SGB Update Sportsmans
Outtech Co-Founder Jay Scholes is Retiring
In 1989, Jay Scholes, with partners Ron Rette and “Rocket” Rod Swanson, founded Outtech with the vision of “revolutionizing sales representation in the outdoor industry.” Scholes is now retiring.
AGM Global Vision Hires New Key Account Manager
Keith Weaver will manage and strengthen the company’s key account relationships, optimize product assortments and promotional strategies and collaborate with the sales team to expand AGM Global’s dealer network.
Suunto Shifts Dive Channel to Direct Distribution Model
The decision to go direct “better aligns with the Suunto Dive business and with the operating model of Suunto’s other business units.”
U.S. Consumer Confidence Shrinks in December Survey; Tariffs Top of Mind
Based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, the Board’s Expectations Index tumbled 12.6 points to 81.1 for the month, just above the threshold of 80 that usually signals a recession ahead.
First Holiday Sales Wrap Up Sees 3.8 Percent Growth for 2024
Preliminary insights reveal that U.S. retail holiday sales, excluding automotive, increased 3.8 percent year-over-year from November 1 through December 24, exceeding the firm’s September forecast of 3.7 percent growth for the holiday sales period.
Scholastic Sports Sales Owner Jeff Miller Passes Away
Miller owned Scholastic Sports Sales, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2024 and is in its third generation of family ownership. He was a member of the NSGA Board for two terms from 2015 to 2021. He unexpectedly passed away on December 19 at age 69.
U.S. Congress Re-Authorizes the Economic Development Administration
The EDA, a federal agency focused on promoting economic growth and job creation in communities across the country, plays a crucial role in supporting the outdoor recreation economy.
U.S. Senate Passes EXPLORE Act Modernizing Outdoor Recreation Policy
A first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the President’s desk for signature.
Powder Valley Outdoors Taps Willie Vernon as New VP Marketing
With a career spanning the firearms and outdoor industries, Vernon’s experience includes having worked for SilencerCo, Vista Outdoor, Bote, and Christensen Arms.
AGM Global Vision Promotes Scott Cook to Director of Sales
The company said Cook joined AGM Global Vision as a sales account manager and quickly distinguished himself through his commitment to increasing efficiency, nurturing dealer relationships and in-depth understanding of the industry.
Winnebago Industries Posts Fiscal Q1 Net Loss on Lower Unit Volume and ASPs
The company said the RV and marine operating environment remained challenging in the first quarter, marked by subdued consumer demand and a cautious dealer network reluctant to make significant commitments on new orders ahead of the historically slow winter season.
Shoes For Crews Taps Board Director to Serve as CEO
Chris Quinn will assume the CEO role beginning January 1, 2025. He has served as a director of Shoes For Crews since August 2024.
Big 5 Sporting Goods Renews Five-Year Credit Facility with BofA
The company has entered into an agreement to amend and extend its credit facility with Bank of America, N. A., as administrative agent and lender.
ICSC Makes Final Argument for Brick & Mortar Holiday Shopping in New Survey Report
The membership trade organization serving the commercial real estate and retail industries reported physical stores remain an important part of holiday shopping, as 84 percent of surveyed respondents intend to shop in-store or visit a store to pick up an online order.
Study: Shoplifting Increased 93 Percent Since 2019; Violence Jumped 84 Percent Since 2022
According to the study, retailers surveyed experienced an average of 177 shoplifting incidents per day in 2023; however, that number can reach over 1,000 depending on the retail sector.
