SGB Executive Apparel

Omnichannel Focus Fueling Duluth’s 2018 Ambitions

Bolstered by double-digit revenue growth in both the fourth quarter and fiscal year, Duluth Holdings Inc., parent of Duluth Trading Co., is doubling down on its omnichannel strategy of building its brick-and-mortar presence while also beefing up e-commerce capabilities.

Puma Looks At Basketball To Continue U.S. Momentum

At Puma’s Capital Markets Day, Bjørn Gulden, CEO, said re-entering the basketball category becomes the 6th priority in its turnaround plan as it aims to regain a foothold in American sports.

Hibbett Looks To Build On Q4 Momentum In 2018

Hibbett Sports’ earnings fell, as expected, in the fourth quarter due to the promotional marketplace. But results were better-than-expected coming into the quarter due to an acceleration in its e-commerce business and strength in sportswear and overall footwear offerings.

L.L. Bean Forgoes Bonuses After Challenging Year

With sales coming in slightly down in 2017, L.L.Bean said it plans to eliminate employee bonuses for the first time since 2008 and will lay off about 100 positions this spring.

VF Corp. Moves Into Performance Running

Stepping into the road running category, VF Corp. reached an agreement to acquire Altra, the maker of road and trail running shoes popular with ultra-runners. While Altra is expected to benefit from VF’s Corp’s expertise in both footwear and apparel, VF secures one of the fastest-growing brands in run specialty.

Adidas Lifts Profitability Target After Robust 2017

Powered by North America and China, Adidas reported yet another quarter and year of strong sales and profit growth. Adidas executives offered an upbeat look at the coming year and increased its 2020 profit target.

Dick’s Hopes Healthier Margin Outlook Offsets Top-Line Challenges

Dick’s Sporting Goods said on its fourth-quarter conference call that it’s facing top-line challenges in the hunt and fitness tracker categories as well as the Under Armour brand overall. But stronger product innovation from select key partners and the continued expansion of its private brands are expected to result in less margin pressure in 2018 than previously expected.

Tilly’s Q4 Derailed By E-Com Snafu

Tilly’s Inc. reported earnings that came in at the low end of projections and same-store sales that missed guidance as online sales were disrupted by a system upgrade. Management remained bullish on continued improvement in 2018.

Study: Inactivity Rates Among Low-Income Households Near Historic Levels

The 2018 Physical Activity Council Participation Report finds a moderate rise in participation for many sports and activities, including fitness sports, outdoor sports and winter sports. On the downside, the study identified a continuing trend toward the affluent getting more active while the less affluent are becoming more inactive.

Ibex Finds A Buyer

Ibex, which ceased operations last November, has been sold to Flour Fund, a New York-based group led by David Hazan, a marketing expert.