Shawnee State Partners With BSN, Nike

Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH entered into a multi-year partnership with Nike through BSN Sports to continue to make Nike the official apparel of SSU Athletics.

Afterpay Offers COVID-19 Support To Retail Community

Afterpay is teaming up with A Common Thread, an initiative led by Vogue and the CFDA, which raises funds and awareness for the American fashion community and Baby2Baby, which provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities.

ISPO To Launch Digital Live Conference

ISPO has developed a digital live conference, ISPO Re.Start Days, for the sports and outdoor industry. The event, to be held between June 30 and July 1, will offer orientation for the “new normality” during and after COVID-19.

OBIT: Dick Lipsey

Richard “Dick” Lipsey, founder, president, and CEO of SBRnet with a long career in supporting research for the sporting goods industry, passed away on May 15, 2020 at the age of 89. Lipsey underwent bypass surgery for a heart attack and was set to return home when he contracted COVID-19.

Consumer Confidence Ticks Up In May

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index held steady in May, following a sharp decline in April. The Index now stands at 86.6 (1985=100), up from 85.7 in April.

Vida Shoes To Undergo Corporate Restructuring

Vida Shoes International,  a licensee of fashion footwear brands, said it made the difficult decision to streamline teams throughout its operation with layoffs and temporary salary reductions. The announcement comes on the heels of COVID-19 as companies across industries are facing cost-cutting measures.

Hibbett Sports Posts Q1 Loss On Steep Sales Decline

Hibbett Sports Inc., posted a net loss of $15.3 million, or 92 cents a share, in the first quarter, as sales dropped 21.4 percent. E-commerce sales vaulted 110.5 percent and the retailer said its strong balance sheet provides ample liquidity to manage the COVID-19 fallout.

The Orvis Company Appoints Simon Perkins President

Orvis announced the appointment of Simon Perkins to president. Perkins will assume full strategic and operational leadership of the company as president and is the third generation of the Perkins family to lead Orvis since 1965. Outgoing President/CEO Bill McLaughlin will act as an advisor through the transition period.

Puma Signs Iceland Soccer Team

Puma announced that it has entered into a long-term partnership with the Football Association of Iceland (KSI) to become the official technical sponsor of men’s, women’s and youth teams.

Macy’s Announces Proposed Offering Of Senior Secured Notes

Macy’s Inc. announced that it is offering $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2025 in a private offering. Macy’s intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the notes, along with cash on hand, to repay all amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility.

Clarks To Eliminate 900 Jobs

Clarks, the U.K.-based footwear company, said it was cutting 900 jobs globally and reviewing funding options to address liquidity needs caused by the coronavirus, according to Reuters.