SGB Executive Apparel
Aisle Talk, Week Of October 2
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Merry Holiday Forecasts Arrive
The NRF (National Retailer Federation) became the latest organization predicting robust sales for the holiday season. Gains are expected to be helped by low unemployment, rising stock markets and another year of double-digit online spending gains.
Susquehanna Downgrades Finish Line On Recent Run-Up
Susquehanna Financial Group lowered its rating on The Finish Line to “Neutral” from “Positive” because the stock’s recent spike in price now “fairly reflects the probability of a takeout by Sports Direct.”
Russell Throws In The Towel On Uniforms
Kevin Reber, VP of sales, Russell Athletic, said in a letter to team dealers, “We are proud of our heritage, but to build lasting relationships with a new generation of athletes, we will need to focus our efforts and play to our strengths.”
Aisle Talk, Week Of September 25
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Women’s Footwear Standout Performer During 2017 Back-To-School Season
Adidas brand led the charge with 70 percent growth in women’s athletic footwear sales over the back-to-school season, according to recent reports released by SSI Data.
Zumiez Focuses On Culture And Newness
Zumiez’s focus on employee empowerment and commitment to new brands continues to be the cornerstones of its success, Chris Work, its CFO, said Thursday at the B. Riley 3rd Annual Consumer Conference.
Will Sports Marketing Change Post-Bribery Scandal?
Will the arrest of Jim Gatto, the director of global sports marketing at Adidas, in the college basketball bribery scheme soon lead to charges against other sports industry execs and an overhaul of sports sponsorships?
Nike’s U.S. Challenges Continue
Andrew Campion, Nike’s CFO and EVP, said on a conference call with analysts, “Given all of these dynamics, just one quarter into the year, it’s unclear, and I wouldn’t say precisely where North America will land for the full fiscal year.”
Mission Gets Its Own Heat Lab
In an interview with SGB, Josh Shaw, founder and CEO of Mission, said that beyond apparel, the lab will provide research into beverages, wearables and other areas. Said Shaw, “It’s going to be used to really further all elements related to heat safety.”
Bass Pro And Cabela’s Celebrate Merger Closing
With a video declaring the two companies were “Moving Forward Together,” Bass Pro on Monday celebrated the closing of its $4 billion merger with Cabela’s.
Under Armour Upgraded, VF Corp Downgraded
KeyBanc Capital Markets on Monday raised its rating on Under Armour due in part to its recent hiring of Patrik Frisk as COO. At the same time, the investment firm lowered its rating on VF Corp. due in its valuation and online weakness at its jeanswear coalition and Timberland.
Finish Line “Somewhat Optimistic” On Back-Half Sneaker Rebound
On a conference call with analysts, Sam Sato, Finish Line’s CEO, cautioned the company expects “sales and margin trends to remain difficult throughout the remainder of the year,” maintained its forecast for the year, and noted that the industry overall was still learning to adapt to changing buying behaviors around sneakers.
Aisle Talk, Week Of September 18
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Consumer Direct Offense Gets Heavy Play At Nike’s Annual Meeting
At Nike’s 37th annual meeting held at its Beaverton headquarters, Nike officials discussed the company’s liberal leanings, its climate change actions and new NBA partnership. But most of the time was spent talking up its “Consumer Direct Offense” initiative.
