“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials.” — Katherine Cullen, VP of Industry and Consumer Insights, National Retail Federation
Author: SGB Media
361 Degrees Owned-Retail Posts Healthy Q2 Growth
China-based 361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported that brick-and-mortar retail sales of 361º core-branded products increased by approximately 10 percent year-over-year for the second quarter of 2025, which ended on June 30, moderating slightly after expanding by 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter.
Baja Llama Expands Indie Sales Representation Across U.S.
The apparel company has added independent reps in the Midwest, New England, South Central, Southeast, the Rockies, and Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Play it Again Parent Sees Modest Earnings Growth In Q2
Net income for the quarter reached $10.6 million, or $2.89 per share, compared to net income of $10.43 million, or $2.85, in the year-ago period. For the six months, net income was $20.6 million, or $5.60, compared to net income of $19.25 million, or $5.26, for the same period last year.
Journeys Parent Genesco, Inc. Signs Deal to License Wrangler Brand for Footwear
The agreement covers men’s, women’s and kids footwear, with the first collection expected to launch in fall 2026. The partnership aims to expand Wrangler’s presence in the footwear market while adding to Genesco’s portfolio of licensed brands.
EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure
Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.
Cotopaxi Continues Senior Team Shuffle as Julie Menard Named VP of Sales
Menard was previously at Teva, a Deckers Brands brand, for over 14 years. Previously, she held sales roles at Earth Footwear and Rockport, following her start as a men’s shoe buyer at Nordstrom.
Berghaus Appoints VP of Brand Marketing
Adam Field will lead the global marketing team, reporting to Charlie Pym, the company’s senior global vice president. He starts in his new role at Berghaus in July.
Vuori to Open First Store in Hawaii
Vuori plans to open its first store in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. The company ended 2024 with just over 80 stores in the U.S. and five globally.
Lululemon Appoints SVP of Sustainability
Nike’s former chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder was hired as LULU’s senior vice president of sustainability, reporting to Ted Dagnese, the company’s chief supply chain officer. He replaced Esther Speck who served as senior vice president of Sustainable Business and Impact at Lululemon for almost ten years.
Wiley X Expands U.S. Sales Coverage with New Rep Group Partnerships
Brandywine River Reps, Inc., Odle Sales and Praelia Group offer deep regional expertise and strong relationships that will help better serve Wilex X dealers and reach new audiences in the outdoor, tactical and law enforcement spaces.”
Oboz and Rip Curl Parent KMD Hires Finance VP for North America
Heather Sweeny, a former Adidas executive, was appointed as VP of Finance across all KMD Brands in North America, including Oboz, Rip Curl and Kathmandu.
Pendleton Woolen Mills Appoints New CEO
Jennifer Ingraffea has most recently served as chief product and merchandising officer at The North Face since October 2020. Previously, she had an 18-year career at Nike. She succeeds John Bishop, a fifth-generation family member, who will remain as CEO through July to work with Ingraffea.
Scarpa Signs Parallel 45 Sales Group for Midwest Representation
Effective July 1, P45 Sales Group represents Scarpa in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Effective January 2026, the agency will also represent the brand in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Marine Products Corp. Adds Board Member
After a long career working in various positions at a large, international company, Gary Kolstad served as chairman and CEO of public and private companies and holds multiple Advisory Board Member and Investor positions.
SGB Today
Active Lifestyle Market Product and Brand Marketing Stories from SGB PRO PR and SGB Premium PR Partners
Post your Product or Marketing News in the SGB PR Portal