Shipments from a factory located at an internment camp in China’s Xinjiang region went to Badger Sportswear, based in Statesville, NC, according to a report from the Associated Press. On Sunday, John Anton, CEO Founder Sport Group, the parent of Badger Sportswear, told the AP that the company is investigating the shipments and will source product from other locations in the meantime.
Author: SGB Media

Accell Group To Explore Sale Of U.S. Business
In an update on its recently sharpened ‘Lead Global, Win Local’-strategy, Accell Group said it determined that the U.S. business is a non-core asset and management will explore a sale of the unit. Accell’s cycling brands sold in the U.S. include Raleigh, Diamondback and Redline.
Sweden Selected To Host 2021 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Sweden has been granted the opportunity to host Special Olympics’ flagship sporting event, the World Winter Games in 2021.

Thule Group Acquires Rooftop Tent Maker Tepui Outdoors
Thule Group has announced the acquisition of rooftop tent maker Tepui Outdoors Inc. for $9.5 million. This acquisition will further enhance the Thule Group’s expanding portfolio of products focused on an active lifestyle.
Vineyard Vines Launches NFL In-Store Pop-Up At Grand Central Terminal
Vineyard Vines, the lifestyle brand known for its smiling pink whale logo, announced the debut of a pop-up in-store activation at Vineyard Vines Grand Central. The Unlock Your NFL Fan Style experience is in partnership with the National Football League (NFL), and will celebrate the Vineyard Vines’ idea that Every Game Day Should Feel This […]
Shoe Carnival Announces New $50 Million Share Repurchase Program
Shoe Carnival Inc. announced that its board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $50 million of its outstanding common stock, effective January 1, 2019. In addition, its Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share to be paid on January 28, 2019, to […]
Asics Launches Activation To Support Syrian Refugee Children Through Sport And Play
Asics has launched an expanded activation in their partnership with the charity Right To Play to help change the lives of refugee children in Lebanon. Every $10 donation made to Right To Play supports a child’s play for 10 weeks.

GSM Acquires Crossfire Elite
GSM Outdoors LLC, a multi-brand manufacturer of specialized hunting and shooting products, has acquired Crossfire Elite LLC, manufacturer of branded nylon holsters. Terms were not disclosed.
Norwest Venture Partners Invests In DTC Athletic Brand Jolyn Clothing
Norwest Venture Partners announced Monday that it has made a growth equity investment in Jolyn Clothing Co, a women’s performance swimwear and active wear brand based in Huntington Beach, CA.

RYU Opens New Store In Toronto
RYU Apparel Inc., creators of urban athletic apparel, has officially opened the doors of its second store in Toronto, in the indoor mall of Sherway Gardens, as it continues its expansion on the East Coast.

Analyst: Risks Piling Up For Cherokee Global Brands
As Cherokee Global Brands continues working to rightsize its business operations—which in the third quarter included a $3 million reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses—a host of risks could knock the company off track.

Amer Sports’ Board Issues Statement Supporting Sale
The board of directors of Amer Sports Corp issued a statement providing detailed reasons behind its support of a sale of the company to a consortium led by China’s Anta Sports. The statement points to the major premium Amer’s shareholders will earn at the offering price and the benefits from partnering with Anta, including a “significant opportunity to accelerate the expansion of its businesses in the Chinese market.” Heikki Takala, president and CEO of Amer Sports, and his key executives are expected to continue leading the Amer Sports’ businesses.
Thule Group Appoints VP Global Purchasing
Nis Gjendal has been appointed vice president global purchasing and member of group management in Thule Group, based out of the Group Headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.
Lululemon Ranks Nine On Glassdoor’s Best Workplaces List
Lululemon was the second highest-ranked retailer in Glassdoor’s “2019 Best Places to Work” survey for U.S. companies. Work/life balance, healthy associate discount, free workout classes and benefits were called out favorably in reviews.
New Souler Program Grants Stock Options To Top Influencers
Souler, an influencer commerce platform and community, announced that selected influencers will receive stock options in Souler as part of its Chosen Influencer Program.