Macy’s Debt Ratings Outlook Lowered To Negative

Moody’s Investors Service affirmed Macy’s debt ratings but changed its outlook to negative from stable. Christina Boni, Moody’s vice president, said in a statement, “Macy’s weak 2019 operating performance requires an acceleration of its efforts to stem market share erosion and stabilize margins.”

New National Report Puts Spotlight On Girls’ Sports Participation

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) in a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation released” Keeping Girls in the Game: Factors that Influence Sport Participation,” a new, national research report examining the social influences on youth entry, retention and drop out from sports.

Former NFL Star Joe Theismann Joins Sports Engineering

Sports Engineering Inc. (SEI) announced that former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann has joined SEI to help advance SEI’s SmartSpring technology. SEI is continuing its efforts to make footwear and sports equipment safer for athletes and active people of all ages.

Brooks Brothers Files Counterclaim Against Brooks Sports

Brooks Brothers Group Inc. announced that it has filed a response and counterclaim against Brooks Sports, Inc. for breach of contract, trademark infringement, dilution and unfair competition. The lawsuit seeks to eliminate potential consumer deception or confusion caused by Brooks Sports by intentionally dropping its logo in association with its brand name.

Boardriders’ Debt Ratings Downgraded

Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Boardriders Inc.’s ratings, including the corporate family rating to Caa1 from B3, probability of default rating to Caa1-PD from B3-PD, and secured term loan rating to Caa1 from B3. The outlook is stable.

Ross Stores Sees 4 Percent Comp Gain In Q4

Ross Stores Inc. reported earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2020 grew 7 percent to $1.28 on net income of $456 million. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $4.4 billion, with comparable-store sales up 4 percent on top of a 4 percent gain in the prior-year period.

Urban Outfitters’ Q4 Earnings Slump

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis fell 45.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Comparable Retail segment net sales increased 4 percent, driven by growth in the digital channel, partially offset by negative retail store sales

REI Closes Corporate Campuses Over Coronavirus Precautions

REI, based in Seattle, is temporarily closing three corporate campuses in Washington state to conduct a deep cleaning process after learning that two headquarter employees may have been exposed to coronavirus. REI’s King County and Alderwood stores are also undergoing a deep cleaning.