Columbia Sportswear Company swung to a net loss in the second quarter amid lower wholesale net sales in the US, reflecting challenging trading conditions.

The company’s net loss stood at $11.8 million as net sales fell 8 per cent year over year to $570.2 million. Gross margin declined to 47.9 per cent.

“Second-quarter results were generally in line with expectations. We are working to maximize sales in a challenging US marketplace,” said Tim Boyle, chairman, president and CEO at Columbia Sportswear.

“Most international markets, including China and Europe-direct, continue to see strong demand. We have made meaningful progress on our top priorities, including inventory reduction, rationalizing expenses through our Profit Improvement Program, and developing actionable strategies to reinvigorate long-term profitable growth.”

For the first half, net income plunged 44 per cent to $30.6 million as net sales declined 7 per cent to $1.34 billion.

For the full year, the company forecasts net income of $215 to $239 million and net sales to decline 4 per cent to 2 per cent to $3.35 billion to $3.42 billion.