Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Series Race Draws 11,000

A total of more than 11,000 people from 80 nations and all 50 states took part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR1, the inaugural event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running (VR) Series held last weekend. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR1 consisted of a 5K with participants having the ability to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors.

JD Sports Suspends Dividend, Cuts Salaries

JD Sports said it will suspend its dividend, reduce the salaries of its senior management team and defer bonuses in order to support liquidity as a precautionary measure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Macy’s Debt Ratings Lowered

S&P Global lowered the debt ratings of Macy’s as the rating agency expects prolonged effects of social distancing and a weak environment for discretionary spending will intensify pressures on the department store sector. S&P said Macy’s also faces sizable upcoming debt maturities over the next several years and potential covenant compliance issues under its revolving credit facility.

Adidas’ Q1 Revenues Drop 19 Percent

Adidas AG reported first-quarter earnings tumbled 97 percent. Sales slumped 19 percent on a currency-neutral basis. Adidas also warned the second-quarter results would decline to a greater degree.

Ross Stores Donates $1.5MM To COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Ross Stores, Inc. announced that the company and the Ross Stores Foundation have jointly pledged $1.5 million of donations to local and national organizations providing essential COVID-19 relief services and additional support to our associates.

New Balance Wins Copyright Lawsuit In China

New Balance won a copyright lawsuit against a Chinese firm in a lengthy battle. The Shanghai Pudong People’s Court ruled that New Barlun was guilty of unfairly using an “N” symbol that closely resembles New Balance’s signature logo and could mislead consumers.

RunSignup Releases Looking Forward Guidelines For Races

RunSignup has released a working draft of Looking Forward Guidelines for Races. This living document was created with input from dozens of race directors, timers, governing bodies, and other industry partners. It is intended to provide ideas for a path forward for races when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Skechers’ Q1 Profits Slump On Pandemic’s Spread

Skechers USA Inc. reported sales slid 2.7 percent in the first quarter as COVID-19 began impacting its China business in February and spread to much of the rest of its markets in March. Earnings on an adjusted basis were down 45.1 percent. On the positive side, Skechers noted that its Chinese business is recovering and online sales are skyrocketing.

Target’s Q1 Earnings Impacted By COVID-Related Costs

Target Corp. said quarter-to-date, total company comparable sales have grown more than 7 percent, but warned that a number of factors will reduce first-quarter profitability. These include investments in pay and benefits to support team members during the COVID-19 crisis and a shift in category mix towards lower-margin categories.

Houghton Signs New Apparel Deal With Adidas

Houghton College, in upstate New York, has entered into an agreement with Adidas and ADPRO Sports of Buffalo that makes Adidas the official supplier of apparel and uniforms for Highlander athletics teams.