
EXEC: Stifel Survey Finds Consumers Prioritize Price/Value Over Sustainability
The survey, which was conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed active/causal lifestyle brand consumers ages 18 to 55 based in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Italy. It found that only one-third of respondents “Highly Prioritize” sustainability when making purchasing decisions, compared to other factors like “Good Value” (68 percent) and “Low Price” (57 percent).

Report: Nike and Lululemon Post Epic Retail Traffic Surges on Black Friday
The Placer.ai data revealed that Nike drew 324.9 percent more retail store visits on Black Friday 2023, Lululemon, for its part, saw a visit bump of 467.7 percent on November 24, bringing the brand closer to its pre-pandemic Black Friday frenzy levels.

Macy’s Names Chief Legal Officer
Macy’s Inc. hired Tracy Preston as chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Previously, she was the chief compliance officer, chief legal officer and corporate secretary of HanesBrands, Inc.

Topgolf Callaway Brands’ Debt Rating Revised to Negative
S&P Global Ratings revised its debt rating outlook on Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. to negative from stable due to its recent report of weaker-than-expected performance for the third quarter despite maintaining relatively consistent S&P Global Ratings-adjusted EBITDA margins.

EXEC: Dick’s SG Sees Differentiation Reaping Dividends
Speaking Tuesday at the 2023 Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference, Navdeep Gupta, EVP and CFO at Dick’s Sporting Goods, elaborated on how the retailer’s efforts to further differentiate itself both within product and the store experience is driving market share gains.

Isbjörn of Sweden taps Sprout Sales for Canadian representation
Isbjörn of Sweden hired Toronto-based sales agency Sprout Sales, Inc., led by industry veteran Kelly Holmes, as its retail sales agent for the Canadian market.

Nobull Appoints Ex-Timberland President as COO
Nobull appointed Susie Mulder, the former global brand president of Timberland, as chief operating officer, effective immediately.

Dick’s Partners with Notre Dame Athletics
Dick’s Sporting Goods signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Notre Dame Athletics to become its official sporting goods retailer.

Saxx Taps Ecco Americas C-Suite for New CEO
Underwear maker Saxx appointed Tom Berry as chief executive officer, succeeding Wendy Bennison. Most recently, Berry was president and CEO of the America’s region for the Danish footwear company Ecco.
G-III Apparel Group Raises EPS Guidance on Q3 Beat
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. raised its earnings guidance for the year after EPS in the third quarter ended October 31 came in well above plan, boosted by strength at wholesale channels. Sales eased 1 percent in the period.

EXEC: Wells Fargo Shifts to Nike from Lululemon as Top Defensive Stock Pick
On Monday, Wells Fargo replaced Lululemon with Nike as its “Top Defensive Pick” among its stock coverage in the active lifestyle space. It also downgraded Lululemon and raised its price target on Nike.

G-III Apparel Appoints Chief Growth and Operations Officer
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. hired Dana Perlman as chief growth and operations officer, effective January 8, 2024. Most recently, Perlman spent over ten years working at PVH Corp.

The Buckle Appoints Three Execs, Announces Special Dividend
The Buckle, Inc. announced a special dividend of $2.50 per share and several executive appointments, including a VP of Sales; VP, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary; and VP of Marketing.

REI to Close Santa Monica Store
REI confirmed plans to close its store in downtown Santa Monica, CA, due, in part, to higher costs of doing business. The two-story, 32,000-square-foot location will close February 29, 2024.

EXEC: Eddie Bauer’s CEO Discusses Modernized Rebrand
Eddie Bauer introduced a new brand evolution and redesigned its logo in September, including bringing back “the goose.” Tim Bantle, Eddie Bauer’s CEO, talked with SGB Executive about the refreshed look of the 103-year-old brand, re-embracing its outdoor roots and its heightened focus on wholesale.