
Ortovox Promotes Stefan Kohlbauer to CEO
Stefan Kohlbauer’s promotion to CEO follows a transition period during which Martin Riebel, managing director of Schwan-Stabilo Outdoor GmbH, provided interim leadership.

Urban Outfitters Still Sees Drag from Namesakes Brand; Nuuly Jumps
The Subscription segment, fka Nuuly, saw net sales increase 55.6 percent from adjusted net sales for the prior-year Q4 period, primarily driven by a 53.5 percent increase in average active subscribers in Q4 versus the prior-year quarter.

JanSport Finds New Partner to Re-Enter Collegiate Licensing Market
The VF Corporation brand formed a strategic partnership with L2 Brands, a manufacturer of collegiate and destination apparel, to expand its presence on college campuses nationwide this fall.

Skechers U.S.A. Opens Concept Store in Milan
Located on a boulevard that receives Milan’s second-highest footfall at 6,900 shoppers per hour, the 294-square-meter store at Corso Buenos Aires 42/9 is described by the company as a re-imagination of mid-century design.

Oberalp Group Names New Brand Director for Salewa
Nol Gerritse, a Dutch native and U.S. citizen, has held senior positions at Havaianas, Lululemon, Keen, Colgate, and Nike. His appointment is effective May 2.

Authentic Names Licensees for Quiksilver Women’s and Volcom Socks
Authentic has inked a partnership with Velocity Global Brands (Velocity) for Quiksilver women’s apparel and also tapped Majesty Brands to develop, sell and distribute Volcom socks.

Gymshark Appoints First U.S. Chief Commercial Officer
Kim Dolder, general manager of North America, has been promoted to the company’s chief commercial officer working from Gymshark’s New York office. Dolger also becomes Gymshark’s first U.S. Board member.

Dillard’s, Inc. Forced to Control Expenses During Tepid Q4 Period
Net sales reached $2.02 billion for the 13-week fourth quarter ended February 1, compared to $2.12 billion for the 14-week prior-year Q4 period ended February 3, 2024.

Hanes x Urban Outfitters Launch Ltd. Edition Capsule Collection
The Hanes Heritage x Urban Outfitters capsule collection features 28 pieces of innerwear and apparel for men and women, and provides a fresh take on Hanes basics. Available exclusively at Urban Outfitters stores and urbanoutfitters.com.

Mad Engine Global Sets Transition Plan with Dominic Farrell as New CEO
Danish Gajiani will transition from his role as CEO to executive chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. He will reportedly continue to work closely with Farrell and the company to ensure a seamless transition for all key stakeholders.

EXEC: Target Inks Champion Distribution Deal with Authentic
Target called the program an “extensive line” featuring more than 500 pieces. It includes “stylish” apparel, accessories and slides as well as sporting goods, accessories and bags for adults and kids.

TJX Companies Ramps Up Sierra Store Count to 117 Doors
The TJX Companies, Inc., parent of the TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and outdoor-oriented Sierra retail nameplates, reported net sales for the 13-week fourth quarter ended February 1 were $16.4 billion, flat versus the 14-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

Hoka Opens Second Store in Paris’ Marais District
Hoka continues its expansion in France by opening a roughly 3100-square-foot store at 14 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie in the heart of the Paris’ Marais district; this follows the sports apparel and equipment brand’s first Parisian store, which opened in April 2024.

EXEC: Big 5 CEO Looks for End of Weak Winter in Hopes of Spring Baseball Rebirth
The West Coast and Mountain state retailer continues to focus on managing the expenses within its control, considering the ongoing economic challenges, while it waits for the annual floor shift to spring sports and a hopeful lift from youth baseball season.
Big 5 to Continue Closing Stores as Weak Q4 Sales Trends Drift into Q1
Same-store sales decreased 6.1 percent for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. For the fiscal 2025 first quarter, the company expects same-store sales to be down in the mid- to high-single-digit range compared to the fiscal 2024 first quarter.