July’s increase of 1.7 percent was half the June trend, which showed a 3.4 percent increase y/y. Sporting goods, hobbies, music, and bookstores were up just 1.1 percent y/y, while clothing and accessory stores fell 4.8 percent.
Category: Apparel
U.K.-Based Activewear Brand Tala Secures £5 Million In Funding
The funds will be used to expand the women’s activewear brand’s international presence, particularly in the U.S., where it has already generated “significant customer and social media traction.” Tala is also exploring opening standalone stores.
S&S Activewear Appoints Chief Commercial Officer
Toby Whitmoyer will oversee sales, marketing and product teams. Whitmoyer will also collaborate with the product and operations teams to ensure strong customer service.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Extends Partnership with BSN Sports and Nike
BSN Sports will remain the Nanooks’ official apparel and equipment provider, outfitting student-athletes, coaches and staff in Nike gear for multiple athletic seasons.
4RUN3, Massachusetts Run Specialty Store and Race Organizer, Shutters
4RUN3, which operated a running store in East Longmeadow, MA and a race management firm that organized races across western Massachusetts, recently filed for bankruptcy and has closed permanently.
PGA Tour Superstore Opens First Store in Michigan
The 42,000-square-foot store is significantly larger than the average 28,000- to 34,000-square-foot store for the chain in Novi, MI.
Former JCPenney CEO, Mike Ullman, Passes Away
In addition to his extensive career leading U.S. and global businesses, Ullman had significant experience in government, academia and philanthropic work focused on health care for those disadvantaged, among other humanitarian initiatives.
EXEC: Under Armour’s Shares Jump on Q1 Beat, Guidance Raise
Shares of Under Armour rose nearly 20 percent Thursday after the company notched a surprise quarterly profit before litigation-related charges as both gross margins and North America’s sales performance exceeded expectations. Under Armour slightly raised its outlook for the year.
NRF: Import Cargo Volume May Peak in August Ahead of Potential Port Strike
The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance covering East Coast and Gulf Coast ports will expire on September 30. The ILA has threatened to strike if a new contract is not reached by then.
New Era Completes Acquisition of ’47 Brand
The combined company, comprising two family-founded brands, is expected to generate approximately $2 billion in annual revenue and deliver an expanded and diversified product portfolio of apparel and accessories globally.
Elevate Textiles Names Head of Corporate Development and Strategy
Elizabeth K. Ren joins Elevate Textiles with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, corporate development, investment banking, corporate finance, operations, and treasury. Her career has included key financial and executive positions across private and Fortune 100 companies, including Under Armour.
EXEC: Yeti Shares Surge as Company Delivers Continued Good News to Market
Growing margins, International growth, innovative new products, shifting sourcing, inventory control, new leadership and a new licensing partnership with the NFL rolled up into a very positive report and conference call on Thursday.
EXEC: Vulcabras Q2’s Growth Paced by Athletic Footwear Strength
Brazil’s Vulcabras reported sales increased 5.1 percent to of R$761 million ($136 mm) in the second quarter with growth across its Olympikus as well as licensed Mizuno and Under Armour brands.
EXEC: Helly Hansen Posts Small Q2 Growth While SportChek Declined on Weather Woes
Canadian Tire Corp., parent of Helly Hansen and the SportChek, Sports Experts, Atmosphere, Pro Hockey Life, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, and Mark’s retail banners, reported top-line pressures in Q2 were balanced by strong margin and cost control, improving retail profitability.
Under Armour Lifts FY Guidance On Surprise Q2 Profit
Under Armour, Inc. reported a loss of $305 million in the second quarter after absorbing charges related to the settlement of a shareholder lawsuit, but posted a surprise profit excluding the charges and slightly raised its adjusted earnings guidance for the year. Sales declined 10 percent, dragged down by a 14 percent slide in North America.