SGB reached out to Ryan Eckel, VP of Brand at Dick’s Sporting Goods, to discuss the inspiration behind the Contenders program, which allows U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls to work in Dick’s locations to help support their dreams. Twelve participants in the retailer’s Contenders program are participating in PyeongChang.
Category: Apparel
Mountain Khakis Appoints Senior E-Commerce Manager
Mountain Khakis announced Katie Spikes (a.k.a. “Spikes”) has joined their team as senior e-commerce manager.

Shimano’s Cycling Sales Regain Momentum
Shimano saw sales in its Bicycle Components segment returned to double-digit growth in the fourth quarter while showing modest gains in its Fishing Tackle segment.

Asics America Widens Q4 Loss
Asics America widened its loss in the fourth quarter but saw earnings improve significantly in the full year. Sales in the region slid 7.2 percent in the quarter.
Swiftwick Pairs With Backbone Media
Tennessee-based sock company Swiftwick announced it is teaming up with Backbone Media to drive its public relations.
Volcom’s Revenues Slide 4.7 Percent In 2017
Kering reported that Volcom recorded €230 million in revenue in 2017, down 4.7 percent as reported and down 3.2 percent at constant exchange rates.

’47 Partners With Graffiti Artist OG Slick
Ahead of the NBA All-Star Game, ’47 announced the launch of a limited-edition collection of headwear and apparel designed by famed graffiti artist OG Slick.
January Retail Sales Climb 5.4 Percent
An improving economy fueled a healthy 5.4 percent increase in retail sales year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said. Among sectors, sporting goods stores showed the only year-over-year decrease, down 5.9 percent.
VF Corp. Named One Of The World’s Most Ethical Companies
VF Corp. has been recognized as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Foot Locker, Nike And Jordan Brand Celebrate 10 Years Of House Of Hoops
Timed for NBA All-Star 2018, the @HouseOfHoops Instagram account was launched with content featuring everyone from NBA players Kyle Kuzma, Devin Booker and Andre Drummond, to social influencers including King Imprint, Keone, Kid the Wiz and Lavaado.
PickleballCentral.com Announces Acquisition Of PickleballTournaments.com
Olla LLC, the parent company of PickleballCentral.com, announced that it has completed the acquisition of PickleballTournaments.com.

Asics Americas Profits Recover In 2017
Asics reported net earnings declined 16.7 percent in 2017 due to restructuring activities in its European operations. Profits in the Americas region bounced back as improved margins and a fewer bad-debt write-offs offset a 6 percent sales drop.
Shimano’s Profits Dip In 2017
Shimano reported earnings dropped 24.6 percent in 2017 despite a 4.0 percent gain in revenues.
HanesBrands Completes Acquisition of Australian Intimate Apparel Seller Bras N Things
HanesBrands announced that it has completed the acquisition of Bras N Things, a leading specialty retailer and online seller of intimate apparel in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Genesco Exploring Sales Of Lids Sports Group
Genesco Inc. announced that the company is initiating a formal process to explore the sale of its Lids Sports Group business. The company believes the “best long-term interests of the company and its shareholders to focus on building upon our core footwear platform” while the Lids business is undervalued as part of Genesco.