North Pole Engineering Acquires The Wahoo GEM Product Line

North Pole Engineering (NPE), a specialist in connected fitness and IoT technologies, announced the acquisition of Wahoo’s GEM product line. GEM is a Bluetooth and ANT+ OEM module built to integrate with fitness equipment like treadmills, stair climbers, rowers, exercise bikes, and ellipticals for sharing exercise data.

Jefferies Downgrades Genesco To Hold

Jefferies lowered its rating on Genesco Inc. to “hold” from “buy” due to expectations that Journeys’ sales will moderate in part due to expectations that Vans’ recently-robust gains will also show some moderation. The investment firm also cited risks around a Lids’ sale and the stock’s run up so far this year.

ADA To Merge With NBS

ADA and NBS announced plans to merge, effective September 1, 2018. The ADA has agreed to join the NBS group to build a stronger team dealer organization.

Mark Walsh To Lead Avenue

Mark Walsh, the former CEO of Vestis Retail Group (Eastern Mountain Sports/Bob’s Stores), has been appointed chief executive officer of the Avenue brand of women’s plus-size fashion apparel, footwear and accessories.

Report: Nike’s Executive Exits Driven By Board Coup

According to extensive reporting from The Oregonian, Nike’s dismissal early this year of 11 execs was more than fallout from workplace behavior shortfalls stemming from the #MeToo moment. The article describes the exits as a “dramatic boardroom power play” led by Mark Parker, CEO, and company co-founder Phil Knight to oust Trevor Edwards and many of those aligned with him.

Olivia Billingsley Joins OrthoLite As Sales Manager

OrthoLite, a leading provider of insoles, announced the hire of Olivia Billingsley as sales manager, Premium. Billingsley’s expertise will further enhance OrthoLite’s collaborative efforts with brand partners such as Clarks, Kenneth Cole, Keds, Rockport and Michael Kors.