The Buckle Inc. reported in earnings in the fourth quarter dipped 2.1 percent on a 6 percent revenue decline.
Category: Footwear
OrthoLite Partners With American Trail Running Association
The American Trail Running Association (ATRA) announced that OrthoLite has renewed their partnership, which includes the moniker, “Official Insole of ATRA,” as well as a promotional program to be announced later this year that is tailored to reaching ATRA’s audience of trail runners nationwide.

Under Armour Names Chief Design Officer
Under Armour, Inc. announced the appointment of Kasey Jarvis as its new chief design officer. Jarvis joins Under Armour from Black Diamond Equipment.

L.L. Bean Resumes Growth In 2018, Bonuses Return
L.L. Bean reported sales reached $1.6 billion in 2018, a 1 percent gain over 2017. Based on those results, the company’s directors approved a 5 percent annual pay bonus to about 5,400 year-round employees and an additional 2 percent enhancement to their 401(k) contributions.
361 Degrees Sees Flattish Growth In 2018
361 Degrees reported sales were up slightly in 2018 but profits were down due to margin pressures.
JD Sports To Acquire Footasylum
JD Sports, the U.K.-based retailer, has agreed to buy Footasylum in a deal valued at £90.1 million ($119.6 million).
Despite Slight Rise in Overall Tennis Participation, Challenges Remain
The most recent tennis participation figures indicate an overall increase in the number of U.S. tennis players for 2018, up 0.9 percent to 17.84 million participants, according to the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). But a deeper dive into the numbers show continuing challenges facing tennis, and the sports industry overall.

Zumiez Sees Localized Assortments Driving Momentum
Wrapping up its third year of merry holiday results, Zumiez Inc.’s earnings and same-store sales came in well above guidance in the fourth quarter. On a conference call with analysts, Rick Brooks, CEO, credited the chain’s focus on localized merchandise assortments for its recent hot streak.

Lacrosse Unlimited Re-Opens Original Location With New Look
Lacrosse Unlimited re-opened its original flagship store at Hauppauge, NY with a brand new look in a brand new location.
VF Corp Appoints Veronica Wu To Board
The board of directors of VF Corporation elected Silicon Valley venture capitalist Veronica Wu as a director, effective March 12, 2019.

Tilly’s Finds Booming Online Sales Offsetting Weak Mall Traffic
Tilly’s reported same-store sales leapt 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter, its strongest comp gain since Q311. The run-up was carried by a 49.6 percent hike in online sales, representing the action-sports chain’s strongest e-commerce comp result since Q410.

Aisle Talk Week Of March 11
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Brooks Running Company’s promotion of Dan Sheridan to a newly configured role of EVP and chief operating officer.
Report: Dave Dombrow Exits Under Armour
Dave Dombrow, Under Armour’s chief design officer, has left the company, according to a report from Footwear News.
Zumiez Delivers Robust Holiday Quarter
Profits at Zumiez Inc. shot up 48.5 percent in the fourth quarter. Comparable sales increased 3.9 percent.
Tilly’s Scores Best Quarterly Comp Since 2011
Tilly’s Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings jumped 29.9 percent on 3.8 percent revenue gain. The action-sports chain saw its strongest quarterly comp since 2011.