Skechers Sees 30% Hike in Q4 Sales

Skechers USA Inc. reported net sales for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 30.4% to $388.6 million from $298.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Backlogs as of Dec. 31 were up 40%. Earnings reached $27.9 million, or 58 cents a share, rebounding fr

Johnson-Lambe Sales Off 7% in 2009

Johnson-Lambe, the team and trophy dealer based in Raleigh, NC, told the Associated Press that sales were down 7% in 2009 after it generated record years in 2008 and 2007. The article celebrated the company's 75 anniversary…

Two Studies Tout Benefits of Team Sports for Girls

Two recent studies highlight the benefits of team sports for girls. One from Wharton School found that women’s education and employment opportunities increased significantly since the enactment of Title IX. The second study from the University of Il

New Balance Faces Hurdles in Headquarter’s Expansion

New Balance is exploring a plan for a larger development alongside its headquarters in Brighton, MA, that would include an expansion of its offices, a park, housing, and additional commercial space. But Lowe's is looking to build its first store in t

Body Bar Launches Exchange Program

Body Bar Inc., the fitness equipment company, introduced Refurbished Body Bar, available at a discount to clubs and individuals. Through an exchange program, users can exchange any brand weighted bar, including competitor “knockoff” bars, for a new Body B

QVC to Sell its GSI Stake

GSI Commerce Inc. announced that QK Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of QVC Inc., has agreed to sell 9.25 million shares of GSI common stock. After the sale, QVC will no longer own any shares of GSI's common stock. QVC's stake stems from an investmen

Mountain Hardwear/Montrail Announce Grant Recipients

Mountain Hardwear, Inc. and Montrail announced recipients of their respective Gives Back Grant programs. Mountain Hardwear’s primary focus for the first half of the year is Helping to Create the Next Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts. In the second

Reebok Accused of Sweatshop Violations in El Salvador

A new report by the National Labor Committee claims that NFL jerseys from Reebok were sewn under illegal sweatshop conditions at the Chi Fung factory in El Salvador for at least the last four years. The study from the U.S. sweatshop watchdog group found t

Skullcandy to Sponsor Ron Jon Sebastian Inlet Pro

Skullcandy, the earphones company targeting the action sports world, has agreed to become presenting sponsor of the Junior Pro Grade 4 Ron Jon Sebastian Inlet Pro and also be title sponsor of the ASP Grade 2 Skullcandy Girls Junior Pro…

WaterGuard Gains Olympian Endorsement

Waterguard, a water-tight bathing sleeve for cast and wound protection, has received the endorsement of Eric Heiden, five-time gold medalist in speedskating, team physician for the U.S. Speedskating team, and orthopedic specialist and surgeon with Heiden

SylvanSport Seeking Strategic Options

SylvanSport, the North Carolina based maker of Mobile Adventure Gear has recently engaged Silver Steep Partners to serve as its exclusive financial advisor and to review the company’s strategic options. The company is seeking capital to support its

PacSun Hires VP of Merchandise, Juniors

Pacific Sunwear of California named Christine Lee as its senior vice president and general merchandise manager of juniors' merchandising and design. Prior to Pacific Sunwear, Lee spent nearly 20 years with Urban Outfitters…

UES (Upper Echelon Shoes) Partners with Steve Madden

New York-based shoe brand UES (Upper Echelon Shoes) and Steve Madden announced an official partnership and are preparing to unveil their first joint effort with UES' Fall 2010 collection. Each party will have an even stake in the venture, with UES d

Creditors Approve The Walking Co. Reorg Plan

The Walking Company Holdings, Inc. said that an unsecured creditors committee formed after the company's voluntary Chapter 11 filing, agreed to support the retailer's plan of reorganization filed last week rather than pursue other alternatives.