News

Vista Outdoor Board Reaffirms Commitment to Sell Ammo Business to CSG
Vista Outdoor, Inc.’s Board of Directors issued an open letter dated Wednesday, July 10, to Vista Outdoor shareholders concerning its upcoming Special Meeting of Stockholders on July 23, 2024. The special meeting of Vista Outdoor stockholders will, among other things, vote on a proposal to adopt the merger agreement with CSG, is scheduled to be held virtually on July 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. CST. Additional information is available in Vista Outdoor’s proxy statement/prospectus and the supplements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent supplement to the proxy statement/prospectus dated June 8, 2024. | More Infromation

Monthly Import Cargo Continues to Rise Despite Supply Chain Challenges 
Monthly inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is continuing to rise despite a variety of supply chain challenges, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said the latest numbers come as attacks on shipping in the Red Sea earlier this year have had an impact “beyond earlier expectations” because of lack of sufficient capacity to make up for longer voyages to avoid the region. Political support for higher and broader tariffs on imported goods is expanding. And worries over lack of a new contract with East Coast/Gulf Coast dockworkers is shifting some cargo to West Coast ports. All of those issues drive up prices for shipping and, in turn, consumers. | More Information 

NRF: Consumers Face ‘Critical Moment’ Waiting on Fed
The U.S. consumer faces a “critical moment” waiting to hear what could happen next “as inflation continues to ease and the Federal Reserve decides when it will lower interest rates, according to analysis from National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, in the latest NRF’s Monthly Economic Review for July 2024. | More Information 

Father’s Day Spending to Total $22.4 Billion 
Father’s Day spending is expected to reach $22.4 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This is the second highest figure in the survey’s history and on par with last year’s record of $22.9 billion.  Half of consumers plan to purchase a gift for a father or stepfather, followed by those purchasing gifts for a husband (26%), son (10%), brother (8%), friend (8%) or grandfather (6%). | More Information 

Consumers Remain ‘Willing to Spend’ Even as Growth Slows
Shoppers are still willing to buy even as smaller job and wage gains and high interest rates are slowing the growth of consumer spending, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. Kleinhenz’s comments came in the June issue of NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, which said gross domestic product is still expected to grow about 2.3% over 2023 but that employment is now expected to grow by an average 180,000 jobs a month, about 50,000 higher than expected this spring. Inflation as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index should drop to about 2.2% by the end of the year, close to the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. | More Information


Nikwax Launches Deodorizing Wash for Wetsuits
 Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has developed a high-powered deodorizing cleaner and conditioner to help extend the useful life of wetsuits and neoprene items. Offered in a 1-liter bottle, Wetsuit Refresh is now available in the US and Canada. Wetsuits are an investment piece, so caring for them is important to ensure they last as long as possible. Nikwax Wetsuit Refresh deodorizes and removes the build-up of salt, chlorine, body oils, urine, and other grime from wetsuits and neoprene items. In addition to contributing to odor build-up, all these contaminants have the potential to degrade the neoprene, causing it to wear out more quickly. By removing these contaminants, eliminating odors, and keeping neoprene soft and supple, Nikwax Wetsuit Refresh extends the lifetime of treated items. | More Information


ASA’s Fishing Share the Fun Campaign Aims to Spread Joy of Fishing Across Communities
With a mission to amplify the benefits of fishing and its positive impact on individuals and communities, this initiative encourages anglers and companies to share their passion for fishing by spreading the word across social media platforms and sharing tips for getting new folks on the water. At the heart of the campaign lies a simple yet powerful idea: sharing the excitement of fishing multiplies the enjoyment. By leveraging the collective reach of anglers worldwide, Fishing Share the Fun aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring more people to discover, or rediscover, the thrill of casting a line and reeling in unforgettable moments on the water with family and friends. | More Information 
 

Report: Camping Sentiment Up in 2024 Despite Inflation Concerns
RMS North America released its annual State of the Industry Report, suggesting that camping sentiment is up across the board despite ongoing concerns about inflation. The company, a provider of reservation and property management systems to the outdoor hospitality industry, said in a release that this year’s report examines all adult generations, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, and offers insight into how each group approaches camping differently. RMS North America conducted independent research on campers ages 18 to 60-plus, collecting data on the differences between generations, but also found similarities. While some thought the pandemic’s camping craze would dwindle, the demand for outdoor travel and recreation remains strong across the board. | More Information 

Consumers Expected to Spend Near-Record $33.5 Billion on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year, according to the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is the second highest in the history of the survey, following last year’s record $35.7 billion. Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults are expected to celebrate the holiday. On average, those celebrating plan to spend $254.04 on Mother’s Day gifts and celebrations, the second highest per-person figure, following last year’s record $274.02 per person. The biggest spenders are expected to be those between the ages of 35 and 44, who are budgeting $345.75. | More Information 



Wiley X Expands Sales Team, Strengthens Commitment to Serving Retail Partners and Customers 
Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, is excited to announce it has restructured and expanded its sales team to enhance the brand’s relationships and support across retail partners and customers. Completed in unison with its recent brand refresh, Wiley X has expanded its sales team to add more than 100 representatives across the U.S. and has welcomed seasoned industry executive Aaron Quigley as its Senior Vice President of Sales. Quigley joins the brand with over 20 years of experience as a sales executive for companies such as Oakley, Stussy and VonZipper. | More Information 

NSSF Project Childsafe® Program Celebrates 25 Years, Announces $250,000  Fundraising Goal for Firearm Safety
This year marks the 25-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe®, the firearm safety and education program of NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has raised awareness about safely handling and securely storing firearms when not in use, along with educating children about firearm safety. As part of recognizing this milestone, NSSF aims to raise $250,000 over the next year to provide more free gun locks and educational materials to gun owners across the country. | More Information