Andrew Blatnik joins industry veteran John Anderson, VP of Sales for Golf, in his new role. Currently he serves as the VP of Peter Millar licensing for Imperial.
Category: Apparel
Deloitte Sees Flat Back-To-School Spending
Deloitte’s 18th Annual Back-to-School Survey finds that spending for K-12 students will remain flat at $30.9 billion this year. Parents surveyed expect to spend $570 per student in grades K-12, down just $16 year-over-year. Overall, parents will spend on essentials, trading down on brands and retailers, and spreading out purchases over time.
Report: Bain Capital Mulls Selling Canada Goose Stake
Discussions remain in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a transaction will take place, the sources added. Other shareholders may also consider participating in a deal.
REI Sets Grand Opening for Store in Elk Grove
REI Co-op set plans to host a grand opening of its new store in Elk Grove, CA which is part of the Sacramento metropolitan area in Northern California.
The Buckle’s June Sales Climb
The Buckle, Inc. reported that comparable store net sales increased 3.8 percent in June. Net sales grew 4.7 percent to $106.5 million from net sales of $101.7 million a year prior.
Pentland Returns Ellesse to U.S. in New Licensing Deal
The exclusive, long-term licensing partnership will see The Iconic Brand Corporation design, develop, produce, and market Ellesse apparel and accessories in the U.S. in collaboration with Ellesse’s London team. The first collection will launch in Spring 2026.
EXEC: Vuori Taps Ashley Kechter as Global President; Names Chief Legal Officer
Vuori hired Ashley Kechter, formerly global brand president at Fabletics, as the company’s first global president. The brand also appointed Edward Lee as chief legal officer and corporate secretary amid market speculation that the Southern California-based activewear brand may explore an initial public offering.
Fanatics Expands Partnership with Chelsea FC
Under the expanded partnership, Fanatics will continue to operate Chelsea’s global e-commerce operations and will obtain further design and manufacturing rights to develop new fan apparel ranges.
USTA Hires Chief Growth Officer
Mike McGoohan, former president and chief growth officer of Solo Stove, was appointed to the newly created role of chief growth officer for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Reporting into McGoohan are Play & Competition, USTA Coaching, Marketing, Digital Strategy, Strategy & Innovation, and Industry & Sales departments.
Columbia Sportswear Opens Largest Store in Japan
The flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo, marks the brand’s largest retail location in Japan to date, spanninb roughly 2900 square feet across two levels.
NRF: Import Cargo Levels Drop Again After Tariff Delay Ends; Rebound Expected in July
Ports have not yet reported numbers for June, but Global Port Tracker projects the month to climb 5.9 percent from May but down 3.7 percent year-over-year. July cargo volume is expected to increase 2.1 percent year-over-year, but then fall 10.4 percent in August and 19.9 percent in September as previously paused tariffs take effect.
Head/Tyrolia Winter Sports Undergoes Management Reset
Head USA, Inc. reported that Jon Rucker, president of Head and Tyrolia Winter Sports for the last 15 years, departed from the company on June 27 to pursue a new opportunity. The company’s new structure for the segment will see Andrew Couperthwait as VP of Winter Sports Product & Marketing while Rob Mignon will continue as VP of Winter Sports Sales.
Saks’ Debt Ratings Lowered On Proposed Restructuring
S&P Global Ratings lowered the credit ratings of Saks Global Enterprises, LLC, due to the luxury chain’s $600 million financing package, which it views as “tantamount to default.”
EXEC: Asics’ Onitsuka Tiger Business to Get Dedicated Facility in Japan
Sanin Asics Industry Corporation, a Japanese domestic shoe manufacturing facility, is being renamed Onitsuka Innovative Factory Corporation and will become a dedicated production base for Onitsuka Tiger.
Decathlon Acquires French Cycling Team
The French sporting goods chain has agreed to become the sole owner of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale UCI World Tour, the French cycling team with UCI WorldTeam status, at the close of 2025.
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