Nike said on Friday it will be committing $40 million over four years to support black communities on behalf of the Nike, Jordan and Converse brands collectively. This commitment will be focused on investing in and supporting organizations that put social justice, education and addressing racial inequality in America at the center of their work.
Author: SGB Media

Zumiez Hits The Ground Running After Q1 COVID Hit, Continued Pay For FT Staff
Zumiez Inc. underscored its commitment to its employees when management made the early decision to pay all full-time staff throughout the pandemic.

Athleta’s Q1 Revenues Drop 8 Percent
Gap Inc. reported a modest decline in sales at Athleta in the first quarter as online sales, boosted in part by the introduction of curbside pickup and a virtual concierge service, helped limit the damage from store closures. Overall, reopened stores are showing an encouraging performance, particularly at Old Navy.

J.C. Penney Identifies 154 Stores To Close
J.C. Penney Company Inc, which filed for bankruptcy protection on May 15, has identified 154 stores it plans to permanently close in the first phase of closings.

Aisle Talk Week Of June 1, 2020
Top National Stories and the Latest Headlines from SGB Updates across the Active Lifestyle Market during the week of June 1, 2020.

LVMH Names Chairman’s Son As Tag Heuer CEO
LVMH named Frederic Arnault, son of the founder of the luxury-goods maker, as the new chief executive officer of Tag Heuer, its largest watch brand.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Delivers Blowout Quarter Amid Pandemic
Faced with surging demand for firearms and ammunition, Sportsman’s Warehouses reported sales in the first quarter ended May 2 grew 41.8 percent, to $246.8 million. The gains would have been even stronger if not for out-of-stocks across firearms, ammunition and fishing.

Duluth Trading Gains Boost From Digital, Women’s And New Customers
Duluth Trading managed to show only a 3.8 percent decline in first-quarter revenues, to $109.9 million. Accelerated growth in digital and women’s business helped mitigate the closing of all its stores for seven weeks in the quarter in response to COVID-19.

Caleres Sees Strength At Famous Footwear And Ecomm As COVID Crisis Abates
Caleres, Inc. used a now-familiar retail playbook on their road to recovery after the worst of the Covid-19 health crisis passed. The business was on track for a 13 percent increase in comp-store sales at Famous Footwear in the first quarter and was showing positive signs in its wholesale business before the health crisis intensified and forced the closure of all stores.

Athleta’s Q1 Sales Slide 8 Percent
Gap Inc. reported sales at Athleta were down 8 percent in the first quarter. Store sales were down 50 percent with online sales up 49 percent.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Launches Connect Hub For Spring ’21 Buying Season
In this season of business collaboration, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance has launched Connect Hub to bring vendor brands and specialty retailers together for the Spring ’21 buying cycle.

Vail Resorts Q3 Revenues Slide 28 Percent
Vail Resorts Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 ended April 30, which were significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting closure of the company’s North American destination mountain resorts and regional ski areas on March 15, 2020.

Gearlab Adds Canadian Sales Rep
Gearlab Outdoors has added new sales representation in Canada, expanding their global footprint in the paddle and watersports markets. Stepping into the Canadian sales role is Michael Gilbert who is the founder of B.C. Kayak Centre and life-long kayaking instructor and enthusiast.

NBA Approves Format To Restart Season With 22 Teams
The NBA Board of Governors approved a competitive format to restart the 2019/20 season with 22 teams returning to play and a tentative start date of July 31. The Board’s approval is the first formal step among many required to resume the season.

Wigwam Mills Reopens Factory With New Generation At The Helm
Wigwam Mills Inc. has reopened its factory as Wisconsin’s stay-at-home restrictions have been eased by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. In addition, the Wigwam Board of Directors announced that leadership of the 115-year old brand has shifted to the fourth-generation siblings Chris Chesebro and Margaret Newhard.