Add Eddie Bauer to the list of companies preparing to exit the brick-and-mortar business. Sources said the outdoor specialty store chain is prepping a Chapter 11 filing to shutter its approximately 200 North American stores. The Eddie Bauer store operations are owned by Catalyst Brands under license from brand owner Authentic Brands Group. More from WWD That would mean that the larger Catalyst Brands company would not be impacted. Catalyst Brands was formed last year by Simon Property Group, Brookfield ...

REI Co-op has “lots of growth potential ahead,” according to Mary Beth Laughton, the outdoor retailer’s president and chief executive officer. Sitting down with Fast Company executive editor Amy Farley for a one-on-one chat at the National Retail Federation convention, Laughton spoke about her efforts to strike a balance between moving the 87-year-old brand forward while upholding its heritage, culture and values. This includes serving both its core customer base and those who are newer to the outdoors. ...

Core Insights - EuroOptic, a specialist retailer in high-end optics and precision sporting gear, has launched a new ecommerce site utilizing the full portfolio of Commerce products, including BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Makeswift [1][2] Group 1: Launch and Performance - EuroOptic experienced significant increases in sales, traffic, and orders, along with improved conversion rates after launching on BigCommerce [2] - The new site was designed to replace EuroOptic's custom on-premise ecommerce service, aiming to enhance B2C and B2B customer experiences while reducing development costs [2] Group 2: Technology and Architecture - The site was implemented by MoJo Active using a composable API-first approach based on BigCommerce's Catalyst storefront technology, featuring a headless architecture to address compliance and product catalog challenges [3][5] - EuroOptic's tech stack integrates Feedonomics for data management across various channels, enhancing advertising and marketplace performance [3][4] Group 3: Key Features and Innovations - The new ecommerce experience includes automated compliance, split-shipping, and intelligent promotions, showcasing the capabilities of a composable tech stack [5] - Custom checkout solutions were integrated for automated firearm compliance and payment processing, alongside an advanced shipping framework with multiple carriers and complex logistics [7] Group 4: Strategic Integrations and Future Growth - MoJo Active implemented a suite of tools within the BigCommerce ecosystem to support EuroOptic's regulated and non-regulated workflows, enhancing the overall shopper experience [8] - The successful delivery of the project highlights the flexibility of BigCommerce Catalyst and reinforces MoJo Active's leadership in architecting complex commerce ecosystems [8]

Core Insights - The company reported a third consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth, with a 2.2% increase year-over-year, driven by strong performance in hunting, shooting sports, and fishing categories [4][12][13] - E-commerce sales grew by 8% in the quarter, with successful ship-to-home and buy online pickup in-store (BOPUS) strategies enhancing customer engagement [1][4] - The company is focused on inventory efficiency, reducing total inventory by 3.2% year-over-year, and aims to end the year with lower inventory levels than the previous year [16][17] Sales Performance - Key categories such as hunting and shooting sports saw a 5% increase, while fishing experienced exceptional growth of 14% [2][12][13] - Apparel sales grew by approximately 1%, with notable strength in technical outdoor wear, although camping sales declined due to its discretionary nature [2][12][13] Financial Metrics - Net sales for the quarter reached $331.3 million, reflecting a 2.2% increase compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32.8%, a 100 basis point increase from the previous year, driven by better product margins and lower freight expenses [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 13% to $18.6 million, indicating improved profitability [15] Inventory Management - Total inventory at the end of Q3 was $424 million, down from $438.1 million the previous year, with a strategic focus on reducing slow-moving inventory [16][17] - The company anticipates ending the year with inventory below $330 million, which is $12 million less than the prior year [17] Marketing and Customer Engagement - The company is enhancing its digital marketing efforts to drive customer acquisition and engagement, particularly through its "Adventure Like a Local" campaign [7][19] - Increased promotional activities are being implemented to maintain sales momentum amid a challenging consumer environment [19][20] Future Outlook - The company is adjusting its full-year guidance due to macroeconomic headwinds and a pressured U.S. consumer, expecting net sales to be flat to slightly up [19][20] - Focus for 2026 will be on sustainable profitable growth, with an emphasis on inventory efficiency and disciplined cost management [20][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $331.3 million for Q3, an increase of 2.2% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth at 2.2% [14][15] - Gross margin improved by 100 basis points to 32.8% compared to Q3 last year, driven by better product margins and lower freight expenses [15] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [16] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 13% to $18.6 million, reflecting a 50 basis point improvement as a percentage of net sales [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hunting and shooting sports department saw a 5.3% increase in sales, while fishing grew by 14.1% [14][15] - Apparel sales increased by 1.4%, but camping sales declined by high single digits, indicating challenges in that category [34][35] - E-commerce sales grew by 8%, with both ship-to-home and buy online pick up in store performing well [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a slowdown in sales trends starting mid-October, attributed to external disruptions from a prolonged government shutdown impacting consumer confidence [11][12] - The promotional retail landscape remains competitive, necessitating increased marketing efforts to drive sales [19][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that emphasizes inventory precision, local relevance, and personal protection categories [8][9] - Plans for 2026 include a customer acquisition strategy aimed at reducing reliance on promotions and shifting towards sustainable, profitable growth [10][21] - The company opened a new store in Surprise, Arizona, reflecting a disciplined growth approach and targeting long-term returns [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding Q4 due to macroeconomic headwinds and a pressured U.S. consumer, leading to a revision of full-year guidance [19][21] - Despite challenges, management remains confident in achieving lower inventory levels and positive free cash flow by year-end [12][19] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q3 was $424 million, a decrease of 3.2% year-over-year, with expectations to end the year with inventory less than $330 million [17][18] - The company paid down $13.2 million of debt during the quarter, ending with a total debt balance of $181.9 million [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent sales trends during Black Friday and Cyber Monday - Management noted that sales trends remained negative through November, with no significant improvement post-government shutdown [24] Question: Margin management strategies for Q4 - The company plans to use existing inventory to drive sales while managing working capital effectively [25] Question: Impact of Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday - Management indicated that the holiday did not significantly impact their business [27] Question: Marketing spend in a challenging consumer environment - Increased marketing spend is necessary to remain competitive in a highly promotional landscape [32] Question: Camping department performance and future strategies - Camping sales were down high single digits, with inventory trends being managed closely [34][35] Question: Promotional strategies for Black Friday - The company was promotional but did not implement traditional doorbusters, adjusting strategies for December [40] Question: Inventory management by category - The company is focusing on driving sales in the hunting and shooting category, which is a significant traffic driver [43] Question: Margin profile of personal protection products - Personal protection products are accretive to margins, with a focus on expanding offerings [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $331.3 million for Q3 2025, an increase of 2.2% compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32.8%, a 100 basis point increase year-over-year, driven by better product margins and lower freight expenses [13][14] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 13% to $18.6 million, improving by 50 basis points as a percentage of net sales [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales grew 2.2% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth [12] - Hunting and shooting sports increased by 5%, while fishing saw exceptional growth of 14% [12][6] - Apparel sales grew by 1.5%, but camping sales declined due to its discretionary nature [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce sales grew by 8% in the quarter, with strong performance in ship-to-home and buy online pick up in store [6] - The company experienced a slowdown in sales trends starting mid-October, attributed to external disruptions from a prolonged government shutdown [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that emphasizes inventory precision, local relevance, and personal protection [7][8] - Plans to open only one new store in 2025 and 2026, reflecting a disciplined growth approach [9] - The company aims to enhance customer acquisition strategies and reduce reliance on promotions for sustainable growth [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding Q4 due to macroeconomic headwinds and a pressured U.S. consumer [10][11] - The company anticipates modest sales growth for the full year despite challenges, with a focus on maintaining lower inventory and positive free cash flow [11][19] - Full-year guidance for net sales has been adjusted to be flat to slightly up, reflecting a tough Q4 environment [19] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q3 was $424 million, a decrease of 3.2% year-over-year [16] - The company paid down $13.2 million of debt during the quarter, ending with a total debt balance of $181.9 million [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent sales trends during Black Friday and Cyber Monday - Management noted that negative sales trends persisted through November, with no significant improvement post-government shutdown [23] Question: Margin management strategies for Q4 - The company plans to use existing inventory to drive sales while managing working capital, aiming to avoid carrying aged inventory into 2026 [24] Question: Impact of Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday - Management indicated that the holiday did not significantly impact their business as it is not a major market for them [26] Question: Marketing spend in a challenging consumer environment - The company believes increased marketing is necessary to remain competitive, focusing on digital marketing and promotions [30] Question: Performance of the camping department - Camping sales were down high single digits, with inventory trends below sales trends, indicating an area for improvement [32][33] Question: Promotional environment during Black Friday - Management confirmed they were promotional but did not implement traditional doorbusters, adjusting strategy for December to drive foot traffic [38][39] Question: Inventory management by category - The company is focusing on driving sales in the hunting and shooting category, which is a significant traffic driver [42] Question: Margin profile of personal protection products - Personal protection products are performing well and are accretive to margins, attracting a different customer base [44]

Core Insights - Sportsman's Warehouse reported a 2.2% increase in same-store sales compared to the previous year, outperforming Q3 Adjusted NICS data [1][5] - The company opened a new store in Surprise, Arizona, marking its 11th location in the state and its first personal protection-focused concept [2] - Gross margin improved by 100 basis points year-over-year, reaching 32.8% of net sales [5][9] Financial Performance - For the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2025, net sales were $331.3 million, a 2.2% increase from $324.3 million in the same period last year [5][18] - Gross profit for the quarter was $108.7 million, representing 32.8% of net sales, compared to $103.1 million or 31.8% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 [5][18] - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose to $104.5 million, or 31.5% of net sales, up from $100.0 million, or 30.8% of net sales in the prior year [5][18] Year-to-Date Performance - For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2025, net sales totaled $874.3 million, a 2.0% increase from $857.2 million in the same period last year [4][19] - Gross profit for the year-to-date period was $278.3 million, or 31.8% of net sales, compared to $266.9 million, or 31.1% of net sales in the previous year [9][19] - The company reported a net loss of $(28.3) million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, compared to a net loss of $(24.3) million in the same period last year [9][19] Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company is adjusting its fiscal year 2025 sales guidance to be flat to slightly up, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of $22 million to $26 million [8] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are anticipated to be less than $25 million, focusing on strategic technological investments and store maintenance [8] - The company aims to end the year with less than $330 million in inventory and lower debt levels, reflecting improved working capital efficiency [8]

Core Insights - The shift towards "competitive socializing" reflects a generational change in sports experiences, particularly among Gen Z, who are increasingly engaging in social formats that blend sport and entertainment [1][2] - The outdoor and fitness markets are experiencing a transformation, with younger consumers redefining outdoor engagement and a notable increase in participation in group activities and high-endurance events [3][4] Group Activities and Trends - Group activities and high-endurance events, such as marathons and hybrid competitions like Hyrox, are witnessing robust growth, driven by Gen Z and millennials seeking community and purpose [3] - The participation rate among Gen Z in outdoor activities is reported at 70%, indicating a strong trend towards informal and social formats [2] Retail Landscape Changes - The outdoor retail industry is facing challenges, with companies like REI and Orvis announcing store closures due to changing consumer needs and economic pressures [5][13] - REI's new CEO has introduced a strategic plan aimed at becoming the most trusted retailer for outdoor enthusiasts, focusing on customer trust and emotional connections [10][11] Economic and Trade Factors - Tariff uncertainties are prompting brands to rethink their sourcing and supply chains, impacting how outdoor specialty chains operate [8] - The introduction of reciprocal tariffs has influenced retailers like Orvis to adjust their assortment mix and store base [13] Consumer Demographics - There is a notable increase in women participating in team sports and a rise in active aging among those aged 55 and over, necessitating a reevaluation of product development and engagement strategies [6] - Consumers are shifting from traditional sports to more flexible social activities, such as pickleball and off-course golf [6] Trade Show Developments - Upcoming outdoor trade shows are set to return in 2026, focusing on innovation and collaboration within the industry [17][19] - The European Outdoor Group is also planning a new initiative called European Outdoor Week, which will include an outdoor festival concept for testing equipment [19][20]

Core Insights - The U.S. retail sector is facing significant challenges due to newly imposed tariffs, weaker consumer spending, and rising costs, leading to a wave of store closures [1][10] - Orvis, a well-known outdoor and lifestyle brand, plans to permanently close 36 locations in 2026 as part of a strategy to refocus on its core identity as a fly-fishing and hunting brand [2][3] Company-Specific Developments - Orvis will close 31 stores and five outlets, aiming to return to its roots and enhance its commitment to innovation and community [2][3] - The company has previously made significant cuts, including laying off 112 employees (8% of its workforce) in 2024 and an additional 50 employees (4% of its workforce) in June 2025 [5] - Orvis operates around 80 stores in the U.S. and has a network of over 550 independent dealers [4] Industry Trends - The retail industry is experiencing a concerning trend of mass closures, with announced store closures in 2025 up 67% compared to the previous year [9] - As of July 4, nearly 6,000 retail closures have been reported nationwide, significantly outpacing just over 4,000 new openings [10] - The National Retail Federation projects retail sales growth of 2.7% to 3.7% in 2025, a slowdown from 3.6% in 2024 [8]

Core Insights - Etsy is transitioning its stock listing from Nasdaq to the New York Stock Exchange, with the Nasdaq listing ceasing on October 10 and trading on the NYSE starting October 13 [2][3] - J.C. Penney launched a new collection by Ashley Graham, featuring sizes from 0X to 5X, aimed at enhancing customer confidence and celebrating curves [3][4] - Le Creuset introduced a limited 'Wicked: For Good' cookware collection, priced at $450 each, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, ahead of a movie release [5][6] - Tractor Supply agreed to pay $1.35 million for violating California privacy laws and will implement remedial measures following an investigation [6][8] - REI's new strategy, outlined by CEO Mary Beth Laughton, focuses on an updated membership program, enhanced services, and a purpose-led culture to improve customer engagement [10][11][12] Company Developments - Etsy's move to the NYSE is seen as a significant step for the company, which began trading on Nasdaq in 2015 [2][3] - The Ashley Graham collection at J.C. Penney is part of the retailer's effort to redefine its brand and attract a new generation of customers [4] - Le Creuset's new collection aims to inspire personal expression through its unique designs [5][6] - Tractor Supply's privacy violation highlights the increasing scrutiny on retailers regarding customer data protection [6][8] - REI's strategy includes a commitment to having products that are well-stocked and competitively priced, reflecting a shift towards operational efficiency [12][13]