EXEC: The Nidecker Group Acquires Iconic Skate Brands from Sole Technology
The Nidecker Group, the Swiss-based snowboard company, has reportedly inked an agreement with Sole Technology to acquire its legendary portfolio of skate brands, including Etnies, éS, Emerica, and ThirtyTwo.
EXEC: TAF Parent Completes Acquisition of Germany-Based Lloyd Shoes
Arklyz owns The Athlete’s Foot, Asphaltgold, Intersocks, Arkrod, and several global licenses or wholesale distribution for Salomon, Head, Nordica, Mammut, Crocs, Adidas, HeyDude, and others.
EXEC: Kona Founders Talk Return to Brand in Open Letter
The founders wrote in a letter to industry friends that there are still many familiar faces specialty bike retailers should know from “epic dealer launches, My Kona videos and trail days who are dedicated to the cause.”
REI Chicago Union Workers Disrupt Anniversary Sale, Walk Off Job
REI Union Chicago workers walked off the job this on Saturday May 18, during the retailer’s annual Anniversary Sale, demanding the retailer reach a “fair contract” by the end of 2024.
EXEC: Tom Cove to Retire from SFIA Leadership Post in October
Always the gentleman, always understated and always a class act, Tom Cove let slip this week that he will retire from his leadership role at the SFIA, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, formerly SGMA, in the fall.
EXEC: Is Adidas Killing the Golden Goose?
This week, the headlines in the sneaker world were filled with a billboard proclaiming, “Adidas Plans Cheaper Versions of Popular Shoes Like the Samba” and outrage from sneaker aficionados that the brand would dare step on the toes of its iconic shoe.
EXEC: CEO Kevin Plank Outlines Dramatic Turnaround Plan for Under Armour
With some apparent aggravation on what the brand has become, Plank noted that Under Armour has become a brand that competes primarily on price versus what should be its core competency—performance and technical innovation.
EXEC: Descente Ltd. Fiscal Year Profits Increase in Double Digits on Solid Sales Growth
Net sales for the fiscal year increased 5.3 percent to ¥127.0 billion reportedly due primarily to growth in DTC net sales that expanded the channel composition ratio, sales growth in South Korea, and China’s incorporation of Le Coq Sportif Co., Ltd. into consolidated results from the previous fourth quarter.
EXEC: Industry Organizations Push Back on Biden Administration’s Tariff Decisions
The decision to maintain Section 301 China tariffs and implement new tariffs has U.S. retail and brand companies up in arms over the decision released this week by the Biden administration.
EXEC: Fila Holdings Gets Q1 Lift from Fila USA, Acushnet to Offset Fila Korea Slump
Fila USA revenues saw a bit of a turnaround in the quarter, which covers the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with sales jumping 7.4 percent in US dollar terms to $64.7 million, after falling 46.4 percent in the year-ago Q1 period.
EXEC: On Holding Shares Hit 52-Week Highs as Q1 Results, DTC Gains Please the Street
In comparison to the prior-year period that was elevated as a result of the initial selling into some of our key accounts, net sales in the Americas region grew 22 percent year-over-year with constant-currency growth of 30.4 percent for the quarter.
EXEC: Mizuno Posts Strong Profit Growth for Fiscal Year on Sales Growth in All Regions
The company reported net sales were ¥229.7 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31. 2924, up 8.3 percent year-over-year. Profit attributable to owners of parent was ¥14.3 billion, up 44.4 percent versus the prior fiscal year.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees Improving Bike Picture as April Shipments Close to Flat
The 1.75 percent year-over-year decline was the smallest year-over-year decrease in sales since April 2023 when sales grew 20.3 percent to NT$7.03 billion. First quarter results that were down 20.3 percent.
EXEC: Giant Group Sees China Q1 Gains Offset by Inventory Reduction, OEM Sales Elsewhere
The Taiwan-based manufacturer of bikes, bike parts and components reported that the sharp sales decline came despite increased bike sales in China offset by inventory reductions in Europe and North America and order adjustments from OEM customers.
EXEC: Leatt Posts Another DD Decline in Q1 as Body Armor and Helmets Sales Falter
Sales to the company’s global distributors decreased by 31 percent as distributors continue to manage industry-wide stocking dynamics, while consumer direct sales increased by 15 percent and dealer direct sales increased by 9 percent in Q1.
