REI Updates Product Standards For Vendors
REI Co-op released its updated Product Impact Standards report to advance more sustainable and inclusive business practices. The latest version builds on three key areas: fighting climate change, advancing inclusion in the outdoors and managing chemicals.
Tractor Supply Improves Ranking On Forbes Best Employers List
Tractor Supply Company has been named to the Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers. The company’s ranking improved to the 177 spot in the 2023 report from the 329 spot in 2022.
Sweaty Betty E-Commerce VP Joins Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols named Annabel Thorburn, SVP of e-commerce at Sweaty Betty, its e-commerce director. She joined the British luxury department store chain on April 17.
Walmart U.S. Posts 8.3 Percent Q4 Comp Store Sales Growth
Walmart U.S. comp sales grew 8.3 percent for Q4 and 13.9 percent on a two-year stack. E-commerce growth was 17 percent and 18 percent on a two-year stack.
Dillard’s Reports Flat Fourth Quarter On Sharp Margin Decline
Dillard’s reported net sales for the fiscal fourth quarter ended January 28 were up slightly to $2.13 billion, compared to $2.11 billion in the year-ago period.
360 Adventure Collective Announces Summer 2023 Show Schedule
360 Adventure Collective announced its regional summer show lineup, including 360AC Experience, in April, emphasizing camping, climbing and hiking.
Running Supply Acquires Achille Agway
Running Supply, Inc., operating as Runnings, based in Marshall, MN, agreed to acquire Achille Enterprises, Inc. Operating under Achille Agway, Achille Enterprises owns six farm and home stores in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Nike’s Chief Digital Information Officer Departs
Ratnakar Lavu, Nike’s global chief digital information officer, resigned on February 20, according to Business Insider.
Adidas’ Debt Ratings Downgraded On Slashed Outlook
Moody’s downgraded the debt ratings of Adidas following the company’s steep profit warning for 2023, “signaling a significant and unexpected further downward revision of the company’s financials and credit metrics for the next 12-18 months.”
VF Corp’s Debt Ratings Lowered
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the debt ratings of VF Corp. due to the company’s currently high leverage resulting from underperformance in its largest and most profitable brand, Vans, as well as large customer inventory destocking at Dickies, a slower-than-expected recovery in China, and elevated inventory levels that are leading to higher promotional sales activity and reduced margins.
Pactimo Names Director Of Custom Sales
Denver, CO-based cycling apparel brand Pactimo hired Robert Allen as director of custom sales.
USA Triathlon Foundation Hires New Chair, Officers
The USA Triathlon Foundation hired Alex Egan as Chair of its Board of Trustees following the Board’s 2022 officer elections. The organization also named three officers.
Blain’s Named One Of America’s Best Employers For Fifth Year
Forbes magazine named Blain’s Farm & Fleet one of “America’s Best Midsize Employers” for the fifth year in a row. In 2023, Blain’s Farm & Fleet ranked as the #1 Wisconsin-based retail and wholesale company.
Penn Entertainment Completes Acquisition Of Barstool Sports
Penn Entertainment, Inc. completed its previously announced acquisition of Barstool Sports, Inc. after securing a three percent stake in Barstool Sports in February 2020. Penn realized the remaining interest in Barstool Sports for approximately $388 million.
Fila Holdings Raises Dividend Payout Ratio For Fifth Consecutive Year
Fila Holdings has raised its total annual dividend payout ratio for a fifth consecutive year, as the company approved during a recent board meeting an annual dividend payment of 45.07 billion Korean won, or 750 won per share.
