The acquisition of OrthoLite has accelerated the company’s strategy to create a “leading Tier 2 supplier in footwear components by adding an exciting, high-growth and high-margin business to the Coats Group portfolio.” The CEO said, “OrthoLite brings with it compelling revenue and cost synergy opportunities.”
Category: Sports/Fitness
EXEC: Athleta’s Q4 Comps Slide 10 Percent, Continued Declines Expected in First Half
Gap, Inc. reported that same-store sales at its Athleta banner declined 10 percent in the fourth quarter and 9 percent for the year. Gap officials told analysts they expect Athleta to show negative mid- to high-single-digit sales declines in the first half of the current year. CEO Richard Dickson said, “Progress will take time, but I am confident we are attracting the right talent to rebuild Athleta.”
Nike to Record $300M in Restructuring Charges to Cover Layoffs
Nike, Inc. said in a regulatory filing that it expects to take a pretax charge of about $300 million, mostly in the fiscal third quarter, because of employee severance costs over a nine-month period ending February 28. Nike did not specify how many jobs the company had cut.
Costco’s Fiscal Q2 Earnings Rise 14 Percent
Profits at Costco Wholesale Corporation climbed 13.8 percent in the fiscal second quarter ended February 15 on a 9.1 percent sales gain.
GoPro’s Shrinks Loss in Q4 on Flat Sales
GoPro, Inc. reported a lower loss on an adjusted basis in the fourth quarter on flat sales. The operating loss in the year narrowed as expense reductions offset a $20 million tariff-related charge.
The Picklr to Open Two New Member Clubs in Orange County, California
The Picklr Fountain Valley will occupy 19,700 square feet and be located on Magnolia Street in Fountain Valley, CA. The Picklr Rancho Santa Margarita, at 27,000 square feet, will be located in El Paseo in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Closes 2025 on Solid Note but FY Profits Outpace Q4 Gain
Net sales for the fiscal fourth quarter rose 5.5 percent year-over-year (y/y) to $5.45 billion. Total revenue, which includes membership fee income, increased 5.6 percent y/y. Comparable club sales increased 1.6 percent y/y in the fourth quarter.
EXEC: Sports Direct Owner Frasers Group Acquires Near 6 Percent Stake In Puma SE
The parent of Sports Direct, Slazenger, Donnay, LA Gear, No Fear, and Antigua has acquired a nearly 6 percent stake in Puma, according to a filing on Thursday, March 5.
EXEC: Assessing Under Armour’s and Mizuno’s Q4 Business in South America
Vulcabras S.A., the Brazil-based company that manages, manufactures, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories in South America for the Under Armour and Mizuno brands, and owns and manages the Olympikus brand, said higher ASPs drove revenue growth for the year, as gross volume of pairs remained flat.
Lululemon’s Founder Chip Wilson Launches Website to Support Proxy Fight
The site, ww.CreativityFirstlulu.com, presents Wilson’s case for governance and strategic change, spotlights his three independent director nominees—Marc Maurer, Laura Gentile and Eric Hirshberg—and announces an intended Schedule 14A proxy filing and GOLD universal proxy card.
EXEC: The Footwear and Apparel Brands Bringing the Brand Heat in 2026
L.E.K. Consulting Group released its fifth annual 2026 U.S. Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Brand Heat Index, identifying the brands that have gained popularity, or increasing brand “heat,” across major product categories across the generations in women’s and men’s footwear, apparel, as well as outdoor equipment and sporting goods.
StockX to Open Detroit Pop-Up to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary
To mark its 10-year anniversary, StockX plans to open a three-day pop-up adjacent to the company’s global headquarters in downtown Detroit. The venue will be open from March 13 to 15 and include programing to include guests speakers and panel discussions.
EXEC: Stifel’s 2026 All-Star Sneaker Survey Sees Nike Recovery
Stifel’s 2026 All-Star Footwear survey, which ranks the most popular shoes at U.S. athletic specialty and sporting goods retailers, revealed a Nike resurgence toward historical popularity levels at the expense of New Balance and Adidas; however, the increase was driven by strength in the discounted Nike Dunk model. The survey also found several breakout styles selling well across major athletic brands.
Interactive Strength Touts Berlin Court Win, Full Loan Recovery and Legal Settlement with Sportstech
Under the terms of the settlement, Interactive Strength said Sportstech paid the company $6.4 million, representing full recovery of the $5.0 million loan principal plus interest and expense reimbursement, covering all transaction expenses and generating a return on the working capital loan.
Voss Capital Urges Xponential Fitness Board to Explore Sale
Voss Capital, the largest shareholder of Xponential Fitness, Inc., with roughly 19.3 percent ownership, issued an open letter urging the fitness studio operator’s board to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale.
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