VF Corp. shares fell 3.6 percent Monday after the company announced spinoff and relocation plans. While investors asked “Why now?” about the move, analyst reaction was mostly positive as VF can now target more growth—both organically and acquisitively—in the outdoor and active lifestyle space.
Category: Apparel

Colorado ‘Thrilled’ To Welcome VF Corp.’s New Global Headquarters
As part of VF Corp.’s decision to separate into two publicly traded companies, the corporation will move VF’s headquarters to the Denver metro area, a move lauded by Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

NRF Upgrades 2018 Economic Forecast But Says Tariffs Remain Threat
The National Retail Federation on Monday increased the federation’s retail sales forecast for 2018, saying sales are expected to grow more than previously predicted thanks to tax reform and other positive economic inputs, but warning that tariffs threaten to dampen consumer confidence.
Stance To Open First Store In Southern California
Socks brand Stance announced that the company will open the company’s first Southern California retail location in the Irvine Spectrum Center on August 18.

VF Corp. To Split Into Two Independent, Publicly Traded Companies
Apparel, footwear and accessories giant VF Corp. announced Monday morning that the company’s board of directors intends to separate the company into two independent, publicly traded companies: VF Corp., an apparel and footwear company that will move the company’s headquarters to Denver and a yet-to-be named company (NewCo) that will hold VF’s jeans and outlet businesses.

Canada Goose Posts Loss As Expansion Into China Progresses
Canada Goose Inc.’s smallest quarter might have yielded a loss for the apparel maker but revenue soared 58.5 percent in Q1, providing tailwinds ahead of one of the company’s most ambitious 2018 initiatives—expansion into China.

Sport Chek Looks To Broaden Reach In Reset
Sport Chek, Canada’s largest sporting goods chain owned by Canadian Tire Inc., will be undergoing a repositioning to appeal to a broader range of consumers beyond millennials and “achievers,” Canadian Tire officials said on the company’s second-quarter conference call.

Aisle Talk Week Of August 6
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Nike Inc. facing a class-action lawsuit for discrimination.

Nike Sued For ‘Devaluing And Demeaning’ Women
Nike Inc. is the target of a class-action lawsuit by women claiming discrimination against the global footwear and apparel giant. Cahill et al v. Nike Inc. was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court, District of Oregon. The suit doesn’t ask for specific damages, but instead for Nike to implement fair pay practices throughout the organization.
Apparel Impact Institute Appoints Lewis Perkins As President
The Apparel Impact Institute (AII), a collaboration of brands, manufacturers and industry stakeholders that have come together to select, fund and scale high-impact projects that dramatically and measurably improve the sustainability outcomes of the apparel and footwear industry, announced Lewis Perkins as the institute’s inaugural president. Perkins, 47, was most recently president of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
The Buckle’s Comps Expand In July
The Buckle Inc. announced that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the four-week period ended August 4 increased 2.3 percent.

Adidas U.S. Momentum Continues
Adidas AG’s earnings more than doubled in the second quarter, thanks to a boost from the World Cup and continued over-sized growth in North America and China. Adidas Brand’s 15.6 percent currency-neutral gain in North America eased concerns that the brand was losing ground in the U.S. to Nike’s resurgence.

Hibbett Sports Partners With Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson
Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc. announced a partnership with comedian Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson, aka “The Bama fan on the couch,” as the exclusive Funnymaine Collection licensed apparel in-store retail partner.
Retail Imports Set Multiple New Records Ahead of Tariffs
With retail sales rising and retailers rushing to bring merchandise into the country ahead of proposed new tariffs on products from China, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports have set two new records this summer and are expected to set another this month, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Duluth Holdings Launches New E-Commerce Platform
Duluth Holdings Inc., dba, Duluth Trading Co., a lifestyle brand of men’s and women’s casual wear, workwear and accessories, has implemented a new e-commerce platform aimed to enhance customers’ digital shopping experience.