SGB Executive Apparel

Frank Hugelmeyer Sees RVs Supporting Camping’s Growth

With the RV (recreational vehicle) industry seeing record sales over the last three years at a double-digit growth pace, it’s no surprise to Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), that camping is seeing an uptick.

SFIA: Sporting Goods Scores Highest Annual Growth In Three Years

SFIA’s 2018 Manufacturers’ Sales Report showed sales in the sports and fitness industry grew 2.9 percent in 2017, representing the best annual growth in three years. Strong category performance was seen in basketballs, batting gloves, camping coolers, sports bras, fitness/workout footwear and fishing equipment.

College Basketball Scandal Spreads To Kansas And NC State

Kansas and North Carolina State have joined Louisville and Miami (Fla.) in the FBI’s ongoing probe into corruption in college basketball as federal prosecutors in New York added additional criminal counts to the indictment of former Adidas executive Jim Gatto.

Adidas And Vans Winning With Teens

Adidas, Vans, Supreme, Champion and Lululemon all saw a strong uptick in mindshare among teens in Piper Jaffray’s 35th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey. Nike, Converse and Under Armour all lost ground.

Nike Continues Tech-Buying Binge

The acquisition of Invertex promises to move Nike further down the road of being able to offer more personalization and customization to consumers while addressing the complexities of finding the correct shoe size online.

Pentland COO Talks Endura Acquisition, M&A Strategy

Pentland has big plans for its newest asset Endura – the company plans to accelerate the cycling apparel brand’s growth around the world. “We’ve got really big international aspirations,” COO Chirag Patel told SGB Executive in a Q&A about the Endura deal and Pentland’s M&A overall strategy.

Where And When Will The Trade War End?

President Trump this week threatened additional tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting sharp criticism from outdoor and sporting goods brands that might not be directly impacted but generally view trade wars as “so last generation,” according to Jeff Turner of Kokatat.

What Can JD Sports Bring To U.S. Sneaker Retailing?

While British retailers generally have a poor track record finding success in the U.S. retail marketplace, JD has the potential to create a strong number two beyond Foot Locker in U.S. sneaker retailing with its pending acquisition of Finish Line. That’s at least according to a few analysts in the U.K. who closely follow JD.

Retail 10-K Round-Up For 2017

A scan of just-released 10-K filings shows Under Armour’s sales fell sharply at both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hibbett Sports in 2017, Adidas rebounded at Hibbett, Nike continued to dominate open-to-buys for Foot Locker and more insights into vendor allocations.

Newell Brands’ Proxy Fight Still A Go

Believing the company’s recent partnership with famed billionaire investor Carl Icahn will be enough to fix the company, activist investor Starboard Value LP said it has no plans to drop its proxy fight against Newell Brands.

Nike Admits To Diversity Shortcomings

Coming a few weeks after allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior led to changes in the executive ranks, Nike Inc. in a memo to employees admitted to shortfalls in hiring and promoting more women and minorities to senior-level positions.