Author: Thomas J. Ryan

VF Corp raised its outlook for the year on accelerated momentum at Vans and renewed momentum at The North Face in the first quarter. VF officials also said it planned to spend an additional $20 million, or 4 cents per share, of incremental investment in the back half of the year to support the launch of North Face’s Futurelight fabric technology.

Driven by outsized growth overseas and across the company’s domestic direct-to-consumer (DTC) network, Skechers USA Inc. reported second-quarter earnings rose significantly over year-ago levels and handily topped guidance. Company officials also predicted domestic wholesale revenues would turn positive in the third quarter with growth accelerating in the fourth.

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. But major and minor victories are also being claimed for women’s soccer fandom and Nike’s overall women’s push, as well as potentially for soccer participation and women’s pay equality.

Boosted by shelf-space gains in existing and new retailers as well as strong acceptance of newer products, Hydro Flask’s sales vaulted again in the first quarter ended May 31, prompting its parent, Helen of Troy, to lift its outlook for the year.

Ken Hicks has earned credit for stabilizing Foot Locker Inc. and setting it back on a path towards growth. Now, he’s looking to do the same for Academy Sports + Outdoors. Hicks talks to SGB Executive about what makes Academy unique in the marketplace, the progress being made on repositioning efforts, and the chain’s financial stability.

Ellett Brothers, the firearms distributor that filed for bankruptcy protection on June 10, has until July 24 to find a buyer in a going concern sale of its assets to avoid an outright liquidation.

Helping to reduce debt, boost its ammunition opportunities, and repair some retail relationships, Vista Outdoor announced that it had sold the Savage Arms and Stevens firearms brands to a financial buyer for $170 million. In response, REI said it would immediately resume taking orders on Vista products.

JD Sports acquired The Finish Line last June to mark its entry into U.S. retailing and by all indications that entry continues to proceed smoothly. In a brief update of results for the first half, management particularly called out the progress of the first six JD Sports banners it’s opened in the U.S. while indicating they “remain encouraged” by the overall performance in the U.S.

Nike Inc. capped off another robust fiscal year with a fourth quarter that exceeded top-line guidance but missed earnings targets. On a conference call, Nike officials said strategic investments, including its focus on digital and growth through strategic partners, are just starting to pay off.

The overall message at Fleet Feet’s Annual Conference was again about the importance of people and culture. But the event’s signature theme shifted to “Lead” to signify the franchisor’s determination to lead the run specialty industry. Joey Pointer, CEO and president, in an interview said being the front runner presents new challenges for the franchisor and franchisees that go well beyond complacency.

Champion, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2019, has been on a roll over the last two years. Here, David Robertson, director Champion Brand Marketing, discusses the many facets of the brand’s extensive “100 Years for the Team” anniversary campaign, its decision to open full-price stores and enter the premium footwear category, and what’s driving Champion’s momentum.

Last September, Vasque Footwear, part of the Red Wing Shoe Company, appointed Allison Gettings as VP and general manager of the 55-year old, iconic outdoor footwear brand. Here, Gettings talks about her aspirations for the Vasque brand, key product initiatives and the brand’s quiet approach to advocacy.