DeFeet Moves Custom Sales to Inside Team
DeFeet reported that its custom sock sales process had returned to its inside sales team based in Hildebran, NC and that long-time sales reps Brad Mettee and Kerri Willerton were no longer with the company.
U.S. Jobs Growth Continues to Slow
The Labor Department reported Friday that U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs in June for the 30th consecutive month of job gains, but there was also a continued cooling in the labor market. The retail sector was the hardest hit, recording losses of about 11,000 jobs seasonally adjusted.
Tasc Performance Co-Founder Al Andrews Passes Away
Al Andrews, co-founder and chairman of Tasc Performance, passed away at the age of 78.
Lubbock Christian Partners with New Balance and BSN Sports
Lubbock Christian University, located in Lubbock, TX, entered into a partnership and product supply agreement with New Balance through BSN Sports to be the official apparel and uniform provider for its athletics department.
Tennis Racquet Sales at Specialty Stores Slow to Start 2023
Unit sales of tennis racquets in specialty tennis stores dropped by 7 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, reported Sports Marketing Surveys USA (SMS). Despite this, the market remains strong compared to the pre-pandemic period.
USC Aiken Partners with Under Armour and BSN
The University of South Carolina Aiken reportedly partnered with Under Armour and BSN Sports to outfit its student-athletes beginning with the 2023/24 season.
Giant Loop Adventure Shop Opens in Bend
Hydration pack and apparel maker USWE Sports, based in Malmö, Sweden, is opening its first retail store in the U.S.—USWE Sports Giant Loop Adventure Shop. Giant Loop was acquired last year by USWE Sports, and the company’s warehouse is the U.S. headquarters for both brands.
Adams State University Extends Partners with Nike and BSN
Adams State University Athletics announced that it entered into a five-year partnership with Nike and BSN Sports. BSN Sports will be the official apparel and equipment provider while outfitting ASU student-athletes and coaches in Nike gear.
KMD Brands, Rip Curl and Oboz Parent, Reports Year-End Departure of Group CFO
KMD Brands Limited, the parent of the Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz brands, reported that Group Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid had given notice of his resignation, effective December 2023, to become the CEO with another NZX-listed company.
JD Sports Moves Forward to Acquire Balance of Iberian Sports Retail Group Shares
JD Sports Fashion Plc, the parent of the JD, Finish Line, DTLR, and Shoe Palace retail brands in the U.S. and others worldwide, reiterated its intention, first announced on May 9, to acquire the remaining 49.98 percent of shares in Iberian Sports Retail Group, S.L.
Nike Extends Contract with University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh has extended its long-standing relationship with Nike to continue to provide Nike gear for each of the Panthers’ 19 varsity programs through 2026.
NRF Economist Says Conditions ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ Despite Slower Growth
The U.S. economy did better in the first half of 2023 than early indicators suggested and appear to be “rolling forward” even as the rate of growth slows for the remainder of the year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
Wolverine Worldwide Amends Credit Agreement
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. entered into a fourth amendment of its existing credit agreement to add near-term financial and operational flexibility.
EssilorLuxottica Inks Eyewear License with Jimmy Choo
EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, Costa, Native Eyewear, and Oakley, among others, signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Jimmy Choo to design, manufacture and distribute the brand’s eyewear worldwide.
New Wave Group Acquires Tenson AB
New Wave Group AB reported it acquired 100 percent of the shares in the Swedish outdoor and lifestyle company Tenson AB. Tenson AB will reportedly be part of the Sports & Leisure operating segment with a primary focus on the retail sales channel.
