EXEC: Craft North America CEO Talks Gaining Traction in Run Footwear

In late November, Craft Sportswear announced plans for a phased relocation of its North American headquarters to Seattle, WA, in 2024 to bolster the brand’s expansion into outdoor and specialty retail and its recent entry into running footwear in the U.S. Craft North America CEO Eric Schenker talked with SGB Executive about Craft Sportswear’s heritage, the run footwear opportunity, and why the CEO has chosen not to move to Seattle.

EXEC: Lululemon’s Tepid Holiday Guidance Overshadows Strong Q3

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. lifted its overall full-year outlook after earnings and sales in the third quarter ended October 29 topped guidance for the third straight quarter but also forecast fourth-quarter guidance that came in lighter than expected in an apparent sign to investors of a potential sales slowdown.

Lululemon’s Q3 Earnings Dip On Charge Tied to Mirror Shutdown

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. reported earnings declined slightly due to a charge related to its move to discontinue its Mirror platform as part of a new partnership with Peloton. Excluding the charge, earnings and sales topped guidance for the third straight quarter and Lululemon again lifted its outlook for the year.

EXEC: Sports Direct Gets Fiscal H1 Boost from New Brands

Frasers Group reported retail revenue increased 4.0 percent in the first half ended October 29 to £2.69 billion ($3.4 bn), helped by a “strong underlying performance” from Sports Direct due in part to the addition of new brands, including On Running, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear and Salomon.

Tanger Acquires First Open-Air Lifestyle Center

Tanger acquired Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL for $193.5 million using cash on hand and available liquidity. Management expects the center to deliver a first-year return in the mid-eight percent range, with potential for additional growth over time.

Tommy Bahama Parent Gets Q3 Sales Boost from Johnny Was

Oxford Industries, Inc., the parent of the Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was brands, reported that consolidated net sales in the fiscal third quarter increased 4 percent to $327 million. Still, the company moderated its full year sales and EPS guidance.

The Microfibre Consortium Shuffles the Leadership Deck

Research Director Dr. Kelly Sheridan, who is also an Assistant Professor in Forensic Science (Textile Fibers) at Northumbria University, will reportedly step into the CEO chair, while Founding Director Sophie Mather will transition from the Board of Director to an advisory role, supporting “the continuity of the topic and the organization.”