Material technology provider PrimaLoft Inc. on Friday announced the promotion of Chris Humphris to the position of senior vice president, global sales. This represents a strategic move to align North American, European and Asian sales efforts for the company.
Author: SGB Media

Aisle Talk Week Of January 13
Top headlines from across the active lifestyle industry featured in SGB during the week of January 13, 2020.
Under Armour To Introduce Joel Embiid Signature Shoe
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid announced he will launch his first signature shoe with Under Armour later this fall.

Vail Resorts Seeing Total Skier Visits Decline
Vail Resorts Inc. reported season-to-date total skier visits were down 7.8 percent compared to the prior year season-to-date period. The company continues to expect EBITDA for fiscal year 2020 to be within past guidance given strong season pass sales and the recently improved conditions at Whistler Blackcomb and Stevens Pass.

Taurus Names New CEO
Taurus announced that its board of directors has appointed Bret Vorhees as chief executive officer of Taurus Holdings, Inc., which encompasses Taurus USA, Rossi and Heritage Manufacturing product lines.

Target’s Holiday Comps Miss Plan
Target reported same-store sales were up 1.4 percent for the holiday season, below the chain’s forecast of 3 to 4 percent growth and well below holiday 2018’s 5.7 percent comp performance.

Could Nike’s Vaporfly Shoe Be Banned?
Reports say that World Athletics, track and field’s governing body, might ban from competition Nike’s Vaporfly shoes, which the world’s fastest marathoners—Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei—each wore in their record-setting races.

Gap Inc. No Longer Pursuing Separation Of Old Navy
Gap Inc. announced that the company no longer intends to separate Old Navy into a standalone public company. The company also announced that Neil Fiske, president and CEO of Gap brand, will leave the company.

Emerald Expositions Appoints CFO
Emerald Expositions Events Inc., the parent of Surf Expo, Outdoor Retailer and other trade shows, announced that David Doft will become its chief financial officer.

Fanatics Signs 10-Year Partnership With Notre Dame
Fanatics has formed a 10-year alliance with the University of Notre Dame to become the university’s primary apparel, headwear, and hard goods partner starting in January 2021. The Notre Dame athletics’ apparel partnership with Under Armour will remain unchanged.

Industry Groups Welcome USMCA Trade Deal Signing
OIA, NRF, AAFA and FDRA were among the trade associations that welcomed Thursday’s Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Agreement.

NRF Report: 2019 Holiday Sales Up 4.1 Percent
Holiday retail sales during 2019 grew 4.1 percent over the same period in 2018 to $730.2 billion, the National Retail Federation said Thursday.

Outdoor Research Appoints Design, Marketing Directors
Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based manufacturer of outdoor apparel and gear, on Thursday announced the hires of Andrew Osborn as creative director for marketing and brand, and Kat Schoewe as creative design director.

Balanced Body Launches Integrated Movement Specialist Certification
Balanced Body, the specialist in Pilates equipment and education, announced the launch of its Integrated Movement Specialist (IMS) Certificate program for movement professionals, including instructors, trainers and coaches.

HanesBrands Renews U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership
HanesBrands on Thursday announced that the company has renewed its partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport program.