Smartwool Announces New European Sales Agency 

Smartwool on Thursday announced the company’s new European sales agency, Elements, based in Benelux. The partnership is effective immediately. The new agency will help establish the brand’s position within the Benelux outdoor industry, while also helping the brand build a community of engaged consumers. 

ABG Completes Acquisition Of Nine West And Bandolino

Authentic Brands Group LLC (ABG) completed the acquisition of Nine West and Bandolino from Nine West Holdings Inc. Through this purchase, ABG increases the company’s footwear and accessories business to over $2 billion in global retail sales.

Gordon Brothers Acquires British Streetwear Brand Bench

Gordon Brothers announced today that the company has acquired the Bench brand and all the brand’s related intellectual property assets. Launched in Manchester, U.K., in 1989, Bench is one of the first streetwear fashion retailers, and until very recently the company’s products could be found in over 20 countries in Europe and North America.

Vineyard Vines Celebrating 20 Years

Vineyard Vines, best known for the company’s whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logoed golf apparel, is celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary this July with a limited-edition collection and special in-store events.

Rockport To Seek Approval Of Sale To Charlesbank

The Rockport Group LLC, which filed for bankruptcy on May 14, announced that, after completing a court-approved marketing process, the company intends to complete the previously announced asset purchase agreement with CB Marathon Opco LLC, an affiliate of Charlesbank Capital Partners.

Nike Names New Chief Sustainability Officer

Nike Inc. announced that Noel Kinder will become the company’s new VP, chief sustainability officer (CSO), effective September 5. Kinder succeeds Hannah Jones, a 20-year Nike veteran as CSO, who after 14 years in the role will become president of Nike Valiant Labs, the company’s in-house new business model incubator.