JD Sports Fashion Plc, the U.K.-based athletic footwear chain that owns Finish Line, Shoe Palace and DTLR in the U.S., said its North American business “had an exceptional year” in 2020. The gains were boosted by strongly developed online operations by Finish Line amid the pandemic, the benefit of federal stimulus checks and early success with the rollout of the JD chain in the U.S.
Category: Footwear

New Balance To Sponsor Boston College
New Balance will replace Under Armour as the new footwear and apparel sponsor for Boston College. The 10-year agreement begins on June 1, 2021.

Adidas Ranks High For Reputation
Adidas ranked sixth on the 2021 Global RepTrak 100, the highest among companies in the active lifestyle space. Nike was 22 and Under Armor, 45.

Yue Yuen’s Sales Surge In March
Yue Yuen’s consolidated operating revenue reached $870.9 million against $671.6 million a year ago, a gain of 29.7 percent.

Rebel Sport Extends Partnership With Football Australia
Football Australia announced that it has signed an expanded and extended multi-year partnership with Rebel Sport, Australia’s largest sports retailer, to support the growth of women’s and grassroots football across the country.

PGA Tour Superstore Announces Five New Locations
PGA Tour Superstore announced plans to open at least five new stores in 2021. The new locations are slated to open in New York, Texas and Virginia.

Nike To Sell Refurbished Footwear
Nike introduced Nike Refurbished, a new program that resells returned shoes at discount prices.

Urban Outfitters Announces Personnel Changes And A Sales Update
Urban Outfitters Inc. reported Hillary Super has stepped down as global chief executive officer at Anthropologie Group. She was replaced by Tricia Smith, former head merchant at Tilly’s.

Activist Investor Legion Partners Nominates Seven Directors To Genesco Board
Legion Partners Asset Management LLC, an activist investor, has nominated seven directors to sit on the board of Genesco Inc., the parent of Journeys, according to a letter made public in a filing on Monday.

EcoCart Raises $3M In Funding
EcoCart, a climate and sustainability-focused e-commerce enablement startup, announced that it had closed $3 million in seed funding led by Base10 Partners’ Chris Zeoli.

Kohl’s Announces Upsize And Early Tender Results For Cash Tender Offer
Kohl’s Corporation announced the upsize and early tender results for the previously announced cash tender offer for its 9.5 percent Notes due 2025, 4.25 percent Notes due 2025, 4.75 percent Notes due 2023 and 3.25 percent Notes due 2023.

Nike Ranked Most Valuable Apparel Brand For Seventh Consecutive Year
Nike ranked as the world’s most valuable apparel brand for the seventh consecutive year, although its brand value was down 13 percent to US$30.4 billion, according to the Brand Finance Apparel 50 2021 report. Fila was the fastest-growing brand while new entrants Timberland and Converse performed particularly well.

New Balance Announces Sustainability Goals
New Balance announced a range of strategic alliances designed to help support its climate goals and create a healthier planet.

Frasers Group Warns Of £200 Million Pandemic Charge
Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct in the U.K. as well as Bob’s Stores and EMS in the U.S., will book a non-cash charge that could exceed £200 million ($274 million) in its 2020-21 results to account for impairment of assets during the latest COVID-19 lockdown.

Race Roster Returns as Title Sponsor Of Running USA Conference
Race Roster will continue its support of the Running USA Industry Conference. The 2022 Running USA Industry Conference will be held in person in February 2022. Event details will be announced in the next few weeks.