Aisle Talk Week Of July 6, 2020

<span style="color: #a1a1a1;">The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of July 6, 2020 covered in the SGB Updates — delivered to your inbox every business day. Photo courtesy Reuters © 2013.

— July 10, 2020 —

›VR Fitness Developer FitXR Secures Funding
FitXR, a VR fitness company based in London, has secured $6.3 million in investment funding, led by Hiro Capital, with continued support from U.S.-based BoostVC, Maveron and TenOneTen Ventures, together with an additional $1.2 million in the form of an innovation loan, from Innovate UK. Read more

›Mindbody Announces New Leadership Appointments
Mindbody, the technology platform for the wellness industry, announced that the company’s Co-Founder, Rick Stollmeyer, is transitioning from the role of chief executive officer to executive chair and that the Mindbody Board of Directors has appointed current President Josh McCarter to CEO effective August 1. Read more

›Everest Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Everest.com, the online marketplace for the shooting sports industry, announced that Kristi Heuring has been appointed to the role of chief marketing officer. Heuring joins the Everest team after senior marketing roles with Aguila Ammunition and Aimpoint, Inc. Read more

›AAFA: Lack Of Trade Credit Insurance Could Hinder Economy Restart
The American Apparel and Footwear Association in a statement urged federal leaders to support credit insurance for businesses to avoid hindering recovery efforts. The organization cited a new report published by economists Dr. Robert Litan and Dr. Yong Xu highlights on the need for a government-sponsored backstop to support trade credit insurance (TCI). Read more

— July 9, 2020 —

›J.C.Penney Seeks More Time To Negotiate With Lenders
J.C.Penney submitted its business plan to lenders but is asking Texas bankruptcy court for more time to continue negotiations with lenders on a restructuring plan. Read more

›Delta Apparel To Report Sharp Sales Decline For Fiscal Q3
Delta Apparel, Inc. said it expects sales to drop 39.6 percent in the third quarter ended June 27, but noted that its business strengthened over the last two months of the period. DTG2Go’s preliminary sales grew 30 percent over prior year and Salt Life Group’s delivered June  sales growth of 7 percent over the prior year. Read more

›Big 5 Sees Robust Q2 Profit Turnaround Despite Comps Decline
Big 5 Sporting Goods released upbeat preliminary results for the fiscal second quarter ended June 28. The company said it expects earnings per share of 52 cents to 54 cents for the quarter, including a benefit of 15 cents related to rent abatements and litigation recovery, compared with breakeven EPS a year ago. Read more

›Nike Launches Nike Rise Concept Store In Guangzhou, China
Nike launched a new Nike Rise retail concept in Guangzhou that promises a curated “1-to-1, personalized shopping journey that connects consumers to sport, their communities and one another.” Read more

›RVCA Retains Northwest Sales Agency
RVCA has appointed Northwest Road Reps to represent the Pacific Northwest. Read more

›RIA’s KICK On-Demand Event Starts Tuesday
The Running Industry Association’s (RIA) virtual buying show, KICK On-Demand will kick off this Tuesday, July 14th. Eight live sessions are scheduled for the first week. Read more

›Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Adds 10 New Retail Members
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) welcomed 10 new members this month increasing the organization to 83 retailers with 187 total doors in 45 states nationwide. Read more

›Sea Otter Classic Cancels 2020 Edition
The Sea Otter Classic’s 2020 event, which had been rescheduled for October 1 to 4, will be canceled, according to the event’s organizers. The Bicycle Leadership Conference, traditionally held prior to the Sea Otter Classic, has also has been canceled. Read more

›Costco’s U.S. Same-Store Sales Climb 11 Percent In June
Costco Wholesale Corp. said its June sales rose 11 percent to $16.2 billion, from $14.6 billion in June 2019. Same-store sales rose 12 percent, including an 11 percent increase in U.S. same-store sales. Read more

›NPD Sees Continued Strong Online Growth For Apparel
E-commerce will continue to play a strong role in the apparel industry’s success, particularly while the in-store shopping experience feels different from what consumers are accustomed to, according to insights from the new Future of Apparel report from the NPD Group. In early June, U.S. consumers told NPD that more than half of their planned apparel purchases for the next two weeks would be made online. Read more

›Hydro Flask Parent Sees Modest Q1 Decline In Houseware Sales
Helen of Troy Ltd. reported sales in its Housewares segment, which includes Hydro Flask and OXO, were down 3 percent in the first quarter ended May 31, to $140.6 million primarily due to the temporary closure of key domestic brick & mortar customers due to COVID-19 and a decrease in international sales. Read more

›The Buckle’s Sales Jump 27 Percent In June
The Buckle, Inc. announced that total net sales for the 5-week fiscal month ended July 4, 2020 increased 26.8 percent to $94.8 million from net sales of $74.8 million for the prior year 5-week fiscal month ended July 6, 2019. Read more

— July 8, 2020 —

›Snipes USA Announces New President
Snipes appointed Jim Bojko as president of Snipes USA. In this role, Bojko is responsible for leading the U.S. operations of the international sneaker and streetwear retailer as it continues to expand the brand across the United States. Read more

›Retail Imports Improving Slightly, But Still Far Below Last Year
Imports at major U.S. retail container ports are expected to remain significantly below last year’s levels into this fall as the impact of COVID-19 continues, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation. Read more

›Under Armour Partners With Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisburg, PA announced that it has entered into a five-year partnership with Under Armour through BSN Sports. Read more

›Pinarello Appoints CEO Of U.S. Operation
Pinarello hired Roberto Sadowsky as Chief Executive Officer at the U.S. operation of the premium bicycles, accessories and apparel brand. Read more

›ATTA Sees Losses Compounding But Optimism Returning in Sentiment Report
The Adventure Travel Trade Association released findings from its Second Adventure Business Impact Monitor Survey: COVID-19. Read more

›New Waco Shoe Co. To Sell Spenco, Revitalign, Ironsport And Ironman Brands
Two former Spenco Medical Corporation executives purchased the footwear assets of the company to offer the full line of Spenco Footwear through a new entity, Waco Shoe Company. Read more

›Fitness Industry Owners Call On Governors To Keep Gyms Open
Over 60 of America’s top fitness industry leaders signed an open letter calling on all U.S. state governors to allow gyms to remain open safely as they take action to curb COVID-19. Read more

›Orpyx Medical Technologies Secures $7.6M In Series A Funding
Orpyx Medical Technologies, a maker of insoles that monitor diabetic foot complications, announced the close of a $7.6 million Series A investment round. Read more

›FC Barcelona To Seek Compensation From Nike For Flawed Jerseys
FC Barcelona plans to seek monetary recovery from Nike after discovering its football kits are defective, according to the Financial Times. The report stated that a manufacturing error caused the colors to bleed when wet. Read more

›Newest Member Joins USA Triathlon Foundation Board Of Trustees
Alexander Egan, a nonprofit executive and avid triathlete, was announced as the newest addition to the 11-member USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees. Read more

›JCPenney Closing Manhattan Mall And Kings Plaza Locations In NYC
JCPenney disclosed in bankruptcy court filings that it was closing two additional stores in New York City. The locations are at Manhattan Mall in Manhattan and Kings Plaza in Brooklyn. Read more

›TriStar Arms Adds Orion Wholesale And Tactical Gear Distributors
TriStar Arms has added two new distributors, Orion Wholesale and Tactical Gear Distributors, to meet demand. Read more

›Source Outdoor Group Named Agency Of Record For SCI
Safari Club International (SCI) announced Source Outdoor Group of Gainesville, GA as its endemic marketing and communications agency. Read more

›Cobalt Kinetics Under New Ownership
Cobalt Kinetics, a manufacturer of performance and precision engineered rifles based in St. George, UT, announced that its holdings have been acquired by BAQ Defense. Read more

— July 7, 2020 —

›Retail Organization Seeks To Make Face Masks Mandatory
In a letter to the National Governors Association this week, RILA (Retail Industry Leaders Association) asked governors to require face masks when in public or while shopping. Fewer than half of U.S. states require masks in public places according to the RILA. Read more

›Walmart To Launch Membership Service In July
Walmart plans to launch its own membership service, Walmart+, to rival Amazon Prime this July, according to Recode. The $98-per-year program will offer same-day delivery of groceries and general merchandise along with other perks such as fuel discounts. Read more

›Report: Under Armour Looking To Sell MyFitnessPal
Under Armour is looking to sell MyFitnessPal, a smartphone app and website that tracks diet and exercise, according to a report in The Information. Read more

Dr. Emil Nutrition Acquired By Brand Holdings
Brand Holdings LLC, a new holding company led by sports industry veteran Jeff Hennion, has acquired Dr. Emil Nutrition, a provider of a portfolio of health and wellness supplements as well as sports nutrition products. Read more

›NFHS Network Launches High School Support Program
The NFHS Network, a provider of streaming live and on-demand high school sports, announced the launch of its High School Support Program to support high schools managing the fallout from COVID-19. Read more

›Liquid Wire Closes $10 Million Funding Round
Liquid Wire Inc. announced that it has successfully closed a $10 million Series A financing round to expand its stretchable electronics technologies into the medical wearables market. Read more

›SportsEngine And SoccerWire Announce Partnership
SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company and a provider of sports relationship management software, announced that it has formed a partnership with SoccerWire becoming its official technology provider. Read more

›Dick’s Announces Donation Of Nearly $800,000 To The CDC Foundation
Dick’s Sporting Goods announced a nearly $800,000 donation to the CDC Foundation in partnership with Callaway Golf. Read more

›HanesBrands Gerald Evans Recognized As 2020 Most Admired CEO
HanesBrands announced its CEO, Gerald W. Evans Jr., has been recognized as the most admired CEO in the Piedmont Triad, NC region with a 2020 C-Suite Award from the Triad Business Journal. Read more

›GSM Outdoors Acquires Skull Hooker
GSM Outdoors has acquired the mounting system brand Skull Hooker. Read more

›American Baitworks Taps Industry Vet For President
American Baitworks has hired industry veteran Doug Minor as president effective July 7. Minor comes to the brand after 37 years with the Strike King Lure brand. Read more

›Finish Line Delivers 9 Percent Comp In Fiscal Year
JD Sports Fashion reported a rise in annual earnings and indicated Finish Line’s comps in the U.S. grew 9 percent; however, the UK’s largest sneaker chain cut its dividend and warned the coronavirus outbreak has constrained its short term progress. Read more

›SIA Appoints Director Of Snowbound Festival
Snowsports Industries America (SIA) announced that it has named Brian Stephenson as the Director of Snowbound Festival, a winter outdoor consumer festival. Read more

— July 6, 2020 —

›High School Field Hockey Eyewear Rule Altered For 2020 Season 
In response to longstanding concerns regarding the wearing of goggles in high school field hockey, the NFHS Board of Directors approved a change in the eyewear rule that will take effect with the upcoming 2020 season. Read more

›L.L.Bean Plans Three Stores In Canada
L.L.Bean announced the expansion of the brand in Canada, with three L.L.Bean stores scheduled to open in Ontario by the end of 2020. Read more

›Head Acquires Zoggs
Head, the owner of Head, Penn and Mares, announced the acquisition of Zoggs, the swim brand known for its goggles, swimwear and equipment. Read more

›Kathmandu Sees Strong Rip Curl Recovery As Stores Reopen
Kathmandu Holdings Limited reported that total Group sales for the 10 months ended May 31 were down 15.1 percent versus the prior-year comp period, but retail store and online sales have “generally exceeded management expectations since stores began reopening. Read more

›OBIT: Berghaus Co-Founder Gordon Davison
Gordon Davison, the co-founder of the British climbing and mountaineering brand Berghaus, passed away at the age of 85. Read more

›Dick’s, Walmart And Target Pull Redskins Merchandise From Websites
Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods have all taken down Washington Redskins merchandise from their websites amid renewed calls for the NFL team to change its name. Nike, the NFL’s official gameday uniform supplier, has also removed Redskins jerseys from Nike.com. Read more

Peloton Appoints Head Of Music
Peloton Interactive promoted Gwen Bethel Riley from VP of music partnerships to SVP of music partnerships, according to Variety. She replaces current SVP and music head Paul DeGooyer, who will transition to consultancy in August. Read more

Nordstrom Will Pay Half Rent For The Remainder Of 2020
Nordstrom has reportedly notified its landlords that it will pay only half of its rent costs for the rest of 2020. Read more

Real Madrid CF And Legends Announce Omnichannel Retail Program
Real Madrid CF, the Spanish professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, announced an expansive omnichannel retail program, inclusive of a new online store, the relaunch of three stores in Madrid and a flagship megastore at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid has partnered with Legends to manage all merchandise operations. Read more

TSG Promotes Girish Satya To Principal, Portfolio Operations
TSG Consumer Partners, a private equity firm focused exclusively on the branded consumer and retail sectors, promoted Girish Satya to principal, portfolio operations. Read more

CODI Declares Second Quarter 2020 Distributions
Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI), the parent of 5.11, Liberty Safe, Marucci Sports and Velocity Outdoor, declared a quarterly cash distribution of 36 cents per share on it’s common shares. Read more

Apollo Creative Acquires Inside Archery, Bowhunt America
Zebra Publishing Inc. announced that Apollo Creative Inc. of Georgia has acquired the assets of Inside Archery and Bowhunt America. Read more

Global Surf Industries Signs Local Manufacturing Agreement
Global Surf Industries has signed with Olivier Gricourt and Delphine Ferran of OGS Surf Glassing in Capbreton, France as the first of its local-production agreements. Read more

Nike Removes Redskins Apparel From Its Website
Nike, the NFL’s official gameday uniform supplier, has taken down Washington Redskin’s apparel from its website amid renewed calls for the NFL team to change its name. Read more

Lucky Brand Files For Bankruptcy, Enters Sales Agreement
Lucky Brand Dungarees filed for bankruptcy and reached an agreement with SPARC Group LLC (SPARC) and Authentic Brands Group on the sale of the company. Read more

Equinox Undergoes Furloughs
Equinox Holdings Inc. furloughed more than 3,000 employees as many of its gyms remain closed due to COVID-19 mandates, according to Bloomberg. Read more

USA Cycling Cancels National Championships
USA Cycling announced the cancellation of multiple National Championships for the 2020 season. Read more

Athletic Republic Partners With Klean Athlete
Athletic Republic, the sports performance training franchisor, announced the rollout of its new partnership with Klean Athlete, developer of nutritional supplements for athletes. Read more

Nautilus Explores Sale Of Octane Fitness
Nautilus Inc. announced its plan to pursue efforts to find a potential buyer for Octane Fitness to focus solely on the home fitness equipment market. Read more