Home / Eric Smith

Welcome

I'm a Colorado-based writer who specializes in business news, analysis and features from the outdoor and sporting goods industries. My current role is Senior Business Editor for SGB Media, a B2B trade publication that covers the active lifestyle marketplace (you can view my SGB oeuvre by clicking here).

Below you'll find my most recent work, or please visit my portfolio page for a more comprehensive look at my writing, including clips from SGB, past jobs and even a few side hustles. Also, be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow on Twitter (feed is at the bottom of the page).

Cheers!

SGB Media • 13th December 2019

Jack Wolfskin North America Unveils Utah Growth Plans

Jack Wolfskin, the German-based outdoor gear and apparel brand that’s owned by Carlsbad, CA-based Callaway Golf Co., this week formally announced plans to build a North America headquarters in Utah and create 50 jobs over the next five years.

SGB Media • 13th December 2019

Trade Deal Means Christmas Comes Early, But Issues Remain

When the news wires started buzzing Thursday afternoon that progress had been made in the ongoing and economically crippling trade war between the U.S. and China, businesses around the country rejoiced. Would Christmas come early this year?

SGB Media • 12th December 2019

Trade Show Tumult: New Event Underscores Ongoing Change

A new outdoor hardgoods trade show hits the calendar next summer, and its arrival brings more change to the outdoor industry’s already busy show schedule. SGB digs into the latest shuffling of events with reaction from brands and buyers.

SGB Media • 11th December 2019

Conversation With Sportsman's Warehouse CEO Jon Barker

From market-shifting acquisitions to doubling down on the sales of firearms and ammunition, a lot has been happening at Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc., the Midvale, UT-based sporting goods retailer. We recently spoke with CEO Jon Barker about these topics and more in our latest executive conversation. Here’s what he shared about the state of the company.

SGB Media • 10th December 2019

Vail Resorts Tees Up $215M In Ski Area Improvements

As the 2019/20 ski season gets underway, Vail Resorts Inc. has already unveiled up to $215 million in capital improvements for next year. Here’s what’s on tap for North America’s largest ski resort operator, which this week reported a revenue beat in the fiscal first quarter behind strong pass sales.

SGB Media • 2nd December 2019

November M&A Roundup: SIA, Alterra, Fitbit And More

What the active lifestyle marketplace lacked in M&A volume last month, it made up for in impact thanks to three industry-shifting deals that are sure to resonate with businesses and consumers alike. In our November M&A Roundup, SGB recaps the moves made by Snowsports Industries America, Alterra Mountain Co. and Fitbit Inc.

SGB Media • 21st November 2019

As Ski Season Ramps Up, New Industry Landscape Takes Shape

The 2019/20 season begins with a new look and feel across much of the industry—a fresh coat of wax, so to speak—so SGB took look at the changes that occurred since last spring (or summer for a few lucky resorts and riders). Our winter sports preview touches on the least you need to know about the changing industry landscape—and also says farewell to an industry legend.

SGB Media • 18th November 2019

Kick Show Plans Return To Denver After Successful Debut

After a successful debut in Denver last June, Kick Show—the B2B trade show for the run specialty channel that’s hosted by the Running Industry Association—will return to the Mile High City and to the same venue, The Curtis Hotel, in May 2020. RIA’s executive director, Terry Schalow, spoke with SGB about what’s coming for year two of the industry’s “working trade show.”

SGB Media • 15th November 2019

SIA Broadens Focus With B2C Show Acquisition

Snowsports Industries America (SIA) is getting back into hosting large-scale, live shows—albeit with a different target market than its former signature event. About two and a half years after selling its annual B2B event Snow Show, SIA announced Friday it had agreed to acquire a pair of B2C snow sports expos. SIA leaders share why this move is another step in a new direction for the trade association.

SGB Media • 29th October 2019

Faction Skis Goes Big With Next Growth Phase

Faction Skis, the Verbier, Switzerland-based premium ski manufacturer, has set its sights on the U.S. market for its next growth phase. CEO Alex Hoye spoke with SGB about recent moves to take share here, including a new North America headquarters, increased production and shifting sales in-house. Here’s what on tap for the next step in Faction's evolution.

SGB Media • 28th October 2019

Jon Frederick Guiding Rab, Lowe Alpine On U.S. Journey

Jon Frederick, U.S. country manager for outdoor brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, spoke with SGB about the companies’ differing strategies. While Rab’s focus is building on current momentum by launching new categories, Lowe Alpine is looking to re-establish itself in this market after a rocky couple of decades. Frederick outlines the path forward for each.

SGB Media • 25th October 2019

The North Face's Futurelight Delivering 'Brand Heat' For VF

VF Corp. underperformed in the fiscal second quarter, missing EPS and revenue estimates due to a host of headwinds. But one of the bright spots for Denver, CO-based VF amid the mixed quarter was The North Face, specifically the brand’s new, potentially game-changing innovation.

SGB Media • 18th October 2019

RMU Stays True To Ski Bum Roots Amid Expansion

Breckenridge, CO-based Rocky Mountain Underground— a ski maker that also runs a combination retail shop and tavern—is expanding into Canada with a locale in Whistler, BC. But Mike Waesche and Scott Mant told SGB the company sees this move as a grassroots extension of RMU’s unique concept rather than a corporate expansion.

SGB Media • 16th October 2019

Nexgen Outfitters Steps Out Of Cabela's Shadow

Six former Cabela’s employees are running the startup outdoor gear seller Nexgen Outfitters Inc. in Sidney, NE, where Cabela’s had been headquartered before being acquired by Bass Pro Shops. With the recent expiration of a noncompete injunction, the online provider is feeling a surge of momentum. SGB checks in on Nexgen’s journey.

SGB Media • 14th October 2019

VF Maps Growth Plans For Three 'Emerging' Brands

Smartwool, Icebreaker and Napapijri aren’t the largest assets in VF Corp.’s $12 billion portfolio, combining for about $600 million in annual sales. But the company has big plans for these so-called “emerging” brands, including each one hitting double-digit growth over the next five years to reach $1 billion together.

SGB Media • 3rd October 2019

September M&A Roundup: Spy Optic, Bollé, Dick's, Sportsman's And More

September was another busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space. Notable transactions occurred in outdoor eyewear (Bollé Brands acquired Spy Optic), sporting goods retail (Sportsman’s Warehouse acquired eight Field & Stream stores from Dick’s) and recreational vehicle manufacturing (Winnebago acquired Newmar). SGB digs into the important details of each deal.

SGB Media • 2nd October 2019

Q&A With CamelBak President Greg Williamson

Greg Williamson took over as president of CamelBak at a precarious time for the brand. Not only was he the company’s fifth leader in four years, but when he arrived in July 2018, a key retailer had boycotted CamelBak products. With Williamson leading the charge, the brand’s fortunes are improving. He spoke with SGB about what that journey entails.

SGB Media • 2nd October 2019

Behind The Deal: Kathmandu Adds Iconic Surfing Brand To Portfolio

SGB goes behind the deal of Kathmandu Holdings Ltd.’s $236 million acquisition of Australian surf brand Rip Curl. We dig into why this addition will help Kathmandu grow into new markets and also reveal why Rip Curl turned down more lucrative offers to join the growing New Zealand-based outdoor retailer.

SGB Media • 30th September 2019

Why Dick's Unloaded Eight Field & Stream Locales

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. on Monday took another important step in the ongoing “strategic review of its hunt business” by selling eight Field & Stream stores to Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. for $28 million. SGB looks at how the deal affects each company.

SGB Media • 26th September 2019

The Ongoing Evolution Of VF Corp.

VF Corp. hosted its 2019 Investor Day Wednesday in Beaver Creek, CO, a couple hours up I-70 from the company’s new hometown of Denver. There, VF’s chairman, president and CEO, Steve Rendle, outlined for analysts and investors the changes completed and the changes yet to come in VF’s ongoing evolution.

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