Walmart Names New Chief Merchant In Exec Shuffle

Walmart appointed Charles Redfield as chief merchandising officer. He is replacing Scott McCall, who is retiring. Chief Customer Officer Janey Whiteside is leaving the company, according to an internal memo attained by the Wall Street Journal.

Holiday Sales Grew 14.1 Percent

Retail sales during 2021’s November/December holiday season grew 14.1 percent over 2020 to $886.7 billion, beating the National Retail Federation’s forecast and setting a record despite challenges from inflation, supply chain disruptions and the pandemic, NRF said.

Yamaha Announces Siren Marine Acquisition

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. finalized the acquisition of Siren Marine, a manufacturer of marine-based IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, by its subsidiary Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC).

Big 5 Sees Q4 EPS Well Above Guidance

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation pre-announced fourth-quarter results for the period ended January 2 that showed earnings came in above company guidance due to margins coming in significantly ahead of plan. Steven Miller, the company’s CEO, said in a statement, “While issues surrounding the pandemic are ongoing, we believe the business is in a great position heading into 2022.”

Arc’teryx Closes 2021 With 21 Global Retail Openings

Arc’teryx announced it opened 21 stores internationally in 2021. The company also celebrated its first ReBird Repair and Service Center in New York with plans to establish more centers as the brand expands its ReBird circularity initiatives in 2022.

Generation Growth Capital Acquires Killer Instinct

Generation Growth Capital Fund III, LP (GGC), a Milwaukee-based private equity firm, announced the acquisition of Killer Instinct Inc. Based in Frankenmuth, MI., Killer Instinct is a maker of archery and archery accessories.

Evo Acquires Rhythm Japan

Evo, the Seattle-based outdoor retailer, has acquired Rhythm Japan, a Hokkaido, Japan-based snow gear rental company, along with its winter apparel brand, Oyuki.

Tecovas Secures $56 Million In Series C Funding

Tecovas, an Austin, TX-based Western footwear, apparel and accessories brand, announced that it has secured $56 million in Series C funding, bringing the brand’s total lifetime equity funding to approximately $120 million.