Vans named Hixson High School from Hixson, TN as the grand prize winner of the ninth annual Vans Custom Culture art competition.
Author: SGB Media

Remington Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Nearly two months after filing for bankruptcy protection, Remington Outdoor Company claims the company has emerged after successfully implementing a plan that will reduce debt levels and provide more stable financing that may help the company ride out a slowing market for firearms.
Escalade Sells Equity Stake In Stiga Sports Group AB
Escalade Inc. announced the company has sold the 50 percent equity share of Stiga Sports Group AB, headquartered in Sweden.

Boot Barn Tops Guidance On Double-Digit Comp Growth
Boosted by significant improvement in the retailer’s ladies business and the roll out a new performance-boot platform, Boot Barn reported same-store sales grew 12.1 percent in the fourth quarter ended March 31 while earnings came in well ahead of guidance.

100th Anniversary Celebration … Asics’ Kihachiro Onitsuka
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, Asics is launching a limited-edition footwear and apparel collection designed to reflect Mr. Onitsuka’s positive outlook on life and his appreciation of sunflowers.
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Announces 2018 Award Nominees
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this week announced the nominees for the 2018 retailer and vendor awards. Winners will be announced on June 13 during the first night of the Grassroots Connect buying show in Knoxville, TN.
Puma Officially Exits Kering
Kering said the company has completed the spinoff of Puma.
NSGA’s Sporting Goods Market Report Shows Retail Sales Reach $69.4 Billion
Consumer retail purchases of sporting goods equipment, athletic footwear and athletic apparel increased to $69.4 billion for the categories tracked by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) in 2017, an increase of 1 percent versus 2016.
Tommie Copper Closes Credit Facility
Second Avenue Capital Partners, LLC, (SACP) announced the company has provided a senior secured credit facility to Tommie Copper, the maker of compression products. The credit facility will be used to fund working capital and additional growth opportunities.
Rockport Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval Of “First Day” Motions
The Rockport Group LLC announced that the company has received approvals from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware for all of the company’s First Day motions, which will support Rockport’s business operations as the company completes the previously announced court-supervised sale process.

Academy Sports Hires Ken Hicks As Chairman And CEO
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that Ken C. Hicks, former CEO at Foot Locker Inc. has been appointed chairman and CEO. Departing CEO J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.
Report: Puma Targeting Trae Young For Basketball Relaunch
Puma is seeking to endorse Trae Young, expected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, as the face of the company’s return to basketball, according to a report from ESPN.
Goliath Acquires Tucker
Goliath, the maker of toys and games, acquired Tucker, the maker of outdoor toys that includes the Phlat Ball.

Finish Line Finds New Investor
Odey Asset Management, a London-based hedge fund, has acquired an 8.2 percent stake in The Finish Line, possibly complicating Finish Line’s merger with JD Sports Fashion.