A strong December brought 2024 to a total of 25.5 million TEU, or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, up 14.8 percent from 2023 and the highest level since 2021’s record of 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.
Category: Sports/Fitness

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Sees January Reporting Strong Retail Sales Gains
The Sporting Goods, Hobby, Music, and Bookstores segment was down 1.9 percent m/m, seasonally-adjusted, but up 2.82 percent y/y, unadjusted, after a very strong December trend.

Macy’s, Inc. Names Chief Stores Officer of Macy’s
Currently, Barbie Cameron is the senior vice president and regional director of stores for the East Region. Before that, she was the interim chief stores officer at Macy’s since August 2024.

EXEC: Citi Downgrades Nike Shares, Cuts Price Target After Hill Meeting
Nike management indicated that Air Jordan and Air Force One will “still be large franchises” even after inventories are managed lower, but Dunks will “not be a relevant part” of the mix over time.

EXEC: Nordic SG Retailer XXL Sees Q4 Sales Decline
Norway-based sporting goods retailer XXL ASA said it delivered total operating revenue of NOK 7.2 billion in 2024 in a Nordic sporting goods market that persisted to be challenging. Fourth quarter sales declined 1.8 percent year-over-year.

Escalade, Inc. Appoints Armin Boehm as CEO and President
Boehm will succeed Walter P. Glazer, Jr., who, in August 2024, announced his plans to retire as CEO and president. The transition takes effect April 1, 2025.

EXEC: Mizuno Corp. Sees Modest Q3 Revenue Growth In Americas Region
Mizuno Corp. reported sales in the Americas region rose 1.2 percent in the third quarter and gained 6.6 percent in the nine-month YTD period. Consolidated global sales in the third quarter grew 4.3 percent to ¥55.8 billion

EXEC: Ahead, Craft, Cutter & Buck Parent Sees Q4 Sales Expand 3 Percent
The Swedish-based owner of Ahead, Auclair, Craft, Cutter & Buck, and Tenson AB, reported that Q4 growth was led by gains in the Sports & Leisure segment and the promo sales channel, with 3 percent growth in the U.S. region.

Coleman, Marmot Parent Sees Q4 Outdoor & Rec Segment Fall 7.9 Percent
Newell Brands, the parent company of Marmot, Ex Officio, Stearns, Bubba, Coleman, and Contigo, among others, reported that the company’s Outdoor & Recreation segment saw another revenue decline in the fourth quarter although it was a significantly smaller decline than in recent quarters.

GoPro’s Q4 Revenues Tumble 32 Percent
GoPro Inc. widened its losses in the both the fourth quarter and year ended December 31 as sales fell 32 percent in the quarter and 20 percent in the year. The maker of action cameras said it’s making progress in its turnaround efforts.

EXEC: Under Armour Cautious on North America’s Return to Growth
Under Armour, Inc. reported third-quarter results that exceeded guidance for the third straight quarter with the help of some recovery in North America. However, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank declined to forecast a return to growth in the region, with the current priority of driving full-price sales.

Skechers Q4 Revenues Jump 13 Percent
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. reported profits grew 13.9 percent in the fourth quarter as sales advanced 12.8 percent, due to an 18.0 percent jump domestically and a 9.8 percent increase internationally. Sales topped guidance, but earnings missed due to currency headwinds.

Pickleball Kingdom Franchise to Open in Ocala
Tim Campbell will open a 37,000-square-foot facility in Ocala, FL, featuring 13 professional-grade indoor courts in Summer 2025. The franchisee is a senior operations manager with extensive private and law enforcement experience.

Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Declines for First Time in Six Months
Consumer sentiment fell for the first time in six months and is down 10 percent versus a year ago, according to the final January report for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.

Fossil Group Adds Former Adidas and Salomon Execs to Leadership Team
Fossil Group, Inc. appointed Joe Martin, formerly SVP of Wholesale, Team Services and Omni Operations and Marketplace, North America, at Adidas, and Antonio Carriero, previously chief digital and information officer at Salomon, to its executive team.