Heiq Appoints New GM for Heiq China
UK-based textile and materials manufacturer Heiq hired Robert Liu as general manager of Heiq China, leading its business operations.
Deloitte Sees 2023 Holiday Spending Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Deloitte is forecasting that holiday spending this year will surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Consumers surveyed for the report plan to spend an average of $1,652 during the shopping season—a 14 percent year-over-year increase, though a modest four-year CAGR of 2.5 percent reflecting a normalization of trends.
EXEC: Vista Outdoor’s Guidance Cut Surprises Wall Street
Analysts said Vista Outdoor’s agreement to sell its Sporting Products segment business to Czechoslovak Group (CSG) for $1.91 billion appeared largely in line with the businesses’ valuation. Vista’s 24 percent stock drop on Monday was attributed to Vista’s sharp guidance cut tied to the deteriorating Outdoor Products business.
Cocona Labs Joins The Conservation Alliance
Cocona Labs reported it joined The Conservation Alliance, with its member dues “directly supporting grassroots conservation efforts and advocating for protected areas.”
’47 Makes Key Merchandising and Marketing Executive Hires
Sports fan apparel brand ’47 hired Steven Monti as VP of design and development, Ryan Cross as VP of merchandising and Brooke Thornton as VP of marketing.
Play It Again Sports Parent Posts Q3 Earnings Growth
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported earnings improved 7.5 percent in the third quarter ended September 30, to $11.1 million, or $3.05 a share, from $10.4 million, or $2.93, a year ago.
Wild Rye Taps Method Outdoor Collective to Lead Sales
Outdoor lifestyle apparel brand Wild Rye hired Method Outdoor Collective, a sales agency based in Burlington, VT. Its Founder, Sasha Dietschi-Cooper, will reportedly serve as a fractional VP of sales for the brand.
Mountain Hardwear Adds New Midwest Independent Sales Group
Parallel 45 Sales reportedly specializes in connecting brands and people to “build the communities of those who enjoy spending time in the outdoors, aligning with Mountain Hardwear’s commitment to make better outdoor gear and get more people outside using it.”
Retail Sales Grew 3.8 Percent in September; Sporting Goods Trailing Market
The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.7 percent from August and up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) said the gains have moderated as consumers face continued pressures from the slowed economy.
Outerknown to Open Four Stores
Outerknown, the sustainable clothing brand, co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, reported plans to open four brick-and-mortar retail stores, bringing the total operating store count to nine, with one store slated to open in Spring 2024.
VF Corp.’s Shares Jump on Activist Investor’s Move
Shares of VF Corp. jumped 14 percent on Tuesday after activist investor Engaged Capital reported that it had built a stake in the owner of Vans and The North Face and planned to push for changes, including steep cost cuts, divestitures of non-core assets and a board overhaul.
EXEC: Adidas Ups Full-Year Guidance on Improved Preliminary Q3 Results
Adidas now expects full-year 2023 currency-neutral revenues to decline at a low-single-digit rate in 2023 compared to its previous forecast of a mid-single-digit decline. An operating loss of around €100 million is now forecast, compared to its previous estimates for a loss of €450 million for the year.
Shaun White Adds Women’s Line to Whitespace Brand
Global snowboard icon adds a women’s base layer, puffer jacket and riding kit to Whitespace brand distributed through Backcountry.
UYN Opens Academy for Research and Engineering
Italy’s Unleash Your Nature (UYN) a Trerè Innovation company, officially opened its 38,000-square-foot Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sport (AREAS) adjacent to its global headquarters in Asola.
Hybrid Apparel Appoints President, Hybrid Digital
Cypress, CA-based Hybrid Apparel hired Stephen Teglas as president of Hybrid Digital, the company’s print-on-demand apparel business.
