Margins are a concern in the near term, given the need for Nike to liquidate inventory. While the company continues to pull back promotions on its website, outlet stores will continue to see increased pressure.
Category: Apparel

Report: February Perceived Stability at Retail Hides Deeper Fluctuations
While the steady appearance of retail performance carried through top-line views of discretionary general merchandise, retail food and beverage, and non-edible consumer packaged goods, underlying disruptions are emerging, reported Circana.

WHP Global Kicking Tires at Guess?, Inc.
The owner of Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A. and Bonobos has sent a non-binding proposal to acquire for $13.00 per share in cash the outstanding shares of Guess?, Inc., other than shares held by certain existing shareholders.

QTI Fibers Appoints New CEO
QTI Fibers is a vertically integrated manufacturer of advanced technical fibers, fabrics, coated yarns, and textiles. Its portfolio of companies includes Quantum Materials, Twitchell Technical Products, and Infinity Woven Products.

EXEC: Sports Direct Parent to Make Another Run at Nordic Retailer XXL ASA
It appears that Frasers Group plc (Frasers), the UK-based parent of the Sports Direct global sporting goods retailer, is making another run at Norway-based sporting goods retailer XXL ASA.

EXEC: Saucony and Merrell Grow 57 Percent in China in 2024; Saucony Hits Benchmark
In 2024, revenue from the combined Merrell and Saucony brands segment realized a year-over-year growth of 57.2 percent, accounting for 9.2 percent of the Group’s total revenue.

EXEC: L.L.Bean Posts Flat Revenue in 2024; Employee Bonus Falls to 6.5 Percent
The company said it continued to navigate a challenging retail environment in 2024, in a year impacted by inflationary headwinds and a decrease in spending in the outdoor sector.

EXEC: Another Authentic Licensee Files Bankruptcy as Forever 21 to Close in U.S.
Authentic Brands Group continues to own the intellectual property associated with the Forever 21 brand and could license the brand to other operators. The non-U.S. Forever 21 store locations and international e-commerce sites are expected to continue operating as normal.

Report: February Retail Sales May Reflect Anxious Consumer Spending
February’s core retail sales, as defined by the NRF, were up 0.9 percent seasonally-adjusted month-over-month but down 0.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year because of the comparison against unusually high sales in February 2024.

EXEC: Golden Goose Spikes 2024 Revenues with 24 Global Store Openings
Retail drove DTC performance with 23 percent growth, supported by 24 net new store openings and high single-digit comp sales growth and double-digit comp growth in Q4. Wholesale channel sales declined 4 percent year-over-year.

Fanatics and the MLB Open Largest MLB Ballpark Store in Tokyo
The MLB Official Store at the Tokyo Dome, spanning 31,000 square feet, will employ 700 staff members. It is one of several MLB retail stores in the city, including official stores at Miyashita Park and the Tokyo Skytree.

Tailored Brands, Inc. Appoints Two New Board Members
The omnichannel specialty retailer of menswear, appointed Julie B. Rosen and Lewis L. Bird, III, as members of its Board of Directors, effective March 2025. Rosen and Bird collectively bring nearly seven decades of retail and business experience to their roles.

OR and Surf Expo Parent Swings to Q4 Profit on 5.2 Percent Revenue Growth
The Q4 increase was reportedly driven primarily by $6.1 million in organic revenue growth and $4.8 million in revenue from acquisitions, offset by scheduling adjustments of $3.7 million and prior-year revenue of $1.9 million related to discontinued events that were not contributing to profitability.

The Buckle Posts Flattish Q4 Net Sales on 3.9 Percent Comp Sales Gain
Online sales outpaced the store base in Q4, increasing 6.4 percent to $69.7 million for the 13-week fourth quarter, compared to net sales of $65.5 million for the 14-week period ended February 3, 2024.

EXEC: Zumiez CEO Details Strong Q4 Progress Across Softgoods Categories
The Men’s category maintained its positive momentum through year-end, delivering growth for the fifth consecutive quarter. The women’s category, became the largest growth category for the quarter. Skate Hardgoods were a drag.