SGB Today Outdoor
Academy Sports Launches Retail Media Network
Academy Sports has launched Academy Retail Media (ARM), a retail media network designed to connect brand partners with Academy’s customers and link ad exposure to both online and in-store sales. ARM integrates Academy’s stores, e-commerce platforms, and customer data to support its omnichannel growth strategy.
Report: Footwear and Accessories Deals Drive M&A Growth in 2026 YTD Period
Apparel, Footwear & Accessories sector total deal volume has jumped 21 percent year-over-year to 75 transactions announced or closed year-to-date. Capstone Partners said key trends shaping the sector’s M&A environment over the last few years have continued to place downward pressure on activity despite the increase in headline acquisition volume.
Report: Americans Are Investing More in Their Health and Fitness Than Ever Before
A new Harrison Co. survey examines the key behaviors and trends shaping the fitness and health industries, spanning fitness habits, wearables and fitness technology, nutrition and supplements, and sports participation and fan engagement.
Switchback Spring Builds on Brand Strength, Learning Opportunities and Retail Discovery
Switchback Spring concluded its second annual event with a robust list of outdoor specialty brands, retailers and working media. Over three days, Switchback Spring drew 1,262 attendees from 46 states and 16 countries to the vibrant city of New Orleans for business and learning.
Mountain House Wants Customers to “Savor It” in New Active, Gritty Campaign
Moving away from sanitized, picture-perfect lifestyle photography, the brand’s new visual direction leans into the raw, unpolished, and exhausting moments that core consumers actually endure: the pouring rain, the frozen fingers, and the heavy packs.
Study: RV Industry’s $159 Billion Economic Impact on U.S. Economy
How much the RV industry has grown is captured in the new RVs Move America Economic Impact Study, produced by the RV Industry Association. The study found that the RV Industry has an overall annual economic impact to the U.S. economy of $159 billion, supporting 643,238 jobs and paying more than $46.4 billion in wages.
New Brands, New Ideas, New Connections — Switchback Elevates Discovery Opportunities
Discovery will take center stage in a section for young companies, state-sponsored booths, targeted education and social events.
The North Face Named Official Apparel Partner of U.S. Ski Team
The North Face announced an eight-year deal to replace Italian brand Kappa as the Official Performance Apparel Partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. In addition to outfitting athletes, The North Face will launch a commercially available collection inspired by U.S. Ski & Snowboard beginning Fall 2026.
OIA Recaps 2026 Capitol Summit Efforts to Demonstrate the Outdoor Industry’s Strengths
OIA said this year’s event was held at a critical moment for the industry, with the timing of the Summit advancing unified momentum around reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund, accelerating EXPLORE Act implementation, and driving greater certainty in trade and tariff policy for outdoor businesses.
Crocs Co-Founder Pens Book on Brand’s Birth
George Boedecker Jr., who co-founded Crocs in 2002, has released his debut book, “Croc: How I Invented the World’s Most Popular Shoe, Became a Massive Success, and Nearly Destroyed Myself — in 15 Easy Lessons,” detailing lessons learned in bringing the footwear brand to the marketplace.
Baffin Recovery Clog Expands on Year-Round Performance Footwear + Apparel Collection
The Recovery Clog features a solid upper construction to help protect against debris in outdoor environments, slip-on functionality and water-resistant materials, ideal for post-hike recovery in changing conditions. Each pair includes a Baffin-branded carabiner to secure the clogs together or clip them to gear, enhancing packability for travel.
Outdoor Brands Look Forward to Switchback Spring with Common Goals of Retail Exposure and Industry Connection
The 200-plus registered exhibitors include outdoor industry cornerstones, challenger brands and retail-ready emerging companies.
The Next Wave of Wellness: Fashion & Fabric
The wellness conversation continues to evolve. Consumers who scrutinize food labels and skincare ingredient lists are now doing the same to their activewear. Sourcing matters. So does fiber content. Hard-to-pronounce or unnatural ingredients are suspect. Turns out, “What am I putting against my skin?” is just as important a question as, “What am I putting in my body?”
Outdoor Industry to Convene in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Summit
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) plans to host its annual Capitol Summit on April 28-29, 2026, bringing together leaders from across the $1.3T outdoor recreation economy for two days of advocacy, policy engagement and direct dialogue with lawmakers.
Walmart Joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol in Sustainability Push
Walmart has joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, a voluntary, science-based sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. cotton that sets quantifiable, verifiable goals and metrics.
