SGB Executive Apparel
EXEC: An Unvarnished Look Inside the ~$1.3 Trillion Outdoor Recreation Economy
Numbers from the U.S. Commerce Department indicate that the Real GDP of the outdoor recreation economy in 2024 grew at roughly HALF the rate year-over-year than it did in 2023 — and that sounds more like what the outdoor retail industry has been feeling, at least directionally.
EXEC: Coats Group Execs Outline Product and Financial Upside from Ortholite Integration
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
EXEC: Adidas Extends CEO Bjørn Gulden Contract to 2030, Proposes New Chairman
Adidas AG has extended Bjorn Gulden’s CEO contract to the end of 2030. He has led the company since the start of 2023. The company also proposed board member Nassef Sawiris as its new chairman of the Supervisory Board, succeeding Thomas Rabe.
EXEC: Adidas Shares Sink After Strong 2025, Hurt by Weakness in 2026 Op Profit Guidance
The second-largest active lifestyle brand in the world posted double-digit revenue growth in the fourth quarter (despite external turbulence) and more than doubled operating profit in Q4, which provided a path for 2025 to end “much better than planned and expected” when the year started.
EXEC: Helly Hansen’s Q4 Sales Jump; Accelerated Growth Will Start in 2027
Helly Hansen’s fourth-quarter revenue grew 10 percent and the brand’s earnings outperformed plan by 50 percent, Kontoor Brands’ officials said on an analyst call. Boosted by further investments in marketing and talent as well as expanded distribution, Helly’s sales growth is expected to accelerate starting in 2027. Scott Baxter, Kontoor’s CEO and chairman, on the call, “Helly is a growth asset.”
EXEC: Toronto-Based Roots Corp. is Latest Retailer to Explore Sale of Company
The Toronto-based company’s Board of Directors has initiated a review of strategic alternatives to identify opportunities to maximize value for all shareholders. During the review, the Board will “analyze and evaluate a range of alternatives, including, but not limited to, a sale of the company.”
EXEC: On Brand Co-Founder Sees Strong Path Ahead at Top of the Pyramid
The company said net sales for 2026 are expected to grow at least 23 percent year-over-year on a constant-currency basis, equating to sales of (CHF 3.44 billion ($4.39 bn) at the spot rates on March 3. Gross profit margin is expected to reach at least 63.0 percent of revenue for 2026 and Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be in the range of 18.5 percent to 19.0 percent for the year ahead.
EXEC: Mainland Headwear Expects to Report 75 Percent Profit Growth in 2025
The company’s Board of Directors has issued a “positive profit” alert to its shareholders and the market. Consolidated profit for the year ended December 31, 2025, is now expected to be not less than HK$100 million (~US$12.84 mm).
EXEC: China Retailer Pou Sheng Issues Profit Warning
Pou Sheng, the Chinese retail subsidiary of Yue Yuen Industrial Holding, warned that it expects profits to decline by 57.1 percent in 2025 due to weak spending in China and high inventory levels, which are driving promotions.
EXEC: Top Australian Outdoor and Sports Retail Group Sees Solid Start to Fiscal Year
Rebel reportedly delivered credible growth given variable consumer demand, elevated competitor activity and inventory availability challenges during the period, while outdoor retailer BCF sales were in line with a record prior year level and outdoor retailer Macpac was said to be a standout performer in the half, with strong comp store sales growth.
EXEC: Gene Yoon, Chairman of Fila and Titleist Brands Parent, Transitions to Honorary Chairman
Misto Holdings, the South Korean parent of Fila, Titleist, FootJoy, and other sports lifestyle brands, announced that founder Gene Yoon has transitioned to the honorary chairman role as part of a planned leadership succession, formally handing over executive control to president and CEO Kevin Yoon.
