 4.0 percent in July, although the July figure had marked the first year-over-year monthly increase since December 2023.
GSM Outdoors Acquires Roboworm
Roboworm has produced hundreds of millions of bass worms. “When you think of impactful soft plastic brands in the bass fishing space, you can’t have the conversation without talking about Roboworm.” —Crispin Powley, SVP of fishing, GSM
Scent Thief Retains New Sales Rep Group
The maker of scent control technology for the hunting industry retained The Outdoor Business Solutions Group, founded by Bill Harris and Brad Schorr, as its sales rep agency.
CheaperThanDirt Acquired by 2A Group
Based in Fort Worth, TX, the CheaperThanDirt.com brand offers a wide range of ammunition, shooting accessories, and outdoor gear. It began as a mail-order catalog business in the early 90s.
