EXEC: Anta Reports Fila Retail Sales in China Swings to Growth Mode in Q4
Retail sales for the Fila brand in China reportedly increased in mid-single digits for the 2024 full-year period, while Anta brand sales improved in the high-singles year-over-year and All Other Brands, including Descente and Kolon Sport, saw fourth-quarter retail sales increase in the 40 percent to 45 percent range.
POC Adds Strategic Hires; Creates New Territories in APAC Region
The updates and investments in the company’s regional and central teams will support continued brand growth and be closer and more responsive to its customers.
NRF’s Chief Economist Believes 2024 Ended on a High Note
Jack Kleinhenz’s comments came in the January edition of the NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, in which he reported that the 2024 gross domestic product was on track to grow 2.7 percent over 2023, based on results for the first 11 months of the year.
Burton Adds Exec Hires to Drive Brand and Product Categories
The privately-owned snowboard manufacturing company, hired Jennifer Valentine as chief merchandising officer and Debbie Lee as chief marketing officer based in the company’s global headquarters in Burlington, VT.
REI Shuttering Experiences Business, Cutting 428 Positions
The closure of the Experiences business will affect 180 full-time and 248 part-time employees, which are primarily guides serving the business. REI said it will re-invest in the core Camp and Backpack, Run and Hike, and Outside Life businesses.
Sitka Gear Opens Eighth U.S. Storefront
Sitka Gear has opened a new brand store in Columbus, OH, carrying its technical hunting and outdoor apparel gear. The company will host a grand opening on January 11.
Tilly’s Inc. Appoints PacSun Veteran to Board of Directors
Michael Relich has over 40 years of experience in retail, with an emphasis on systems and information technology. Most recently, Relich served as the co-CEO of PacSun.
Birdwell Names Surf Industry Veteran Lance Eddy as EVP of Sales
Lance Eddy has over 20 years of experience working with multichannel heritage lifestyle brands. Most recently, he served as sales director at RVCA.
Columbia’s Chief Digital Information Officer Exits
Columbia said it would launch a search for Skip Potter’s replacement. In the interim, EVP and CFO Jim Swanson will oversee the company’s digital technology department.
Acon Investments Takes Controlling Stake in True Religion
Founded in 2002, True Religion has been a staple in the global denim and apparel industry for over decades. The company opened three new stores prior to Christmas 2024, bringing its total retail footprint in the U.S. to 51 doors.
Report: 2024 Holiday Online Spending Sets New Record; Sporting Goods Up Big
Strong discounts this season also drove consumers to purchase higher-ticket items in categories such as electronics, appliances and sporting goods. The share of units sold for the most expensive goods was up 54 percent in sporting goods.
G/Fore Appoints Suzy Biszantz as CEO
With over twenty-five years of brand leadership experience, Suzy Biszantz has worked in luxury, athletic, contemporary, and menswear apparel. Most recently, she was the group president at Centric Brands for its men’s and women’s platforms.
Dr Martens Creative Director Darren Mckoy Exits Company
The designer’s announcement comes as company sales have declined and it prepares for new leadership. Ije Nwokorie is set to take the CEO role following the exit of former CEO Kenny Wilson, who said he would step down at the end of 2024. Nwokorie was, most recently, Dr. Martens’ chief brand officer.
Brixton Appoints Product and Merchandising Chief and Specialty Sales Director
The company has appointed Nadene Wisely as SVP of merchandising, design and development, and Sean Fleuriau as senior director of specialty sales for North America.
Boa and 5.11 Parent Compass Diversified Starts Year with Board Shuffle
Gordon M. Burns will not be standing for re-election at the company’s 2025 annual shareholders meeting due to other commitments. Nancy B. Mahon has been appointed chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee, replacing Mr. Burns.
