
Deloitte Predicts Modest Holiday Gains
Holiday retail sales are likely to increase between 1 percent and 1.5 percent, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast. Deloitte also forecasts that e-commerce sales will grow by 25 percent to 35 percent, year-over-year, during the 2020-2021 holiday season, compared to sales increasing by 14.7 percent in 2019.

HanesBrands Pivots To Virtual Learning To Preserve Employee Continuing Education Program
HanesBrands is preserving its employee continuing education program in Central America and the Caribbean during the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting to remote learning.

Puma Golf Extends Contract With Gary Woodland
Puma Golf announced a multi-year extension of its relationship with PGA Tour professional and 2019 U.S. Open winner, Gary Woodland.

Hybrid Apparel Appoints New Licensing Lead
Hybrid Apparel, based in Cypress, CA, announced it has hired Colleen O’Neill as executive vice president, licensing & strategic partnerships, according to CEO Bill Hutchison. O’Neill becomes the company’s new licensing lead after Shaun Rachau transitions to a new position as executive vice president, digital & strategic growth.

Target, Ulta Beauty, Walmart, And WeWork To Keynote ICSC’s Virtual Conference
ICSC announced a new virtual conference, Now & Next: Retail in the Age of COVID-19 to be held September 29 to 30, 2020. Keynote speakers include Brian Cornell, board chairman and CEO of Target; Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta Beauty; Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of WeWork; and Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International.

NFL Jersey Sales Off To Strong Start
Fanatics, the NFL’s e-commerce partner, said NFL sales grew more than 35 percent over opening weekend against last year’s numbers and set a record for the best start ever to a season.

August Retail Sales Grow As Pandemic Recovery Continues
Retail sales continued to recover from COVID-19 in August, showing a gradual improvement from July and larger gains year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said.

Dick’s SG Settles $2.9 Million Wage Deal
Dick’s Sporting Goods agreed to pay $2.9 million in a settlement between the retailer and California retail workers over apparel costs and mandatory off-the-clock security checks according to a report from HR Dive.

Apex Global Brand’s Q2 Sales Slip 21 Percent
Apex Global Brands reported sales declined 21.4 percent in the second quarter ending August 1. The net loss came to $1.3 million, or $2.38 a share, in-line with the year-ago period. The owner of Hi-Tec, Magnum, Tony Hawk and other lifestyle brands also said it entered into an amended forbearance agreement with senior secured lender on September 1.

VF Releases 2020 VF Global Inclusion And Diversity Annual Profile
VF Corp. released the second edition of its VF Global Inclusion & Diversity Annual Profile. The report is public for the first time.

Hestra Splits Growing Western Territory, Adds New Reps
Hestra, the maker of gloves for outdoor activities, announced the division of its western territory and the hiring of Shannon Carey and Chuck Gerst to manage the new territories.

PrimaLoft And Shanghai Challenge Textile Co. Enter Global Partnership Agreement
PrimaLoft, Inc. has entered into a partnership with fabric manufacturer Shanghai Challenge Textile Co., LTD to exclusively produce PrimaLoft performance fabrics.

Canada’s MEC To Be Acquired By U.S. PE Firm
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), Canada’s largest outdoor chain with 22 stores, announced its board of directors has unanimously approved a deal in which a Los Angeles-based private investment firm will acquire MEC’s assets, including the majority of its retail stores. Vancouver-based MEC said the transition from a co-operative structure to a subsidiary of Kingswood Capital Management is needed to ensure a stable future for the business.

Texworld USA And Apparel Sourcing USA Reformat Show
The largest sourcing event on the East Coast returns to the Javits Center in January 2021 with new dates, a new name and three ways to participate: Pop-up Sourcing Showcase, Traditional Exhibition and Virtual Platform.

Simon Will Not Open Properties On Thanksgiving Day
Simon Property Group, one of the largest mall operators in the country, announced it will not open properties on Thanksgiving Day.