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.
Levi Strauss Trims Outlook for Year on U.S. Wholesale Weakness
Levi Strauss & Co. reduced guidance for its fiscal year while reporting earnings in its fiscal second quarter ended May 28 arrived slightly below Wall Street targets amid pressures at the U.S. wholesale channel. Wholesale revenues were down 22 percent in the quarter. Beyond Yoga was a bright spot, increasing revenues by 28 percent.
Gillz LLC Rebrands to Outdoor Nation Unlimited LLC
Gillz LLC, based in Jacksonville, FL, rebranded to Outdoor Nation Unlimited, emphasizing the company’s expansion beyond fishing apparel into the broader performance outdoor apparel category. The company’s consumer-facing brands include Gillz, Reel Life, FinTech, and Mad Pelican.
Clarks Hires Under Armour Retail Chief as UK Managing Director
Clarks hired Bob Neville, most recently global vice president of retail at Under Armour, as managing director for the U.K. and Ireland, effective August 2023.
The Buckle’s June Same-Store Sales Dip
The Buckle, Inc. announced that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the 5-week period ended July 1, 2023, decreased 2.4 percent from comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended July 2, 2022.
Puma Commits To Sourcing Bovine Leather From Deforestation-Free Supply Chains By 2030
Puma reported it signed up for the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather, launched by global non-profits Textile Exchange and Leather Working Group.
Lululemon Launches On Zalando
Expanding on its presence in Europe, Lululemon agreed that Zalando, a European online fashion and lifestyle platform, would be its preferred European online retail seller.
Fanatics Partners With Rakuten To Serve Japanese Sports Fans
Fanatics reported it launched its first online marketplace in Japan, opening a store on Rakuten Ichiba, operated by global internet services leader Rakuten Group, to improve access to licensed sports merchandise for customers in Japan.
Kit And Ace Acquired By Unity Brands
Kit and Ace, the technical apparel company started by Lululemon Athletica founder, and ex-CEO, Chip Wilson and his family, was reportedly acquired by Unity Brands, the company run by Canadian retail veteran Joe Mimran.
