SGB Executive Apparel

Nike Grapples With Promotional North American Climate

Said Andy Campion, EVP and CFO, on the company’s third-quarter conference call with analysts, “Digital disruption and other dynamics are resulting in more aggressive promotional activity than we expected 90-days ago. So we are going to remain tight, with respect to the supply that we are putting into the North America market in the short-term.”

Nike Accelerates Efforts To Reach Digital Consumers

Said Mark Parker, president and CEO, “The consumer has decided digital isn’t a just part of the shopping experience. Digital is the foundation of it. This and other factors have shifted consumer patterns, especially in North America, impacting traffic, the economics of brick-and-mortar retail and is driving a more promotional environment in the near term.”

Nike Q3 Boosted By International Gains

Beyond double-digit gains in double-digit growth in Western Europe, Greater China, the Emerging Markets as well as DTC overall, Nike’s better-than-expected earnings were helped by expense leverage, higher other income and a lower effective tax rate.

SIMA Study Reveals Online’s Disruption Of Surf Retail

In its first consumer study, SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) found that nearly one-third of Americans are inspired by surfing. But it also showed how Amazon and online shopping have completely disrupted the marketplace for surf-inspired consumer access to surf industry brands.

L.L.Bean Weathers Boycott Threats

Apparently skirting any major impact from calls for a boycott over political contributions, L.L.Bean was able to deliver sales in 2016 that were flat against the prior year.

Jeff Phillips Out At Fleet Feet Sports

Jeff Phillips has stepped down as president and CEO of Fleet Feet Sports. In a statement, Joey Pointer, CFO of Fleet Feet Sports, said he will be partnering with the Fleet Feet Sports board of directors “to lead the company through this change.”

Canada Goose Shares Soar On IPO Debut

The IPO offering of 20 million shares was priced at CA$17, or about U.S.$12.78 and opened at U.S.$18.05 in trading on the New York Stock Exchange. By late Thursday afternoon, shares had settled to close at U.S.$16.08, up 25.8 percent from its IPO price.

Gander Mountain Details Liquidity Crisis

In an affidavit urging the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District Of Minnesota to support its financing needs, Gander Mountain indicated that it has accumulated “substantial operating losses over the past two fiscal years” as a result of many of the challenges faced by other chains entering bankruptcy proceedings over the last year.

Tilly’s Shares Slide On Weak Outlook

Said Ed Thomas, president and CEO, “We made progress but need to keep finding ways to drive sales and improve profitability in the absence of significant store growth.”

Camping, Firearms, Classic Footwear Drive 2016 Sporting Goods Revenues

Camping, firearms, classic footwear, soccer and lacrosse were among the strongest selling categories for the sporting goods industry last year, according to the just-released 2017 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report.

Gander Mountain Files For Chapter 11

Gander Mountain Co., as expected, filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota. The hunt & fish specialist plans to close 32 of its approximately 160 stores in coming weeks but is in active discussions with a number of parties interested in a going-concern sale.

Hibbett’s Q4 Dragged Down By Legacy Sports Categories

Said Jared Briskin, SVP and chief merchant, ”The continued declines of some of our legacy businesses such as performance apparel and footwear, licensed products and equipment continue to reinforce our direction, focusing on sports-inspired fashion products for our stores.”