Retail Employment Drops In March

Retail industry employment in March was down by 11,700 jobs seasonally adjusted from February and down 47,400 jobs unadjusted year-over-year, the Labor Department said.

How Will Another C-Level Departure Impact Hibbett?

Hibbett Sports Inc.’s board of directors will need to form yet another search committee after the company announced Friday morning that Scott Bowman is resigning as CFO—the retailer’s second C-level departure in the last two weeks. On March 22, CEO Jeff Rosenthal announced he is retiring this year, so what impact, if any, will these exits have on the retailer?

Duluth Trading Warns Of Sales Slowdown

Shares of Duluth Trading fell $5.94, or 25.2 percent, to $17.60 Friday after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that came in well short of Wall Street’s targets because of delivery challenges and a poor response to newer offerings. Guidance for the current year was also significantly cut with a sales recovery not expected until the second half.

Aisle Talk Week Of April 1

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including NB Development Group breaking ground Tuesday on The Track at New Balance at Boston Landing, a multi-sport athletic complex that will offer sports facilities and a New Balance Athletics Sports Research Lab.

Ken Meidell Appointed CEO Of Outerbike

Western Spirit Cycling—founders and promoters of Outerbike, the consumer-focused experience for testing, reviewing and riding the newest bikes and cycling gear—on Thursday announced the appointment of former Dakine CEO Ken Meidell as Outerbike’s first CEO.

Vail Resorts Closes On Australian Acquisition

Vail Resorts Inc. announced Friday that the company has closed on its acquisition of the ski field leases and related infrastructure at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and Hotham Alpine Resort in Victoria, Australia.

Nike Signs Naomi Osaka

Nike signed  Naomi Osaka to an endorsement deal. Adidas had been expected to renew its deal with the two-time Grand Slam winner and current top-ranked female tennis player.