Athletic footwear sales for the first six months of 2021 grew more than 35 percent versus 2020 and about 23 percent versus 2019, according to the NPD Group Inc. Sales of activewear grew more than 40 percent in the first six months in 2021 over last year and more than 25 percent when compared to 2019.
Category: Apparel

Iconix Announces Redemption Of 5.75 Percent Convertible Notes
Iconix Brand Group Inc., which is in the process of going private, announced it has caused to be delivered a Notice of Full Conditional Redemption to the trustee of its outstanding 5.75 percent convertible senior notes due 2023.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Sees Q2 Sales Climb 31 Percent
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported earnings more than tripled in the second quarter ended July 4 as same-store sales jumped 31 percent. Earnings and sales came in well above company guidance.

Headsweats Appoints CEO
Headsweats announced the hiring of industry veteran, Jim Heese, as chief executive officer. Heese joins Headsweats from Exxel Outdoors.

Wolverine Worldwide Acquires Sweaty Betty
Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced that it has acquired Sweaty Betty, the U.K.-based women’s fitness and lifestyle brand. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $410 million.

L.L.Bean Downtown Burlington Store To Relocate
L.L.Bean said it would relocate its store in downtown Burlington, VT to Williston, VT in summer 2022.

Under Armour Raises Full Year Outlook As Q2 Blasts Past Analyst Targets
Under Armour, Inc. reported second-quarter results that easily surpassed Wall Street’s estimates and significantly lifted its guidance for the year. Under Armour President and CEO Patrik Frisk said, “With the critical mass of our transformation behind us and the continued improvements across product, marketing, and our financial results, I believe this year sets a robust foundation that positions us well for our next chapter of profitable growth.”
Clarus’ Revenues Jump 144 Percent In Q2
Clarus Corp. significantly raised its 2021 guidance after reporting sales more than doubled in the second quarter. Black Diamond sales were up 122 percent and Sierra sales were up 190 percent, or 71 percent excluding Barnes.

Columbia Sportswear Raises Outlook On Strong First Quarter Profits
Columbia Sportswear Company lifted its guidance for the year after reporting a surprise profit in the second quarter ended ended June 30. The company predicted low-20 percent year-over-year net sales growth in second half 2021.

Topgolf Strengthens Executive Leadership Team
Topgolf Entertainment Group announced that Genifer (Gen) Gray has been named the chief operating officer U.S. Venues, Geoff Cottrill will join the company as chief marketing officer and Kristi Maynor will join as the company’s new chief people officer. The three will report to Artie Starrs, who came to Topgolf as Chief Executive Officer earlier this year.

Lancer Capital Completes Tender Offer For Shares Of Iconix Brand Group
Lancer Capital LLC announced the successful completion of its purchase of all the outstanding shares of Iconix common stock for $3.15 per share. Lancer Capital intends to complete the acquisition of Iconix through a second-step merger.

TRE Opens Registration For 2021 Conference And Trade Show
Registration is open for The Running Event, scheduled to take place November 30 to December 2, 2021, in Austin, TX.

Foot Locker Accelerates Asia-Pacific Expansion With Acquisition Of Atmos
Foot Locker Inc. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Text Trading company, K.K., which owns and licenses the Atmos brand, a digitally-led retailer headquartered in Japan, for $360 million. The transaction will be funded with the company’s available cash.

Haku Expands Office Space
Haku has moved its corporate headquarters to a larger location in Brickell, FL. The expansion comes as the company has expanded its workforce by over 85 percent since 2019.

Survey Finds Walmart Top Choice For Back-To-School
A survey from RetailMeNot found that Walmart is the most popular place to go back-to-school shopping this year, followed by Amazon and Target