SGB Update Sportsmans
NRF Predicts Later Easter Will Lead To Increased Spending
The NRF’s annual survey suggested that spending for Easter is expected to reach $18.4 billion, up 6 percent over last year’s record $17.3 billion and a new all-time high in the survey’s 14-year history.

Gander Mountain To Begin Liquidations On 32 Locations
Tiger Capital Group and Great American Group have been chosen to assist Gander Mountain in the closure of 32 under-performing locations across the United States.
Leupold Chooses Rob Nees To Lead Manufacturing
Nees joins the optics manufacturer after more than seven years at Warne Scope Mounts, another Oregon-based outdoor recreation manufacturer.
Dick’s To Open Store In Encinitas, CA
This will be the retailer’s 687th Dick’s store in the nation and 50th in the state of California.
MC Sports Retains Firm To Sell Leases
A&G Realty Partners will handle the sale of 58 MC Sports leases in seven states across the Midwest following the retailer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
U.S. Trustee Objects To Hiring Of Gander Mountain Liquidators
The U.S. Trustee in the Gander Mountain bankruptcy case is objecting to Hilco, LLC being retained as the liquidator for its initial closing of 32 stores because the same parent as Hilco, LLC may submit a stalking horse bid for the retailer’s remaining assets.
Archery Trade Association Sets CEO Transition
Jay McAninch, president and CEO of the Archery Trade Association, announced that 2017 will be his last full year in his current role as head of the ATA.
Vista Outdoors’ Debt Ratings Lowered To Negative Outlook
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Vista Outdoors, Inc.’s outlook to negative from stable, and affirmed the company’s Ba2 Corporate Family Rating (CFR) and the Ba2-PD probability of default rating.

L.L.Bean Reports Flat Sales For 2016
L.L.Bean announced sales in 2016 were $1.6 billion, up slightly from the prior year. The L.L.Bean family and board of directors approved payment of a 3 percent discretionary cash performance bonus to approximately 6,000 eligible employees.
FeraDyne Outdoors Acquires Eastman Outdoors
Eastman Outdoors brands include Carbon Express, Gorilla Gear and Eastman Outdoors.

Wolverine Brand Appoints Sales And Marketing Leaders
Wolverine, the flagship brand of Wolverine Worldwide, appointed John Estes as vice president of global sales and Andy Shripka as vice president of marketing.

Canada Goose Goes Public
Shares of Canada Goose debuted above its projected range in its initial public offering and flew upward in its first day of trading.
Merrell Sets Work And Tactical Footwear Launch
Merrell said its first line of work and tactical footwear will be available exclusively on merrell.com beginning March 15, 2017 as well as at key retailers in the U.S.
Vista Outdoor Names New Treasurer
The company’s current Vice President, Controller and Treasurer, Thomas G. Sexton, has announced his intention to retire after a 31-year career.

Textile Exchange, NSF International To Create One Global Down Standard
The single down standard will combine and improve the attributes from each of the current standards, which will result in best practices that respect the treatment of birds throughout the down supply chain.