Commerce Dept.: Retail Sales Increase 0.5% in January

Retail sales last month increased 0.5%, the Commerce Department said Friday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires had forecast a 0.3% increase. The report also showed December retail sales were adjusted upward, to a 0.1% decrease from a previously r

SGMA Applauds First Lady’s Childhood Obesity Program

The Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association (SGMA) praised First Lady Michelle Obama's childhood obesity program, claiming its launch “confirmed the significance of SGMA's public policy initiative which is focused on reversing the negativ

Sports Direct Raises FY Outlook on Robust Holiday Sales

Sports Direct International, boosted by strong holiday selling on improved margins, raised its profit guidance for the second time in two months. A U.K. regulatory group also provisionally cleared its acquisition of 31 JJB Sports stores…

Golf and Tennis Pro Shop Expands PGA Tour Partnership

Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., owner and operator of PGA TOUR Superstores, announced an expanded agreement with the PGA TOUR that will pave the way for an increased PGA TOUR presence inside and outside its stores. The new agreement solidifies a relationshi

Buff to Sponsor Janss Pro-Am Classic

Buff, Inc., the technical headwear firm, said it will become a Silver Sponsor of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation's (SVSEF) Janss Pro-Am Classic in Sun Valley, ID March 4-6, 2010. Buff, Inc. will be providing the group with 200 Original Buff..

Rab Hires Mid-Atlantic Reps

Rab, the U.K.-based manufacturer of outdoor apparel, this week hired Ferrand Associates to represent the brand in the mid-Atlantic territory. Industry veterans Ray Ferrand and Bill Lockwood each bring…

Puma to Launch Mobile Phone

Puma plans to launch a mobile phone next week. A teaser site located at www.pumaphone.com shows a countdown timer for five days, which should coincide with the Mobile World Congress tradeshow in Barcelona. The device features…