EXEC: Report Finds Troubling Core Participation Trend in Team Sports
SFIA’s recently released U.S. Trends In Team Sports Report noted that participation in 16 of 23 team sports tracked by the Association has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and only one sport, soccer, showed Core Participation gains in the 2019-2022 period. However, the SFIA report offered more encouraging findings in team sports trends.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises to 5-Month High in December
The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 110.7 million in December, up from a downwardly revised 101.0 in November in an indication that concerns about a recession in the U.S. are lessening. The Index improved for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest level since July.
Tonal Launches Trade-In Program for Lululemon Mirror Customers
Tonal launched a “Mirror Trade-In” program for Lululemon Studio customers as Lululemon phases out the fitness device.
Study: Gen Z and Boomers Most Likely to Shop In-Store
ICSC wrote that while Gen Z grew up with digital and mobile technology, their penchant for in-store shopping at times exceeds that of the generations that grew up shopping in physical stores.
Authentic Partners with Former Boardriders Execs to Manage Japan, Taiwan
BRJ Group, led by Sammy Yoo, a 13-year veteran of the Boardriders’ portfolio, will operate business in Japan and Taiwan, which includes the Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element and Von Zipper brands.
UCM Athletics Extends Apparel Contract with BSN/Nike
The University of Central Missouri Board of Governors approved a five-year contract extension with BSN and Nike to provide apparel for the University’s Athletic department.
Gildan Board Responds to CEO Ouster Backlash Coming from One-Third of Shareholders
The fiasco consuming the Gildan Activewear Board of Directors continues to worsen as the first large investor that cried foul last week after the Board ousted the CEO has increased its stake in the company and is now urging the company to take immediate action.
Liberated Brands Gets Nod from Authentic to Manage Boardriders Brands Down Under
Authentic expanded its partnership with Liberated Brands to build the Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Honolua, and other businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Kohl’s Expands Board of Directors to 13 Members with Latest Appointment
Wendy C. Arlin, who, most recently, was the CFO for Bath & Body Works, Inc., reportedly brings more than three decades of experience in corporate finance, financial reporting, oversight and accounting, with deep expertise in the consumer industry.
Frasers Group Acquires Matches
Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct, agreed to acquire luxury e-tailer Matchesfashion, recently renamed Matches, for £52 million ($63 million).
Woolrich Appoints Creative Director, Woolrich Black Label
Woolrich named Todd Snyder, founder of Todd Snyder New York, as creative director of its new Woolrich Black Label collection.
Canada Goose Appoints Co-President; Shuffles Other Executive Roles
Canada Goose appointed Beth Clymer to the newly created role of president, finance, strategy and administration, effective January 8, 2024. Clymer will oversee finance, people and culture, corporate strategy, and legal matters with those who drive these functions.
Vuori Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Vuori hired Karen Riley-Grant, previously at Levi Strauss & Co., as chief marketing officer, effective January 22.
Delta Apparel Settles with Activist Investor
Delta Apparel, Inc. agreed to appoint Timothy Brog as a new independent director to its board in a move that avoids a proxy battle with Forager Capital Management, an Alabama-based hedge fund management firm.
EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz See Trailing 4-Month Sales Down Despite Solid Black Friday
Group sales were reportedly down 12.5 percent year-over-year for the four-month fiscal year-to-date period, reflecting “ongoing weakness in consumer sentiment.” Wholesale sales were disappointing for Rip Curl and Oboz brands.
