ADA To Merge With NBS

ADA and NBS announced plans to merge, effective September 1, 2018. The ADA has agreed to join the NBS group to build a stronger team dealer organization.

Report: Nike’s Executive Exits Driven By Board Coup

According to extensive reporting from The Oregonian, Nike’s dismissal early this year of 11 execs was more than fallout from workplace behavior shortfalls stemming from the #MeToo moment. The article describes the exits as a “dramatic boardroom power play” led by Mark Parker, CEO, and company co-founder Phil Knight to oust Trevor Edwards and many of those aligned with him.

Retail Reports Roundup

Studies arrived last week showing Nike and Patagonia ranking high for their reputations, Lululemon earning accolades for the company’s work environment, Amazon’s Prime Day driving BTS selling earlier, rising expectations for same-day delivery for holiday, retail-tech challenges for smaller retailers and more.

Retail Imports To Set New Record This Month

Driven by increasing consumer demand and rising retail sales, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to set a new record this month even though new tariffs on goods from China just took effect, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

SFIA Partners With WFSGI

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is partnering with the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to support the promotion of the WFSGI Compliance Labeling Requirements (CLR) Database, which will be operational in late July 2018.

SGB Exec Q&A: Locally’s Founder And President Mike Massey

In an interview with SGB, Mike Massey, Locally’s founder who is also the owner of Massey’s Outfitters in New Orleans, discussed the rapid expansion and evolution of Locally since its launch in 2014, as well as the fast-changing dynamics of online and offline retailing.

‘Battle Has Begun’: Global Trade War Now Underway

Trade associations called Friday the first official day of the trade war between the U.S. and China, as $34 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods kicked in overnight. The U.S. is expected to add tariffs on an additional $16 billion of Chinese goods at a later date.

Aisle Talk Week Of July 2

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Pentland Group’s solid year driven by a record performance from JD Sports Fashion PLC.

June Retail Jobs Increase But Trade War Could Turn Confidence

Retail industry employment in June increased by 50,200 jobs unadjusted over the same time last year despite a seasonally adjusted drop from May of 25,800, the National Retail Federation said Friday. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. Overall, U.S. businesses added 213,000 jobs over May, the Labor Department said.

Puma Reorganizes Global Communications

Corporate communications, brand and product PR as well as employer branding will be brought together and headed up by Kerstin Neuber in her new position as senior head of communications, a newly created role.

Adidas Confirmed App To Shut Down

Three years after its launch, Adidas’ Confirmed App will be phased out. The sneaker reservation process will be incorporated into the official Adidas app.