Consumers Willing To Pay Up For Sustainability
According to CGS 2019 U.S. Consumer Sustainability Survey, more than two-thirds of Americans consider sustainability when making a purchase and are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Gen Z shoppers led the way, with 68 percent having made an eco-friendly purchase in the past year.
Nike Inc. Creating Separation In Athletic Apparel
Nike Inc.’s athletic apparel offering is gaining mindshare among consumers in four categories—innovation, fashion, style and value—mostly at the expense of Under Armour, according to a recent survey from Canaccord Genuity Capital Markets.
Columbia’s CEO Tim Boyle Speaks Up On Speaking Out
In an interview with the Portland Business Journal last December, Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle said one of his New Year’s resolutions was to get on President Donald Trump’s enemies list and he’s publicly taken on the Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to the partial government shutdown and tariff dispute. Boyle said it’s a matter of principles.
Aisle Talk Week Of April 15
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Under Armour Inc. in a regulatory filing reporting that Jason LaRose, president of its North America division, will be leaving the company on April 30.
Skechers USA Shares Sink After Q1 Earnings Miss
Skechers USA, Inc. set a new quarterly sales record in the first quarter ended March 31 but the mid-single-digit sales growth was not enough to offset the bad taste in Wall Street’s mouth after a miss on earnings estimates.
Birkenstock’s David Kahan Talks About Fan Love
At FDRA’s Footwear Executive Summit, David Kahan, CEO, Birkenstock Americas, discussed today’s rapid pace of change and how change can be “scary.” But he said a large part of Birkenstock’s explosive growth in recent years has been driven by re-focusing on the passionate following – albeit initially small – that had long existed for the brand.
NGF … Golf Seeing Signs Of A Recovery
With double-digit growth in off-course golf participation, improved TV ratings, and a more diverse group of beginners coming to the sport, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) delivered a bullish outlook for the golf industry in its annual study. One encouraging finding was that on-course participation in 2018 marked its first measured increase in 14 years
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.
