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.
Report: Holiday Retail Return Rate Jumps 28 Percent as U.S. Sales Reach $282B
Salesforce is reporting that the data in its system shows that holiday retail sales surged to a record $1.2 trillion globally and $282 billion in the United States, but high returns could dampen retailer overall profit margins.
EXEC: SGB 2025 Look Ahead with Active Lifestyle Market Leaders
Leaders in the active lifestyle space expressed cautious optimism about 2025 with inflationary pressures easing, supply chains largely normalized and generally healthy interest in sports. Insights from Academy Sports, Brooks Running, Rawlings, Fleet Feet, Selkirk Sport and others.
Macy’s, Inc. Appoints New Member to Board of Directors
Robert Chavez has spent over 45 years working in the retail industry. Most recently he served for 24 years as President and CEO of Hermès Americas, a division of Hermès International Société, overseeing operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.
Perfect Moment Enlists Sales Agencies in Southern Europe and Japan
These new Southern Europe and Japan agencies partnerships with TBrand and Maison DixSept follow Perfect Moment’s recently announced North America sales agency partnership with CD Network.
EXEC: SGB 2025 Look Ahead with Trade Association Leaders
Trade associations representing the active lifestyle space shared their concerns with SGB Executive regarding potential tariffs, supply chain disruptions and the likelihood of an unstable economy in 2025. However, they were generally upbeat about the year ahead.
EXEC: SGB 2024 Year in Review Wrap Up
If you are just back from two weeks in Fiji, never fear as SGB Media has you covered on the people, brands and issues that made 2024 a year to forget for many retailers and brands in the active lifestyle space.
Midwest Outdoor and Winter Sports Rep Associations Merge
Midwest Winter Sports Reps Association (MWSRA) and Outdoor Reps Association (ORA) have merged to form Midwest Professional Reps Organization, or M-Pro. The merger was effective on January 1.
Marquee Brands Kicks Off 2025 with Acquisition; Strengthens Executive Team
Rachel Terrace has been promoted to chief commercial and growth officer, and added John Hayes as CFO, Joseph Zarro as chief business development officer and Natasha Fishman as chief marketing officer over the last year.
