Led by 10 percent comp growth in its active assortments, Kohl’s Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that easily topped Wall Street’s targets and lifted its guidance for the year. Nike, Under Armour and Adidas led the active gains and the department-store operator is planning a 30-store test that will see square footage dedicated to active expand by 40 percent.
Category: Apparel
Retail Industry Futurist Among Keynotes At IBD Summit At Interbike
Doug Stephens, considered one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists, and David Mead, a lead presenter with Simon Sinek’s Start With Why organization, will be joining John Venhuizen, the CEO of Ace Hardware Corporation, as part of the IBD Summit series each morning of the expo.
Smartwool Appoints Florida Representation
Outdoor Sports Marketing (OSM) will begin representing Smartwool in all Florida markets effective immediately. The addition of Florida comes after a decade of successful, partnership-based sales and service by OSM in the Southeast Territory (MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, TN, VA).

BIG3 And Adidas Announce Three-On-Three Youth Initiative, Young3
As part of their multi-year partnership and previously announced commitment to player development and community engagement, BIG3 and Adidas have announced the launch of Young3, a 3-on-3 youth basketball initiative.
J.C. Penney CEO Ellison Departs For Lowe’s
J.C. Penney Company Inc. announced that Chairman and CEO Marvin R. Ellison has notified the company of his decision to resign from his role to pursue another opportunity with Lowe’s Companies Inc.
TJX Misses On Earnings, Beats On Revenue In Q1
Apparel and home fashions retailer The TJX Cos. Inc. reported net income for the first quarter ended May 5 of $716 million, or $1.13 per share. Adjusted earnings per share were 96 cents, a 17 percent increase over the prior year’s 82 cents per share, but missed analysts’ expectations by 6 cents per share.
Moncler’s Sales Climb Double-Digits In Q1
Moncler reported sales rose 28 percent at constant-exchange in the first quarter ended March 31.
Kohl’s Names Doug Howe Chief Merchandising Officer
Kohl’s announced 30-year retail veteran Doug Howe has been named the company’s chief merchandising officer.
Kohl’s Q1 Earnings Climb 14 Percent
Kohl’s Corp. raised the company’s guidance for the year after reporting first-quarter earnings rose 14 percent on a 3.6 percent same-store gain.
Fanatics Partners With Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union, the Major League Soccer club, announced the official signing of a new, long-term partnership with Fanatics.

The Running Event Has A New Owner
Oakley Dyer, corporate vice president, strategy & corporate development, Diversified Communications, told SGB Executive, “We always look for industries that have a need for face-to-face interactions for buyers and sellers as well as a need for content and education. The Running Event and Running Insight fit this perfectly.”

U.S.-China Trade War ‘On Hold’ … But Should Companies Remain Wary?
The looming trade war with China that dominated headlines all spring and forced U.S. companies to fear heavy tariffs on their imports is now on hold. But is it really?
Rutgers Athletics Signs Dyehard Fan Supply To New Multi-Year Agreement
Rutgers Athletics has selected Dyehard Fan Supply, an event and retail merchandise marketing and e-commerce company, as the official merchandising partner for the Scarlet Knights in a new multi-year agreement.
Former Academy Sports CEO To Head PetSmart
PetSmart Inc. announced the appointment of J.K. Symancyk, the former CEO of Academy Sports + Outdoors, as chief executive officer.

The Running Event Sold To Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications, a leading exhibition and conferences company with media roots, announced that the company has purchased The Running Event and complementary digital magazine, Running Insight, from Formula 4 Media LLC.