Buckle Up
December 18, 2023
Stakeholders in multiple segments of the industry say 2024 is likely to be the bumpiest ride in a while.
Stakeholders in multiple segments of the industry say 2024 is likely to be the bumpiest ride in a while.
Despite persistent inflation concerns, some continued supply-chain challenges and fears of a looming recession, mergers and acquisitions continue in the recreational marine industry.
The pressure dealers and manufacturers are feeling could be significantly reduced if there was a better understanding of and responsiveness to the cyclical nature of our industry. Dealers must balance the right product offerings and the right amount of product with the demands of the marketplace, while manufacturers seek efficient, consistent production output.
On June 6, National Marine Manufacturers Association president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer testified before Congress that a proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Developing customers who love you is a long game, not a short grab for profits. Dealers are right to be concerned about headwinds the industry is facing, but everyone at dealerships still must maintain focus on the customer experience.
As interest in boats and other recreational goods adjusts to a new normal after the pandemic, the mission of Discover Boating — powered by the NMMA and the MRAA — remains focused on attracting the next generation of boaters, and retaining and growing current boaters.
Chuck Rubin became CEO of West Marine in December, following a career that included being CEO at Ulta Beauty and the craft brand Michaels, as well as being president of North American retail for Office Depot and a partner at the information-technology company Accenture.
As a new boating season gets underway, the top threat to boater access and businesses that depend on the marine industry is the federal government’s proposed speed restrictions along much of the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Reports from retailers and manufacturers following the boat shows, coupled with an informal survey I conducted with sales and marketing executives, tell me we need a mixed bag of tricks to address new-boat sales and the state of consumer confidence.
Without advocacy, the marine industry wouldn’t have a voice. Each May, the NMMA’s American Boating Congress gathers marine industry stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and includes discussions with members of Congress and administration officials about what’s affecting the marine industry and where we need their help.
Stakeholders in multiple segments of the industry say 2024 is likely to be the bumpiest ride in a while.
Despite persistent inflation concerns, some continued supply-chain challenges and fears of a looming recession, mergers and acquisitions continue in the recreational marine industry.
The pressure dealers and manufacturers are feeling could be significantly reduced if there was a better understanding of and responsiveness to the cyclical nature of our industry. Dealers must balance the right product offerings and the right amount of product with the demands of the marketplace, while manufacturers seek efficient, consistent production output.
On June 6, National Marine Manufacturers Association president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer testified before Congress that a proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Developing customers who love you is a long game, not a short grab for profits. Dealers are right to be concerned about headwinds the industry is facing, but everyone at dealerships still must maintain focus on the customer experience.
As interest in boats and other recreational goods adjusts to a new normal after the pandemic, the mission of Discover Boating — powered by the NMMA and the MRAA — remains focused on attracting the next generation of boaters, and retaining and growing current boaters.
Chuck Rubin became CEO of West Marine in December, following a career that included being CEO at Ulta Beauty and the craft brand Michaels, as well as being president of North American retail for Office Depot and a partner at the information-technology company Accenture.
As a new boating season gets underway, the top threat to boater access and businesses that depend on the marine industry is the federal government’s proposed speed restrictions along much of the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Reports from retailers and manufacturers following the boat shows, coupled with an informal survey I conducted with sales and marketing executives, tell me we need a mixed bag of tricks to address new-boat sales and the state of consumer confidence.
Without advocacy, the marine industry wouldn’t have a voice. Each May, the NMMA’s American Boating Congress gathers marine industry stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and includes discussions with members of Congress and administration officials about what’s affecting the marine industry and where we need their help.
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