A gauge of sentiment among small businesses, rose to 98.8 in May from 95.8 in April, bringing the Index back above its long-term average, represented by a reading of 98. The increase ends a four-month streak of weakening sentiment.
Author: Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas J. Ryan
Senior Business Editor | SGB Media
tryan@sgbonline.com | 917.375.4699
EXEC: Academy CEO Sees Promising Returns from Improved Nike Allocations, Jordan Launch
First-quarter results missed analyst estimates and the retailer widened its full-year guidance due to potential inflationary pressures arriving this year. Management also shared many positive developments, including a healthy response to Nike product expansion and Jordan brand launch.
EXEC Q&A: Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks Running
Sheridan, who was promoted to Brooks’ CEO last April, talks with SGB Executive about Brooks’ recent momentum, entry into lifestyle footwear category, the tariff playbook, as well as the health of the overall run industry.
EXEC: Tariff Worries Overhang NSGA Leadership Conference Energy
Tariffs were top of mind at the NSGA 2025 Leadership Conference but so was confidence that the sporting goods industry would figure out ways to mitigate any fallout. Attendees told SGB Executive that suppliers were so far keeping price increases to a minimum while also ramping up communications with dealers to provide an early read on potential changes.
EXEC: Under Armour’s Turnaround On Track, Forgoes FY Guidance on Tariff Uncertainty
Under Armour, Inc. saw another quarter of progress in its turnaround efforts but refrained from providing guidance for the full year due to the tariff situation. Officials told analysts they’re exploring “a range of mitigation strategies” to offset tariffs, including cost sharing, sourcing diversification and potential price adjustments.
EXEC: Adidas CEO Clarifies U.S. Pricing Position; Will Wait for Competitors’ Moves
On Adidas’ first-quarter analyst call, Bjørn Gulden CEO, said Adidas hasn’t yet raised prices on U.S. products due to the U.S. tariffs but expects to should the tariffs remain and only after other brands raise prices. He said, “I have seen that certain press is writing that Adidas is raising prices. That is, of course, not true.”
EXEC: Citi Downgrades Nike Shares, Cuts Price Target After Hill Meeting
Nike management indicated that Air Jordan and Air Force One will “still be large franchises” even after inventories are managed lower, but Dunks will “not be a relevant part” of the mix over time.
EXEC: Asics Hikes FY Outlook As Q3 Revenues Climb 16 Percent
Asics raised its guidance for the year after reporting sales in the third quarter grew 16.0 percent with profits expanding faster. Double-digit revenue growth in the quarter was achieved in North America, Europe, Japan and Greater China.
EXEC: Yeti Tops Q3 Targets, Accelerates Sourcing Shift Out of China
Yeti, Inc.’s third-quarter results topped analyst targets, boosted by newer categories, including bags, barware, and cookware. Matt Reintjes, president and CEO, said on an analyst call that the company’s efforts to diversify its supply chain continue to have half of the brand’s drinkware production sourced outside of China by 2025.
EXEC: Under Armour Shares Pop on Strong Q2 Earnings Beat
Shares of Under Armour surged 27 percent on Thursday after the company reported operating earnings topped guidance by $50 million due to efforts to reduce promotions at its DTC channels, particularly online. Under Armour President and CEO Kevin Plank expressed confidence that initiatives to elevate product and storytelling will drive a return to growth.
EXEC: Puma Eyes Boost from Low-Profile Footwear Trend
Puma’s growth accelerated in the third quarter to a 5 percent currency-adjusted (ca) gain from 2.1 percent in the second quarter, led by a recovery in footwear demand. Arne Freundt, CEO of Puma, said on a media call, “I’m very confident to say that we are leading the low-profile trend.”
Study: Boys Participation Declines; Increased Specialization Tops Youth Sports Concerns
Kids have returned to pre-COVID sports participation levels. However, some worrisome trends in the Aspen Institute’s National State of Play 2024 report highlight that boys continue to play fewer sports and kids are specializing in one sport rather than multiple, even more so post-pandemic.
Study: Out-of-Stocks Drive 66 Percent of Consumers to Another Retailer
“‘Right product, right place, right time’ echoes in every retail conference room. Yet as retailers have expanded their online assortments and marketplaces to attract new customers and traffic, it’s become more challenging to avoid frustrating shoppers when they can’t find their size or their desired item in-store.”
EXEC: VF Corp. Sets Medium-Term Targets at Investor Day
At VF’s Investor Day, “Reinvent to Grow,” company President Bracken Darrell highlighted six areas that the company is focused on at the enterprise level to build a competitive advantage and revive profitability and growth.
EXEC: Shimano Returns to Growth in Third Quarter on Cycling Uptick
Shimano, Inc. reported its first sales increase in several quarters as a recovery at its bicycle components offset a slight decline in its fishing tackle business.
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