Fishing helps Sportsman’s Warehouse post first positive comparison in four years

Fishing was one of the sectors that played an important part in one of North America’s leading sports retailers posting its first positive same store sales comparison for nearly four years.

Sportsman’s Warehouse reported a 2% increase in net sales to $249.1m compared to $244.2m in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, primarily due to the performance of the fishing, hunting and shooting sectors.

Paul Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer at Sportsman’s Warehouse, said its sales increase – compared to -13.5% in Q1 last year – was an indication that its transformation strategy continues to gain traction.

“Our focus on improving inventory precision, leaning into local expertise, executing our new digital strategy and establishing Sportsman’s as the authority in personal protection is driving meaningful progress across the business.

“By being in-stock in core items, while at the same time being locally and seasonally relevant and priced right with our merchandise, we can win back the trust and loyalty of our customers.

“While the macroeconomic headwinds persist, we have confidence in our plan and the team’s ability to execute, positioning Sportsman’s for continued growth and financial improvement.”

Jeff White, Chief Financial Officer, told investors that the group delivered sales growth and gross margin expansion while actively managing variable expenses and strategically navigating the evolving tariff landscape and changes in international trade policy.

“In anticipation of increased tariffs we made targeted inventory investments to secure critical products ahead of seasonal demand, ensuring both cost containment and products availability in key categories.”

The company reaffirmed its guidance for 2025 and expects net sales to be in the range of down 1% to positive 3.5%.