Retail Jobs Grew 37,600 Year-Over-Year In December
Retail industry employment in December increased by 15,200 jobs seasonally adjusted from November and 37,600 jobs unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said.
Poler Ceases Operations
Poler, the Portland-based outdoor apparel firm, has filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to liquidate.
WSS Hands Out Thousands Of Toys To Their Communities
WSS, the sneaker retailer based in California, this holiday season, through their WSSCares! Initiative, and in partnership with Adidas and Mattel Toy Store, invited families throughout the season to WSS to host locations to pick out toys with their boys and girls.
19 Burning Questions for ‘19
As the new year gets underway, plenty of questions linger around the active lifestyle, outdoor and sporting goods industries. The writers of SGB Executive came up with, fittingly, 19 questions that are likely to dominate headlines in ‘19, including the future of trade shows, the staying power of the athleisure trend, the effects of the trade war, the impact of channel disruption and much more. Here they are.
Aisle Talk Week of December 31
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Sears Holdings revealing 80 more Sears and Kmart stores it plans to close in late March 2019 but also winning a reprieve from liquidating.
Callaway Golf Completes Jack Wolfskin Acquisition
Callaway Golf Company announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Jack Wolfskin for €418 million, or approximately $476 million. The acquisition furthers Callaway’s push into the active lifestyle category after its successful 2017 acquisitions of TravisMathew and Ogio.
Outdoor Voices Opens Chicago Store
Outdoor Voices, the women’s activewear brand, has opened its first Chicago store. The store is at 841 W Armitage Ave.
Nike Faces Trademark Lawsuit Over Cool Compression Line
Lontex Corp. has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Nike Inc. charging that Nike has used its trademarked ‘Cool Compression’ branding term without permission.
December M&A Roundup: Marquee Views Dakine As “Billion-Dollar Opportunity”
The final month of 2018 didn’t provide a high volume of M&A in the active lifestyle space, but a handful of notable deals helped the year close on a strong note, including Marquee Brands LLC’s acquisition of Dakine (pictured). Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed but Marquee sees Dakine as a “billion-dollar opportunity,” said Nate Pund of Houlihan Lokey.
Puma Enters Sponsorship With Porsche Motorsport
Puma has signed a long-term sponsorship agreement with Porsche Motorsport to become the exclusive technical partner for fireproof racing clothing as well as shoes, caps and luggage.
Bonobos Signs PGA Golfer Justin Rose To Apparel Deal
Justin Rose, the second-ranked PGA Tour player in the world, has signed an apparel deal with Bonobos. He had long been with Adidas.
Antigua Celebrating 40th Anniversary
Said Ron McPherson, president and CEO of Antigua. “We are very proud of our history and heritage and look forward to continuing
our growth in the markets we serve. Antigua will have several promotions at the January trade shows and throughout the year to commemorate our 40th Anniversary.”
OBIT: Blake Nordstrom
Blake Nordstrom, the 58-year-old co-president of his family’s retail company, passed away unexpectedly, less than a month after being diagnosed with lymphoma.
American Trail Running Association To Promote “Trail Running Responsibility” In 2019
The American Trail Running Association (ATRA) announced “Trail Running Responsibility” as its theme for 2019. This is a topic to follow recent ATRA themes including last year’s Trail Stewardship: Leaving a Lasting Legacy, and the 2017 theme, Community: Building Trail Running Connections.
Everlast Supports Educational Symposium For Fighters
Everlast Worldwide and Protect Yourself at All Times (PYaAT) creator, Adrian Clark are partnering up to introduce the first ever PYaAT symposium.
