First FIFA Official Store Opens in Singapore

FIFA, the world football's governing body opened its first FIFA Official Store at Singapore's Changi airport. After Singapore, further FIFA Official Stores are due to open in London, Tokyo and Los Angeles, as well as in emerging markets such as

Quiksilver Decreases Q1 Guidance; Rossignol Sale Possible

Quiksilver, Inc. decreased its fiscal first quarter earnings expectations to a loss of 9 cents to 12 cents per share, down from earlier guidance of a small loss. In addition, following the sale of Cleveland Golf in December 2007, the company is reviewing

REI to Open Eco-friendly Store in Texas

Recreational Equipment Inc. plans to open a new 32,700-square-foot store near Austin, Texas, this fall. The store will be the second location of the company's new retail prototype design, which incorporates green building concepts. The two-story REI

OGIO Hires Global Director of Golf

OGIO has hired Tom Gocke, a 15-year veteran of the golf industry and OGIO's national golf sales manager, as its first Global Director of Golf. Steve Elder, who until recently worked as OGIO's director of operations, will serve its Director – I

Rome SDS Taps BBPR for Marketing Efforts

Rome SDS is partnering with BBPR for non-endemic public relations and marketing efforts for the launch of their 2009 product line. As mainstream media continue to cover action sports, BBPR will vet product requests and seek out new opportunities that are

Sierra Designs, Ultimate Direction Pick Verde P.R.

Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction have named Verde PR and Consulting of Louisville, Colo. as their new public relations agency of record. Verde will help with rebranding efforts undertaken by Sierra Designs President Paul Gagner. At Ultimate Direction

NSGA: Athletic Footwear ASP Rises 2.1% in 2007…

Average prices for athletic footwear in 2007 were $43.03, a 2.1% increase from 2006, according to preliminary data from the NSGA “Sporting Goods Market in 2008” report. In 2006, the average price rose to $42.16 (+3.4%) from $40.78 in 2005…

VF Corp. Ups Long-Term Growth Targets…

VF Corporation, parent to the Vans, The North Face, Jansport and Reef brands and the lucy retail chain, is raising its long-term revenue, operating margin and earnings per share growth targets. The company said in a release that its new targets reflect th

Dick’s Sporting Goods Increases Q4 Guidance

Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. increased its fourth quarter guidance from a previous estimate of approximately 59 cents per diluted share to a range of 60 cents to 61 cents per diluted share. Additionally, Dick's expects to at least meet its previo

Luxottica Expects 7.1% Revenue Growth for 2007

In an interview with Italy's financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore, Andrea Guerra, CEO of Luxottica Group S.p.A., commented that fiscal year 2007 will be another record year for the Group. Mr. Guerra indicated that Luxottica will close the year with nearly

New Balance Promotes Preston to EVP – Int’l

New Balance has promoted Joe Preston to executive vice president, international. Preston, a New Balance associate since 1995, began his New Balance career as Senior Product Manager – Running and Custom Products, before moving on to lead the Dunham brand i

Brown Shoe May Move Headquarters

Brown Shoe Co. is considering moving its corporate headquarters out of St. Louis. Brown Shoe hired St. Louis-based Clayco, architectural firm HOK and U.S. Equities Realty of Chicago to lead the development of a new headquarters facility. Among options Bro

TJX Co.’s December Comps Increase 3.0%

The TJX Companies, Inc. reported December sales grew 6.0% to $2.5 billion from $2.3 billion for the year-ago month. For the 48 week, year-to-date period, sales reached $17.5 billion, a 7% increase over last year’s $16.4 billion. Consolidated comparable st

Saks Comps Inch up 0.8%

Saks Inc. reported sales grew 0.8% to $447.7 million for the five weeks ended January 5, from $444.0 million a year ago. Comparable store sales increased by the same percentage…

Target Same-Store Sales Fall 5%

Target Corporation said same-store sales fell 5.0% on a .1% increase in net sales for the five weeks ended Jan. 5 compared to the five weeks ending Dec. 30, 2006. Same-store sales were up .6%, however, over the five weeks ending Jan. 5, 2008 and Jan. 6, 2