SGB Executive Apparel

EXEC: Is Pickleball Losing Its Pandemic Bump?

Awareness of pickleball in the U.S. has increased by 33 percent since May 2022, and 17 percent of U.S. adults have reported trying pickleball, according to the latest polling data from CivicScience; however, the research firm found that what appeared to be a COVID-related boom in popularity seems to have faltered as consumers experience the sport and decide if it is right or not for them.

Vittoria Industries To Move North America Headquarters To Bentonville

Vittoria Industries North America is moving its headquarters from Oklahoma City to Bentonville, AK taking space in the Ledger, a new six-story building downtown, providing employees with a bike-friendly facility. The move is expected to take place in December 2022.

EXEC: Athleta’s Sales Slump On Athleisure Softness

Athleta’s same-store sales slumped 8 percent in the second quarter due to a demand shift from athleisure to occasion and work-based categories as well as some fashion miscues on spring/summer product. On an analysts’ call, Bobby Martin, interim CEO of Athleta’s parent, Gap Inc., remained confident Athleta would return to its mid-teens growth target.

Inside The Call: North America And Digital Power Nike To Q2 Beat

Nike Inc.’s fiscal second-quarter earnings and sales topped Wall Street’s expectations as strong momentum in North America helped offset a steep decline in China. The sportswear giant maintained its guidance for the full year. Major themes on Nike’s analyst call included continued hyper-growth in digital, the Nike One Place reset accelerating Nike’s direct growth, healthy full-price sales, and ongoing, but not-worsening, supply chain disruption.

SGB Media Reports Top Stories Of 2020

SGB Media has reported its Top 20 stories read online in 2020, with the Bass Pro acquisition of Sportsman’s Warehouse and related stories leading the charts. Overall, the SGBonline.com web site had a banner year in readership, recording over 2.5 million page views, a 20 percent increase over 2019.

Inside The Call: Puma’s Sales Rebound in Q3

Puma’s revenues recovered after posting a decline in the second quarter due to COVID-19 restrictions, climbing 13.3 percent on a currency-neutral basis. The gains were led by the Americas, up 20.7 percent on a currency-neutral basis; and EMEA, ahead 17.7 percent.

Lululemon’s Hot Streak Continues

Lululemon Athletica Inc. continued its recent roll, delivering first-quarter sales and earnings that surpassed guidance and slightly increasing its outlook for the year. Highlights included 26 percent growth in men’s, a ramped-up push on the run category and 70 percent expansion in China.

Tilly’s Warns On Sluggish Spring Sales

Tilly’s Inc. reported first-quarter earnings and sales both reached the high-end of guidance. But the action sports chain warned of a down second quarter as spring/summer selling has seen a slow start due to cool and wet weather patterns across much of the country, particularly in California.

Trade War Impact Remains Uncertain

On quarterly conference calls last week, executives at both retailers and vendors said the ultimate impact of the tariff war isn’t clearly known, especially if the fourth tranche on $300 billion of imports that hit apparel and footwear items becomes effective. But most reassured analysts they’re taking or have taken steps to mitigate most of the expected damage. Comments from VF Corp, Deckers Brands, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Target, Hibbett Sports, TJX Cos. and Ross Stores.

Snipes Takes On U.S. Market

Earlier this year, German-based streetwear retailer Snipes acquired KicksUSA to mark its entry into U.S. retailing. Sven Voth, founder and managing director of Snipes, talks to SGB Executive about the reason for the acquisition and Snipes’ plans for the U.S. market.