Performance Bicycle, ASI Parent Company ASE Files For Chapter 11

Advanced Sports Enterprises Inc.—parent company of retail chain Performance Bicycle, wholesale distributor ASI and five bike brands—on Friday announced it is seeking Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The company said in a press release that “the move is intended to facilitate the company’s long-term, strategic goals of enhancing profitability and reaffirming its commitment to its employees, vendors and the communities it serves.”

Delta Apparel Boosted By Digital Print Growth

Delta Apparel reported a sharp uptick in earnings in its fourth quarter ended September 29. Strong results from its expanding digital print and fulfillment businesses offset weakness at both Salt Life and Soffe tied to Hurricane Florence.

Aisle Talk Week of November 12

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Tony Hawk announcing the launch of D/CAL, a hybrid brand consultancy and creative agency, with Adam Wilson, Jared Prindle and Ryan Maconochie.

Tony Hawk Establishes Brand Consultancy

Tony Hawk announced the launch of D/CAL, a hybrid brand consultancy and creative agency, with co-founders Adam Wilson (Carhartt, McGarryBowen), Jared Prindle (Tony Hawk Inc., 900 Films), and Ryan Maconochie (Arc, Leo Burnett, Trisect).

Nike Announces 10 Percent Increase In Quarterly Dividend

Said Mark Parker, chairman, president and CEO of Nike Inc. “This is our 17th consecutive year of increasing dividend payouts, and combined with the new four-year $15 billion share repurchase program announced this summer, this commitment shows our continued confidence in Nike’s ability to deliver sustainable, profitable, capital-efficient growth over the long-term.”

Hyperice Signs JuJu Smith-Schuster As Ambassador

Hyperice Inc., known for its recovery devices, announced its partnership with popular video gamer and NFL wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, as part of its quest to advance health and wellness within the eSports community.

Arena Signs Egyptian Talent Farida Osman

Arena announced that it has signed World Championship medallist Farida Osman in a sponsorship deal that runs through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 23-year-old Egyptian, a freestyle and butterfly sprinter, won the 50m butterfly bronze at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest.

New Era Plan To Close Derby Plant Causes Political Brouhaha

A number of legislators and union officials decried New Era’s plan to close its manufacturing plant in Derby, NY, the company’s only headwear-manufacturing facility in the U.S. Charles Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader who represents New York, said, “This is devastating news for Buffalo. I sincerely hope that New Era, a hometown Buffalo company, will reconsider.”

Nike To Open Nike NYC On Thursday

Nike Inc. will open its newest Nike House of Innovation, on Thursday as Nike NYC: a 68,000 sq. ft., six-level, cross-category premium Nike store located at 650 Fifth Ave. Nike NYC is “the pinnacle expression of modern retail, representing the best of Nike global product, experiences and sport innovation.,” according to a statement.

Nike Names Craig Williams President Of Jordan Brand

Nike Inc. announced that effective Jan. 14, 2019, Craig A. Williams will become president of Jordan Brand. Williams joins Jordan Brand from The Coca-Cola Co., where he most recently served as senior vice president, The Coca-Cola Co. and president of The McDonald’s Division (TMD) Worldwide.