Led by a continued resurgence in North America, accelerated growth in China and continued gangbuster digital growth, Nike reported Q2 earnings and sales easily topped Wall Street’s targets and lifted its guidance for the year. Said Andy Campion, CFO, “As we’re beginning to gain greater insight into fiscal year ’20, we’re seeing continued strong demand.”
Month: December 2018

Nike CEO Mark Parker: Company Focused On Digital Growth, Women’s Market
After Nike Inc. blew past earnings and revenue estimates in the second quarter, CEO Mark Parker had plenty to discuss on Thursday afternoon’s earnings conference call with analysts. Two distinct themes about Nike’s future path emerged in Parker’s comments: continued digital growth and a heightened focus on women’s footwear and apparel business.

Aisle Talk Week Of December 17
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Thule Group’s announcement of the acquisition of rooftop tent maker Tepui Outdoors Inc. for $9.5 million.
Top of the World Signs New Licensing Partnership With UConn
Top of the World, a leading collegiate apparel and headwear licensee, has inked a deal with the University of Connecticut to become the school’s exclusive apparel and headwear licensee in all mass channels of distribution.
Probar Signs On as Official Energy Bar And Energy Chew Partner Of U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Probar announced their global partnership, making Probar the official Protein Bar, Nutrition Bar, Energy Bar, Energy Chew and Nut Butter of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
PepWear Partners With Music For All
PepWear and Music for All have agreed to a new 10-year merchandise and sponsorship agreement.
Varsity Spirit Gives Back With More Than $6.5 Million in National Fundraising Efforts
Varsity Spirit, the leader in cheerleading and dance, said its fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospita now totals more than $6.5 million since 2011.
Adidas Sets 2019 Rivals Camp Series
Rivals, Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), and Adidas announced the third-annual Rivals Camp Series, featuring the Rivals adizero Combines. All combines are free and open to current high school football players.
Nike Inc. Names G. Scott Uzzell President And CEO of Converse
Nike Inc. announced that effective January 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become president and CEO of Converse, Inc. Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Company where he most recently served as president, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group (VEB).
Unifi’s CFO Resigns
Unifi Inc. said in a regulatory filing that Jeffrey C. Ackerman, the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, resigned on December 20. The exit was made by mutual agreement.
Onix Pickleball Signs 2018 Pickleball National Champions
Onix Pickleball, the leader in the sport of pickleball, announced the signing of 2018 Pickleball National Champions, Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright as members of Team Onix.
Parker Bows Shutting Down
Parker Bows, the maker of crossbows based in Staunton, VA, is closing down after 34 years in business.
Moody’s Affirms Under Armour’s Debt Rating, Outlook Remains Negative
Moody’s Investors Service affirmed Under Armour, Inc.’s Baa3 senior unsecured rating. The rating outlook remains negative. Stated Moody’s apparel analyst, Mike Zuccaro,”The affirmation reflects our expectation for sequential improvement in operating performance and credit metrics over the next 12-18 months as the company advances through the last year of its multi-year transformation plan.”

Holiday Reports Point To Merry Retail Haul
With a few days to go, reports continue to arrive indicating the retail industry is heading for record holiday sales. Here, the latest holiday insights around online selling, last-minute procrastinators, returns, BOPIS demand, millennial gifting and more.