Labor strikes and political unrest have hindered the movement of goods across and out of Nicaragua, where Gildan Activewear operates three of the company’s 13 sewing facilities, but not even these disruptions could dampen the apparel manufacturer’s second quarter.
Category: Apparel
Respect Your Universe Opens First U.S. Store
RYU Apparel Inc., creator of urban athletic apparel, announced the opening of the company’s first U.S. retail store and the debut of ‘Your Universe’ campaign.

Unifi Seeing Some Benefits From Pricing Adjustments
Unifi Inc.’s adjusted earnings declined in the fourth quarter ended June 24 due to spiking crude oil prices. But the recycled fiber specialist saw healthy top-line growth and gross profit and operating income for the fourth quarter improved compared to the third quarter with the help of pricing adjustments.
Unifi Elects Board Member
Unifi Inc. announced the election of Eva Zlotnicka to the Board of Directors.
Unifi Delivers 6 Percent Revenue Gain In June Quarter
Unifi Inc.’s earnings climbed 11.7 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter ended June 24 as sales grew 5.9 percent. Adjusted earnings were down due to higher raw material costs.
Gildan Activewear Raises Outlook On Improving Q2
Gildan Activewear reported an earnings gain of 1.2 percent in the second quarter as a 6.8 percent sales gain and expense controls offset lower gross margins. The company slightly raised its outlook for sales and earnings for the year.

Can Champion Offset Loss Of Target Mega-Deal?
Shares of HanesBrands fell $4.30, or 19.3 percent, to $17.96 on Wednesday after management said the wildly-successful C9 by Champion line would be exiting Target once the contract expires in January 2020. Gerald W. Evans Jr., Hanesbrands CEO, said the brand is close to maturity on Target’s selling floors and the company was sticking to its target for Champion’s global sales to reach over $2 billion by 2022.

Weakness In Camping, Water Sports Sinks Big 5 Sporting Goods’ Q2
Poor weather around the country stymied the sales of camping and water sports products at Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. stores in the back half of the second quarter, driving down income and revenue for the company during the period.
Alta Gracia Acquired By Seasoned Team
Alta Gracia, a certified Living Wage apparel company, announced the company’s recent acquisition by Atlanta-based investment group AG Triada, along with lead investor TripleStone Partners. Alta Gracia designs and manufactures athletic lifestyle products licensed for collegiate and professional sports.
REI To Open Grand Rapids Store
In spring 2019, outdoor co-op REI will open a new store in Grand Rapids, MI, the state’s second-largest city. With close proximity to the Grand River, Lake Michigan and the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Grand Rapids is Western Michigan’s hub for outdoor recreation.
Champion To Exit Target
Hanesbrands said Champion sales grew 18 percent in the second quarter to drive a 4 percent sales increase. But the company announced that Champion and Target Corporation will not renew their contract for an exclusive line of C9 by Champion activewear apparel when the current contract expires at the end of January 2020.

July M&A Roundup: Where Will Perry Ellis Ownership Saga End?
July was quiet for M&A activity in the outdoor and active lifestyle space, but the ownership saga surrounding Perry Ellis International made plenty of noise as it took more twists and turns.

Nomura Downgrades Acushnet On Valuation, Cautions On Under Armour And Canada Goose
Nomura Instinet analyst Simeon Siegel downgraded Acushnet Holdings, the parent of Titleist and Footjoy, to “Neutral” due to the stock’s recent run-up in price while also expressing valuation concerns on Under Armour and Canada Goose.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Misses On Income, Revenue
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported a net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 of $0.2 million, or (1) cent per share, compared to net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 of $2.8 million, or 13 cents per diluted share. Analysts had expected a profit of 11 cents per share.

PVH Corp. Partners With UFC For Van Heusen Flex Collection
PVH Corp. announced a new campaign for the company’s Van Heusen brand, which includes a partnership with UFC, the mixed martial arts organization. The partnership establishes Van Heusen as UFC’s first-ever “Official Men’s Dress Furnishings Provider.”