Irwin Jacobs, the founder and CEO of FLW (Fishing League Worldwide) has passed away.
Category: Apparel
Nike Close To Signing Record Deal With Liverpool
Nike is expected to replace New Balance as the kit supplier of the famed English Premier League soccer club, Liverpool.
Hanesbrands Closing Sock Manufacturing Plant
Hanesbrands is closing a plant in Mount Airy, NC that made Hanes and Champion socks. Approximately 220 employees will be impacted.
Ross Stores Announces Departure Of President And COO
Ross Stores Inc. announced that Michael O’Sullivan, the company’s president and chief operating officer since 2009, has resigned from the company and its Board of Directors effective immediately to accept a position with another company.
The Buckle Sees Slight Comp Gain In March
The Buckle Inc. announced that comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended April 6 increased 0.5 percent year over year. Net sales remained flat at $82.3 million.

Adidas To Sponsor The Premier Lacrosse League
Adidas has signed a multi-year partnership to become the official athletic footwear and apparel brand of the new Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). The six-team league starts in June.

Asics To Return As Presenting Sponsor Of Los Angeles Marathon
Asics announced a five-year sponsorship deal to return as the official footwear and apparel partner and presenting sponsor of the Los Angeles Marathon beginning in 2020. Skechers Performance, a division of Skechers, took over sponsorship of the marathon in 2016.

Under Armour Earns Upgrade On Improved Profit Outlook
Citigroup on Wednesday upgraded Under Armour on signs that its focus on profits is taking root and will pay off. The upgrade came a day after B. Riley reiterated its “Sell” rating on the stock as that firm’s annual brand survey found Under Armour losing ground to competitors.
James Gatto Settles Damages Claims
James Gatto, the former Adidas executive, agreed to pay $342,438 in restitution to Kansas, Louisville and N.C. State after being convicted on felony charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud last October.

Bullish Report On Outdoor Apparel Sector
A new study from Stifel finds outdoor apparel consumers generally rate apparel and footwear brands in the outdoor category with high regard and place particular importance on versatility, comfort and style. The top four brands identified as primary outdoor apparel brands in an accompanying survey were Nike, Columbia, The North Face and Under Armour.
Kohl’s Earns Eighth Consecutive Energy Star Partner of the Year
Kohl’s announced that it has received the 2019 Energy Star Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership and superior contributions to Energy Star.
Canada Goose To Open Six Stores
Canada Goose announced plans to open six new stores with two in Europe, one in the United States and three in Canada.

REI Sees Record 2018 Financial Results
REI reported sales reached a record $2.78 billion in 2018, growing 6 percent year-over-year. More than 1 million new members were added during the year, bringing the co-op’s total membership to more than 18 million. REI also announced a major expansion of its rentals and used gear program and launched a new national campaign promoting the outdoors.

Under Armour Signs Mick Schumacher
Under Armour signed Mick Schumacher, Formula 2 driver and son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher, to an endorsement deal.

Ten Active-Lifestyle Takeaways From Piper Jaffray’s Teen Survey
Vans and Lululemon are crushing it with teens. Nike and Adidas are plateauing while Under Armour and Supreme appear to be losing ground. But athletic apparel and footwear categories overall continue to grow in appeal with teens, according to Piper Jaffray’s 37th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey.