OIA Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy Announces Capstone Projects

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announced capstone projects for Class 4 of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy (FLA), an immersive leadership experience for the next generation of outdoor industry game-changers. This year’s class includes 35 driven emerging leaders from REI, Yakima, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Backcountry.com, The North Face, Outdoor Research, Burley and others.

Urban Outfitters’ Q1 Pulled Down By Margin Pressures

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported earnings in the first quarter declined 21,0 percent to $32.6 million, or 31 cents a share as gross margins were hurt by underperforming women’s apparel at the Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters brands. Earnings surpassed Wall Street’s target of 26 cents.

VF Corp. Disappoints On Outlook

VF Corp. reported earnings and sales in the fourth quarter came in ahead of Wall Street’s consensus estimates but provided 2020 guidance that was lower than targets. By segment, revenue for Outdoor is expected to increase approximately 4 percent to 5 percent, or 5 percent to 6 percent on a constant dollar basis, and revenue for Active is expected to increase approximately 6 percent to 7 percent, or 9 percent to 10 percent on a constant dollar basis.

Kappa Signs Aston Villa

Kappa, the Italian sportswear brand, in a partnership with Fanatics signed a three-year deal to become the kit supplier to English second-tier soccer club Aston Villa.

Nordstrom Trims Full-Year Forecast On Weak First-Quarter Start

Nordstrom Inc. reported first-quarter earnings fell well short of Wall Street’s targets as execution issues associated with the launch of its enhanced loyalty program was partly to blame for a sales shortfall.  It now expects 2019 net sales between a 2 decline to flat growth, compared with its previous projection of 1 percent to 2 percent rise.

Snipes Takes On U.S. Market

Earlier this year, German-based streetwear retailer Snipes acquired KicksUSA to mark its entry into U.S. retailing. Sven Voth, founder and managing director of Snipes, talks to SGB Executive about the reason for the acquisition and Snipes’ plans for the U.S. market.

Adidas Partners With Seattle University

Seattle University and Adidas have entered a seven-year partnership in which the Portland, OR-based company will become the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of the Redhawks, effective July 1.

Kohl’s Cuts Outlook After Quarterly Miss

Kohl’s reduced its annual outlook after reporting first-quarter results came in below analysts’ estimates. Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer, said in a statement, “The year has started off slower than we’d like, with our first quarter sales coming in below our expectation.”

JC Penney’s Q1 Loss Steepens

JCPenney Company Inc. widened its loss in the first quarter to $154 million, or 48 cents per share, from a loss of $78 million, or 25 cents, last year. Comparable sales decreased 5.5 percent for the first quarter.