Surprise news in the outdoor industry as European gear company Jack Wolfskin announced it would vacate the U.S. market within the next month and shut down its U.S. retail site by July 1.
Brand representatives from the company said they will “refocus all resources towards its robust European, EMEA [Europe, Middle East, Africa], and Asian business operations.”
Jack Wolfskin Exits US Market
Founded in the early 1980s in Germany, Jack Wolfskin built a strong position in the European and Asian markets before entering the U.S. market. By this time, Jack Wolfskin was the largest outdoor brand in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria and one of the top three in China.
It became a mainstay at local gear shops nationwide and Outdoor Retailer and local gear shops nationwide during the trade show’s peak years. For several items, it took home numerous awards and show honors. Meanwhile, the brand received recognition in Europe as a leader in sustainable practices and environmentally focused gear.
News of the shift away from U.S. sales was especially surprising, given that the German brand sold for over $475 million to California-based golf giant Callaway in 2018. At the time, the move appeared to place Jack Wolfskin’s with the Patagonia’s and North Face.
We will continue to update this story as details become available. Photo credits: Jack Wolfskin
