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Nike’s Heidi O’Neill Discusses Digital-First Strategy

At Recode’s Code Commerce event in New York City, Heidi O’Neill, Nike’s president of direct-to-consumer business, discussed Nike’s aggressive moves into direct-to-consumer, its decision to sell directly to Amazon and overall digital transformation.

Fanatics Aiming For $10 Billion In Sales

Expanding internationally and capitalizing on its verticalization capabilities, Fanatics expects to reach over $2 billion in sales in 2017 and sees the long-term opportunity to reach more than $10 billion in sales, Michael Rubin, executive chairman of Fanatics, said Wednesday at Recode’s Code Commerce event.

Shares Of Finish Line Jump On Takeover Talk

Shares of Finish Line rose 63 cents, or 6.5 percent, to $10.37 on Wednesday after Susquehanna Financial Group LLLP analyst Sam Poser wrote in a note that Finish Line’s adoption of a poison pill will likely lead to an acquisition by Sports Direct.

JD Sports First-Half Profits Climb

Boosted by a stellar performance from its Sports Fashion segment and a positive contribution from the recently-acquired Go Outdoors, JD Sports Fashion PLC reported profits before taxes climbed 32.7 percent in the first half ended July 29, to £102.7 million ($136.3 mm).

Cherokee Lowers Full-Year Guidance On Transition Hurdles

Cherokee Global Brands lowered its outlook for the year in part because the transition of its flagship Cherokee brand away from Target to its new wholesale licensees has been slower than initially anticipated.

Zumiez’s Momentum Builds

Shares of Zumiez Inc. shot up on Friday after the action-sports themed chain reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results and provided strong guidance for the third quater.

Under Armour Emphasizing Activation Over Acquisition

At the Goldman Sachs Annual Global Retailing Conference in New York City, Kevin Plank, Under Armour’s CEO, noted that there’s a “much farther difference” between the number two and three playing in the sporting goods industry than three versus four with its two competitors five to seven times larger than Under Armour. As such, Under Armour has to remain smart about its investments to protect its bottom line. Stated Plank, “We have to be the ones who play ‘Moneyball.’”

Gap, Inc. Sees Potential In Athletic Wear Market

As many retailers have done, Gap Inc. plans to focus on its fitness and lifestyle brand, Athleta, which is on track to reach $1 billion in revenue within the next few years.

Duluth Trading Q2 Boosted By Brick & Mortar Success

Duluth Holdings Inc., the parent of Duluth Trading, reported robust second-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street targets as a strong payback from its aggressive store openings helped offset rising shipping costs from online orders.

Lululemon Q2 Boosted By Online Expansion, To Target Mens

Lululemon’s Q2 benefited from an acceleration of online revenues, improving traffic at its stores, and several product launches. The yoga-themed retailer also revealed plans to introduce its first men’s-focused marketing campaign.