According to analysis by the National Golf Foundation (NGF), golf participation has picked up in recent weeks in several key golf markets as courses reopen with the surge in play most pronounced in courses that faced restrictions.
Category: Footwear

Report: COVID-19 Has Not Reduced Consumers’ Demand For Sustainable Solutions
Kearney’s annual Earth Day survey found consumers still show a strong and growing interest in the environment even as COVID-19 continues to ravage the nation.

Emerald Holding To Receive $400 Million Convertible Preferred Stock Infusion
Emerald Holding Inc., the parent of Surf Expo, Outdoor Retailer and other trade shows, announced plans to raise $400 million through the issuance of convertible participating preferred stock to affiliates of Onex Corporation, the company’s controlling stockholder and in a subsequent rights offering.

Mall Owner Simon Terminates Deal To Buy Taubman
Simon Property Group, the largest U.S. mall owner, announced that it has exercised its contractual right to terminate its February 9, 2020 merger agreement with high-end mall owner Taubman Centers. Simon argues that Taubman has breached its obligations, specifically by not taking steps “to mitigate the impact of the pandemic as others in the industry have.”

Survey Highlights Disruption Facing Endurance Race Events
According to a recent survey of nearly 400 endurance event professionals from Running USA, 67 percent expect to need additional funding to support their events beyond the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Hunter Boots CEO Exits Amid Strategic Review
Hunter Boots announced that CEO Vincent Wauters will step down “by mutual agreement” at the end of July to pursue new opportunities. His exit comes as Hunter begins a strategic review. Wauters joined Hunter in 2016 from Arc’teryx, where he was president.

MLS To Return July 8
Major League Soccer (MLS) announced the league’s plan to restart the 2020 season with all 26 clubs competing in the MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida beginning July 8.

Outdoor Retailer Introduces Outdoor Retailer Online This Summer
Outdoor Retailer has launched a new Outdoor Retailer Online platform in the wake of the cancellation of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market due to COVID-19. An online, three-day outdoor business, networking, and educational event will run from July 21-23, 2020.

Merrell Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Merrell, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., announced the appointment of Janice Tennant to the position of chief marketing officer, reporting directly to Merrell’s global brand president, Chris Hufnagel. She was formerly chief marketing officer for Cat Footwear.

CrossFit’s Founder Resigns Following Comments On George Floyd
Greg Glassman, founder and CEO of CrossFit, is stepping down in the wake of making numerous insensitive comments about the death of George Floyd. Dave Castro, the director of the CrossFit Games and co-director of training, will assume the CEO role.

USTA To Cut 110 Jobs, Close New York Headquarters
The USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) announced plans to lay off 110 employees and close its White Plains, NY Office as part of a restructuring in the wake of COVID-19.

Adidas Commits To Hiring More Black And Latino Employees
Adidas, facing calls for greater diversity within its ranks, announced plans to invest $20 million in black communities, support university scholarships for black employees and increase the number of black and Latino hires at its North American headquarters.

Pandemic’s Impact On Imports Easing
The impact of COVID-19 at major U.S. retail container ports appears to be easing slightly with projected imports remaining below last year’s levels but not as much as previously forecast, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Plattsburgh State Partners With BSN Sports, Nike
The Plattsburgh State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation in upstate New York has entered into a five-year partnership with Nike brand through BSN Sports.

Macy’s Logs Q1 Loss Of $652 Million
Macy’s Inc. said it expects to report a steep loss for the first quarter but it was in line with expectations. The leading department store chain also indicated that re-opened stores are outperforming expectations.