NASGW, NSSF Partner In SCOPE CLX Launch
NASGW, NSSF Partner In SCOPE CLX Launch
During the 2020 SHOT Show, NASGW announced it had acquired CustomerLink Exchange (CLX), a cloud-based, easy-to-use reporting solution (originally developed for AcuSport Corporation) that makes point-of-sale information available to partners in the supply chain.
Subsequently, NASGW has launched SCOPE CLX, a comprehensive retail sales database to benefit shooting sports businesses as part of its larger SCOPE data platform — which tracks shipments and inventory from more than 20 leading distributors.
“SCOPE CLX is an industry-led program backed by NASGW distributors,” said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW president. “At its peak with AcuSport, CLX captured data from roughly 400 dealers. We look forward to scaling the number of retailers contributing data to new heights and supporting our industry with data they can use each and every day to make better business decisions.”
NSSF will be working with NASGW to help retailers realize the benefits SCOPE CLX provides and how it can help them obtain improved consumer-demand intelligence. Powered by Florida-based eComSystems, SCOPE CLX will integrate with all major retail POS systems, including preferred providers like Celerant and Epicor.
“CustomerLink Exchange successfully altered the way industry members conducted business and the way their customers did business, by effectively addressing the needs of today’s firearms buyers through the hard numbers that only today’s advanced point-of-sale systems can deliver,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “In taking that technology, expanding its depth and making it available to all firearms industry members, NASGW and NSSF have seized an unprecedented opportunity to make meaningful, positive, profitable change across the industry spectrum and made it a reality.”
All industry members in the supply chain — manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and range owners — can receive updates about the launch by signing up at www.nasgwscope.org/clx. In conjunction with this news, NASGW and NSSF announced retailers who signed up for these updates before Feb. 28 were entered to win one of ten $1,000 credits to the NASGW wholesaler of their choice, paid by the partnership between the two organizations. The drawing was held Feb. 29.
Further information for SCOPE CLX will be announced in short order.
GSM Outdoors Acquires Hunters Specialties
Jan. 27, multi-brand shooting and hunting manufacturer GSM Outdoors announced it completed the acquisition of outdoor accessory and gear manufacturer Hunters Specialties. This acquisition represents a significant merging of brands in the hunting industry.
“For over 40 years, Hunters Specialties has been a mainstay in the hunting accessories category,” said GSM Outdoors President and CEO Eddie Castro. “Hunters Specialties has grown from being a manufacturer of camo tape and face paint to producing many of the ‘support essentials’ relied on by the modern hunter. Bringing Hunters Specialties into the GSM Outdoors family of brands is a big deal for us and for the hunting industry at large.”
Hunters Specialties made its mark on the hunting world by providing solutions to common hunting needs. From camo makeup and scent-delivery systems to treestand gear and its own storied line of HS Strut turkey calls and accessories, Hunters Specialties has been the reliable go-to for generations of hunters.
The company eventually incorporated some of the biggest names in game calls into its portfolio, such as Johnny Stewart predator calls and Carlton’s Calls elk calls. Other hallmark brands include Scent-A-Way scent-management products, Buck Bomb attractant scents and Fish-A-Way odor-elimination solutions.
“The acquisition of Hunters Specialties, with its problem-solving, broad-usage products, helps bridge many of our current hunting product categories,” said Ben Smith, GSM Outdoors VP of sales and marketing. “Whether you’re a dedicated predator hunter, whitetail hunter, turkey hunter or a western big-game hunter, Hunters Specialties and its associated brands complement our current portfolio to give hunters of all persuasions one-stop accessory shopping within the GSM family of brands.”
PLATO's latest standard — ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019 — addresses testing, reporting and
marketing methods for portable lights. PLATO President Kevin Parsons says the new
standard will “[set] a level playing field in helping end users and retailers make informed
decisions about choosing portable lights that meet their needs.”
PLATO’s Technical Standard Now Includes Area Lights
The Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) has released a new standard, the ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019 standard. It replaces the previous ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2016 standard.
The latest standard addresses testing, reporting and marketing methods for portable lighting products that emit directional light.
Developed by portable lighting manufacturers and industry experts, and vetted by users and other stakeholders, the new standard refines specific lab testing procedures and conditions not addressed in previous versions of the standard. It focuses on the key critical testing metrics: beam distance, peak beam intensity, run time, impact resistance and water penetration protection. It also continues to improve the transparency of marketing claims for consumers, as well as the accountability of manufacturers.
“The ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019 standard allows buyers to make solid comparisons of value and performance from all available suppliers of portable lights, including area lights,” said Andy Skoogman, PLATO’s executive director. “The new standard also reduces the chances a supplier will make false or misleading claims about the performance of its products, either by mistake or otherwise.”
“We are confident the updated ANSI/PLATO FL 1-2019 standard will assist manufacturers in ensuring their products are performing as intended,” said PLATO President Kevin Parsons. “We feel it also sets a level playing field in helping end users and retailers make informed decisions about choosing a portable light that meets their needs. Overall, PLATO is in an even better position to add value to the portable lighting industry and our members.”
PLATO did not change the marketing icons with the release of the latest version of the standard, which is free to PLATO members. Non-PLATO members may purchase a copy for $500.
SIG SAUER Germany, Legacy Sports Announce Import Partnership
SIG SAUER Germany and Legacy Sports International announced a new partnership authorizing the exclusive U.S. import of SIG SAUER German-made firearms through the Legacy Sports headquarters in Reno, Nev.
“We are happy to know our products for the U.S. market are finally back in the hands of a strong and focused importer and supplier. We are looking forward to all of the new opportunities this relationship will bring to SIG SAUER Germany, and to the U.S. market,” said Tim Castagne, president of SIG SAUER Germany.
U.S. dealers and consumers can expect to see a variety of popular German-made SIG SAUER products, including the P210 LEGEND and the P226 X-Line pistols. Initial shipments of the SIG SAUER German products will be available through select distribution outlets by April of this year.
“It’s a great honor for us to be chosen as the exclusive U.S. importer of one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious small arms producers in the world, SIG SAUER Germany. We stand ready to deliver a center of excellence equal to the craftsmanship and attention to detail displayed in each and every firearm manufactured by SIG SAUER Germany,” said Rick Hanke, president and CEO of Legacy Sports International.
Hadley Development Acquires Sirphis Brands
Hadley Development, a leader in global apparel design, manufacturing, branding, and logistic services for the outdoor market, announced it recently acquired the intellectual property of Sirphis LLC, formerly Moon Shine Camo.
Hadley Development’s acquisition of Sirphis’ lifestyle brands (including Muddy Girl, Lifestyle Camo, Pulse and Grit House) expands the company’s outdoor lifestyle and camouflage apparel category. The acquisition also complements Hadley’s licensing success with Veil Camo.
“Hadley Development, licensor of Veil Camo, is constantly looking for impactful brands to acquire, as we believe all authentic growth depends on more customers wanting more of what your company offers. In our search to acquire complementing companies, we look for brands that understand the market, their core customers and how to drive passion among consumers to become a bigger part of the brand,” said Shelly Moore, senior VP of licensing for Hadley.
“Sirphis and the associated brands of Muddy Girl, Lifestyle Camo, Pulse and Grit House, have been brand drivers across the outdoor industry, NASCAR, Monster Energy Truck events and more. Muddy Girl has worked hard to organically grow their customer base. They have one of the largest social media followings in the outdoor space, reaching consumers who have become passionate and loyal to the Sirphis brands,” Moore added.
Moore says Hadley Development intends to grow its social media even more, expanding distribution and marketing, and allowing the added brands to find other partners who see the huge growth potential in the outdoor market and beyond.
Blaser USA Becomes Blaser Group
Blaser USA, official U.S. importer for the Blaser, Mauser, Sauer, Rigby and Minox brands, is now operating as Blaser Group. The name change is a key component of the global branding strategy of the portfolio of companies in the L&O Hunting Group.
“The transition from Blaser USA to Blaser Group reflects a significant milestone in establishing consistent branding around the world. In all key markets, Blaser Group will represent our fine German and English brands. All U.S. consumer brand strategies and business operations will remain unchanged,” said Jason Evans, CEO of Blaser Group (USA Division).
San Antonio-based Blaser Group works with over 200 authorized Blaser Group dealers across all North American states, and that number is expanding.
Today the Blaser Group’s product portfolio includes bolt-action and combination rifles, along with over-and-under shotguns, designed specifically for game hunters and competitive target shooters. Its custom shop offers exclusive engravings, design work and custom finishing for bespoke guns. Blaser Group has expanded its portfolio with cutting-edge optics and accessory lines.
The company recently added the new Blaser R8 Ultimate and Ultimate Leather to its line of bolt-action rifles. The R8 features a straight-pull action, and is among the world’s fastest modular hunting rifles.
London gunmaker John Rigby & Company has released a new, limited-edition W.D.M. Bell model of its Highland Stalker rifle, paying homage to adventurer Karamojo Bell. The African big-game hunter is celebrated worldwide as an advocate for accurate shot placement using smaller caliber rifles, a technique he mainly perfected with his .275 Rigby. This limited run of only 50 rifles is the first in Rigby’s new Heritage series, and will be offered in .275 Rigby, like Bell’s original rifle.
Pro-Shot Products Acquires KleenBore
Pro-Shot Products, manufacturer of American-made firearms cleaning accessories, has acquired The Safariland Group’s KleenBore brand of firearms cleaning accessories. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“The KleenBore brand has a rich history of providing a comprehensive line of quality gun-care tools for law enforcement, military and sports shooters. It’s been a trusted brand, delivered around the world for more than 40 years; it’s fitting Pro-Shot Products, a family-owned business for almost four decades, committed to offering quality gun-cleaning accessories, is now home to the KleenBore brand,” said James Imhoff, VP and GM for Safariland’s Diversified Business unit.
“KleenBore is one of the most reputable names in gun maintenance, offering some of the most dependable products in the industry. The heritage and dependability of the KleenBore brand aligns with our goal of offering quality firearms-cleaning accessories that work faster and easier,” said John Damarin, Pro-Shot CEO. “It also allows us to enter the military and law enforcement markets with the brand’s effective multi-product and multi-channel strategy.”
Walther Announces New MAP Policy
Walther Arms Inc. has introduced a new MAP (Minimum Advertising Price) policy, in effect since Jan. 1. The company says it is responding to current market conditions with the new MAP.
The new pricing policy covers many of Walther’s premium products, and will be strictly enforced in order to support retailers across all channels. All Walther Q5 Match, Q4 Tac, PPK and PPK/S 380 products fall under the new MAP policy.
“Walther believes in ensuring our customers a proper margin, and the new pricing policy is an important step in providing that support to our retailers,” a company news release said.
Rinehart Targets Acquires BowTree
Rinehart Targets, manufacturer of 3D and other archery targets, announced its completed acquisition of BowTree Inc. The acquisition adds BowTree’s bow and target stands to Rinehart’s expanding target line.
“BowTree bow, crossbow and target stands are well-known for exceptional quality, and they fit seamlessly into the Rinehart family of high-quality archery products. This acquisition is a perfect fit for our brand, and we are looking forward to what the future holds,” said James McGovern, president of Rinehart Targets.
BowTree produces bow and crossbow stands for both outdoor and indoor ranges, as well as for bow storage and retail sales displays. The company also makes quality yard spots and durable archery target stands for both indoor and outdoor courses.
The company supports the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), Schoolastic3D, the International Bowhunting Organization and the National Field Archery Association.
Rinehart Targets offers a complete line of life-like, durable, practice archery targets. Many of Rinehart’s products incorporate the company’s exclusive, solid self-healing foam and patented locking inserts, both designed to further enhance the durability of each target.
NSSF Donation Honors Fallen Police Officers
The NSSF announced a recent gift of $25,000 to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Foundation.
“The firearms industry proudly stands with law enforcement and the brave men and women in blue across this great nation, who every day don the uniform and uphold their oaths by putting their lives on the line to serve and protect our citizens,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior VP for government relations and public affairs and general counsel.
The NSSF has long partnered with law enforcement agencies in seeking solutions to criminal misuse of firearms and responsible ownership and storage of firearms through programs and campaigns such as Don’t Lie for the Other Guy, Operation Secure Store and Project ChildSafe.
The law enforcement segment of the NSSF-owned-and-sponsored SHOT Show represents 28% of the show’s floor space, and qualifies as the largest law enforcement show in the country.
SSSF Reports Successful Fundraising Campaign
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation’s (SSSF) Vision 2020 campaign raised $215,465 from participating teams and donors in 2019.
The total impact for the campaign amounts to almost $107,000 in cash grants to Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Program teams. Additionally, over $320,000 is being donated by SSSF to participating teams’ MidwayUSA Foundation endowment accounts.
Two team endowment bonus fund competitions provided $30,000 each in MidwayUSA Foundation team endowment funding for the winning teams, split between two categories — teams with the most dollars raised and teams with the most unique donors making donations via the SSSF website or print-and-mail form.
Williams County Target Busters (Ohio) was the top-raising team with $34,245, while Rio Salado Target Terminators (Ariz.) had the most unique donors, with 213.
The top three teams in each category received $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000, respectively. The fourth-place team received $3,000, the fifth-place team earned $2,500 and sixth-place garnered $1,500.
TrueTimber Debuts 2020 Dealer Sales Promotion
TrueTimber announces its 2020 sales promotion for firearms dealers. To enter, dealers must place an order of at least $1,000.
Each dealer order of $1,000 in TrueTimber products will earn one chance to win a PSE EVO NXT 33 compound bow and Savage 110 High Country rifle, both camouflaged in the popular abstract Strata pattern. The promotion started Jan. 1 and ends Aug. 1.
Last year’s winner received a Rambo e-Bike in TrueTimber’s Viper Western pattern.
“With the new year comes a lot of orders from our dealers looking to get their hands on the newest TrueTimber gear. This promotion gives us a chance to give back to those dealers that are such a large part of our overall success. The winner is going to receive great prizes from PSE and Savage,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars.
