EXEC: Eddie Bauer’s CEO Discusses Modernized Rebrand

Eddie Bauer introduced a new brand evolution and redesigned its logo in September, including bringing back “the goose.” Tim Bantle, Eddie Bauer’s CEO, talked with SGB Executive about the refreshed look of the 103-year-old brand, re-embracing its outdoor roots and its heightened focus on wholesale.

EXEC: Academy Sports Sees Weather/Consumer Woes Derailing Sales Recovery

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. said a slow start to fall selling due to warmer temperatures as well as continued weak consumer demand caused third-quarter results to miss plan, resulting in a downward revision to full-year guidance. CEO Steve Lawrence said on an analysts call, “We feel like we don’t have a challenged strategy. We’ve got a challenged customer.”

EXEC: Foot Locker Finds Progress with Lace-Up Strategy

Shares of Foot Locker, Inc. rose about 16 percent Wednesday after the sneaker juggernaut reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, encouraging sales trends so far in the fourth quarter and what Mary Dillon, president and CEO, hailed as several “early wins” in the company’s Lace Up transformation program.

EXEC: Analysts Skeptical of Colt CZ’s Bid for Vista Outdoor

While Vista Outdoor’s stock has seen an uptick following news of Colt CZ making an unsolicited offer to acquire the company for $30 per share, or for $1.74 billion, analysts believe Vista’s board will reject the offer and follow through on its planned sale of Vista’s ammo business to Czechoslovak Group.

EXEC: Wall Street Reacts to Strong Q3 for Dick’s and Hibbett

The third-quarter earnings beats and raised guidance for both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hibbett increased investor confidence that the athletic retail space is positioned to at least outperform the broader retail sector in a challenging marketplace, although some analysts were concerned about margin pressures at Dick’s.

EXEC: Dick’s SG Beats Q3 Expectations, Bullish on Holiday Selling

Boosted by a “very strong” back-to-school selling season, Dick’s Sporting Goods posted above-plan third-quarter results, lifting its guidance for the year. Lauren Hobart, president and CEO, told analysts, “We are pleased with how our consumer is holding up within the sporting goods industry and then particularly that they’re choosing Dick’s increasingly to meet their needs.”

EXEC: VF Scores Upgrade from JP Morgan

JP Morgan raised its rating and price targets on VF Corp. on increasing confidence that recently-hired CEO Bracken Darrell will use a similar strategy he used at his former company, Logitech International, to achieve a turnaround at the parent of Vans and The North Face.

EXEC: Duer’s Founder Discusses Denim Disruption

In 2015, Duer created a range of “stretch performance denim” manufactured from plants and various recycled materials, putting a new spin on jeanswear. Founder Gary Lenett talked with SGB Executive about the Vancouver-based brand’s inspiration, emerging opportunities outside denim, distribution model, and commitment to sustainability.

EXEC: Hot Weather Chills Boot Sales at Shoe Carnival

Shoe Carnival reported it gained market share in the family footwear channel due to a robust back-to-school season with particular strength in kids on strength in athletic; however, annual guidance was lowered for the third straight quarter as hot and dry weather in September and October caused a decline in the twenties in the boot category.