Author: Thomas J. Ryan

Cowen’s fourth annual Gen Z and Millennial survey found that Nike, Air Jordan and Lululemon have solid traction by preference in the active lifestyle space among the younger demographic. The North Face and Amazon also ranked high by preference, and the overall survey suggested ESG and social commerce gained greater momentum in 2021.

In initiating coverage of Nike Inc. with a “buy” rating, Goldman Sachs noted that sportswear giant is facing more macro headwinds, including weakness in China, supply chain disruption and cotton inflation, “than it has in some time.” However, analyst Kate McShane said Nike’s underlying fundamentals remain solid, and the recent pullback offers some stock upside.

Aspen Institute’s just-released State Of Play 2021 survey found that most kids are back playing sports with their families feeling more comfortable about their safety amid the ongoing pandemic. However, challenges remain with more kids feeling less physically fit and mentally drained.

“As I said before, and I’ll say again, these are times when strong brands can get stronger, and that’s what Nike did this past year,” said John Donahoe, Nike’s president and CEO, at the company’s 41st annual meeting. He attributed much of the gains to progress coming from its Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy.

On Holding AG attracted largely positive ratings from Wall Street as the quiet period related to its initial public offering ended.

Solo Brands, the parent of Solo Stove, Oru Kayak, ISLE Paddle Boards, and Chubbies apparel, filed for an initial public offering to cement its position as the “leading digitally-native DTC lifestyle disruptor” in the outdoor space

In his first comments to the investment community on Levi Strauss’ acquisition of Beyond Yoga, Chip Bergh, Levi’s president and CEO, cited opportunities to expand the Los Angeles, CA-based yoga brand into retail, men’s and international as well as take advantage of growth momentum in the overall performance athletic category.

According to the quarterly call of its parent, Helen of Troy, Hydro Flask saw “broad-based strength” in its second quarter, ended August 31, in domestic brick and mortar sales, driven by retailers increasing orders to replenish a more robust back-to-school season and healthy holiday ordering.

Bank of America downgraded Adidas to “Underperform” from “Neutral” due to uncertainty around China’s recovery and supply-chain issues, coupled with ongoing market share losses.

Piper Sandler’s 42nd Semi-Annual Gen-Z Fall Survey found athletic apparel and footwear continue to retain strong appeal among teens. Within apparel, Nike and Lululemon reached new highs in preference. Within footwear, while Nike reigned supreme, Converse and Crocs gained share whereas Vans declined.

In a new report, Bank Of America identified five “megatrends” expected to drive sports apparel and footwear categories in the years ahead: Health & Wellness, Female Sports Participation, Hybrid Working Models, Affordable Luxury, and Sustainability.

On a call with analysts, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. CEO Mark Smith said that the firearms giant had no recourse but to leave the state of Massachusetts after 150 years to relocate in Tennessee due to proposed legislation that will hurt business.

Bank of America slashed its rating on Kohl’s to “Underperform” from “Buy” due to supply chain constraints while reinstating its rating on Foot Locker at “Under Perform,” also citing supply-chain issues as well as waning stimulus dollars.

A new study from BMO Capital Markets found that although many brands are aggressively shifting towards direct-to-consumer, underlying profitability may be better selling through wholesale channels.

At a virtual fireside chat at Morgan Stanley Global Sporting Goods Day, John Vandemore, CFO, Skechers USA, said the footwear giant has limited exposure to Vietnam compared to the brand’s competitors but still faces many unknowns due to the overall supply chain disruption.