VF Corp.’s Corporate Affairs VP leaves to join Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises hired Craig Hodges, formerly the VP of corporate affairs and communications at VF Corp., as SVP of corporate affairs.
NSSRA Names New Chairman
The National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association named Tom Fuerst of Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains, NY, the new chairman of its Board of Directors. Fuerst’s family has been a part of the snow sports industry for over 60 years.
Saxx Adds Two Independent Sales Agencies in U.S.
Mountain High Sales & Marketing in the Great Lakes region and Weekday at Bernie’s in the Mid-Atlantic are actively working to sell Saxx’s Fall 2024 line.
NRF and CNBC Develop New Retail Monitor; Report October Trends
The new Retail Monitor partnership reported that total October retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were down 0.08 percent from September and up 2.57 percent year-over-year (YoY).
Paka releases Fully Traceable, Ethically Sourced Apu Parka
Paka, the maker of alpaca apparel, launched its “ethically-insulated” jacket—the Apu Parka. The patent-pending insulation is fully traceable, ethically sourced from local ‘alpaqueros’ and proves a more sustainable future for the clothing industry.
Free Fly Signs Surf Icon Mark Healey to Team
Free Fly, the family-owned brand and manufacturer of performance bamboo apparel, reported it signed big-wave surfer, free diver, and spear-fisherman Mark Healey as its first surf athlete and ambassador.
On Third Quarter Sales Jump 46.5 Percent and Diluted EPS Triples
On’s DTC channel recorded growth of 54.6 percent to CHF 164.7 million when compared to Q3 2022, reflecting “the strength of the On brand and ongoing ambition for DTC to outgrow wholesale.” Wholesale channel sales increased 42.6 percent to CHF 315.7 million.
Backcountry To Broaden Reach Going Wholesale With In-House Brand
Backcountry, the online specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, reported it will expand its wholesale business, starting with its in-house Backcountry brand, selling since 2018, through select nationwide retailers, beginning in fall 2024.
Fleet Feet Fort Myers Acquires Run Florida on McGregor
Fleet Feet Fort Myers owners Janene and Brian Urichko agreed to purchase Run Florida On McGregor from friend and owner John Rinkenbaugh, who will join Fleet Feet Fort Myers as an outfitter.
EXEC: Study Finds Team Sports Participation Trails Pre-Pandemic Level
According to the Aspen Institute’s recently released State of Play 2023 report, kids are trying sports about as much as they did before COVID-19, but they’re not playing as frequently.
EXEC: YTD Footwear Shipments Fall Nearly 25 Percent at Yue Yuen
Year-to-date revenue attributable to footwear manufacturing activity, including athletic/outdoor shoes, casual shoes and sports sandals, decreased by 20.4 percent to US$3.50 billion as average selling prices rose in mid single digits.
Kohl’s Opens Store in Downtown Milwaukee
Kohl’s opened a storefront in downtown Milwaukee, WI, as part of the retailer’s plan to open five stores this fall. The store represents a rare urban location for a Kohl’s store, with most historically focused on supporting suburban communities.
Beyond Yoga Opens Store in Chicago
Beyond Yoga, acquired by Levi Strauss in 2021, opened a store in Chicago, representing its sixth location and first outside of California.
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls to Six-Month Low
Consumer sentiment fell for the fourth month, according to a preliminary report published for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. The Index came in at 60.4, down 3.4 points, or 5.3 percent, from the October final.
Nike Hires Amazon Executive as Chief Technology Officer
Nike, Inc. recruited Muge Erdirik Dogan, a longtime fashion executive at Amazon, as chief technology officer. Jenny Freshwater, most recently Amazon’s vice president of traffic and marketing technology, will replace Dogan as VP of Amazon Fashion & Fitness.
