NRF: Pandemic Recession Could Already Be Easing
The economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has officially been declared a recession, but National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the key question is how long it will last.
AAFA Welcomes USMCA Implementation
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) President and CEO Steve Lamar welcomed the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its entry into force on July 1.
Hannibal-LaGrange University Partners With BSN Sports And Nike
Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri announced that it has entered into a multi-year partnership with Nike through BSN Sports to make Nike the official apparel of HLGU Athletics. BSN will also serve as the official equipment provider.
Macy’s Reports $3.58 Billion Quarterly Loss
Macy’s Inc., in line with a pre-announcement, reported a steep loss in the first quarter but said it expects sales to gradually improve over the remainder of the year as coronavirus lockdown orders ease. Said CEO Jeff Gennett. “We do not anticipate another full shutdown, but we are staying flexible and are prepared to address increases in cases on a regional level.”
PeopleForBikes President Announces Retirement
After 16 years at the helm of PeopleForBikes and four decades working in the bike industry, President Tim Blumenthal has announced his retirement. Jenn Dice, the organization’s COO, will become president and CEO on July 1.
Pocket Outdoor Media Acquires Three Divisions From Active Interest Media
Pocket Outdoor Media (POM), the endurance sports media platform, announced the acquisition of the Healthy Living, Fitness, and Outdoor divisions of Active Interest Media (AIM). Included in the AIM acquisition are: Yoga Journal, SKI, Climbing, Backpacker, Warren Miller Entertainment, Oxygen, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, Clean Eating, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition, NatuRx, Muscle & Performance, Nastar, Fly Fishing Film Tour, National Park Trips, and SNEWS.
Adidas HR Chief Resigns Following Claims Of Discrimination
Karen Parkin, executive board member of Adidas AG, responsible for global human resources, has informed Adidas AG’s Supervisory Board that she will step down from the Executive Board and leave the company. The move comes as Adidas has faced criticism from employees who say it fosters a racist and discriminatory workplace.
Fanatics Expands Paris Saint-Germain Deal
Paris Saint-Germain announced it has partnered with Fanatics on a ten-year e-commerce, manufacturing and licensing deal. The deal is a massive expansion and extension from the previous e-commerce-only arrangement between the two groups.
Adidas, Arc’teryx, Vans, Lululemon Join Faceook Boycott
Adidas, Reebok, Lululemon, Arc’teryx and MEC have joined the boycott of Facebook after six civil rights groups called on businesses to stop advertising on Facebook in July to push the social network to do more to combat hate speech and misinformation.
Survey: A Third Of Supply Chain Leaders Exiting China By 2023
A Gartner Inc. survey of 260 global supply chain leaders in February and March 2020 found that 33 percent had moved sourcing and manufacturing activities out of China or plan to do so in the next two to three years. Survey results show that the COVID-19 pandemic is only one of several disruptions that have put global supply chains under pressure.
Lululemon To Acquire Mirror Fitness System For $500 Million
Lululemon Athletica Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mirror, a home fitness start-up that sells a $1,495 wall-mounted machine for streaming workout classes. The purchase price is $500 million.
MEC Delays Annual Meeting Amid Coronavirus Challenges
MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op), Canada’s largest outdoor chain with 22 stores, has postponed its annual general meeting until December 10 is it works to manage challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Outdoor Voices Secures New Funding
Outdoor Voices, an women’s activewear brand, announced that it has raised a new round of funding from NaHCO3, the investment management platform of fashion and retail entrepreneur Ashley Merrill. In conjunction with this equity investment, Merrill has joined Outdoor Voices’ Board of Directors as chairwoman.
Lululemon To Recruit Head Of Global Diversity Equity And Inclusion
Lululemon plans to hire a head of global diversity equity and inclusion as part of a number of steps to increase diversity across its workforce. The retailer will also provide an additional U.S.$3 million to its social impact program, Here to Be, for a total of U.S.$7 million in 2020.
VF Plans Re-Org To Support Greater China, Emerging Brands Growth
VF plans to hire its first president, Greater China. Kevin Bailey, executive vice president & Group President, APAC, will continue leading the Asia Pacific Region but will relocate to Denver, CO where he will also assume leadership of the company’s Emerging Brands platform including Altra, Eagle Creek, JanSport, and Smartwool brands as well as Kipling and Icebreaker brands in the Americas Region.
