SGB Executive Outdoor
EXEC: Salomon Opens Two New Stores in Paris Ahead of the Olympics
The first Salomon Sportstyle brand store opened in Paris’ Le Marais neighborhood, joining its recently reported, newly opened Champs-Élysées flagship location.
EXEC: Birkenstock Holding Raises Full-Year Guidance After Strong Q2 Performance
Fiscal Q2 net revenue amounted to €481 million, an increase of 22 percent (+23 percent CC) year-over-year. Revenue growth reportedly benefitted from increased sales of closed-toe silhouettes, which increased to over 25 percent of total revenue compared to the high teens a year ago.
EXEC: Dick’s SG Leadership Details Q1 Comps, House of Sport, 50K Stores, Q2 View
First-quarter comps were reportedly driven by a 2.7 percent increase in transactions and a 2.6 percent increase in average ticket with strength across footwear, athletic apparel and hardlines. DKS will begin to anniversary the higher shrink rates from 2023 in the second quarter.
EXEC: The Nidecker Group Acquires Iconic Skate Brands from Sole Technology
The Nidecker Group, the Swiss-based snowboard company, has reportedly inked an agreement with Sole Technology to acquire its legendary portfolio of skate brands, including Etnies, éS, Emerica, and ThirtyTwo.
EXEC: TAF Parent Completes Acquisition of Germany-Based Lloyd Shoes
Arklyz owns The Athlete’s Foot, Asphaltgold, Intersocks, Arkrod, and several global licenses or wholesale distribution for Salomon, Head, Nordica, Mammut, Crocs, Adidas, HeyDude, and others.
EXEC: Kona Founders Talk Return to Brand in Open Letter
The founders wrote in a letter to industry friends that there are still many familiar faces specialty bike retailers should know from “epic dealer launches, My Kona videos and trail days who are dedicated to the cause.”
REI Chicago Union Workers Disrupt Anniversary Sale, Walk Off Job
REI Union Chicago workers walked off the job this on Saturday May 18, during the retailer’s annual Anniversary Sale, demanding the retailer reach a “fair contract” by the end of 2024.
EXEC: Tom Cove to Retire from SFIA Leadership Post in October
Always the gentleman, always understated and always a class act, Tom Cove let slip this week that he will retire from his leadership role at the SFIA, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, formerly SGMA, in the fall.
EXEC: CEO Kevin Plank Outlines Dramatic Turnaround Plan for Under Armour
With some apparent aggravation on what the brand has become, Plank noted that Under Armour has become a brand that competes primarily on price versus what should be its core competency—performance and technical innovation.
EXEC: Descente Ltd. Fiscal Year Profits Increase in Double Digits on Solid Sales Growth
Net sales for the fiscal year increased 5.3 percent to ¥127.0 billion reportedly due primarily to growth in DTC net sales that expanded the channel composition ratio, sales growth in South Korea, and China’s incorporation of Le Coq Sportif Co., Ltd. into consolidated results from the previous fourth quarter.
EXEC: Industry Organizations Push Back on Biden Administration’s Tariff Decisions
The decision to maintain Section 301 China tariffs and implement new tariffs has U.S. retail and brand companies up in arms over the decision released this week by the Biden administration.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees Improving Bike Picture as April Shipments Close to Flat
The 1.75 percent year-over-year decline was the smallest year-over-year decrease in sales since April 2023 when sales grew 20.3 percent to NT$7.03 billion. First quarter results that were down 20.3 percent.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees China Q1 Gains Offset by Inventory Reduction, OEM Sales Elsewhere
The Taiwan-based manufacturer of bikes, bike parts and components reported that the sharp sales decline came despite increased bike sales in China offset by inventory reductions in Europe and North America and order adjustments from OEM customers.
EXEC: Leatt Posts Another DD Decline in Q1 as Body Armor and Helmets Sales Falter
Sales to the company’s global distributors decreased by 31 percent as distributors continue to manage industry-wide stocking dynamics, while consumer direct sales increased by 15 percent and dealer direct sales increased by 9 percent in Q1.
EXEC: Key Footwear Factory Report Sees Flat Q1 and Unsettled Market for 2024
The Group believes the global footwear industry will remain unsettled in the near term amidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment driven by persistent inflation, high interest rates, regional conflicts, and its impact on shipping lanes.