Footwear brands and retailers have joined together to write a collective letter to President Trump asking him to rethink his latest tariff increase and relax the escalating trade war with China. The letter is another attempt by industry players to appeal to Trump’s concern for the American consumers and how these additional tariffs would result in higher-priced product.

Chaos Headwear has added new members their U.S. national sales team—the Rose Agency for the Rockies and the Lake Effect Group for the upper Midwest.

Hibbett Sports Inc. on Friday announced the appointment of Anthony F. Crudele as its independent chairman of the board of directors.

Safilo Group announced Friday that it has reached an agreement to sell the U.S. retail chain Solstice to Fairway LLC, a U.S. limited liability company formed by a group of investors active in the U.S. and in the European eyewear retail business.

Moody’s Investors Service affirmed Toms Shoes LLC‘s Caa3 Corporate Family Rating (“CFR”) and Caa3 senior secured first lien term loan rating.

Rocky Brands Inc. on Thursday announced that it has received a purchase agreement from the Defense Logistics Agency to produce general purpose safety boots for the United States Navy.

Men’s apparel brand Dakota Grizzly announced that sales agency Zahalka Sports Marketing group will represent the company in the Upper Midwest region.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is recalling about 10,000 Ethos Pull-Up Assist equipment used for assistance while doing pull ups.

This week, the Outdoor Business Climate Partnership (OBCP) joined more than 76 companies on Capitol Hill to advocate for immediate and bipartisan climate action, specifically, putting a price on carbon.

Fifty-two businesses from across the country joined The Conservation Alliance in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to protect North America’s wild places by upholding the National Roadless Rule.

Seattle-based action sports and outdoor retailer Evo announced it is relocating its current headquarters to a new location at the Cedar Speedster building at 401 North 36th Street in Fremont this fall.

Cotopaxi earlier this week announced its commitment to use the Higg Index.

Stage Stores Inc. reported a loss after impairment charges in the first quarter while same-store sales dipped 3.1 percent. The department store operator reaffirmed guidance for fiscal year 2019.

Emerald Expositions Events Inc. announced the appointment of Brian Field as chief operating officer.

American Airlines is eliminating its hefty oversize bag fees for large sports equipment and musical instruments ahead of the summer travel season. Passengers checking items including surfboards, skis and bikes will now pay standard checked bag fees instead of an oversize bag fee of $150 each way on domestic flights.

Stein Mart plans to house Amazon lockers in 200 of its 283 stores.

Duluth Trading Co. announced the grand opening of its 53rd store in Danbury, CT.

VF Corp. announced that it has completed the previously announced separation of VF’s Jeanswear organization into an independent, publicly traded company.

Controversial lawyer Michael Avenatti was charged with trying to extort Nike out of more than $20 million dollars by threatening to go public with claims the company was facilitating payments to the families of high school basketball stars.

Norwegian outdoor brand Norrona will open its first U.S. brand store in Boulder, CO.

Finalists for the ninth annual Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Awards presented by Adidas Outdoor were announced Wednesday by Outdoor Retailer.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announced capstone projects for Class 4 of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy (FLA), an immersive leadership experience for the next generation of outdoor industry game-changers.

Peloton announced plans to launch in Germany, its third market outside the U.S., by the end of this year.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Foot Locker Foundation has awarded $20,000 scholarships to 20 outstanding student-athletes.

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported earnings in the first quarter declined 21,0 percent to $32.6 million, or 31 cents a share as gross margins were hurt by underperforming women’s apparel at the Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters brands.

Modell’s Sporting Goods plan is to open 10 locations spanning 5,000 and 8,000 square feet across New York City, according to The Real Deal.

Kappa, the Italian sportswear brand, in a partnership with Fanatics signed a three-year deal to become the kit supplier to English second-tier soccer club Aston Villa.

Technical apparel brand Blackyak has recruited industry veteran Jim Angeles for North American sales representation in the Rocky Mountains.

Nordstrom Inc. reported first-quarter earnings fell well short of Wall Street’s targets as execution issues associated with the launch of its enhanced loyalty program was partly to blame for a sales shortfall.

Rocky Brands Inc. announced that its board of directors has approved a two cents increase, or a 16.7 percent increase, of its quarterly dividend to 14 cents per share of outstanding common stock.

PVH Corp. announced leadership updates, including Chairman and CEO Manny Chirico signing a new five-year employment agreement and hiring Stefan Larsson as PVH president, a newly created role.

Sam Coffey, an independent public relations and marketing rep who once worked for outdoor industry agencies Backbone Media and Rygr, died Monday in Mexico. Coffey, also an outstanding skier, was 29.

The TJX Companies Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that beat expectations and raised its outlook.

Seattle University and Adidas have entered a seven-year partnership in which the Portland, OR-based company will become the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of the Redhawks, effective July 1.

J. C. Penney Co. Inc. announced that Shawn Gensch has been named executive vice president, chief customer officer.

J. C. Penney Co. Inc. widened its loss in the first quarter to $154 million, or 48 cents per share, from a loss of $78 million, or 25 cents, last year. Comparable sales decreased 5.5 percent for the first quarter.

Briko USA announced a partnership with Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) that will see Briko road helmets distributed to North American bicycle retailers.

The Spanish soccer federation said it is breaking its contract with Adidas and has opened negotiations with other apparel companies. Adidas has sponsored Spain since 1991.

REI Co-op will open a new store in Farmington, UT, this fall.

Fox Racing, the maker of motocross and mountain bike gear and apparel, announced that Jeffrey McGuane will be joining Fox as chief executive officer, effective June 3. McGuane comes to Fox from Specialized Bicycles as the U.S. general manager and leader of global markets.

Specialized Bicycle Components revealed several promotions at its U.S. team following news that McGuane is leaving.

Sierra Designs has promoted Andrew Day to vice president and general manager.

Kohl’s on Monday announced an exclusive, long-term partnership with licensed sports merchandise provider Fanatics to significantly broaden the fan gear assortment for Kohl’s customers shopping online beginning in fall 2019.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announced newly elected board members. The appointees include Eric Artz, Frazier Blair, Cam Brensinger, Shawn Gorman and Layne M. Rigney.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of Scott Walker as SVP of merchandising effective May 20.

Rocky Mountain Bicycles appointed Katy Bond as general manager. She was most recently with Louis Garneau Sports.