Foot Locker Announces $3 Million Investment In NTWRK

Foot Locker Inc. announced Wednesday its most recent strategic investment in NTWRK, a youth culture e-commerce and content platform. With this $3 million investment, Foot Locker and NTWRK will bring together the world’s best brands utilizing NTWRK’s highly compelling episodic format to release exclusive products, original content and access to the biggest names in youth culture.

Nike CEO: Product And Business Innovation Driving Growth

On Nike Inc.’s first-quarter earnings call with analysts, CEO Mark Parker doubled down on the company’s commitment to innovation that he had outlined for investors just a week ago. The self-described “product geek” spent much of the call explaining how innovation should be credited for the company’s outstanding earnings report and also how it will drive the company’s success moving forward.

VF Corp. Targets 7-To-8 Percent Annual Growth

VF Corp. said it is targeting a five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) between 7 percent and 8 percent through fiscal 2024, fueled by VF’s largest brands (Vans, The North Face, Timberland and Dickies) and the company’s international and direct-to-consumer business platforms.

Oros Completes Portland Relocation

Oros has finalized its move into the brand’s new Portland-based headquarters since relocating from Cincinnati. Along with the move, Jeff Nash, formerly at North Face, has been appointed to head up product innovation as chief technology officer and VP of product

Adventure Travel Trade Association Launches Carbon-Offset Program

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) said that starting in January 2020, members can take advantage of buying carbon offset credits in bulk. The bulk purchase program, called Neutral Together, is the first of its kind available to the adventure travel industry.

Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Lowered

Standard & Poors lowered the debt ratings of Varsity Brands, the parent of BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones. The rating agency said the company continues to perform below its expectations due to high operating expenses, resulting in weaker-than-expected profitability and adjusted leverage above 10 times.

How Will Vail’s Latest Move Impact Ski Industry?

Vail Resorts Inc. officially expanded its empire Tuesday when the Broomfield, CO-based ski area owner and operator closed on its previously announced $264 million acquisition of Peak Resorts Inc. But what impact will Vail’s latest expansion have on the ski and snowboard industry? SGB takes a look.

Sports Studies Roundup

Recent sports studies find physical fitness linked to better brain function, team sports possibly helping traumatized kids heal and winning teams providing a short-term self-esteem boost to fans. Other studies explored the risks of sports specialization and concussions for girls.

Nike’s Q1 Blows Past Estimates

Nike Inc. reported earnings in the first quarter ended August 31 rose 25.2 percent and easily surpassed Wall Street’s targets. Currency-neutral sales grew 10 percent, led by a 27 percent jump in China and low-teens gains in both the EMEA and APLA regions. North America’s sales grew 4 percent.