Author: Thomas J. Ryan

Williams Trading lowered its stock rating on VF Corp. to “Sell” due partly to unexpected weakening at The North Face. Lead analyst Sam Poser also reiterated his “Buy” rating and raised his price targets on Deckers Outdoor and Skechers USA.

Newell Brands will lay off 13 percent of its corporate workforce in a major restructuring move. Newell is also consolidating its five operating segments into threes. Jim Pisani will continue as CEO of the company’s Outdoor & Recreation segment.

In a presentation at Sidoti & Co.’s Micro-Cap Conference, David Johnson, CFO and VP at Johnson Outdoors Inc., said the company is still working down elevated inventories but remains hopeful its outdoor enthusiast customer will continue spending despite a potential downturn in 2023.

At Compass Diversified’s Investor Day, Mike Joyce, president and CEO, Primaloft, talked up the potential of the maker of synthetic insulation products to expand across the synthetic marketplace as well as how a number of consumer tailwinds are working in Primaloft’s favor.

At the 2023 NRF Big Show, Steve Hewitt, executive chairman and the former CEO of Gymshark, discussed the challenges the cult U.K. activewear brand faced in establishing a foothold in the U.S. and elevating its “customer proposition.”

In an interview at the 2023 NRF Big Show, Nick Woodhouse, president and chief marketing officer, Authentic Brands Group described Reebok as a “super brand” that is expected to reach $10 billion in retail sales in a few years.

Adidas had to deny it appointed a former Cambodian union leader as its new Co-CEO and launched a Derelicte-style collection of apparel pre-worn by factory workers. The Yes Men, an activist group that has a history of creating spoofs to draw attention to how corporations respond to social issues, confirmed it was behind the release and the spoof launch event at Berlin fashion week sent confusion around the fashion world.

At the 2022 NRF Big Show, Roberto Funari, CEO, Alpargatas, the Brazilian parent of Havaianas sandals, and Giorgio Pradi, president, Sunglass Hut North America, said that with the big shift toward digital over the pandemic, stores have become even more important tools to acquire and engage customers.

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, executives from Planet Fitness, Life Time Group and Xponential Fitness indicated that their respective health clubs continue to see healthy recovery post-pandemic while noting stepped-up expansion plans.

In a session at the 2023 ICR Conference, Mimi Vaughn, Genesco’s board chair, president and CEO, said the company’s flagship chain, Journeys, delivered lower-than-expected results over the holiday-selling period due primarily to a highly promotional selling environment and weaker store traffic.

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, Brendan Hoffman, president and CEO, Wolverine Worldwide, elaborated on how the company’s realigned reporting structure and 100-day plan are designed to “move the needle” and prioritize investments into its three biggest growth opportunities: Merrell, Saucony and Sweaty Betty. The realignment also led to its decision to divest Keds

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, officials at On indicated holiday results came in strong for the Swiss running brand, highlighted by continued healthy demand and full-price selling. Several catalysts were also cited to drive growth in 2023.

In a session at the 2023 ICR Conference, Crocs Inc.’s CEO Andrew Rees said the return of significant new product introductions for both the Crocs and Hey Dude brands is expected to stimulate growth in 2023 after innovation efforts were challenged over the pandemic.

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, Delta Apparel Inc. officials said four out of its five primary market channels, including Salt Life and DTG2Go, saw double-digit growth in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31, but elevated inventory levels at the mass channel continue to impact its Delta Direct business to drive a slight sales decline in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31.