U.S. Consumer Confidence Worsens in June

U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.

JD Sports Opens First Canadian Flagship

The Robson Street store is JD’s first exterior street-front location in Canada and features the largest LED display in JD’s Canadian footprint, a DJ booth, and shop-in-shops for Nike, New Balance and Adidas brands.

EXEC: Switchback Spring Brings Energy Back to a National Outdoor Show

While energy was high and attitude was positive, the show, unfortunately, did not escape the usual backroom banter and aisle talk about the venue’s few shortcomings, particularly about timing. Diversified will need to be cautious about whom they listen to and the motives of those pushing in each direction, as the outdoor industry risks a déjà vu event with this new potential gem.

Nike Board Member Plans to Retire from Board

Cathleen Benko, a former leader in Deloitte’s “Digital Giants” practice, plans to retire as a member of Nike’s Board of Directors, effective as of the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders.

Amer Sports Appoints New Head of Greater China

Jeffery Ma joins the company from his role as CEO of Zhongqiao Sports, a sporting goods company in China. He has previously held executive positions at Topsports, the largest sporting goods retailer in China, and at Adidas.