SGB Executive Apparel
Aisle Talk Week of October 29
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the outlook for U.S. apparel and footwear manufacturers being changed to positive from stable, according to Moody’s Investors. The agency cited the progress of companies like VF Corp. (pictured) in the report.
Champion’s Sales Soar Again In Q3
While Hanesbrands faced a number of challenges in the third quarter, including absorbing a bad-debt charge from Sears, currency headwinds and replenishment lags in Innerwear, the Champion business remains on fire. Champion’s sales grew in excess of 30 percent globally on a currency-neutral basis in the quarter and 40 percent excluding the mass channel.
Big 5 Outlines Strategy For Adapting To Market Pressures
Though Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.’s third quarter earnings fell within guidance, the company was shy of expectations as August and September sales were “disappointing,” company President and CEO Steven Miller said on Tuesday afternoon’s earnings conference call with analysts.
Unifi Facing Headwinds With Tariff Increases, Rising Raw Material Costs
A significant headwind in the form of higher raw material costs took a toll on Unifi Inc.’s profitability and gross margins in the first quarter ended September 30 while looming tariff increases are also problematic, company CEO Kevin Hall said on Tuesday’s earnings conference call with analysts.
Behind The Deal: Hibbett Makes Strong Retail Play With City Gear Acquisition
Hibbett Sports Inc. CEO Jeff Rosenthal spoke with SGB about the company’s $88 million (plus undisclosed incentives) acquisition of Memphis, TN-based “city specialty” retailer City Gear, which the Birmingham, AL-based retailer believes will be transformational for both companies as they leverage each other’s strengths.
Under Armour’s Shares Pop As Transformation Gains Traction
Shares of Under Armour shot up $5.04, or 27.7 percent, to $23.23 Tuesday, the stock’s highest one-day gain since 2008, as the company reported third-quarter earnings that more than doubled Wall Street’s consensus expectations. On a conference call with analysts, Kevin Plank, CEO, described the performance as “another solid proof point that our multiyear journey toward becoming a more operationally excellent company is on track.”
VF Corp. Execs Talk Denver Relocation, Vans Growth & Other Timely Topics
VF Corp. CEO Steve Rendle and CFO Scott Roe spoke with SGB last week about five hot topics—the forthcoming move to Denver, VF’s commitment to becoming a purpose-led company, Vans’ five-year journey to $5 billion, growth drivers at The North Face and upside at two smaller brands—Icebreaker and Smartwool. Here’s what they shared.
Retail Reports Roundup
Retail studies arrived on the online benefit to having physical stores, holiday spending forecasts on tech gadgets and seasonal celebrations, the challenges facing online holiday delivery, the positive payback from creating emotional connections and responding to online reviews.
Columbia Sportswear Notches Strongest Earnings In Company History
Citing the benefits of the company’s “brand-led, consumer-focused” Project CONNECT initiative, Columbia Sportswear reported earnings topped Wall Street targets for the seventh straight quarter, lifted its guidance for the year and provided an upbeat outlook for 2019.
Aisle Talk Week of October 22
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Yeti’s lukewarm initial public offering debut.
Outdoor Drives Amer Sports In Q3 As Company Stays Quiet On Anta Bid
Amer Sports made it clear Thursday that the company wouldn’t discuss Anta Sports’ acquisition bid, leaving the company to focus solely on Amer’s solid third-quarter performance, especially in the company’s outdoor segment. Amer Sports reported earnings in the third quarter ended September 30 increased 47 percent while sales grew 8.5 percent.
Shimano’s Q3 Profits Sink On Cycling Weakness
Shimano Group reported operating income fell 15.4 percent in the third quarter ended September 30 due to lower revenues and earnings in the company’s cycling division. In North America, sales of Bicycle Components in the nine months at retail were “on par with an average year and distributor inventories remained at an appropriate level.”
SGB Executive Q&A: PrimaLoft President & CEO Mike Joyce
PrimaLoft President and CEO Mike Joyce spoke with SGB about the company’s new synthetic insulation that is made from 100-percent recycled, biodegradable fibers. “We think this is a game changer,” he said, adding that “the technology will be a major revenue driver for us.” Our Q&A explains why.
One-On-One With Schoeller CEO Siegfried Winkelbeiner
SGB recently spoke with Siegfried Winkelbeiner, CEO of Switzerland-based Schoeller Textil AG, about the company’s 150th anniversary, its role as a leader in sustainability, its focus on the future and what’s next for the textile industry.
Vans, Adidas And Lululemon Finding Teen Love
Vans became the fastest-growing brand in Piper Jaffray’s semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey while overtaking Nike as the No. 1 footwear brand among upper-income females. But Nike/Jordan improved mindshare as “top trend” and positive momentum with teens was also seen for Adidas, Lululemon, Champion, Crocs and several other brands in the active lifestyle space.
