SGB Update Sportsmans
Smith & Wesson’s Revenues Expand 10 Percent in Fourth Quarter
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis gained 43.1 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter ended April 30. Sales advanced 9.9 percent. Mark Smith, president and CEO, said, “We continue to expect healthy demand overall for firearms in fiscal 2025.”
Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
Winnebago’s Quarterly Sales Sink 13 Percent
Winnebago Industries, Inc. reported profits fell 50.9 percent in its fiscal third quarter ended May 25 as sales declined 12.7 percent. The company indicated profitability improved sequentially in both its Towable RV and Marine Segments.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New CEO, Exec Chair, and Chief Stores Officer
Mark Hasting was promoted to president and CEO and Kim Treece to chief stores officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will assume the executive chair of the company’s Board and remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.
Fifty 1 Labs Acquires Drago Knives
The acquisition of Drago Knives, LLC, marks a milestone for Fifty 1 Labs as it expands its portfolio into the “growing market of throwing knives,” an ancient practice with a history that dates back to prehistoric times.
Retail Sales in May Weaker Than Forecasted
Retail sales increased slower than expected in May versus the prior month, as high interest rates and inflation pressured consumer spending.
Gunstores.com Hires New VP of Business Development
Gunstores.com hired Eric Wille as its new vice president of business development. Wille comes to the firearms marketplace after serving in various leadership roles at Orchid, Gearfire and AcuSport.
Bass Pro Sets To Open In Grand Prairie, TX
The store will mark the 15th Bass Pro Shops location in Texas and fifth in the Dallas metro area.
X-Vision Optics Partners with Two New Rep Groups
X-Vision Optics reported that this collaboration “marks a milestone for the company as it seeks to broaden its market presence and enhance accessibility in all 50 States to its diverse range of night vision and thermal optics solutions.”
AnyCreek Secures $1.8 Million in Funding
AnyCreek, the Memphis, TN-based guided fishing and hunting experiences company, announced the completion of a $1.8 million seed funding round, brining total funding since its launch in 2022 to $3.3 million.
Orion Wholesale Promotes Nicholson to VP of Sales
Matt Nicholson is now responsible for sales team leadership, expanding new sales territories, developing new distribution channels and contributing to the company’s marketing and business strategies, reporting to CEO Brent Taylor.
Heckler & Koch Hires Sales Manager
Heckler & Koch welcomed back John Harrison as sales manager. Most recently, Harrison was the director of sales and marketing at PTR Industries, LLC, from 2017 to 2023. ·
Vista Outdoor Sees Alternative Ammo Bidder Withdraw Offer
The alternative party that made a play for the company’s ammo business last week has withdrawn its offer to acquire The Kinetic Group, Vista’s ammunition business.
Rapala VMC Makes Big Changes in Global Management Team
Ohvo, managing director of Marttiini and Rapala VMC North Europe; Ravennil, EVP and head of distribution in APAC countries and global rods; and Tuominen, EVP of global business development and IT, left the company on June 14.
Consumer Sentiment Falls to 7-Month Low
University of Michigan Survey Director Joanne Hsu stated, “While consumer sentiment declined this month, the 3.5 Index point dip is relatively minor in the grand scheme. That decline is within the margin of error for the survey.”
