NRF Report: U.S. Economy Making ‘Dramatic Progress’

With more vaccines stockpiled, more federal stimulus money and consumers shopping again, the U.S. economy has made dramatic progress since the coronavirus pandemic brought activity to a near-standstill last year, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said in the April issue of its Monthly Economic Review.

Nike Marketing Veterans Launch Agency

David Creech, most recently president brand creative, global mens Nike, has partnered with two other Nike veterans, Josh Moore and Nicole Graham, and sports agent Rich Paul to start a minority-owned marketing and creative agency named Adopt.

Nike Wins Restraining Order Over Lil Nas X ‘Satan Shoes’

U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee in Brooklyn ruled in favor of Nike three days after the sporting goods giant sued MSCHF Product Studio over MSCHF’s “Satan Shoes.” The modified Nike Air Max 97 sneakers were made in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X and were purported to contain one drop of human blood in the midsoles.

Columbia Sportswear Appoints Senior Vice President, Emerging Brands

Columbia Sportswear Company announced the impending retirement of Doug Morse, senior vice president, emerging brands, in the summer of 2021, and the hiring of Craig Zanon to fill the vacancy created by Morse’s retirement. Zanon spent more than twenty years with Nike, where most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of global basketball.

Kohl’s Sends Letter To Shareholders Highlighting Board Strength

Kohl’s Corporation, which is facing a proxy fight from a group of Activist investors, mailed a letter to shareholders detailing the collective strength of its Board of Directors, which the retailer said: “has been thoughtfully assembled to incorporate the full range of skills and capabilities required to oversee Kohl’s continued momentum.”

OIA Special Report Examines New Outdoor Participant Amid Pandemic

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) released a special report, “New Outdoor Participant  (COVID And Beyond),” exploring Americans’ spike in engagement in outdoor activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The report reveals that these new participants are more likely to be female, younger, living in an urban area and slightly more ethnically diverse than existing participants.