
TJX Cos. Sees Q1 Comps Inch Up 1 Percent
The off-pricer marked its weakest gain of any quarter since 2014 although it maintained its guidance for the year.

Report: Denver One Of Three Outdoor Retailer Finalists
According to an article in The Denver Post, Denver is a finalist in the race to become the new host of the twice-yearly trade show.
REI’s Chief Technology Officer To Join Lululemon
Julie Averill, CIO at REI, is joining Lululemon as EVP and chief technology officer, according to a report from GeekWire.

Neff Headwear Sold To Mad Engine
Mad Engine has acquired Neff Headwear from Marlin Equity Partners and the Neff Family. With this acquisition, Neff founder Shaun Neff will be joining Mad Engine as its chief creative officer.

The Mountain Hires Kenny Ballard As CEO
The Mountain, an eco-friendly manufacturer of t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops and apparel with creative graphics, hired Kenny Ballard, former senior vice president of operations at Osprey Packs, as its CEO.
Ten Cities Participating In ‘Safe Routes To Parks’ Pilot Program
This month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) will kick off its new Safe Routes to Parks pilot program, which aims to demonstrate how local park and recreation agencies are utilizing the Safe Routes to Parks Action Framework to increase safe access to parks and improve health outcomes in underserved areas.

Dick’s To Rein In Expansion After Rocky Q1
Said Ed Stack, chairman and CEO, “In 2017 we expect to open approximately 43 Dick’s stores, of which 19 are former TSA stores. In 2018 we expect to open between 15 to 20 stores – most of these leases are already signed. And in 2019 it can be as few as 5 to 10.”

Dick’s Q1 Hits Higher End Of Guidance
Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that arrived at the higher end of guidance, although same-store sales fell short. The retailer will also take a charge of $7 million in the second quarter related to the elimination of positions, primarily at the company’s store support center.

Jordan Brand Signs Chinese Basketball Star
In conjunction with Jordan Brand’s 20th anniversary of entering Greater China, the brand has signed its first Chinese basketball player, Guo Ailun.

Nike Signs Soccer Phenom Mallory Pugh
Pugh, 19, has also stated she will sign with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.
J.C. Penney’s Shares Tumble On Q1 Loss
J.C. Penney’s stock plunged nearly 14 percent on Friday at $4.55 per share after the department store operator reported weak comparable sales and a massive net loss in the first quarter.

OIA Issues Call To Action To Save National Monuments Designations
In an open letter, Alex Boian, VP of government affairs & OIAPAC treasurer, Outdoor Industry Association, issued a call to action in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13792 that calls for a review of 27 national monuments designated since January 1996.

VF Corp. Appoints Arne Arens As The North Face Global Brand President
Said Scott Baxter, vice president, VF and group president, Outdoor & Action Sports Americas, “I am confident that Arne’s passion for and deep understanding of the outdoor marketplace, coupled with his management expertise and operational agility, make him ideally suited to unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth for The North Face around the world.”

Mizuno Corp.’s Annual Profits Tumble
The decline reflects losses in the Americas and EMEA region as well as a profit decline in its home market of Japan.

L.L.Bean Opening Store In Boston Seaport
The 8,600-square-foot location will mark its fifth location in Massachusetts and the 37th store outside of Maine.