The Buckle Reports 10.1 Percent Comp Store Sales Decline For March
The Buckle, Inc. reported that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the 5-week fiscal period ended April 1 decreased 10.1 percent from comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended April 2, 2022.
Clarus’ President John Walbrecht Steps Down
Clarus Corp., in a regulatory filing, said John Walbrecht, company president, mutually agreed to terminate employment effective March 31.
Meijer To Open Indiana Supercenter
Meijer will open a new 159,000-square-foot supercenter in Elkhart, IN, on May 11, making it the 11th Meijer store in Northern Indiana, and will include a Meijer Express gas station, scheduled to open on April 13 adjacent to the center.
Nike, Inc. Appoints New EVP & Chief Communication Officer; Nigel Powell To Retire
Nike, Inc. promoted KeJuan Wilkins to EVP, chief communications officer effective June 1. He succeeds Nigel Powell, the company’s long-time EVP/CCO, who is retiring this summer.
Pentland Brands Names New Global Chief Operating Officer
Pentland Brands, parent company to Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury, Ellesse, and Mitre brands, promoted Abhy Thomas-Joseph to global chief operating officer. He will replace Jon Godden, who is leaving the company in June after 16 years with the company.
Costco Sees March Comps Slip On Changes in Gas Prices, FX Rates
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $21.71 billion for the retail month of March, the five weeks ended April 2, 2023, representing an increase of 0.5 percent from $21.61 billion last year.
Walmart Sees 65 Percent Of Stores Serviced By Automation By 2026; Reiterates Guidance
Walmart Inc. kicked off its two-day 2023 Investment Community meeting this week, with leadership highlighting how the company is investing to strengthen its business through its people and an unparalleled, next generation supply chain network of stores, clubs and fulfillment centers.
Dick’s SG Names Chief E-Commerce Officer
Dick’s Sporting Goods hired Denise Karkos, formerly at SiriusXM, as chief e-commerce officer.
Fanatics Acquires Italian Sports Retailer EPI
Fanatics acquired EPI, a Milan-based company that operates e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores for Italian soccer clubs and the NBA. Fanatics will also acquire The Pitch Football Store, a football specialist omnichannel retailer.
Apparel Brands Acquires Nicce
Apparel Brands Ltd., the licensed owner of Seafolly and Ed Hardy, acquired East-London-based streetwear brand Nicce, a creator of minimalist streetwear designs.
Survey: Gen Z Still Prefers Nike, Chick-Fil-A and Goldfish; Off-Price Gets More Attention
Investment bank Piper Sandler Companies completed its 45th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey in partnership with Deca. The Piper Sandler survey highlights discretionary spending trends and brand preferences from 5,690 teens across 47 U.S. states with an average age of 16.2 years.
Bealls Rebrands Retail Portfolio
Bealls, Inc. reported that its 600 Bealls Outlet and Burkes Outlet locations in 23 states are consolidating under one name to become bealls (with a lowercase “b”).
Boardriders, Inc.’s Debt Ratings Upgrade Report Reveals ABG Deal Priced At $1.25 Billion
Moody’s Investors Service placed Boardriders, Inc.’s debt ratings on review for upgrade following the announcement that Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has made a binding offer to acquire the company. The report revealed the purchase price is approximately $1.25 billion.
Vista Outdoor To Close Bell/Giro HQ As Outdoor Businesses Merge; Appoints Sporting Products CEO
In a regulatory filing, Vista Outdoor announced an over $50 million cost reduction and earnings improvement program, including closing Bell/Giro headquarters in Scotts Valley, CA, spending cuts, EBIT improvements, and headcount reductions across brands and corporate teams. Jason Vanderbrink was promoted to CEO of Sporting Products.
USTA Launches USTA Connect
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) launched USTA Connect, an initiative to connect key members of the U.S. tennis industry to increase industry collaboration and provide insights and services.
