VF’s CEO In Employee Memo Compares Racism To Virus

In a letter sent May 30 to all employees entitled, “Racism is another virus to eradicate,” VF chairman, president and CEO Steve Rendle called George Floyd’s death “tragic” and “stomach-churning” — and likened racism to the coronavirus pandemic.

Roots Appoints Meghan Roach As Chief Executive Officer

Roots, the Toronto-based outdoor lifestyle brand, announced that after completing a search conducted by a leading international recruiting firm, the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Meghan Roach as chief executive officer. She replaces Jim Gabel.

Decathlon’s Debt Ratings Affirmed By S&P Despite COVID-19 Impact

S&P Global Ratings said it expects Decathlon’s sales, earnings and cash generation “will decline sharply” in 2020 versus 2019 due to government COVID-19 lockdown measures that closed the majority of its stores. But the rating agency affirmed its  ‘A-2’ short-term rating on the company as it expects the French sporting goods chain’s strong record of 10 percent to 15 percent annual growth to resume in 2022.

Burton U.S. Open Canceled

Burton Snowboards announced that due to ongoing uncertainties around COVID-19, the company has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships, which was slated to take place March 1 to 6, 2021 at Vail Mountain Resort in Vail, CO.

Big 5 Posts Q1 Loss, Sees May Sales Recovering

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported a loss in the first quarter ended March 30 that came in line with projections provided in late February and said April’s comps tumbled 39 percent due to store closures tied to the pandemic. However, May’s sales and merchandising margins are seeing an uptick as stores reopen.

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.

REI Forms Partnership With West Elm

REI Co-op formed a partnership with West Elm, the home furnishings retailer, on an outdoors-themed home goods collection. The collection marks the first time REI will sell gear through another retailer.