Total wholesale racquet unit sales into the US market* grew by over 11 percent in the first three months of the year compared to Q1 2021, according to a report from Sports Marketing Surveys. This marks the largest Q1 total since 2010.
Category: Footwear
Fanatics Extends Contract With Aston Villa FC
Fanatics extended its e-commerce, retail and manufacturing partnership with Premier League soccer club Aston Villa FC.

New Balance Sues Steve Madden For Copyright Infringement
New Balance has sued Steve Madden for allegedly infringing on the copyrights of its 327 model sneaker.

Adobe Sees Inflationary Pricing Online Slowing
Adobe announced that according to its Adobe Digital Price Index (DPI), online prices in May increased 2 percent year-over-year (YoY) — down from 2.9 percent YoY in April and the record 3.6 percent YoY increase in March, while decreasing 0.7 percent month-over-month (MoM).

NRF Calls On Biden Administration To Eliminate China Tariffs To Ease Inflation
The National Retail Federation announced it is launching the second phase of a seven-figure advocacy campaign with broadcast, digital and out-of-home advertising, urging the Biden administration to repeal tariffs on goods from China to lower costs for businesses and consumers who are being severely impacted by inflation.

Amazon Fashion Introduces Virtual Try-On For Shoes
Amazon Fashion announced the launch of Virtual Try-On for Shoes, an interactive mobile experience that uses augmented reality to help customers visualize how a pair of shoes will look on their feet.

Fanatics Collectibles and Topps Announce College Trading Cards Program
Fanatics Collectibles, the trading cards and collectibles division of Fanatics and Topps announced a comprehensive, officially licensed college student-athlete trading cards program.
Public Lands To Open Four More Locations
Public Lands, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ outdoor-themed concept, plans to open four stores in Framingham, MA; Huntington, NY; Kennesaw, GA; and Medford, OR.
Apparel Impact Institute Announces Lead Funders For $250M Fashion Climate Fund
Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) announced that Lululemon and H&M are the lead funders in its $250 million Fashion Climate Fund.
BSN Sports Acquires Team Gear
BSN Sports, a division of Varsity Brands, announced that it has acquired I.D. Clothing Company (dba Team Gear) based in Whippany, NJ.
The Good Feet Store Opens 200th Location
The Good Feet Store has opened its 200th location in partnership with one of its veteran franchisees, Bridget Kelley.
Quiksilver Appoints VP, Global Marketing
Quiksilver has named Bobby Gascon as VP, global marketing. He joins the company following 13 years at Vans where, most recently, he was senior director of global marketing, Action Sports

Nike Shutting Down Run Club App In China
Nike is deactivating its Run Club app in China. In a statement to Reuters, Nike said it plans to provide runners in China with an “enhanced and localized digital solution.”

Under Armour To Be Dropped From S&P 500 Stock Index
Under Armour will be deleted from the S&P 500 stock index before the start of trading June 21 and be added to the S&P MidCap 400, S&P Dow Jones said. The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 large companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges.

VF Corp. Debt Outlook Revised To Negative On Tax Ruling
S&P Global Ratings revised its debt ratings outlook on VF Corp. to negative from stable. The rating agency estimated VF will likely have to increase debt by more than $845 million to pay the assessed tax in order to appeal an unfavorable decision from the U.S. Tax Court regarding its post-acquisition restructuring of Timberland Co. in September 2011.