Michael Avenatti Found Guilty On All Counts In Nike Extortion Trial

Michael Avenatti, the celebrity lawyer, was convicted of all three charges related to his efforts to extort up to $25 million from  Nike. Nike issued a statement after the guilty verdict: “The verdict speaks volumes. We thank the jurors for their time and service which is the bedrock of the American judicial system.”

Asics’ Q4 Sales In North America Show Modest Decline

Asics Corp.’s sales in the North American region in the fourth quarter slid 5.5 percent to ¥18.8 billion ($171 mm) from ¥19.9 billion a year ago. The operating loss in the region was reduced to ¥2.12 billion ($19 mm) from ¥2.95 billion.

Moody’s Downgrades Under Armour’s Debt Rating

Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Under Armour Inc.’s senior unsecured rating to Ba1 from Baa3. The rating was also placed under review for further downgrade. The downgrade reflects the brand’s ongoing challenges reinvigorating growth in its core North American market and its potential 2020 restructuring plan.

Vuori Hires Senior Director Of Retail

Vuori, a performance apparel brand based in Encinitas, CA., hired Catherine Pike as senior director of retail. Pike most recently served as the executive vice president of franchise operations for FIT4MOM and formerly headed the southwest territory for Lululemon.

Report: Modell’s Hires Financial Advisors

Modell’s Sporting Goods has re-hired Berkeley Research Group “for a full-fledged balance sheet restructuring” and Cole Schotz for legal advice with plans “for a potential in-court restructuring,” according to a report from Debtwire.

OBIT: Timberland’s Cassie Heppner

Catherine “Cassie” Heppner, a marketing executive at Timberland, has been identified as the woman fatally stabbed Sunday at Timberland’s headquarters in Stratham, NH. Timberland said in a statement, “Cassie was truly one-of-a-kind, and her passing leaves a void that will never be filled.” We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Nordstrom’s Paige Thomas To Run Saks Off 5th

HBC appointed Paige Thomas as president of Saks Off 5TH, effective immediately. Thomas most recently served as executive vice president, general merchandise manager, full-price – men’s and kids at Nordstrom Inc.