Maggie Gauger has been named global brand president and CEO of Athleta, effective August 1. She was at Nike for 23 years with other roles including heading up North American running and the global tennis.
Author: SGB Media
L Catterton Takes Majority Stake in L.A.B. Golf
The partnership will reportedly “support L.A.B. Golf as it accelerates product innovation, enhances its direct-to-consumer experience, grows its presence across the retail channel, and expands internationally.”
EXEC: Nike Shares Jump After JPMorgan Upgrade and Price Target Hike
Shares of Nike climbed $2.97, or 3.9 percent, to $79.24 on Monday, July 28 after JPMorgan upgraded the stock to “overweight” from “neutral” due to progress on reducing inventories, momentum in securing wholesale orders and innovation showing promise for performance product.
Pickleball Kingdom Franchise to Open in Central Kentucky’s The Commons
Lexington native and President of Pickleball X, Sheehan Lake, is opening this facility. “We are thrilled to open Kentucky’s largest indoor pickleball facility and plan on it being the hub for pickleball across the Bluegrass.”
Proof Research Names Industry Vet to Lead Strategic Growth and Sales
Brandon Hulzebosch has been named the company’s new commercial director of Sales. In this executive leadership role, Hulzebosch will oversee sales, marketing and customer service operations, focused on “accelerating market growth and strengthening relationships with dealers, partners and customers industry wide.
Report: RV Shipments Up 15 Percent in June
The RV Industry Association’s June 2025 survey found total RV shipments for the month of June at 29,332 units, a 15.9 percent increase from the 25,308 units shipped in June 2024. Year-to-date, shipments are up 6.8 percent, reaching 190,705 units.
Rack Room Shoes Opens in Greeley, Colorado
The newest location is 5,600 square feet and features footwear for men, women and kids. The store will host a grand opening on August 2. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Rack Room Shoes has over 520 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands.
Winchester Ammo’s Q2 Earnings Fall on Commercial Ammo Weakness, Higher Costs
Olin Corp. reported earnings in its Winchester segment fell sharply in the second quarter due to lower commercial ammunition shipments and pricing, as well as higher raw material costs, including propellant and commodity metal costs.
Kontoor Brands Expands Executive Leadership Roles
Jenni Broyles will assume leadership responsibility for all international and commercial operations for the Lee and Wrangler brands as executive vice president, chief commercial officer and global head of Brands; Joseph Alkire will assume leadership responsibility for Kontoor’s supply chain operations as executive vice president, chief financial officer and global head of Operations.
Skechers USA Plans to Vigorously Defend Itself in Hands Free Slip-Ins Suit
Skechers’ President Michael Greenberg questioned the timing of Kizik’s lawsuit, which follows the announcement in early May that Skechers would be acquired by 3G Capital for about $9.4 billion.
La Jolla Group Beefs Up Executive Leadership Team
The parent of O’Neill Clothing, Mountain Khakis and other apparel brands, has hired Nathan Boroff as CFO, David Kranz as VP of growth & partnerships and Ted Bramble as creative director.
Nordstrom Rack to Add New Stores in Florida and Massachusetts
Nordstrom Inc., announced plans to open a 27,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store in Plymouth, MA in spring 2026 and a 24,700-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store in Tampa, FL, in fall 2026.
Merrell Appoints Director of U.S. Lifestyle and Pure Play Accounts
The former Senior Director of Merchandising at Zappos has been named director of Lifestyle and Pure Play for U.S. Wholesale, a newly created role at Merrell. Forstadt will report to Jessica Adler, VP of Sales.
Xponential Fitness Divests CycleBar and Rumble Brands
Xponential Fitness, Inc. announced that it has completed the divestiture of CycleBar and Rumble to Extraordinary Brands, LLC., the parent of fitness boutique franchises including Row House, Neighborhood Barre, Purvelo Cycle and Eat The Frog Fitness.
Tilly’s Inc. Names Nate Smith as New President and CEO
Smith has served as CEO of Marolina Outdoor, Inc. since September 2024. Previously, he was at Boardriders, Inc. as president, Americas. Prior to Boardriders, Smith served as VP/GM, North American Wholesale at Oakley, Inc. and as VP, Oakley Defense. He has also served in executive roles at Ipath Footwear, MV Transportation, Inc. and Patagonia, Inc., following his eight years of service in the United States Navy.
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