EXEC: VF’s Turnaround Plan to Focus on Vans, the Americas, Debt and Cost Structure

New company CEO Bracken Darrell said the U.S. is not working well. He noted that the company’s innovation engine has historically been strong but had drifted downward over the past few years. He said employees still love the brands and business, but morale was hurt by poor performance. He also said costs and debt were too high, and there were no sacred cows in the turnaround effort. Vans was the first to see change.

VF Corp. Sees Continued Americas Weakness In U.S. in Q2 Tied to Vans Declines

The company also said that Kevin Bailey will be stepping down from his role as global brand president, Vans. He will remain on the Executive Leadership Team reporting to the CEO and will transition to lead Reinvent, the company’s business transformation plan. CEO Bracken Darrell will be more involved with Vans until a new brand president is found.

Rally House to Open in Toledo, OH

Rally House opened its first storefront in Toledo in northern Ohio, supporting fans of both Detroit and Cleveland teams.

Minus33 Launches Woolen Sportsman Shirt Timed With Cooler Temps

Minus33 Merino Wool Company reported it is reentering the outerwear market “with an investment-grade take on a timeless traditional piece”—the White Mountain Woolen Sportsman Shirt—modeled after the plaid woolen jacket rural New Englanders have worn for generations.

Dick’s SG Sued Over Calia Logo

Wooter, a maker of sports apparel based in Staten Island, NY, reportedly filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Dick’s Sporting Goods over the infinity symbol used in the logo of women’s private label brand Calia.

REI to Open in Beavercreek, OH

REI reported it will open a retail store in Beavercreek, OH, in spring 2024. The 23,000-square-foot space will operate in the Beavercreek Shopping Center at 2650 N Fairfield Road.

EXEC: EMS and Bob’s Stores Look to Reignite Growth

In May 2022, GoDigital Media Group acquired Eastern Mountain Sportsand Bob’s Stores for $70 million in cash. SGB Executive talked with Jason Peterson, GoDigital’s CEO, and Dave Barton, president and CEO, Bob’s Stores and EMS, about how the companies is repositioning the banner for growth.

Rhone Secures New Investors

Rhone, the men’s activewear and lifestyle brand, formed a new consortium of investors, including Blackstone executive and ex-football star Tim Tebow, to buy out the approximately 29 percent stake in the company owned by private equity firm L Catterton.

MEC Appoints New CEO

Canadian outdoor gear retailer MEC promoted COO Peter Hlynsky to CEO, succeeding Eric Claus, who led the retailer during the filing for creditor protection and sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Kingswood Capital Management.