The USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) announced plans to lay off 110 employees and close its White Plains, NY Office as part of a restructuring in the wake of COVID-19.
Category: Apparel

JustFab And ShoeDazzle Hire New Chief Merchant
TechStyle Fashion Group, the fashion retailer known for its membership-based digital brands Fabletics, Savage X Fenty, JustFab, ShoeDazzle and FabKids, announced the appointment of industry veteran Nina Fuhrman to chief merchant for JustFab and ShoeDazzle.

Adidas Commits To Hiring More Black And Latino Employees
Adidas, facing calls for greater diversity within its ranks, announced plans to invest $20 million in black communities, support university scholarships for black employees and increase the number of black and Latino hires at its North American headquarters.

Pandemic’s Impact On Imports Easing
The impact of COVID-19 at major U.S. retail container ports appears to be easing slightly with projected imports remaining below last year’s levels but not as much as previously forecast, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Plattsburgh State Partners With BSN Sports, Nike
The Plattsburgh State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation in upstate New York has entered into a five-year partnership with Nike brand through BSN Sports.

HanesBrands Appoints Walmart Vet As CEO
HanesBrands, the parent of Champion, appointed Stephen B. Bratspies as CEO and board member, effective August 3. Most recently, he served as CMO at Walmart Inc. Bratspies will succeed Gerald W. Evans Jr., who previously announced his plans to retire after a 37-year career at HanesBrands.

Macy’s Logs Q1 Loss Of $652 Million
Macy’s Inc. said it expects to report a steep loss for the first quarter but it was in line with expectations. The leading department store chain also indicated that re-opened stores are outperforming expectations.

Nike Signs Norwegian Women’s Soccer Star
Nike has signed Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg to a 10-year endorsement deal. The 24 years-old, already the UEFA Champions League career goals leader, had been with Puma.

Active Industry Steps Up With Donations To Racial Justice Causes
Peloton, Puma, Lululemon and a number of other brands in the active lifestyle space in recent days have announced financial contributions to address racial inequity in the wake of George Floyd’s death that has led to protests across the country.

House Transportation Bill Proposes Major Increases For Federal Bike Programs
PeopleForBikes said a new bill has been released by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that would significantly increase federal funding for bikes.

Through6 Invests $2 Million In North Carolina Expansion
Through6, an on-demand, full cut and sew vertical manufacturing solution specializing in sublimation and direct to garment (DTG) apparel, will open a new facility in Sanford, NC. The company plans to locate the operation in phases, with total employment of 160 jobs and $2 million in capital investment when the facility is fully operational

Reebok To Cut Ties With CrossFit Over Founder’s Racial Remarks
Reebok announced that it will end its association with CrossFit after CrossFit’s Founder and CEO Greg Glassman equated the police killing of a black man to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Backcountry Announces Executive Leadership Changes
Backcountry, the online outdoor retailer, named Melanie Cox, formerly interim CEO at rue21, as its chief executive officer. Jonathan Nielsen, Backcountry’s CEO since March 2016, is departing. Additionally, Sarah Crockett, formerly at Burton, has been appointed chief marketing officer.

Modell’s Extends Bankruptcy Suspension Until June 15
Modell’s won another extension of the pause in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case as most stores remained closed due to COVID-19 and due to disturbances across retail following the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Jack Wolfskin’s CEO To Exit
Melody Harris-Jensbach, CEO of Jack Wolfskin, will depart. In a statement, the outerwear brand’s parent, Callaway Golf said an agreement had been reached more than a year ago that Harris-Jensbach would leave as soon as Jack Wolfskin’s integration into the Callaway Group was completed.