Ross Stores Sets Changes to Board Leadership
Ross Stores, Inc. announced that George Orban is stepping down as chairman but will continue to serve as an independent director. Michael Balmuth, a strategic advisor to the company, is returning as executive chairman of the board. K. Gunnar Bjorklund is taking on the role of lead independent director.
EXEC: Academy Sports’ Shares Jump On Upbeat Outlook
Shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. closed up $4.63, or 9.3 percent, to $54.57 Thursday as second-quarter earnings topped analysts’ estimates and the retailer reiterated its guidance for the year. Academy officials said sales steadily improved throughout the second quarter as customers responded to its message around value and newness.
Lululemon’s Raises Outlook As Q2 Comps Jump 11 Percent
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. raised its guidance for the year as second-quarter results exceeded expectations. Earnings rose 21.6 percent on an adjusted basis in the quarter with revenues ahead 18 percent. Comparable sales increased 11 percent or 13 percent on a constant dollar basis.
EXEC: Symphony Holdings Posts Solid H1 as Brand Division Jumps 24 Percent
The Branding segment, which is comprised of the Skins and Pony businesses, sourcing, manufacturing and trading of healthcare products in Hong Kong and distribution of Sunseeker swimwear, posted a 24.2 percent YoY increase for the first half period. Still, the majority of revenues come from its malls leasing segment.
Fjällräven Opens Palo Alto Store
Fjällräven expanded its global retail footprint by opening a new brand store in Palo Alto, CA.
Academy Sports’ Q2 Tops Wall Street Targets
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported second-quarter earnings came in just ahead of analyst expectations. Same-store sales declined 7.5 percent in the quarter but improved throughout the quarter. Academy reiterated its sales guidance while raising its EPS outlook due to share repurchases.
Lands’ End, Inc. Sees Q2 Loss Widen Despite Expanding Gross Margins
The company reported second-quarter net revenue decreased 7.9 percent to $323.3 million in the three-month period ended July 28, compared to $351.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.
The Buckle’s Comps Slide 5 Percent in August
The Buckle, Inc. announced today that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the 4-week period ended August 26, 2023 decreased 5.0 percent from the year-ago period.
Duluth Trading Trims Outlook on Q2 Shortfall
Duluth Holdings, Inc., the parent of Duluth Trading, lowered its earnings guidance for the year after reporting a worse-than-expected loss in the second quarter. Sales were down 1.7 percent, impacted by weak store traffic. Duluth also noted that its CFO had stepped down to explore another opportunity.
Fanatics Lands at Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced it entered into a partnership agreement with Fanatics to enhance the retailer’s in-store and online assortment of officially licensed sports merchandise beginning this fall.
Avenatti Loses Conviction Appeal in Nike Extortion Case
The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rejected Michael Avenatti’s claim that no sufficient evidence supported his February 2020 conviction on charges of extortion and honest services fraud for threatening to smear Nike if the company did not pay him millions.
PVH Posts Solid Q2 Results on Strong China Sales Growth, U.S. DTC Gains
The parent of the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein brands reported that second-quarter revenue increased 4 percent year-over-year to $2.21 billion, and grew 2 percent on a constant-currency basis.
Midwest Mountaineering to Close After 53-Year Run
The Minneapolis store reported losing money every month in 2023 through July and with declining sales for the last seven years except when outdoor gear sales saw a brief surge at the height of the pandemic.
Z Supply Appoints First Chief Communications Officer
The women’s lifestyle apparel and accessories brand hired Erika Klein as chief communications officer, moving from her role as its chief marketing officer, a position she has held for the past six years.
Sycamore Partners Rolls Up Top Women’s Brands into New Holding Company
The private equity company specializing in consumer, distribution and retail-related investments, formed the KnitWell Group, a holding company comprised o apparel brands, including Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots.