Does The Online Tax Ruling Even The Playing Field?
Many brick-and-mortar retailers hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling late last week that finally gave states the authority to require online retailers to collect sales tax. But interviews with a number of independent specialty retailers show many in the industry still face uphill battles competing with online selling.
SGB Executive Q&A: 361 Degrees USA President Jim Monahan
Jim Monahan, president of running footwear company 361 Degrees USA, spoke with SGB at last week’s Fleet Feet National Franchise Conference in Minneapolis, MN, about what’s happening with the company as 361 Degrees moves from a startup to a player that’s found a comfortable pace and is working to close the gap on competitors.
Four Questions: Smartwool’s Jennifer McLaren
On June 26, VF Corp. announced that Jennifer McLaren would succeed Travis Campbell as president of Smartwool. Here, she talks about Smartwool’s strengths, near-term priorities in her new role, and becoming the first female to be promoted to president in the VF Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition.
Running Rebrand: Fleet Feet Refreshes Logo, Drops ‘Sports’ From Name
Fleet Feet has unveiled a new logo that resembles a torch and also dropped the word “Sports” from its name, all part of a brand refresh for the 42-year-old retailer.
On Par: Golf Equipment, Apparel Sales Holding Steady
In this second of a two-part series on the state of the golf industry, SGB looks at the state of golf equipment and apparel sales, each one serving as trailing indicators of an increasingly healthy industry.
Goldman Sachs Initiates Apparel Coverage With Attractive View
In initiating coverage on the Apparel & Accessories sector, Goldman Sachs said many companies in the space are expected to benefit from ongoing lifestyle shifts towards active and casualwear, the ability to react to faster fashion cycles and digital’s ability to drive direct communications with consumers and commerce. Among active lifestyle stocks, VF was initiated at a “Buy” while “Neutral” ratings were given to Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon and Canada Goose.
Retail Report Roundup – June 25
Studies arrived last week on the benefits to local retailers from community engagement, quality beating price as a purchase driver, apparel’s continuing appeal in malls, the benefits of perks over raises for workers, the stress of online shopping, and Fourth of July sales.
SGB Executive Q&A: Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer
Fleet Feet Inc. CEO Joey Pointer sat down with SGB at the company’s National Franchise Conference in Minneapolis this week to discuss the company’s past, present and future, as well as the state of the running retail industry.
Retailers Cheer Supreme Court Ruling On Online Taxes
Specialty retailers in the active space – decimated over the years by consumers showrooming stores and then fetching lower prices online – stand to significantly benefit from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that requires online retailers to collect sales taxes. Amy Roberts, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling is a huge win for the future of specialty outdoor retailers and will help ensure that all retailers compete on a level playing field.”
Aisle Talk Week Of June 18
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Puma signing endorsement deals with the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton and Hall of Fame legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
Why Did Winnebago Acquire Chris-Craft?
On the company’s first-quarter quarter conference call, Winnebago Industries’ CEO Michael Happe said the reason it acquired the Chris-Craft, the recreational boat builder, was not only for diversity but to tap burgeoning growth opportunities in the marine segment.
Fleet Feet Event Showcases ‘Resurgence’ Of Run Specialty
Dozens of brands in the running footwear, apparel and accessory categories descended on Fleet Feet’s National Franchise conference this week, and while the primary goal was exhibiting their latest product offerings, they also delivered a simple yet powerful message for the industry about the Run Speciality channel.
American Outdoor Brands Sees Firearms Weakness Continuing
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, closed a challenging year by reporting a sales drop of 24.9 percent in its fourth quarter ended April 30 while projecting flat earnings on a slight decline in sales for its current fiscal year.
Varsity Brands Finds Bigger Growth Partner In Bain Capital
“Bain, in our view, is one of the most prestigious and well-known investment firms in the world,” Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands, told SGB. “Their desire to invest alongside management, and build upon the incredible work that Charlesbank started, and in many cases completed, with management, is continued affirmation and faith in our vision.”
CrossFit Battles Reebok In Court
Taking the company’s high-intensity workout approach to court, CrossFit claims in the company’s lawsuit against Reebok that the company is owed “at least $4.8 billion,” plus potentially more for underpaying marketing obligations and diverting sales to reebok.com to also reduce royalty payouts.
