Shop Eat Surf Outdoor hosted a panel discussion “Looking Ahead to 2026: Challenges, Strategies, & Opportunities” on Monday, October 20, featuring five executives from retail, brand, M&A and commercial real estate companies who shared their perspectives on market conditions and growth strategies for 2026.
The webinar focused on preparing businesses for consumer, technology and market shifts in the coming year. Panelists discussed how they’re adapting their businesses and shared where they’ve identified growth opportunities in these challenging market conditions.
Watch the Replay Here
Featured panelists included:
- Shaheen Sadeghi, founder, LAB Holding – Founded LAB Holding in 1991 after serving as president of Quiksilver, developing innovative retail spaces including The LAB Anti-Mall, the Anaheim Packing District, The Camp shopping center, and more. He also owns outdoor lifestyle store Seed People’s market and various other stores, bars, and restaurants.
- Daniel Neukomm, CEO, La Jolla Group – Leads the platform for global consumer lifestyle brands including O’Neill, Mountain Khakis, and Hang Ten, guiding growth through direct-to-consumer initiatives since 2012.
- Cassie Abel, founder and CEO, Wild Rye – Founded the B Corp certified women’s outdoor apparel brand in 2016, achieving recognition on the Forbes Next 1000 list and being named Outdoor Retailer Emerging Leader of the Year in 2023.
- Pete LaBore, CEO, Christy Sports – Oversees the specialty outdoor retailer’s 50 locations across four states, bringing more than 20 years of executive experience from companies including Backcountry and Reformation.
- Nathan Pund, managing director and global head, Houlihan Lokey’s Active Lifestyle Team – Advises on M&A and capital markets transactions in the consumer industry with nearly three decades of experience, having completed more than 50 deals in the outdoor and active lifestyle sectors since 2005.
Watch the Replay Here
