SGB Executive Apparel
EXEC: Amer Sports Earns Upgrade as Tibet Fireworks Backlash Seen as ‘Short-Lived’
Amer Sports, Inc. received a stock upgrade from Wells Fargo, as the investment firm’s checks in China found that the recent social media backlash stemming from the company’s recent marketing campaign, featuring a fireworks display in Tibet, “point to little-to-no concern” in both the near- and long-term.
EXEC: Europe’s Sportscape Appoints New CEO
Sportscape, one of Europe’s biggest e-commerce platforms for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, appointed Andy Anson, the outgoing CEO of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and former CEO of Kitbag, as CEO.
EXEC: How Wisconsin’s Sherper’s Has Survived 90 Years Serving Outdoor Retail Consumers
SGB Executive spoke with Nathan Scherper, fourth-generation owner and president of Wisconsin’s Sherper’s, about how the outdoor retailer has reached 90 years, backed by its eclectic product mix and unique value proposition. At a time when the outdoor retail market is seeing closures across the country and retailers point their fingers at a variety of reasons, Sherper’s has weathered the storm with its unique approach to retailing and a strong connection to their customers and vendors.
EXEC: Lululemon Faces More Stock Downgrades on Growing Doubts for Quick U.S. Recovery
Needham & Co. became the second investment firm this week to downgrade Lululemon on Thursday, September 25, citing dim prospects for the chain’s ability to revive its U.S. business in the near term, partly due to heightened athleisure competition.
EXEC: Analysts Expect Nike to Deliver Cautious Guidance in Reporting Fiscal Q1 Results
Nike, Inc. is expected to report a sharp decline in earnings next week, marking its sixth consecutive quarter of decreased sales for its fiscal first quarter ended August 31. Several analysts expect Nike’s management team to deliver cautious guidance going forward.
EXEC: Hibbett Parent JD Sports Sees H1 Profits Slump As NA Comps Retreat 3.8 Percent
JD Sports Fashion reported a 13.5 percent decline in profit before tax and adjusting items in the first half, due to lower gross margins and organic sales growth of 2.7 percent. Same-store sales declined 2.5 percent, with decreases of 3.8 percent in North America and 3.3 percent in its home market, the United Kingdom.
EXEC: Rip Curl Provides Limited Good News for KMD Brands in FY 2025; Oboz Declines
Sales results were said to be underpinned by improved sales in the direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) channel (including online). Group online sales performance has been a highlight, with all three brands achieving strong online sales growth year-over-year.
EXEC: European Outdoor Group Moves Outdoor Trade Fair to Italy in 2026
The EOG has announced the first details of plans for Outdoor and European Outdoor Week, encouraging brands, retailers, and other organizations in the value chain to get in touch and explore the numerous opportunities that the week presents.
EXEC: Goldman Sachs Bullish on Dick’s SG/Foot Locker Combination
Goldman Sachs reinstated its rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS) at “Buy,” citing a “strong sporting goods industry backdrop,” strengthening vendor partnerships gained from its Foot Locker merger, and faith in Dick’s management team’s ability to revive Foot Locker’s growth.
EXEC: Running USA’s Survey Finds Hoka, Lululemon, Garmin Gaining Favor with Runners
The non-profit organization found in its 2025 global study that Brooks remains the favorite footwear brand among respondents in the training and racing categories, while Hoka experienced a significant year-over-year increase in appeal for its trainers. Lululemon gained popularity with apparel, while Garmin watches, the Strava app, NordicTrack, and Gatorade led their respective categories.
EXEC: Arc’teryx Apologizes for Tibetan Plateau Marketing Stunt; Chinese Social Media Wants More
Arc’teryx has apologized for the fireworks display it hosted in the Himalayan region of Tibet, which drew furious backlash on Chinese social media, including calls for a boycott, due to ecological concerns and perceived disrespect for local culture. On September 21, local authorities launched an investigation and are calling for the arrest of the CCP officials that approved the event.
EXEC: RIA Sees Modest Run Specialty Growth in First Half
Despite strong growth in mainstream channels, sales in the run specialty channel were flat in the first half of 2025, according to the Running Industry Association (RIA). The RIA projects only low-to-mid single-digit growth for the channel for the full year.
EXEC: Nike Earns Upgrade On Expectations for Faster-Than-Expected Recovery
RBC Capital Markets raised its rating on Nike Inc. to “Outperform,” citing improving traction in running footwear, positive channel checks, favorable survey findings and a “refreshed organizational structure’ that should speed decision making.
EXEC: Arc’teryx Sets Goal to Reach $5 Billion by 2030
At Amer Sports’ Investor Day held on Thursday, September 18, at Arc’teryx’s headquarters in Vancouver, BC, Stuart Haselden, CEO of Arc’teryx, outlined a “Global Brand” vision to expand the outdoor brand’s revenues to $5 billion by 2030. The plan calls for a doubling of the brand’s store count to about 300 and focus on growing footwear, its Veilance urban range and the women’s category.
EXEC: VF CEO Talks Altra, TNF, Timberland, Vans and the Dickies Sale at Investor Conference
Speaking Wednesday, September 17, at Wells Fargo’s 8th Annual Consumer Conference, Bracken Darrell, VF Corp.’s president and CEO, also discussed The North Face’s efforts to sell more premium products in the U.S., Vans’ push to reach more girls and Timberland’s aim to ride the revival in the 6-inch boot.
