SGB Executive Apparel

Wells Fargo Sees Dick’s As Long-Term “Survivor”

Wells Fargo upgraded its rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods to “Outperform” in part because it believes the company will ultimately benefit from the industry’s consolidation, much like Best Buy has done in the consumer electronics channel.

M&A Fever Continues In 2017

Cabela’s, Gander Mountain, Eastern Mountain Sports, Majestic Athletic, Icebreaker, Villa, JackRabbit, Ogio and SIA’s Snow Show were among the businesses sold in yet another busy year of M&A action in 2017.

Most-Read SGB Exec Stories In 2017

Bankruptcies again dominated the top 30-clicked stories for SGB Exec in 2017, but big changes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nike, Fleet Feet Sports, Brooks Running and others also caught some attention.

B Riley Raises Price Target On Finish Line

“We believe management sounded more positive on the outlook for more innovation and product newness for the end of 2017/beginning of 2018, though new product will likely still have a smaller impact due to penetration until F2H19,” wrote analyst Susan Anderson in a note.

Wall Street Reacts: Nike Q2

While some were dismayed that the North American marketplace recovery wasn’t more apparent, Wall Street was generally pleased with Nike’s better-than-expected second-quarter results.

Bass Pro Hints At Impending Layoffs At Cabela’s

In a letter to Cabela’s employees, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris wrote that Cabela’s sales have been underperforming over the last few years and the overall company has been “under the weight of an extremely heavy corporate payroll.” The document also revealed a few details of the transition process as a result of the Bass Pro/Cabela’s merger.

Nike’s North American Struggles Continue In Q2

With strong double-digit growth overseas, Nike Inc. reported second-quarter earnings and sales that topped Wall Street’s expectations but growth in North America decelerated further in the period. Nike officials further indicated that it will take one or two quarters for growth to resume in the region.

Finish Line Raises Guidance On Sales Uptick

While the selling climate remains highly promotional, Finish Line Inc. said an acceleration in sales in running and basketball helped support a lower-than-expected loss in the third quarter ended November 25, prompting the sneaker chain to raise its guidance for its fiscal year.

Lululemon, Nike, REI And Adidas Land On Best Employers List

Lululemon was the highest-ranked retailer in Glassdoor’s “2018 Best Places to Work” survey for U.S. companies. Lululemon was ranked 6. Other companies in the active space making the top-100 list included Nike, ranked 53; REI, 61; and Adidas, 93.

Athletic Brands Showing Momentum In Cowen’s Holiday Survey

In Cowen’s second annual Holiday Brand Survey, athletic brands largely led in shopping preference over non-athletic brand choices, similar to last year. Nike came in first, at 34 percent, followed by Under Armour and Adidas at 25 percent each, Victoria’s Secret at 23 percent, The North Face at 22 percent and Columbia and Skechers at 20 percent each.