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Industry News

September 29, 2023
August Retail Sales Growth Moderates; Sporting Goods Trends Down
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that overall U.S. retail sales in August were up 0.6 percent month-over-month from July and up 2.5 percent year-over-year versus the comparable month in 2022. The August year-over-year trend moderated from the 2.6 percent posted in the July year-over-year trend. The month-over-month trend accelerated compared to July, which had increased 0.5 percent month-over-month.The National Retail Federation (NRF) commented that the sales increase developed as parents shopped for school supplies and other goods even as inflation continued and interest rates remained high. | More Information 

NRF Now Sees 2023 Retail Sales at Low End of Earlier Forecast 
The economy continues to grow but not as fast as earlier in the year, according to National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. “The U.S. economy continues to expand, but recent data is signaling a slowdown in its momentum. The economy is slowing but not halting. “Progress has been made on combating inflation, but higher prices remain,” Kleinhenz continued. “While consumers are still spending, the composition of their spending continues to favor services over retail goods, and, even then, there was less momentum going into the third quarter.”


ATF Form 4473 Update - August 2023 Version
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued the following notice regarding recent changes to the ATF Form 4473. All federal firearms licensees (FFLs) are encouraged to begin using the Revised Form immediately. As you well know, due to statutory requirements set forth in both the NICS Denial Notification Act and the Bipartisan Safer Community Act (BSCA), the ATF Form 4473 was revised in December of 2022. Incorporating industry member suggestions made during the recent 60 and 30-day Notice and Comment periods, ATF has further revised the form and now that newest version (August 2023) has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget for implementation. | More Information 


Industry Updates

August 17, 2023
7 Ways Industry Members Can Get Involved in National Shooting Sports Month 
As Industry Leaders, join us this August for a nationwide celebration of the shooting sports – which showcases and reminds the public that shooting is a safe, fun activity enjoyed by millions of Americans. Help support the growth of the industry and your business at the same time! | More Information 




Vista Outdoor’s Sporting Products
Business To Be Rebranded as The Kinetic Group
Vista Outdoor, Inc. announced its new name and identity that will be effective following the planned spinoff of Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products business. Post-spin, Vista Outdoor will be rebranded as The Kinetic Group, a name “that surfaced among employees during the naming process and represents the energy behind the company and its leading ammunition brands,” Vista said in a statement. The Kinetic Group will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock ticker “HUNT.” The brand will feature the original logo artwork of a North American ram. | More Information 


Industry Updates

July 27, 2023
Retail Sales Grew Again in June Despite Slower Job Gains
Retail sales continued to rise in June even as employment grew more slowly, the National Retail Federation said. “June retail sales confirm that while the economy may be cooling, consumers remain on solid footing and are spending on household priorities,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Back-to-class spending is one of the most important shopping occasions of the year, and NRF’s consumer research shows that back-to-school and college spending is expected to set new records. Consumers are looking for the best value and deals, and retailers are well stocked with essential items for families and students.” | More Information


Vista Outdoor Appoints CEO of Outdoor Products Segment
Vista Outdoor, Inc. hired Eric Nyman as CEO of the company’s Outdoor Products segment and appointed him as a board member, effective August 21. Most recently, Nyman was president and chief operating officer of Hasbro, Inc. Nyman’s hire comes as Vista plans to spin off its Outdoor Sports segment later this year, which includes Bell, Bushnell, Bushnell Golf, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Foresight Sports, Fox Racing, Giro, QuietKat, Simms Fishing, and Stone Glacier. | More Information 


Industry Updates

July 5, 2023
NRF Says Retail Sales Increased Again in May
Retail sales rose again in May as consumers continued to spend despite economic challenges, the National Retail Federation said. “Consumers continued to spend on household priorities in May, supported by gains in the job market and wages,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers recognize the ongoing pressure on cost-sensitive consumers and are offering competitive pricing, a wide product mix and convenient shopping options to help stretch family budgets.” | More Information 


Spring U.S. Outdoor Sales Pressured By Footwear and Equipment Weakness
U.S. outdoor industry sales slid 1 percent in dollars (-4 percent in units) in the 12 months through April to total $28 billion, Julia Clark Day, Circana’s executive director of business development, Sports, said in a presentation she gave at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2023 show. A modest gain in outdoor apparel did not offset declines in footwear and equipment. Among categories, footwear sales were down 5 percent in dollars in the 12 months through April to about $5 billion, while equipment was off 9 percent to about $5 billion in sales. Apparel, the largest category, was up 2 percent in dollars to $16 billion. Accessories, the smallest category, delivered the strongest gain, up 4 percent in dollars, to $1.4 billion. Apparel represented 58 percent of the U.S. outdoor industry’s sales during the 12 months through April; equipment, 19 percent; footwear, 18 percent; and accessories, 5 percent of sales. | More Information 


Industry Updates

June 13, 2023
Toy Association & Clamour Unveil Influencers' Top Toy Picks for
Spring & Summer '23
As the official start of summer kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, the “Best of Spring & Summer 2023 Influencer Choice List,” presented by The Toy Association™ and powered by Clamour, unveiled the hottest toys and games of the season as voted on by top-tier toy and family content creators. Families are invited to shop the list of toys below. “The ‘Best of Spring & Summer 2023 Influencer Choice List’ offers families a trusted selection of top toys, from active outdoor toys and travel-ready games to creative toys that will keep young minds engaged over summer break,” said Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications at The Toy Association. “This year’s list highlights a diverse assortment of innovative products that are sure to inspire many hours of fun-filled, skill-building play in the coming months.” | More Information 

 
U.S. Consumer Confidence Slides to Six-Month Low
U.S. consumer confidence sunk to a six-month low in May as Americans’ assessment of the current state of the labor market and the outlook for business conditions slipped. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell in May to 102.3 (1985=100), down from an upwardly revised 103.7 in April. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—decreased to 148.6 (1985=100) from 151.8 last month. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—decreased slightly to 71.5 (1985=100) from 71.7. The Expectations Index has now remained below 80—the level associated with a recession within the next year—every month since February 2022, with the exception of a brief uptick in December 2022. | More Information 
 


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