Authentic Brand Group Inks Sock License for Tapout Brand
Grey Matter Concepts will manufacture and distribute Tapout-branded socks across the U.S. and Canada. Authentic plans to launch the first collection through select retailers and online timed with the Holiday 2025 shopping season.
Liberated Brands Europe Acquired by OneTurn S.A.S.
OneTurn S.A.S., a company newly formed by members of Liberated’s leadership team — CEO Joost Grootswagers and COO Antoine Lanusse — will continue to “preserve and grow the business independently.”
Coleman, Marmot Parent Sees Q1 Outdoor & Rec Segment Slide 9.1 Percent
Newell Brands, the parent company of Marmot, Ex Officio, Stearns, Bubba, Coleman, and Contigo, among others, reported that its Outdoor & Recreation segment suffered another sales decline in the first quarter, although profitability improved.
Report: Decathlon Plans Sale of 30 Percent Stake in China Business
The potential sales comes as Decathlon announced in March that Javier López, who had previously led Decathlon’s value chain, was appointed CEO, replacing Barbara Martin Coppola who had served in the role since March 2022.
EXEC: Adidas CEO Clarifies U.S. Pricing Position; Will Wait for Competitors’ Moves
On Adidas’ first-quarter analyst call, Bjørn Gulden CEO, said Adidas hasn’t yet raised prices on U.S. products due to the U.S. tariffs but expects to should the tariffs remain and only after other brands raise prices. He said, “I have seen that certain press is writing that Adidas is raising prices. That is, of course, not true.”
Gildan Activewear Takes Q1 Hit from UA Licensing Business Exit; Activewear Grows
Hosiery and Underwear sales were $64 million, down 38 percent year-over-year, mainly owing to the phase-out of the Under Armour business, unfavorable mix within this category, and continued broader market weakness during the quarter.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Sinks to Near Five-Year Low
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell to 86 on the month, down 7.9 points from its prior reading and below the Dow Jones estimate of 87.7. It was the lowest reading since May 2020.
EXEC: Big 5 CEO Expects Little Near-Term Tariff Impact Due to Early Q2 Receipts
Second quarter-to-date sales are reportedly down in the high-single-digit range, in part reflecting an approximate negative 400 basis point impact from one less sales day in the period-to-date due to the Easter calendar shift.
Adidas Hires Max Staiger from Puma as New GM of Basketball
Adidas confirmed that Max Staiger, formerly at Puma for 12 years, was appointed global GM, basketball, effective April 7.
EXEC: Nordic SG Retailer XXL Returns to Growth in Q1 Despite Weather Issues
The general availability of products improved in the quarter, said to be driven by increased quantities of products on lower price points, especially within Private Label. The inventory was stable in value at quarter-end.
EXEC: Sebago Parent BasicNet Sees Slight Revenue Decline in Q1
The Turin, Italy-based parent of the Kappa, Robe di Kappa, K-Way, Superga, Briko Jesus Jeans, Sabelt, and Sebago brands reported Q1 consolidated revenues were €98.3 million, down 3.3 percent from €101.6 million a year ago.
EXEC: Li Ning Posts Low-Single-Digit Retail Sales Gain in First Quarter
Li Ning Company, Ltd. reported that retail sell-through for the first quarter for Li-Ning POS, excluding Li-Ning Young, increased in the low-single digits year over year.
Moody’s Lowers Under Armour’s Debt Ratings
Moody’s Ratings downgraded Under Armour, Inc.’s debt ratings on its expectation that weakening consumer discretionary spending and increased tariff costs are likely to lead to lower earnings over the next 12-18 months.
Mizuno USA Strengthens Running Division With Key Hires
The company promoted Will Cutler as associate marketing manager while hiring Nico Betancourt as territory manager and Hope Nixon as running brand specialist.
Adidas Warns of U.S. Price Hikes Due to Tariffs
Adidas AG said that despite reporting better-than-expected first-quarter results, it opted not to raise its financial targets for 2025 due to rising concerns over President Donald Trump-imposed trade tariffs, including the threat that prices will have to rise for U.S. products. The company said it did not know how much it would boost prices.
