Innovation Fueling Broad-Based Momentum For Nike
While Nike Digital led the way with a 34 percent gain on a currency-neutral in the first quarter, Nike Brand’s amplified focus on innovation is “at the heart of our continued momentum right now,” Mark Parker, CEO, said on the company’s conference call with analysts.
North America Growth Accelerates For Nike
An acceleration of growth in North America, double-digit gains overseas, and continued over-sized online gains drove Nike Inc.’s earnings ahead 14.9 percent in the first quarter ended August 31–exceeding internal expectations and Wall Street’s targets. Revenues grew 9 percent on a currency-neutral basis.
The Tiger Effect: Woods’ Victory Boosts All Golf Stakeholders
When Tiger Woods won his first PGA title in five years Sunday by clinching the Tour Championship, the golf industry roared a collective “hurrah” at Woods’ victory, fully understanding that whenever Tiger makes a tournament cut and dons his signature red shirt for the Sunday round—but especially when he wins—everyone benefits.
Behind The Deal: Peak Resorts Makes Strong Play With Snow Time Acquisition
The move that Peak Resorts Inc. made Monday—the $76 million acquisition of Snow Time Inc. and its three Pennsylvania ski areas—won’t generate the same buzz as deals made by competitors such as Vail and Alterra, but the Wildwood, MO-based company’s purchase does pack plenty of punch. Company executives spoke with SGB about the purchase.
Stifel’s Inaugural Athletic Survey Shows Positive Spending Intentions
Stifel’s inaugural Athletic Apparel and Footwear Consumer Survey points to higher spending intentions for both athletic apparel and footwear in the next six months. Nike not surprisingly ranked as the preferred athletic brand across footwear and apparel categories but Under Armour, Adidas, Champion, New Balance, Vans, The North Face and Skechers are all resonating with key constituencies.
Retail Reports Roundup
Studies arrived last week including Nike dominating apparel brands’ preferences, mixed views on social commerce, AI benefits to supply-chain efficiency, wide-ranging checkout opportunities and free delivery’s expanding appeal as well as another merry holiday forecast.
Reima’s Successful U.S. Debut Has Kidswear Brand Eyeing More Growth
Reima, a Finland-based maker of functional kidswear, debuted in the U.S. about a year ago, and the stateside expansion has been a successful one thanks to landing some premium retailers and successfully building brand awareness, according to Matti Lehtovirta, international sales director, who shared some company updates this week with SGB via email.
Founder Sport Group Snaps Up Teamwork Athletic Apparel
SGB talked to John Anton, CEO of Founder Sport Group, formerly Badger Sportswear, about what attracted the company to Teamwork Athletic Apparel, what changes can be expected and consolidation opportunities in the team uniform space.
Aisle Talk Week of September 17
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including sales growth at Gregory Mountain Products and High Sierra helping Samsonite International S.A.’s financial performance in the six months ended June 30.
Wall Street Reacts Positively To Under Armour’s Job Cuts
Shares of Under Armour Inc. rose $1.24, or 6.6 percent, to $20 at market close Thursday following the company’s early morning announcement that the company would increase the number of job cuts as part of a broader restructuring plan.
Skechers Downgraded On Inventory, Foreign Exchange Concerns
Shares of Skechers USA sunk $1.26, or 4.5 percent, to $26.58 Thursday after Cowen & Co. lowered the company’s rating on the stock to “market perform” from “outperform” due to concerns over high inventories and foreign currency headwinds.
U.K. Analyst Bullish On JD Sports’ U.S. Entry
In reporting results last week for the first half, JD Sports indicated the company was moving full-steam ahead with plans to test the JD flagship concept in the U.S. while leveraging its merchandising talents on Finish Line locations. One U.K. analyst, Jonathan Pritchard at Peel Hunt, believes JD Sports has strong potential to shake up U.S. sneaker retailing.
SGB Executive Q&A: Mountainsmith President Jay Getzel
Jay Getzel, president of Golden, CO-based gear maker Mountainsmith, spoke with SGB recently about what’s truly important in light of the company’s 40th anniversary, a shift in the way it sells on Amazon and what’s on the horizon for this proudly independent brand.
Wall Street Sees Nike Boost From Colin Kaepernick Ad
Nike is increasingly seen getting a boost from the brand’s decision to include Colin Kaepernick in its “Just Do It” anniversary ad campaign, according to investor notes from Piper Jaffray and Canaccord Genuity. Canaccord conducted a poll that found consumers “overwhelmingly supportive” of the campaign.
Industry Voices Grow Louder In Opposition To Trade War
President Trump’s claim that increased tariffs on foreign goods have resulted in an improved business climate for U.S. companies has been widely rejected by representatives of the outdoor, sporting goods and active lifestyle industries, who are growing louder in their opposition to the administration’s escalating trade war.
