SGB Executive

EXEC: JCPenney Merges with Sparc Group to Form Catalyst Brands

The combined Catalyst Brands organization is a joint venture formed in an all-equity transaction between JCPenney and the Sparc Group, with shareholders Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group, and Shein.

EXEC: Anta Reports Fila Retail Sales in China Swings to Growth Mode in Q4

Retail sales for the Fila brand in China reportedly increased in mid-single digits for the 2024 full-year period, while Anta brand sales improved in the high-singles year-over-year and All Other Brands, including Descente and Kolon Sport, saw fourth-quarter retail sales increase in the 40 percent to 45 percent range.

REI Shuttering Experiences Business, Cutting 428 Positions

The closure of the Experiences business will affect 180 full-time and 248 part-time employees, which are primarily guides serving the business. REI said it will re-invest in the core Camp and Backpack, Run and Hike, and Outside Life businesses.

EXEC: Hydro Flask Adds Velocity with Expanding Amazon, Target and Costco Programs

Hydro Flask e-commerce reportedly “overdelivered” in the quarter, said to be driven by stronger-than-forecasted POS that lifted post Labor Day replenishment and stronger-than-forecasted performance on Amazon Prime Day with Hydro Flask achieving the No. 1 Best Seller ranking within water bottles during the event.

EXEC: SGB 2025 Look Ahead with Active Lifestyle Market Leaders

Leaders in the active lifestyle space expressed cautious optimism about 2025 with inflationary pressures easing, supply chains largely normalized and generally healthy interest in sports. Insights from Academy Sports, Brooks Running, Rawlings, Fleet Feet, Selkirk Sport and others.

EXEC: SGB 2025 Look Ahead with Trade Association Leaders

Trade associations representing the active lifestyle space shared their concerns with SGB Executive regarding potential tariffs, supply chain disruptions and the likelihood of an unstable economy in 2025. However, they were generally upbeat about the year ahead.

EXEC: SGB 2025 Outdoor Market Leaders Look Ahead

Leaders and innovators in the outdoor active lifestyle space see 2025 as a potential recovery year as a lengthy destocking process has finally rebalanced inventories across most categories. Insights from Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, Outdoor Retailer, Gregory, Mammut, Lycra, Farm to Feet, Next Adventure, Nemo, Circana and others…