SGB Executive Footwear

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.”

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.

Shoe Carnival Testing Puma Shops

Following last year’s promising roll out of Nike shops, Shoe Carnival is testing Puma in-store shops in several stores.

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.”

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.

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.

Susquehanna Upgrades Hibbett Sports On Hurricane Benefits

Susquehanna Financial Group has upgraded its rating on Hibbett Sports as it expects its stores and recently-launched e-commerce site to benefit from footwear replacement needs caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Academy’s Challenges Continue In First Half

Moody’s downgraded the debt ratings of Academy Sports + Outdoors due to “difficult market conditions, including a highly promotional environment for athletic apparel and weak demand for firearms and ammunition,”

Nike Faces Downgrades On Growth Concerns

Analysts from Susquehanna Financial Group and Jefferies on Tuesday lowered their earnings guidance and price targets on Nike due to further growth concerns. Susquehanna also lowered its stock rating on Nike.