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Will Tiger Wood’s Victory Lift The Golf Industry?
Tiger Woods’ first major win in 11 Years and first Masters win since 2005 earned quick attention to his best-known sponsor, Nike, but some see it possibly helping to boost the overall golf industry.
Academy’s Struggles Continued In 2018
In an update, Moody’s Investors Service confirmed the debt ratings and outlook of Academy, Ltd., the parent of Academy Sports & Outdoors, while also indicating that the retailer’s financial performance continues to erode. The report noted that Academy’s comps declined in the mid-single-digit range and EBITDA declined 12 percent in 2018.
Study Sees Strong Link Between Awards And Labels To Sporting Goods Purchases
A new survey of active consumers across Europe from ISPO finds 75 percent indicating they pay special attention to awards and technical labels such as Gore-Tex, Vibram or bluesign when buying new sporting goods.
Running USA: Traditional Distance Race Participation Sees Some Recovery
The number of runners registering for organized races in the U.S. was down slightly in 2018, continuing a five-year gradual drawback, according to Running USA’s annual U.S. Running Trends report. On the positive side, traditional distances – including the 5K, 10K, and half marathon – all increased year on year, while non-traditional distances and events drove the decline.
Under Armour Earns Upgrade On Improved Profit Outlook
Citigroup on Wednesday upgraded Under Armour on signs that its focus on profits is taking root and will pay off. The upgrade came a day after B. Riley reiterated its “Sell” rating on the stock as that firm’s annual brand survey found Under Armour losing ground to competitors.
Bullish Report On Outdoor Apparel Sector
A new study from Stifel finds outdoor apparel consumers generally rate apparel and footwear brands in the outdoor category with high regard and place particular importance on versatility, comfort and style. The top four brands identified as primary outdoor apparel brands in an accompanying survey were Nike, Columbia, The North Face and Under Armour.
Ten Active-Lifestyle Takeaways From Piper Jaffray’s Teen Survey
Vans and Lululemon are crushing it with teens. Nike and Adidas are plateauing while Under Armour and Supreme appear to be losing ground. But athletic apparel and footwear categories overall continue to grow in appeal with teens, according to Piper Jaffray’s 37th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey.
Duluth Trading Warns Of Sales Slowdown
Shares of Duluth Trading fell $5.94, or 25.2 percent, to $17.60 Friday after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that came in well short of Wall Street’s targets because of delivery challenges and a poor response to newer offerings. Guidance for the current year was also significantly cut with a sales recovery not expected until the second half.
IMF Study Finds Tariffs Can’t Fix Trade Problems
New research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finds that if the U.S. and China raise tariffs to 25 percent on all goods traded between the two countries, the U.S. economy would lose between 0.3 and 0.6 percent in growth, the Chinese economy would lose between 0.5 and 1.5 percent, and global growth would slow by 0.1 and 0.2 percent.
Sports Participation Roundup
Extensive research from Women In Adventure touting the strong connection between women in the outdoors and their mental well-being highlighted the latest round of sports participation surveys and studies. Research also arrived on running-race sign-ups, tennis participation, gym memberships, tackle football and more.
Foot Locker Finding New Paths To Growth
At its Investor Day, Foot Locker Inc. didn’t alter its long-term growth goals but officials detailed how new store concepts, fresh engagement approaches and other digitally-savvy concepts would significantly reshape the retailer in the years ahead.
Lululemon Crushes It In Q4
Firing on all cylinders, Lululemon Athletica reported a blow-out fourth quarter marked by a 17 percent comp gain while predicting comps would surge in the low-double digits for the current year. Growth is expected to be driven by stepped-up store openings and category expansions as well as by further building on the recent momentum seen in digital, international and men’s.
Tariffs Less Worrisome For Some, Not Others
While no trade deal has been reached between the U.S. and China, the news around tariffs has been more favorable than unfavorable since the start of the year. But some industry players still have been raising prices, purchasing early to avoid hits and taking other steps to mitigate their potential impact.
Amazon Reports Roundup
A number of retail studies arrived over the last few weeks on retail’s disruptor, Amazon, including the e-commerce giant’s break-through in apparel, expanding dominance in product search, private-label shortfalls, trust credibility, digital advertising pushes and more.
Nike Sees No Slowdown In Momentum
Shares of Nike Inc. closed down nearly 7 percent on Friday after the company reported North America sales in the third quarter and fourth-quarter guidance that both missed Wall Street’s targets. But sales in the third quarter still more than doubled the growth rates of its closest rivals, Adidas and Under Armour, as Nike officials insisted its Consumer Direct Offense initiative is only getting started.
