EXEC: Black Diamond Sales Thwarted By Weak Open-To-Buy Orders
Black Diamond’s sales fell 23.7 percent in the second quarter due to a combination of lower consumer demand and continued lower open-to-buys as its primary North American wholesale partners work down inventory levels, according to its parent Clarus Corp. Company officials see improvement but do not expect marketplace inventories to rebalance until year-end.
Under Armour Limits Fiscal Q1 Downside with Strong International Growth
Total net revenue was down 2.4 percent (-1.3 percent currency-neutral) year-over-year to $1.32 billion in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30. Wholesale revenues declined 6.3 percent while DTC increased 4.5 percent.
NRF Sees Cargo Volume Hitting Yearly Peak in August
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecasted to hit its highest level in nearly a year in August as retailers stock up for the winter holidays, according to Global Port Tracker’s report released by the National Retail Federation.
Equip Names New Sales VP for Rab and Lowe Alpine
Rab and Lowe Alpine has named Ross Herr to the company’s new position of VP of U.S. Sales, putting a proven industry veteran in charge of the sales direction for both brands in the United States.
Quicksilver’s Global General Manager Resigns at Boardriders
Brad Blankinship, Quiksilver’s general manager since November 2021, confirmed on LinkedIn reports that he had resigned from the company.
Topo Designs Names New CEO
Topo Designs, the Colorado-based outdoor brand, promoted Matt Williams, effective immediately, to CEO. Previously Williams was the company’s chief operating officer. He succeeds Co-Founder Mark Hansen, who is retaining his seat on Topo Designs’ Board of Directors.
Nordstrom Rack to Open Store in Queen Creek, AZ
Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in spring 2024 in Queen Creek, AZ. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc.
EXEC: Analysts Gaining Confidence in Adidas’ Turnaround
While some still see an uphill battle for Adidas to regain share in the competitive landscape, the majority of analysts covering the stock were encouraged by the progress the company made in the second quarter toward a turnaround, including building momentum in its underlying business on the back of the “terrace” trend.
Rally House Opens Seven Stores in Record-Breaking Weekend
Rally House opened seven stores in five states over the weekend, marking the first time in the retailer’s history to open that number of doors in one weekend.
NRF Launches Center for Digital Risk and Innovation
The Center is expected to serve as the focal point for NRF’s engagement on technology issues that have significant policy and risk management implications for the global retail industry.
BRC: British Retail Foot Traffic Recovers as Outlets Fuel Growth
The data shows that much of the footfall recovery in July was shored up by strong performance in outlet retail, as shoppers turn to discount formats to make spend go further.
EXEC: Solo Brands Sees Big Pay-Off at Retail as Q2 Wholesale Jumps
For a company identified by the symbol “DTC” on the NYSE, the conversation for the quarter was interesting as the growth in the wholesale business overshadowed, but did not offset, the decline in its direct-to-consumer business.
EXEC: Titleist Parent Sees Continued Benefit from Golf’s Pandemic Boost
Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s second-quarter results topped analyst estimates as the momentum in Titleist golf balls and golf clubs offset weakness at FootJoy. David Maher, president and CEO, told analysts, “Supporting the company’s first half results, we are enthused by the golf industry’s overall health and stability with participation remaining vibrant even as golfers return to many pre-COVID activities.”
Pentland Brands Simplifying Business Structure; Cutting 90 Jobs
Pentland Brands reported it initiated a new program to “simplify the way its business is organized” to focus on product, digital, consumer data, and analytics; however, it means laying off 90 employees. The second quarter of fiscal 2023 was $400.7 million, a decrease of 1.5 percent, compared to net sales of $406.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.
EXEC: L.L.Bean Expands Wholesale to Dillard’s, Moosejaw and Select Independents
L.L.Bean is adding Dillard’s and Moosejaw to its roster of U.S. wholesale key accounts, as well as ten independent specialty retailers in the southeastern U.S. The Maine-based retailer also plans to open four stores, with two in Quebec.
