L.L.Bean To Open Seven Stores In 2021

Following its strongest fiscal year in nearly a decade,  L.L.Bean announced it will open seven new retail stores across the U.S. and Canada in 2021. These include three stores in the U.S. and four in Canada.

Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Outlook Raised To Positive

Moody’s Investors Service changed its outlook for Academy, Ltd. to positive from stable. The change in outlook to positive from stable reflects Academy’s outperformance relative to expectations since the IPO, and the potential for the company to maintain solid credit metrics as demand in the sporting goods category moderates.

Adidas Signs Football Deal With Boston College

Adidas entered a three-year partnership to become the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of Boston College’s football program through the 2023 season. The deal comes after Boston College on April 13 announced a lucrative deal with New Balance to outfit its non-football teams.

Puma’s Sales Jump In First Quarter

Puma reported earnings tripled in the first quarter as sales expanded 25.8 percent on a currency-neutral basis.  On a currency-neutral basis, the gains were led by the Americas, climbing 38.5 percent and led by North America. Asia/Pacific revenues grew 28.8 percent, led by China, while EMEA gained 14.0 percent.

Cotopaxi Bolsters Team With Strategic Hires

Cotopaxi announced four hires, including Cindy Grönberg Moldin, vice president of brand, Landon John, director of retail, Skylar Stice, director of operations, and Carie Behe, GTM marketing manager.

Adidas To Move Basketball Unit To Los Angeles

Adidas has merged its lifestyle and performance units within basketball and is moving basketball operations from Portland, OR to Los Angeles. The moves are expected to better position the brand for growth in the basketball category.

Macy’s Debt Rating Outlook Revised To Positive

S&P Global Ratings revised its debt rating outlook on Macy’s to positive from negative on encouraging signs that an accelerating economic recovery is emerging. S&P said it believes operating conditions for apparel retailers are “fast improving.”