SGB Apparel

S&P Raises Authentic Brands Debt Ratings on Improved Performance

S&P Global Ratings raised the debt rating of Authentic Brands Group, LLC after the company outperformed its previous forecast for its sizable 2022 acquisition of Reebok and recently-closed acquisition of Boardriders, Inc. S&P said the company funded the Boardriders acquisition with less debt than previously expected due to new equity from its financial sponsors.

EXEC: Jefferies Downgrades Nike, Foot Locker on Slowdown Concerns  

Analysts at Jefferies downgraded Nike, Foot Locker and Urban Outfitters as survey data shows the resumption of payments on student loans may force families to limit their spending on apparel and sneakers. Nike’s sales are also expected to be pressured by lean inventory disciplines across wholesale channels and macro headwinds facing China.

TJX Companies Elects New Board Director

TJX Companies, Inc.’s Board of Directors elected Charles F. Wagner, Jr. to its Board, effective immediately. Wagner is the EVP and CFO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a role he has held since 2019.

New Balance Opens Concept Store in London

New Balance opened an experiential concept store in London’s Westfield Stratford City Mall, targeting younger consumers. The store is the company’s third globally. The first opened in Guangzhou, China, in 2022, and the second in February 2023 at 124 Newbury Street in Boston.

Bain Forecasts Nominal U.S. Holiday Sales Gain

Bain & Company forecasted nominal U.S. retail sales to slow this holiday season, with the lowest growth rate since 2018. Unadjusted seasonal sales are expected to grow 3.0 percent year-over-year (YoY) in November and December, reaching nearly $915 billion, with 90 percent of the growth coming from non-store (e-commerce and mail-order) sales.

Dick’s to Close Nearly All Moosejaw Stores

Moosejaw, the outdoor specialty retailer acquired by Dick’s Sporting Goods in March, is closing 11 of 14 stores in a realignment of Dick’s outdoor specialty business, including the company’s Public Lands’ store concept. Moosejaw’s headquartered in Madison Heights, MI, is also closing.

Nike Rise Store to Open in Birmingham, England

Nike plans to open a Nike Rise concept store in Birmingham, its second to open in the U.K. and the first outside of London, according to Hammerson, the British property development and investment company that owns Bullring.