Univar Solutions Inc., a global chemical and ingredient distributor, announced today that it has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Vorasurf Silicone Polyurethane Additives from Dow across North America.
Author: SGB Media

M&A Remains On VF Corp.’s Radar Amid Crisis
VF Corp. missed fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue estimates and now faces a soft retail demand environment, but the company remains resolute about pursuing M&A amid this challenging economy. We look at how VF’s financial strength and appetite for adding assets has set the stage for a deal.

Active Brands Become “Bright Spots” For Sequential Brands In Q1
Sequential Brands Group’s first-quarter results were impacted by store closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, its active brands – including AND1, Avia, Gaiam and SPRI – were cited as “bright spots” as consumers look to stay active at home amid lockdown measures.

Nike And Adidas Among J.C. Penney’s Top Unsecured Trade Creditors
Nike was left with an unpaid bill of $32.1 million in the bankruptcy of J.C. Penney, according to court documents. Other firms in the active lifestyle space landing on the list of the top-50 unsecured creditors included Adidas, owed $7.1 million; Supreme International, $5 million; Izod, $4.6 million; and New Balance, $3.2 million.

Under Armour Names Mohamed A. El-Erian As Lead Independent Director
Under Armour, Inc. announced that Mohamed A. El-Erian, a board member since 2018, has been appointed lead independent director of the company’s Board of Directors. El-Erian succeeds A.B. “Buzzy” Krongard, who has served in the lead director role since 2006.

Spalding Responds To NBA Sponsorship Change
Spalding said it remains committed to the sport of basketball despite news that its long sponsorship of the NBA as the official game ball will soon end.

Thin Air Virtual Media Show Invites Retailers To Register
Thin Air, the new virtual trade show for the outdoor industry to be held from June 24 to 26, has opened up registration to outdoor specialty retailers.

The Big Gear Show Postpones Inaugural Event To 2021
The Big Gear Show (BGS), an outdoor industry trade show focused on hardgoods, with an emphasis on paddling, cycling, climbing, and camping gear, announced the cancellation of its inaugural event, originally planned for July 22 to 25 in Salt Lake City.

Michael Phelps Foundation Expands Children’s Mental Health Program
The Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF) and Panasonic Corporation of North America (Panasonic) announced the expansion of the IM Program offering to Boys & Girls Clubs of America through the organization’s commitment of more than $100,000 in grants to provide social-emotional curricula as children return to clubhouses across the nation.

California’s Fitness Industry Unites To Bring Jobs And Fitness Back
Members of California’s fitness industry have joined together to form the California Fitness Alliance (CFA) with the goal of safely and responsibly initiating the reopening of clubs and fitness facilities throughout the state.

Baffin, Salomon, ENDVR.io, And More Join Forces To Launch The Shop Local Project
Baffin, Salomon, ENDVR.io, and many more in the retail industry have come together to support independent specialty retailers facing COVID-19 through a not-for-profit initiative, The Shop Local Project.

Kind Bar Founder Invests In Yellow Leaf Hammocks
Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind snack bar, made a $1 million investment in Yellow Leaf Hammocks. The investment was revealed on the “Shark Tank” television show’s season finale, which aired on Friday.

How Ongoing ‘Evolution’ Prepared VF For Current Crisis
The ongoing evolution of VF Corp.—which began in 2017 and was elevated last year through several measures—has the Denver, CO-based well-positioned during this ongoing pandemic. CEO Steve Rendle and CFO Scott Roe discussed VF’s playbook for getting the company back on track after a hard-hit Q4.

April Retail Sales Drop Nearly Twice As Much As March
Retail sales dropped almost twice as much during April as they did in March as the nation’s economy saw its first full month when most businesses were closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Retail Federation said today.

Aisle Talk Week of May 11, 2020
Top National Stories and the Latest Headlines from SGB Updates across the Active Lifestyle Market during the week of May 11, 2020.