Vineyard Vines Celebrating 20 Years

Vineyard Vines, best known for the company’s whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logoed golf apparel, is celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary this July with a limited-edition collection and special in-store events.

Nike Names New Chief Sustainability Officer

Nike Inc. announced that Noel Kinder will become the company’s new VP, chief sustainability officer (CSO), effective September 5. Kinder succeeds Hannah Jones, a 20-year Nike veteran as CSO, who after 14 years in the role will become president of Nike Valiant Labs, the company’s in-house new business model incubator.

Giants’ Saquon Barkley Leads NFL Jersey Sales

Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Franscisco 49ers and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns were the top-five selling NFL jerseys between April 1 and June 23 on NFLshop.com, according to the NFL.

Under Armour Strengthens Regional Structure With New Executive Appointments

Under Armour Inc. announced the appointments of Jason Archer as managing director, Asia Pacific; Manuel Ovalle as managing director, Latin America and Massimo Baratto as managing director, Europe, Middle East & Africa. Additionally, the company announced that the Hong Kong office will be expanded to serve as the company’s Asia Pacific (APAC) headquarters.

June M&A Roundup: Megaresorts Expand Their Empires

Summer is an odd time to discuss what’s happening at North American ski areas—especially with record high temps now sweeping the U.S.—but the escalating “arms race” between megaresort operators Vail Resorts Inc. and Alterra Mountain Co. was among the hottest M&A developments in June.

Retail Report Roundup – July 1

Studies arrived last week showing Nike ranked highest among active lifestyle brands, but lost ground on Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the most valuable American brands. Studies also rated the digital expertise of department stores, the relevance of social activism for brands with teens, robust urban population growth and apparel’s expansion online.

Newell Brands Completes Divestitures Of Rawlings

Newell Brands completed the divestiture of Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc., comprising the Rawlings, Miken and Worth brands, to a fund managed by Seidler Equity Partners. Major League Baseball co-invested with SEP.

Nike’s Shares Pop On U.S. Recovery

Shares of Nike Inc. shot up $8.00, or 11.2 percent, to $79.70 to surpass an all-time high as the sports leader saw growth for the first time in four quarters in the U.S. The gains were boosted by the success of several break-through product launches and the payback of investments in direct-to-consumer and digital engagement.

Nike CEO Mark Parker On Company’s Digital Progress

Nike Inc.’s impressive fourth quarter saw balanced growth across regions and divisions, but the company’s digital gains were especially notable. A jump in digital sales was the result of an increased emphasis on platforms and not just products, according to CEO Mark Parker.