Imports Headed To Lowest Level Since Early 2021

Imports at the nation’s major container ports are expected to fall to their lowest level in nearly two years by the end of 2022 even though retail sales continue to grow, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Recall: Swift Straps

About 1,800 nine-inch Swift Straps from Swift Industries Designs have been recalled. The rubber straps that fasten a bike bag to a bicycle could break, causing it to come loose and fall, posing a crash and/or injury hazard to the rider. 

Norrøna Adds Midwestern Reps

Norrøna hired Grand Rapids, MI-based sales agency Kozy Outdoors, LLC, to its network of outdoor specialty retailers serving the Midwest region. The company also promoted Patrick Gould as U.S. sales rep, a newly created role.

Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Upgraded

S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings of Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. due to its recent better-than-expected performance, including S&P Ratings’-adjusted EBITDA margins of almost 19 percent over the last six quarters.

Evo Announces Promotion And New Hire

Evo announced that Rebecca Heard, vice president of brand, marketing and e-commerce, had been promoted to chief marketing officer. Katie Little, formerly working for Lululemon, was hired as director of stores, U.S.

Helen Of Troy’s Home & Outdoor Segment Q2 Growth Boosted By Osprey Acquisition

Helen of Troy reported sales at its Home & Outdoor segment, which includes OXO, Hydro Flask and Osprey, increased 11.8 percent in its second quarter ended August 31 to $240.6 million. Gains from the acquisition of Osprey were partially offset by a decrease from organic business of 9.0 percent, driven by a decline in sales in home-related categories. Helen of Troy reduced its outlook for the year.