Clarus Corp.’s Q3 Sees Adventure Segment Recovery Offset Flattish Black Diamond Sales
Clarus Corp. reported sales grew 4.1 percent the third quarter ended September 30 as a 16 percent jump in its Adventure segment offset a 1 percent decline in its Outdoor segment, which includes Black Diamond. The decrease in Outdoor sales was due to a shift in timing for independent global distributor revenues into the second quarter, lower DTC revenues, and lower PIEPS revenue due to its sale, partially offset by a 16 percent increase in North America wholesale revenue.
EXEC: Under Armour Sees North American Wholesale Stabilizing in Fiscal 2027
During Under Armour’s second-quarter analyst call, Kevin Plank, chairman, president and CEO, stated the company’s North American business is finally showing signs of recovery with replenishment orders improving and the company now sees a path to bring U.S. wholesale back to growth, with stabilization arriving during fiscal 2027. The founder told analysts, ““I think probably the best way for me to qualify this is that we now have a stable order book.”
Under Armour and The University of Notre Dame Partner on Innovation Through Joint Research
By leveraging Under Armour’s commercial expertise in human performance and athletic product development on campus, the partnership also facilitates educational and professional advancement for undergraduate and graduate students, including research experiences, internships and employment opportunities.
Buff Appoints New Sales Representatives for U.S. Market
The Barcelona-based maker of outdoor head and neckwear added Mountain Source Sales, Mountain Soul Sales and Adams Outdoor Sales to increase brand awareness in the U.S. market.
Fleet Feet Makes Merchandising and Real Estate Hires
Stacey Donley was appointed VP of Merchandising Strategy and Planning, and Jason Williams VP of Store Development and Real Estate at Fleet Feet. Previously, Donley led buying for Kontoor Brands, specifically all U.S. brick-and-mortar Lee/Wrangler stores; Williams was senior director of real estate at The Orvis Company.
NRF Sees Holiday Growth Between 3.7 percent and 4.2 Percent
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast, anticipating retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7 percent and 4.2 percent over 2024. That translates to a total spending range of between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. By comparison, last year’s holiday sales rose 4.3 percent.
Under Armour Announces CFO Transition
Under Armour, Inc. announced that Reza Taleghani will join the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer in February 2026, succeeding David Bergman, a 21-year company veteran who is stepping down as CFO. However, he will remain with the company through the first quarter of fiscal 2027 to ensure a seamless transition.
EXEC: New Wave Group Hurt by Currency Translation in Q3 but Acquisitions Add Gains
The Swedish-based owner of Ahead, Auclair, Craft, Cutter & Buck, and Tenson AB, reported that net sales increased 8.3 percent (+3.6 percent currency-neutral) to SEK 2.39 billion. The company in September acquired 100 percent of the shares in Austrian textile wholesaler Cotton Classics Handels GmbH.
SportChek’s Q3 Comps Grew 4.2 Percent, Propped by Back-to-Hockey Demand
Canadian Tire Corp. reported same-store sales at SportChek grew 4.2 percent in the third quarter, marking the segment’s fifth consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth. The gains were boosted by back-to-school and back-to-hockey sales.
HanesBrands Inc. Sees Third Quarter Trend Hit by Unanticipated Shift in Replenishment Orders
CEO Steve Bratspies said the company’s top-line results for the third quarter reflect an unanticipated late-quarter shift in replenishment orders at one of HBI’s large U.S. retail partners, but also saw underlying fundamentals of our business continue to improve in the quarter.
Canada Goose DTC Revenues Jump as Wholesale Dips in Fiscal Second Quarter
Chairman and CEO Dani Reiss said, “We’re exactly where we planned to be, investing with intention, elevating our product offering, brand and consumer experiences, and entering peak season with confidence.”
Under Armour’s Q2 Profits Tumble on Soft Sales, Tariff Impact
Under Armour reported adjusted profits in the fiscal second quarter ended September 30 plunged 88.3 percent due to a 5 percent revenue decline and the impact of tariffs. Results exceeded guidance, and Under Armour stated that its North America business is showing signs of stabilization.
Authentic Appoints Former Nike and Jordan Brand Exec as SVP, Reebok
Authentic Brands Group appointed Daniel Schachne, who most recently served as general manager of Jordan Brand’s performance sport business in North America, as SVP of Reebok.
Costco’s October Comps Grow 6.8 Percent x-Gas; E-Commerce Jumps 16.7 Percent
Excluding gas, Costco’s same-store sales were up 6.7 percent in the U.S. and 6.8 percent overall. E-commerce sales advanced 16.7 percent.
EXEC: Merrell and Saucony Can Only Watch as Parent’s Stock Falls on Soft Outlook
Shares of Wolverine Worldwide fell $5.36, or 24.2 percent, to $16.72 after the company reported Q3 results that beat expectations, but provided fourth-quarter guidance that was below analyst targets. During an analyst call, Chris Hufnagel, President and CEO, remained bullish on the prospects for Saucony and Merrell, indicated that Sweaty Betty is starting to recover, and stated that footwear industry veteran Justin Cupps was hired to turn around the Wolverine brand and work on the group business.
