Chris Davis

One of the most rewarding things I get to do professionally is this presentation - a session aimed at helping brands and their sales teams understand how most independent retailers formulate their buying plans, and how that understanding can lead to more long-term sales. Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to present this to dozens of brands. I’ve been in front of the sales team for the biggest brand in the outdoor industry, and startups that have one employee. The consistently surprising thing that I observe is this - most people responsible for selling to wholesale have at best a fuzzy understanding of the math that buyers use to spend their open-to-buy, and it’s a huge unlock for their success when they learn it. Knowing how and why a wholesale account spends money with you - beyond “because we make cool stuff” - gives you the opportunity to be an exceptional brand partner. Plus, it can make everyone more money. If you’re interested in learning more about how to bring this session to your team, please reach out. One other thing. This was my first time back to Outdoor Retailer in years. It’s a completely different show than what it once was . The thing that inspired me to accept this gig was that it’s mostly now made up of small brands. Some of those brands are very small businesses- just like Sunlight Sports. I hope that something that we talked about in my session helps one of those people who have risked so much on their new startup brand be successful. If so, what a great feeling. More thoughts on OR overall to come. Katie Soule thanks for the post! #outdoorretailer #outdoorindustry #independentlyowned

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Ironically, Nike's Olympic ad tagline sums up John Donahoe's disappointing tenure at the Swoosh. In less than 5 years, the CEO has authored two significant layoffs, gutted employee morale & spurred Nike's stock price to plummet by over 100 points from its high of 177. Donahoe’s decision to eliminate sport categories, let go of experienced employees, over-index on direct-to-consumer sales & become reliant on consultant strategies has resulted in sluggish sales & a weakened brand. Nike’s product innovation pipeline has dried up & consumers no longer view the brand as cool. Additionally, upstart competitors like On & Hoka have gained market share. Notable female athletes such as Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Breanna Stewart & Sloane Stephens parted ways with Nike instead of renewing their contracts. In any other company or sports team, a change in leadership would have been made long ago. Donahoe has proven he can’t WIN. Phil Knight & the Nike board have become enablers & must make a CEO change before irreparable damage is done to this once-great company. Shareholders, employees, former employees & consumers deserve better. Just Do It! #nike #lackofleadership #failedceo #justdoit #heavyhittersports

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I see significant changes coming to the gym equipment industry in the next 10 years. As long as people want to stay fit, there will always be a demand for gym equipment. With economic development, people will invest more in their health, making this industry resilient and not solely dependent on population growth. Many entrepreneurs will start to notice these trends, and more players will enter this industry. Despite this, the market still has many blue ocean opportunities, with ample room for innovation and improvement. Brands like Peloton exemplify how finding the perfect product can generate substantial revenue, even outpacing long-established industry leaders.

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This is Nike's strategy for recovery in 2025 As Nike faces a slower start to FY25, the #sports industry giant remains poised under CEO Elliott Hill's leadership to make a robust comeback. From strategic shifts to tackling market challenges, our latest analysis at SGI Europe delves into what’s next for Nike. Discover how Nike plans to turn the tide, what this means for the sporting goods industry and what well-known analysts say: https://lnkd.in/d3TU9-TF Stay informed with insightful commentary on the moves shaping major players in the sports world. 🏃‍♂️💼 #Nike #SportsIndustry #BusinessStrategy #SGIEurope

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Dear Bjorn Gulden, in life as in retail many things are inexplicable. However, the German Football Federation's recent decision to terminate their partnership with adidas and move to Nike as their new kit supplier from 2027 is not one of them. Nike saw an opportunity to offer improved terms to the federation and outbid their rival amidst recent challenges. It's no surprise that the DFB jumped at the chance to accept such an offer, given the current economic situation and the recent performance of their team on the international soccer scene. On the other hand, Adidas has faced some inexplicable controversies in their own turf, including the recent debacle of the stylized font of the number '4' on the jerseys, reminiscent of the lightning-bolt symbols used by Nazi SS units in WWII. Additionally, there has been ambiguity surrounding the ongoing sales of Yeezy's leftover inventory in global markets. It's clear that Nike's conquesting tactics have paid off with this new partnership, providing a significant boost to their PR. As for Adidas, it seems they have some work to do to maintain their position in the market. #sportswear #fashion #retail #sportsmarketing #soccer #PR #linkedinpostsbymariopace #partnerships Read more about this story here: https://lnkd.in/etx3PxFn

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Latest visual Nike FY25 Q1 quarterly results. - Revenues were $11.6 billion, down 10 percent - NIKE Direct revenues were $4.7 billion, down 13 percent - Wholesale revenues were $6.4 billion, down 8 percent - Gross margin increased 120 basis points to 45.4 percent - Diluted earnings per share was $0.70 for the first quarter, down 26 percent 

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One of my most memorable moments is golfing as a family for the first time. 4 hours of quality outdoor time and exercise together. No phones, no interruptions, just talking and laughing together. Golf is our favorite family sport that we all love! It’s nice to start reading about it in the retail industry and see the evolution of indoor golf like Topgolf (rainy day and winter strategy). The brands should listen to me when I tell them to do golf capsules😊. Its a big business opportunity…not one existing brand does it completely! 4 golfers in our family and the guys are estatic with the gear and garb. Women unfortunately have to shop ten different brands (sometimes mens only brands) to put an outfit and equipment together. Men’s needs an updqte and stronger white assortment that isn’t sheer 🙄. Not fun to see boobs and chest hair on the course (imagine when it rains 🤦🏻‍♀️). Kudos to Sunday Golf (made my favorite bag) and G/FORE (pops up at our course)and REDVANLY for (bright colors, matching sets and pull on yet very cool shorts for men, Yes they have belt loops) If you want to grab your market share of the golf apparel industry, reach out to me and let’s collaborate now on design, fit, assortment and marketing approach. Golf is an all year, global, multigenerational BUSINESS with massive reach, buying power and growth potential. [email protected]. Huge revenue and client acquisition opportunity 🙌🏻 PS the image with the golfer in short shorts is misleading Great share Tim Boerkoel

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If you want to grow the pie, change the fruit! Golf hasn't really changed in over 100 years, it's still a ball, a club & hole game. The golf ball dictates the two biggest issues limiting growth, the distance of the course and the time to play, not to mention the overall difficulty of the game! So, if you want to offer a greater variance for growth, proportionally limit the distance of the ball to match the smaller course, which will shorten the time to play "economizing" the game to today's standards. Here's the Hybrid MD golf ball designed for efficiency, economy & enjoyment. Meets US Golf Standards, Made in USA.

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I’m unashamedly a product guy. Starting in the sports industry in the 80’s and lucky enough to have experienced amazing product like Diadora’s Edwin Moses signature running shoe. Luxurious Kangaroo hide upper and made in Italy - back when that meant something. Pure luxury footwear, and about $120 in 1985! I highlight this point as I have always loved the sensory aspect of product. The touch, the feel and in this case the amazing smell of leather. You know, what they used to make football boots out of years ago! :-) As we witness the pendulum swing back from a decade of focus on “Performance Marketing” (Digital) to Brand Marketing (People, Product) I wonder if there is anyone left who remembers the joy of a new sample range of product? While Covid was a major contributor to the death of the sample range it had already started to be a path to cost cutting. I question the lack of emotion in the sales process these days and the fact that the sample experience has gone the way of the dodo. Replaced by an image on a screen, maybe a slick video and an order allocation & deadline. I fear the digital evolution and subsequent backswing that has plagued Nike (and others) might be as fundamental as reconnecting many in the sales process with actual real products and not just images. Maybe the soul needs to be reconnected to the sole. Quality over Quantity. Less is More. Am I the only one? #sportsbusiness #sportsmarkerting #sneakers #sportsfootwear #sportsbrands #product #nike #diadora

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Every experience has prepared me for the journey of an entrepreneur. There are no shortcuts….

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Mostly for running shoe geeks. This paper had the working title “Energy Return - WTF?” It has been retitled and will be published in the next issue of Footwear Science. Those of you familiar with a previous publication will get it when I say it could have been titled “Energy is neither ‘energy’ nor ‘return’.” It challenges some of the conventional wisdom around energy return in running shoes and its influence on running performance, and has some implications for the design of “super shoes” The paper is just been published online. It is open access so it can be downloaded (free) https://lnkd.in/g-gE2Sd2 I’d like to add that the published version was much improved in response to “robust” feedback from two anonymous reviewers. Peer review is a chore. I don’t like doing it and I don’t like being on the receiving end either. But it is an essential component of the process so I give my best effort to both sides of the reviewing process. It works.

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This new Nike commercial is a Masterclass in consumer insights and branding. Launched just days after the 2024 marathon season, it is a brilliant example of how the brand is connected to its audience. Sore muscles are a struggle runners face the day after a race. This light-hearted approach to post-race soreness speaks volumes about Nike’s understanding of its consumer. Why It Works: Consumer Insight Successful companies are attuned to the challenges their customers face, and this ad reflects Nike's awareness of their athletes pain points (pun intended). The soreness and exhaustion after a marathon may not be glamorous, but it’s a part of the runner’s journey. By showing this in a relatable and humorous way, Nike taps into an experience that resonates with runners across the globe. The inclusion of the radio dedication, “Hope you’re doing okay out there,” reinforces the feeling of community between runners. Branding Excellence This ad is a part of Nike’s "Winning Isn’t Comfortable" campaign, which emphasizes the brand's philosophy: success requires perseverance and the tenacity to push through. This reflects a key tenet of Nike’s branding—authentically highlighting the grit and determination of athletes*. The ad doesn't sell shoes; it sells a mindset. People want to see themselves in the brands they buy, and this commercial makes the aspirational performance of Nike relatable and attainable. Key Takeaway: This ad is not about promoting performance gear—it’s about showing consumers that Nike understands them, supports them, and celebrates every aspect of their athletic journey. This is the purpose of great branding: being more than a product, and instead, becoming a trusted partner in a consumer’s life. Also, it made me laugh. #Marketing #Nike #Branding #ConsumerInsights #Advertising #Athletics #JustDoIt *if you have a body, you are an athlete https://lnkd.in/gsTgyGDb

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More on the big news of the day. Season? Big news of the year.

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Sport has a major part to play within the apparel industry, encouraging high levels of consumerism among sports fans. But what actions can be taken to improve the industry’s environmental impact? A few weeks ago I sat down with Martin Foster to discuss all this and more for The Experts in Sport podcast. If you want to learn more about this topic watch out for the 5THREAD podcast where I interview industry experts who are changing the game in sports apparel. #podcast #sport #sustainability https://lnkd.in/e9H6W7rJ

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Aguero, Ochocinoo, Nani, Fabregas, Steve Nash, are just a few of the names you will see in this video. I’m stoked to share our latest soccer-focused capabilities video, showcasing how Rooted Creative brings some of the world's biggest soccer brands to life through brand activations, storytelling-focused content, photography and branding services. What you'll see:  • Immersive Experiences: We’ve partnered with brands like Celsius, BodyArmor, and the Columbus Crew to design and fabricate fan activations where they sample products and receive unique content they will post on their feeds.  • Dynamic Video Content: Compelling stories that resonate with fans, from campaign work, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes footage.   • Strategic Branding: See a handful of brand identities and ticket campaigns we have created for brands like the NWSLPA. Why it matters: In the ever-evolving and growing world of soccer, to stand out brands need to incorporate authentic storytelling and fan experiences to engage consistently with their communities. Having a great product is no longer enough. Fans want to feel connected with the brands they are purchasing from. Ready to elevate your game and start building deeper connections with your fans? Let's connect.

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Why the Powerjog is the best self-propelled treadmill in the market and why it is one of the best tools for athletes , first responders , and runners in general. The main reason why someone will use the Powerjog is because the muscle activation you get in the legs is phenomenal . A user can be hours on a flat electric treadmill , but the drive motor helps quite a bit so the muscle activation is not that great. Don't get me wrong , the treadmill is the most popular piece of equipment in any gym but the Powerjog is just fantastic and will give you incredible muscle activation immediately. Often I hear from customers " oh I use to run for 1 hour on the treadmill and now after 15 minutes on the Powerjog I am trashed". There are several self-powered treadmills in the market today but they are all very different. Personally I have tried 15 different models and visited several factories before I came up with the Powerjog in 2018. When I demoed a prototype in a large rec centre in Vancouver Island , the complain I had was , " I can run but cannot walk because the belt jerks" walking up the curve will accelerate and then running in the middle of the curve will slow it down but this jerkiness is a valid point. Often I was saying to customers, you have to try it at least 5-10 times to get use to , but people these days are very impatient , so I decided to add magnetic resistance as I saw personally that adding a bit of resistance with stabilize the treadbelt and give me a very comfortable walk , I saw that this shortened the learning curve quite a bit but also gave users the possibility of using it as a sled ( very interesting exercise for rugby players, specially those playing scrum). Some of the self-powered treadmills I tried in 2016 , well known brands at that time were impossible to use for interval training because the manufacturers puts so much weight on the front and rear rollers that to speed up you have to grab the handrails and push and then what a nightmare to slow down with all that momentum ( it is like trying to stop a spin bike ). The calculation of the weight of the rollers is extremely important and most manufacturers fail on this. Visually the treadmill looks good but you try it and is very bad , the user gets a horrible experience and the product is not used. In my opinion , a self propelled treadmill without resistance is not worth it and you HAVE to try it. Not all self-propelled treadmills are the same , not even close. All information can be seen here : https://lnkd.in/gc6zpyiz You can try the Powerjog at the newly built Canada Games and pool in New Westminster , 65E Six Avenue , New Westminster : https://lnkd.in/gXdA4Gv4 In this public recreational centre they have an older Assault treadmill so you can compare and see what your opinion is and which one is best.

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On Holding, the company Roger Federer signed with in 2019 after his split with Nike, seems to be paying off, with On clearing predictions by a wide margin in its 2024 first-quarter earnings report on Tuesday. Profits have never been higher, hitting $558 million in Q1. Furthermore, adjusted earnings per share reached 36 cents compared to a 16-cent forecast from analysts surveyed by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Finally, On said North America continues to be its largest market and is responsible for 65% of sales and a 22% increase in revenue. Marc Maurer Martin Hoffmann #on #earnings #running #marathon #runningshoe #public #profit

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There are a lot of myths out there about trading in golf clubs—like it's too much hassle, or you won’t get a fair value. After years of helping golfers trade in their clubs, I can tell you that’s not the case! If you’ve ever wondered whether trading in your old clubs is worth it, I encourage you to check out this insightful blog post. It breaks down common misconceptions and shows you how easy and beneficial the process can be. Don’t let those old clubs gather dust—find out how you can upgrade your gear without breaking the bank. #GolfLife #TradeIn #GolfGear #UpgradeYourGame #MythBusting

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