JD Sports Off To Strong Start In U.S.
So far so good for Finish Line under its new owner, JD Sports. JD Sports said Finish Line’s comps were up 7 percent in 2018 with sales trends improving as the year progressed. The first JD stores to land in the U.S. are also seeing encouraging initial results.
Will Tiger Wood’s Victory Lift The Golf Industry?
Tiger Woods’ first major win in 11 Years and first Masters win since 2005 earned quick attention to his best-known sponsor, Nike, but some see it possibly helping to boost the overall golf industry.
Academy’s Struggles Continued In 2018
In an update, Moody’s Investors Service confirmed the debt ratings and outlook of Academy, Ltd., the parent of Academy Sports & Outdoors, while also indicating that the retailer’s financial performance continues to erode. The report noted that Academy’s comps declined in the mid-single-digit range and EBITDA declined 12 percent in 2018.
Study Sees Strong Link Between Awards And Labels To Sporting Goods Purchases
A new survey of active consumers across Europe from ISPO finds 75 percent indicating they pay special attention to awards and technical labels such as Gore-Tex, Vibram or bluesign when buying new sporting goods.
Running USA: Traditional Distance Race Participation Sees Some Recovery
The number of runners registering for organized races in the U.S. was down slightly in 2018, continuing a five-year gradual drawback, according to Running USA’s annual U.S. Running Trends report. On the positive side, traditional distances – including the 5K, 10K, and half marathon – all increased year on year, while non-traditional distances and events drove the decline.
Aisle Talk Week Of April 8
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Patagonia filing a lawsuit against AB InBev, the parent of Anheuser-Busch, claiming the brewer’s Patagonia beer is a “copycat brand.”
Conversation With Dakine VP Of Sales Chico Bukovansky
“Right now, it’s a fun ride,” said Chico Bukovansky, Dakine Equipment’s VP of sales, who spoke with SGB in a wide-ranging conversation about the Hood River, OR-based outdoor brand’s latest ownership change and what’s driving growth at the company these days. Here’s what he told us.
Under Armour Earns Upgrade On Improved Profit Outlook
Citigroup on Wednesday upgraded Under Armour on signs that its focus on profits is taking root and will pay off. The upgrade came a day after B. Riley reiterated its “Sell” rating on the stock as that firm’s annual brand survey found Under Armour losing ground to competitors.
Report: Influencer Marketing In Sports Slowly Gaining Traction
Sports entertainment companies aren’t adopting influencer marketing programs as quickly as other industries, yet most believe an influencer program is “a necessity for brand success in today’s digital world,” according to The State of Influencer Marketing in Sports Entertainment, a white paper published by Cascade Influencers.
REI Co-Op Leveraging Record Sales Year In Pledge To ‘Do More’
For all the tumult REI Co-op faced earlier in 2019 due to the sudden resignation of CEO Jerry Stritzke, the company is clearly on solid ground after reporting that 2018 was its strongest sales year ever. Bolstered by record revenue and a firm understanding of changing customer demands, REI has big plans in 2019 as it recommits to the outdoors, reinforces its omnichannel strategy, and ramps up its rental and used gear programs.
Bullish Report On Outdoor Apparel Sector
A new study from Stifel finds outdoor apparel consumers generally rate apparel and footwear brands in the outdoor category with high regard and place particular importance on versatility, comfort and style. The top four brands identified as primary outdoor apparel brands in an accompanying survey were Nike, Columbia, The North Face and Under Armour.
Ten Active-Lifestyle Takeaways From Piper Jaffray’s Teen Survey
Vans and Lululemon are crushing it with teens. Nike and Adidas are plateauing while Under Armour and Supreme appear to be losing ground. But athletic apparel and footwear categories overall continue to grow in appeal with teens, according to Piper Jaffray’s 37th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey.
How Will Another C-Level Departure Impact Hibbett?
Hibbett Sports Inc.’s board of directors will need to form yet another search committee after the company announced Friday morning that Scott Bowman is resigning as CFO—the retailer’s second C-level departure in the last two weeks. On March 22, CEO Jeff Rosenthal announced he is retiring this year, so what impact, if any, will these exits have on the retailer?
Duluth Trading Warns Of Sales Slowdown
Shares of Duluth Trading fell $5.94, or 25.2 percent, to $17.60 Friday after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that came in well short of Wall Street’s targets because of delivery challenges and a poor response to newer offerings. Guidance for the current year was also significantly cut with a sales recovery not expected until the second half.
Aisle Talk Week Of April 1
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including NB Development Group breaking ground Tuesday on The Track at New Balance at Boston Landing, a multi-sport athletic complex that will offer sports facilities and a New Balance Athletics Sports Research Lab.
