Arc’Teryx Opens First Store in Sydney
Arc’teryx opened its first store in Sydney, Australia, at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center.
June UK Indoor Retail Foot Traffic Down as Weather Pushes Shoppers Outside
The British Retail Consortium reported that June retail foot traffic (footfall) was down versus the comp period last year as the hot weather meant that people opted to enjoy the outdoors rather than spend time shopping inside.
NRF Sees Imports Building Toward August Peak Amid Labor Disruptions
The NRF said that despite a tentative contract agreement reached at West Coast ports, retailers are closely following labor disputes at the ports in Western Canada and a potential teamsters strike against United Parcel Service (UPS).
Rally House Opens Second Store in Arkansas
Rally House opened a store in Conway, AR, its second retail location in Arkansas, near the University of Central Arkansas campus.
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.
