Gymshark To Restructure As It Preps For U.S. Expansion

Gymshark could lay off as many as 10 percent of its workforce in an overhaul of the online-only retailer according to reports. The Financial Times reported that the sportswear group also plans to create 100 new jobs as it focuses on the lucrative U.S. market.

Fabletics Names Chief Design And Merchandising Officer

El Segundo, CA-based Fabletics, announced that it hired Kelli Dugan as chief design and merchandising officer, responsible for product creation, including merchandising, design and planning. Dugan will also lead the ongoing global expansion of its business into men’s, loungewear and swim.

Progression Brands Group Names VP

Progression Brands Group (PBG) announced that Jeff Burkley had accepted the newly created position of vice president.  Burkley will be responsible for developing and leading commercial strategies across the company’s multi-brand portfolio, including Capranea Apparel, DAHU Ski Boots, Movement Skis, YNIQ Eyewear, and Crazy Apparel.

NPD And IRI To Merge

The NPD Group (NPD) and Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge the two companies. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022.

Ames Watson Leads Funding Round Investment In Margaux

Private equity holding company Ames Watson announced a leading Class B funding round investment in Margaux, a women’s footwear brand. Margaux is the latest in a series of investments and acquisitions for Ames’ growing portfolio of properties which includes Lids, Fanatics Lids College and South Moon Under.

Brand Finance Ranking Report: Nike Retains Top Spot As Most Valuable Brand

As a result of increased consumer demand for sportswear due to the pandemic, brands in the sector achieved significant value growth over the last year, according to the just-released Brand Finance Apparel 50 Report. Nike retains the top spot as the most valuable brand in the ranking since the rankings were instituted. Skechers and Li Ning were also among those growing significantly in value.

Frasers Group Appoints Managing Director, Cycling

Frasers Group plc announced the appointment of Russell Merry as managing director for cycling. The group currently operates from over 70 Evans Cycles stores and retails a collection of cycling specialty products across its Group portfolio, which spans 22 countries and over 500 stores.