S&P Downgrades Sears’ Corporate Credit Rating

Standard & Poors Corp. lowered its corporate credit rating on Sears to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CCC’ to reflect its view of “potential transactions as distressed because its believe lenders would receive less than the original promise.” The outlook is negative.

CES 2018: Sports Tech’s Highlights

Artificial intelligence, sensors embedded in apparel, the quantified self and gamification were some underlying themes across the sports and fitness-related products that landed at CES 2018. Black Box VR, Garmin, Peloton, Myant, L’Oreal and Sony were among the brands earning some hype.

Wigwam Selects Inside|Out Communications

Wigwam Mills Inc., the family owned maker of premium, made-in-the-USA socks since 1905, announced  that Colorado-based Inside|Out Communications will handle its global media and brand communications for the Peak 2 Pub, Rod & Rifle, Lifestyle/Classics and the all new Work Line categories.

Activist Investors Urge Changes At Genesco

In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Legion Partners Asset Management LLC and 4010 Capital LLC said they now own a combined 5.3 percent stake in Genesco and stated they made the acquisition because they Genesco’s shares are  ““undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity.”

Nike Appoints Chief Marketing Officer

Nike Inc. announced Dirk-Jan “DJ” van Hameren has been promoted to VP, chief marketing officer. Van Hameren will succeed Greg Hoffman, who has been appointed VP, Global Brand Creative & Marketing Innovation.