Jim Kinsey of Kinsey's Inc. Passes Away

Jim Kinsey passed away Jan. 18, 2022 at the age of 84. Jim’s father, Vernon, founded Kinsey’s as a local archery retail store in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. in 1952.

Jim pioneered the distribution portion of the business laying the ground work for what Kinsey’s is today. Starting in 1957, Jim was instrumental in distributing arrows to retailers throughout the Northeast. He also spearheaded the company’s arrow manufacturing division by cementing contracts with both Colt Firearms and Bear Archery.

Jim led the family business for 40 years from 1957 through 1997 before passing the reins onto his children, third generation owners, Rick Kinsey and Sherri Gorman. Jim stayed connected to the business through 2013 when he formally retired.

Throughout the industry Jim was known to be extremely kind and relational.  There are numerous stories throughout the industry where Jim gave both vendors and dealers their first start by connecting buyers and sellers using his vision for the distribution model.

Rick and Sherri put out a statement stating, “He was a very passionate outdoor enthusiast and avid archer. Kinsey’s was his life’s work and he dedicated over 50 years of service to the organization and the archery industry. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for Kinsey’s, but even more so for us as a family. He will be greatly missed.”

Greg Easton, president of Jas. D. Easton, Inc., said, “All of us at Easton mourn the passing of Jim Kinsey.  Jim was known in the industry as an excellent businessman.  But he was also known as a true gentleman; always kind and considerate to those around him. My grandfather Doug, my father Jim, and I have always enjoyed working with the Kinsey family over the years.  We are saddened by the loss of this generation and this fine man.” 

Generation Growth Capital Acquires Killer Instinct, Inc.

Generation Growth Capital Fund III, LP, a Milwaukee-based private equity firm that invests in lower middle market companies, recently announced the acquisition of Killer Instinct, Inc.

Based in Frankenmuth, Michigan, Killer Instinct is an industry leader in the crossbow and archery accessory space. GGC partnered with Adline Capital and the former majority shareholder, Tod Quiring, on the deal. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

"Killer Instinct represents a great investment opportunity for GGC," said John Reinke, managing director of Generation Growth Capital, Inc. "We see many avenues for continued growth, including near-term acquisitions, crossbow product innovation, and additional product lines. The Company has done a great job of delivering quality and innovative products at an affordable price point. The management team has rich experience in this industry and we look forward to working with them on a number of growth initiatives."

"After running a competitive process, GGC emerged as the most credible buyer," said Tod Quiring, former majority shareholder of Killer Instinct. "They demonstrated a strong understanding of the industry and recognized Killer Instinct's long runway of growth. I've been in the hunting and outdoor products industry for decades now and am really excited to see how far we can take this company together."

  

Sportsman's Warehouse Announces Financial Highlights

Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. recently announced financial highlights for the eight weeks ended December 25, 2021.

Net sales were $299.6 million, which was flat versus the comparable eight weeks of fiscal year 2020. Compared to the same eight-week period of fiscal year 2019, net sales increased 59.3% from $188.1 million. 

Same store sales decreased 6.1% during the eight weeks of fiscal year 2021 compared to the eight weeks of fiscal year 2020. Excluding firearms and ammunition same store sales increased 2.8% compared to the same eight-week period of fiscal year 2020. Compared to the same eight weeks of fiscal year 2019, same store sales increased 38.7%. 

Same store sales in the Footwear, Optics/Electronics/Accessories, and Clothing categories increased 15.7%, 6.7%, and 4.4%, respectively, compared to the eight weeks of fiscal year 2020. 

Ecommerce sales increased 2.5% compared to the same eight-week period of fiscal year 2020. Compared to the same eight-week period of fiscal year 2019, ecommerce sales increased approximately 200%.

The company also opened three new stores, which are located in Chandler, AZ; Elk Grove, CA; and Greenwood, IN.

  

Bear Archery Announces 2022 Industry Partners

After back-to-back record years, Bear Archery is keeping its foot on the gas. The company recently announced its full lineup of partners and bowhunting personalities for the 2022

season. In addition to signing several well-known faces, Bear Archery also extended several contracts with names who have been flying the Bear flag in the past.

Last year the brand added well-known partners such as Fred Eichler and Family, the Total Archery Challenge, Kristy Titus of Pursue the Wild, and Shane Mowery of Bone Maniacs. Bear has also curated strong long-term relationships with names like The Hunting Public, Raised Hunting, Identical Draw, and Hardcore Pursuit, all of which will carry forward into the 2022 season.

This year Bear has strategically entered into agreements with a diverse suite of names in the industry. For example, world-famous Chuck Adams has joined the brand with plans to continue adding to his amazing list of six world record Pope and Young trophies. Chuck began his bowhunting career more than 45 years ago, was the first person to complete the archery Super Slam (all varieties of North America’s big game animals) and has harvested 210 Pope and Young record book animals in that time. In addition to his in-field success, Chuck has published 10 full-length books and thousands of articles documenting hunts and offering guidance to other outdoorsmen on strategy and equipment.

Also joining the Bear team is On Tour Outdoors. This Texas based crew of rock and roll, alternative, and country music artists came together to enjoy hunts and the outdoors when they’re not touring or writing music. The bowhunting-brotherhood of musicians and supporting band members consists of popular names such as Koe Wetzel, Parker McCollum, Chris Colston, Dylan Wheeler, Jake Murphy and Kody West.

Finally, Bear Archery has opted to bring aboard accomplished outdoorsman Matt Jennings of The Game. Matt is an avid bowhunter with proven success chasing all types of Midwest game. Matt’s comprehensive approach to everything that goes into an archery hunt resonates with his audience and has quickly made him a voice to be heard in the bowhunting realm.

“Bear has a history that can most easily can be summed up as legendary,” said Marketing Manager Alec Wyman. “Our team is incredibly honored to be working with every one of our partners this year as we write another chapter for the brand. They each bring a unique history and set of bowhunting skills that will continue to help fuel and drive Bear’s impact on the archery industry.”

Combined, Bear and its partners have more than 10 million followers on social media and receive more than 100 million views across streaming platforms such as the Outdoor Channel, Sportsman’s Channel, WayPoint TV, CarbonTV, YouTube and others.