The Week’s Top Headlines across the Active Lifestyle Industry as reported in SGB Updates during the week of March 16, 2020.
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»Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Still On—For Now | March 20
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, scheduled for June 23-25 at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO, is still on as of March 20 despite the spread of the coronavirus, the company announced in a Friday morning email. Read more
»Best Running Stores Event Postponed | March 20
Diversified Communications has decided to postpone its Best Running Stores event due to the escalating COVID-19 outbreaks and contagion. Read more
»Simon Property Group Temporarily Closes All U.S. Properties | March 20
Simon Property Group announced Thursday that it will close all of its retail properties, including malls, premium outlets and mills in the U.S. to address the spread of COVID-19. Read more
»Hibbett Sports Delivers 4 Percent Q4 Comp Gain | March 20
Hibbett Sports Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis, slid 14.5 percent in the fourth quarter, missing Wall Street’s guidance. Same-store sales grew 4 percent, its fifth consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth. The chain is not providing 2020 guidance due to the coronavirus. Mike Longo, CEO, said, “We believe we have ample liquidity and financial flexibility to navigate this period of uncertainty while positioning Hibbett for future success.” Read more
»New Balance Closes Stores, Offices And Factories Amid Coronavirus Concerns | March 20
New Balance is temporarily closing its offices, factories and owned stores in the United States, Canada and Western Europe from March 16 until at least March 27 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
»Recall: C3 Manufacturing Climbing Devices | March 19
About 1,100 Perfect Descent Auto Belays climbing devices from C3 Manufacturing are being recalled. Read more
»2020 OIA Capitol Summit Is Postponed | March 19
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) on Thursday announced it is postponing the April 2020 Capitol Summit in Washington, DC. The organization said it hopes to reschedule the event at a future date. Read more
»Shoe Carnival Closing Stores Until April 2 | March 19
Shoe Carnival Inc. on Thursday provided an update on its operations in response to the continued spread of COVID-19. The company will temporarily close its stores to consumers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico until April 2, 2020, effective today. Read more
»The TJX Cos. Inc. To Close All Stores For Two Weeks | March 19
The TJX Companies Inc. on Thursday said effective immediately the company is closing all of its stores in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia for two weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more
»WSL Cancels Or Postpones All Events Through May | March 19
Due to the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Surf League (WSL) is postponing or canceling all events, at all levels of competition, through the end of May. Read more
»Kohl’s Announces Temporary Closure Of Stores Nationwide | March 19
Kohl’s announced on Thursday that as the result of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic the company will temporarily close its stores nationwide effective March 19 at 7 p.m. local time. Read more
»NRF Seeks Guidance On ‘Essential Retail Businesses and Services | March 19
The National Retail Federation on Thursday sent a letter to President Trump and administration officials urging the federal government to produce national guidance for state and local governments seeking to clarify “essential retail businesses and services” for their communities. Read more
»Dunham’s Sports Taking Precautionary Measures To Combat COVID-19 | March 19
Dunham’s Sports said it is taking extra safety measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The steps include an enhanced cleaning and sanitization schedule at all stores, directing staff to stay home if they are showing any flu-like symptoms, and increasing staffing levels in high traffic areas to reduce wait time. Read more
»Academy Sports Adjusts Hours For Extra Cleaning | March 19
Academy Sports & Outdoors said that effective March 18, 2020 it updated its store hours to allow additional time for intensive cleaning in response to the coronavirus. Read more
»Caleres Provides Update On COVID-19 | March 19
Caleres Inc. has elected to close its remaining Famous Footwear locations as part of its ongoing response to the spread of Covid-19. The company is withdrawing its 2020 financial guidance and reducing capital expenditures and operating expenses. Read more
»Under Armour Pledges Up To $2M For Community Support | March 19
Under Armour is donating $1 million to Feeding America to support hunger relief efforts as a result of current school closures and quarantines. The brand also pledged to donate up to $1 million in a combination of monetary donations and product to Good Sports as part of a 30-day Healthy at Home fitness challenge. Read more
»Keen Pledges 100,000 Pairs Of Shoes To Workers Affected By Coronavirus | March 19
Keen Inc. has made a pledge to provide up to 100,000 pairs—about $10,000,000 in shoes—to the workers on the front lines and the families at home fighting through the coronavirus crisis. Read more
»Study: Ammunition Sales Soar in Response To Coronavirus | March 19
In response to the coronavirus, consumers are purchasing ammunition at an unprecedented rate, according to a recent study by Ammo.com. Read more
»Running Industry Association Cancels 2020 Kick Show | March 19
The Running Industry Association (RIA) announced Thursday it is canceling the second annual RIA Kick Show in Denver, CO, on May 11-14 due to the coronavirus. RIA is formalizing plans to re-introduce the show in a digital format after conferring with several brands and retailers. Details will be released in April. Read more
»Wolverine Worldwide Provides Business Update Related To Covid-19 | March 19
Wolverine World Wide Inc. on Thursday provided a business update to highlight the company’s strong liquidity, supply chain stability, and agile business model in light of the challenging environment currently caused by the spread of Covid-19. Read more
»Wedge Brands LLC Announces Acquisition Of Xcel Wetsuits And ZG Holdings LLC | March 19
Wedge Brands LLC, a new company formed between a group of Colorado outdoor enthusiasts and a contingent of passionate surfers in Southern California, in addition to The Pearl Fund, announced the acquisition of Xcel Wetsuits and ZG Holdings LLC’s assets and brand portfolio. Read more
»Carhartt’s Position On COVID-19 | March 19
Carhartt issued the following press release today, March 19, with regard to the Covid-19 virus. Read more
»NSAA Cancels National Convention And Tradeshow | March 19
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has canceled its National Convention and Tradeshow scheduled for early May in Florida. Read more
»Adidas Postpones 2020 Annual General Meeting | March 19
In accordance with orders issued by the relevant German authorities, which include a ban of large meetings in order to contain the further spreading of coronavirus, Adidas AG has decided to postpone this year’s annual general meeting until further notice. Read more
»SportChek Faces Temporary Closings On Coronavirus Measures | March 19
Canadian Tire Corp. announced that in response to the growing concern surrounding COVID-19, it will reduce operating hours at Canadian Tire Retail and temporarily close its other retail stores including Mark’s/L’Équipeur, SportChek, Atmosphere, Party City, Pro Hockey Life, National Sports, and PartSource. Read more
»Duluth Trading Delivers 7 Percent Comp Gain In Q4 | March 19
Duluth Holdings Inc., the parent of Duluth Trading, reported fourth-quarter earnings rose 18.4 percent due to strong expense controls and a 7 percent gain in comparable-store sales. Read more
»G-III Apparel’s Adjusted Earnings Climb In Q4 | March 19
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. reported a strong gain in earnings on an adjusted basis in the fourth quarter ended January 31 despite a 1.6 percent dip in revenues. The company, a major supplier of fan apparel, is not providing guidance for the year due to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more
»Dick’s To Close For Two Weeks | March 18
Ed Stack, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ CEO, announced that the retailer will close its locations from March 19 until April 2 “in support of the nation’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.” In a regulatory filing, Dick’s also said it has experienced a “significant reduction in customer traffic and demand” since March 10 and was withdrawing its guidance for the year. Read more
»National Park Service To Waive Entrance Fees At Open Parks | March 18
The National Park Service (NPS) on Wednesday temporarily suspended the collection of all park entrance fees until further notice to aid social distancing. The suspension comes a day after the office closed a number of parks to address over-crowding situations. Read more
»Gregory Notches 21 Percent Growth In 2019 March 18
Samsonite International reported 2019 currency-neutral sales for the Gregory brand of $69.8 million, up 21 percent from the prior-year and driven by continued strong growth in Asia (24.2 percent), North America (10.1 percent) and Europe (37.1 percent). Read more
»Baden Sports Announces New CEO, COO | March 18
Baden Sports’ board of directors announced it has appointed Jake Licht as president and CEO, and Casey Schindler as executive vice president and COO. The promotions elevate the company’s third generation of family leadership following the unexpected passing of longtime CEO Michael J. Schindler, the son of Baden Founder E.C. Schindler, on February 19. Read more
»Zumiez Inc. Closes Stores, Withdraws Guidance | March 18
Zumiez Inc. on Wednesday announced business updates in response to the continued impact from the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). Read more
»Vail Resorts Projects Up To $200 Million Negative Impact From The Coronavirus | March 18
Vail Resorts Inc. provided updated commentary on its fiscal 2020 results and the evolving impact of Covid-19 on its business and results of operations. The company projects its operating results for March and April will have a negative impact of $180 million to $200 million compared to the resort reported EBITDA the company had as of March 1. Read more
»OIA Seeks Tariff Relief For Outdoor Brands Amid Coronavirus Crisis | March 18
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) last week joined 23 trade associations in sending a letter to Larry Kudlow, Director of the National Economic Council under President Trump, urging the President to lift punitive tariffs that were imposed on products sourced from China. Read more
»NSGA Update On 2020 Management Conference And Team Dealer Summit | March 18
Matt Carlson, president and CEO of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), on Wednesday, issued a message about the cancellation of the 2020 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Read more
»New Wave Group Sees Significant Impact From Coronavirus | March 18
New Wave Group, the Swedish-based owner of Ahead, Auclair, Craft and Cutter & Buck, said it is largely affected by the spread of the coronavirus. The demand for the group’s products and services is expected to be significantly reduced for all operating segments during the remainder of the first calendar quarter of 2020. Read more
»J.C. Penney Temporarily Closes Stores And Business Offices | March 18
J.C. Penney Co. on Wednesday announced that in response to the evolving global coronavirus pandemic, it will temporarily close its stores and business offices, starting Wednesday at 7 p.m. local time. The stores and business offices are scheduled to reopen April 2. Read more
»Tara McRae Becomes TB12’s First Chief Marketing Officer | March 18
TB12, the performance lifestyle brand Co-founded by six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and business partner Alex Guerrero, announced Tara McRae, a former executive at Clarks and Puma, as the company’s chief marketing officer. Read more
»Nike Leaders Pledge Millions To Covid-19 Response Efforts | March 18
Nike Inc., its top leadership and the Nike Foundation said Wednesday they are committing more than $15 million to Covid-19 response efforts. Read more
»Sweet Protection Names Atle Enberget Director Of Sales And Marketing | March 18
Sweet Protection, manufacturer of performance helmets, goggles and technical clothing, announced today that it has named Atle Enberget as its Director of Sales and Marketing. Read more
»Amazon Warehouses Will Stop Accepting Non-Essential Items Amid Covid-19 Outbreak | March 18
Amazon is stopping sellers from sending non-essential items to its U.S. warehouses until April 5 to make space for vital items needed by its customers during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more
»Adidas To Temporarily Shutter Doors In The U.S., Canada And Europe | March 18
Adidas is temporarily shuttering all stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe according to Business Insider. The closures came one day after a leaked internal memo saw CEO Kasper Rorsted assuring employees stores would stay open. Read more
»National Park Service Mandates Widespread Closures Of Facilities | March 18
The National Park Service (NPS) is modifying operations until further notice for facilities and programs that cannot adhere to the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. Read more
»Gap Inc. Announces Temporary Closure Of Stores In North America | March 18
Gap Inc. announced that, as a result of the escalating Covid-19 pandemic, it will temporarily close its Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Gap, Janie and Jack, and Intermix stores across North America effective March 19. Read more
»Skechers To Temporarily Close Stores, Withdraws Q1 Guidance | March 18
Skechers USA Inc. announced that it is temporarily closing its company-owned Skechers retail stores in North America and select European markets through March 28, 2020 and is withdrawing its first-quarter 2020 guidance due to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting uncertainty of the global retail landscape. Read more
»Journeys To Temporarily Close Locations | March 18
Genesco Inc., the parent of Journeys, said that after initially reducing store hours, Genesco will temporarily close its North American stores effective March 18 through March 28 in response to the continued spread of the coronavirus. Read more
»Boardriders Announces Sale Of Xcel | March 17
Boardriders Inc., the apparel, footwear and accessories company whose brands include Quiksilver, Billabong, ROXY, DC Shoes, RVCA and Element, announced Tuesday that it has sold its Xcel wetsuit brand to Colorado-based ZG Collective. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Read more
»Major Fitness Clubs Announce Temporary Closures | March 17
Fitness International, LLC, operator of L.A. Fitness, City Sports Clubs, Esporta, announced that it will temporarily close all gyms in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
»Deckers Brands Outlines COVID-19 Response | March 17
Deckers Brands announced actions the company is taking in response to COVID-19. Read more
»Macy’s Temporarily Closes Stores Nationwide | March 17
In response to the coronavirus, Macy’s Inc. on Tuesday announced that it will temporarily close all stores by end of business on March 17 through March 31. Read more
»KAVU Expands NW Sales Representation And Design Department | March 17
KAVU, manufacturer of outdoor wear, promoted from within to fill a sales void in its home territory while also filling the newly created position of bag designer. Read more
»Prana Closes Stores In Response To Coronavirus | March 17
Prana, released a statement from brand President, Russ Hopcus, in response to the coronavirus. Read more
»Outdoor Retailer Parent Announces Update Regarding Impact Of The Coronavirus | March 17
Emerald Holding Inc., parent of Outdoor Retailer, on Tuesday, announced an update on the company’s first and second quarter events as a result of the evolving impact of the coronavirus on the global economy, the events industry and Emerald’s business. Read more
»Canada Goose Temporarily Closing All North American, European Stores | March 17
Canada Goose Holdings Inc. said Monday evening it will close all retail stores in North America and Europe as of March 17 until at least March 31. Read more
»Adidas To Keep U.S. Stores Open, For Now | March 17
In an e-mail to Adidas and Reebok retail employees Monday morning, Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted wrote that the company is not yet shuttering its U.S. stores because of the coronavirus. Rorsted wrote, “We have to keep the company going and open for business to ensure that we can pay our monthly bills and salaries to everyone. Closing down is easy, staying open in a healthy environment requires courage, persistence and focus.” Read more
»Crocs Temporarily Closes North American Retail Stores | March 17
Crocs Inc. announced on Monday that in response to the escalating global coronavirus pandemic, it will temporarily close all of its company-operated retail stores in North America, effective March 17 through March 27. Read more
»Vail Resorts To Close North American Resorts For Season | March 17
Vail Resorts announced that all of its North American resorts and retail stores will remain closed for the 2019/20 winter ski season amid the continued challenges associated with the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
»Designer Brands Sees 0.8 Percent Comp Gain In 2019 | March 17
Designer Brands Inc., the parent of DSW and Camuto Group, reported comparable sales for the fiscal year increased 0.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Read more
»Sportsman’s Warehouse To Acquire Two Field & Stream Stores In Kentucky And Michigan | March 17
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. announced that it has entered into agreements with Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. to acquire two Field & Stream locations. The stores in Crescent Springs, KY and Kalamazoo, MI will be rebranded as Sportsman’s Warehouse. Read more
»Foot Locker To Shutter Stores Due To Coronavirus, Withdraws Guidance | March 17
Foot Locker Inc. said it will close stores across North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) and Malaysia from March 17 through March 31. Read more
»L.L. Bean Closing U.S. Stores Over Coronavirus Concerns | March 17
L.L. Bean is closing all U.S. retail locations beginning midnight Monday, March 16 through March 29 out of precaution for the spread of the coronavirus, L.L. Bean President and CEO Steve Smith wrote in a letter to customers on Monday. Read more
»Coronavirus: Letter From Francois Goulet, President, Rossignol Group NA | March 17
“In response to COVID-19 and concern for the health and well-being of our employees as well as the larger community, Rossignol Group North America announced proactive steps and precautions for staff over the weekend, effective immediately”. Read more
»Academy Sports Outlines Coronavirus Response To Customers | March 16
In a letter to customers, Ken Hicks, Academy Sports’ chairman, president, and CEO, announced a number of precautions the chain is taking in response to coronavirus. He wrote in part, “We are fortunate that we currently have no reported team member or customer cases and our stores and facilities remain open for business.” Read more
»Dick’s Reduces Store Hours And Closes 10 Stores In Response To Coronavirus | March 16
Dick’s Sporting Goods said that as of March 17 it will be closing 10 stores and reducing daily hours across the chain due to the coronavirus outbreak. The revised store hours include 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. Read more
»Merrell Closing Retail Stores Until March 27 | March 16
Footwear brand Merrell, which is owned by Wolverine World Wide Inc., announced the closure of its retail stores until March 27. Read more
»RV Women’s Alliance Hires Executive Director Sandy Ellingson | March 16
One year after the official launch of the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA), the group announced the hiring of its first executive director, Sandy Ellingson. Read more
»Little League Recommends Temporary Suspension | March 16
Little League International, in a statement, said it was recommending delaying the implementation of the Little League season to begin no earlier April 6. Read more
»Modell’s Gains Court Approval For GOB Sales | March 16
Modell’s Sporting Goods, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 11, won court approval to begin liquidation sales on its remaining 141 stores despite concerns from landlords. Read more
»PVH Corp. Response To Covid-19 Outbreak | March 16
PVH Corp. announced that in response to the escalating global coronavirus outbreak, it will close temporarily all company-operated retail stores across North America and Europe effective March 17 through March 29. Read more
»Kohl’s And Lands’ End Announce Partnership | March 16
Kohl’s announced a new partnership with Lands’ End to offer the retailer’s entire assortment of women’s, men’s, kids, and home merchandise on Kohls.com, directly fulfilled and shipped by Lands’ End, beginning fall 2020. Lands’ End merchandise will also be brought to 150 stores beginning fall 2020. Read more
»BN3TH Underwear Appoints North American Director Of Sales | March 16
BN3TH Apparel announced that industry executive Matt Keenan joined their team as the North American director of sales in February of this year. Read more
»La Sportiva Hires Howe Sound Sales To Represent The Brand In Western Canada | March 16
La Sportiva, producers of mountain products since 1928, announced that Howe Sound Sales will represent the brand in Western Canada, which includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories. Read more
»Stio Announces Retail Stores And Offices Are Closed In Response To The Coronavirus | March 16
In response to the escalating coronavirus outbreak, Stio asked all corporate employees to begin working remotely effective Friday, March 13 for a minimum of 30 days and continue to do so until further notice as the situation unfolds. Read more
»Under Armour To Shut Doors To Combat Virus | March 16
Under Armour announced it will close all 188 of its company stores in North America from March 16 through March 28 as a precaution amid the global spread of coronavirus. Read more
»Columbia Sportswear To Temporarily Close Stores | March 16
Columbia Sportswear Company said it was closing its store locations from March 16 through March 27. The company also announced a number of other steps being taken in response to coronavirus. Read more
»VF Corp. To Shutter Stores Through April 5 | March 16
In response to the global COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, VF Corporation announced the temporary closure of all owned retail stores across North America, effective March 16 through April 5. Read more
»NRF: Retailer Leaders Issue Statement On Responsible Shopping During Covid-19 Pandemic | March 16
National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay and Retail Industry Leaders Association President Brian Dodge are advising consumers to shop responsibly during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read more
»RILA: Leading Retailers Step Up To Partner On Covid-19 Testing | March 16
Brian Dodge, president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), issued a statement following the White House announcement for plans to develop a web portal and drive-through sites for coronavirus testing in partnership with leading retailers. Read more
»REI Retail Stores Closing Until March 27 | March 15
REI Co-op is closing its retail stores from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, to “help protect the health and safety of our employees and customers” from the coronavirus, CEO Eric Artz said in a statement. Read more
»Patagonia ‘Temporarily’ Shuts Down Operations | March 15
Patagonia on its website said it is “temporarily shutting down operations” to protect its community from the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
»Lululemon To Close All North American, European Stores | March 15
Lululemon on Sunday provided an update on its global store operations in response to the continued spread of the coronavirus. The company said it will close all stores in North America and Europe from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Read more
»Nike Closing Stores In Response To Coronavirus | March 15
Nike Inc. on Sunday said it is closing all stores in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
»Alterra Mountain Co. Suspends Operations At North American Ski Resorts | March 15
Alterra Mountain Co. has suspended operations at its 15 North American ski resorts, starting the morning of Sunday, March 15, until further notice, according to CEO Rusty Gregory. Read more
The coronavirus severely impacts global airline travel. Photo courtesy Delta Airlines/Reuters
