SGB Executive

Athleta “On Fire” In Q3

“Simply put, Athleta is on fire,” said Art Peck, president and CEO, Gap Inc. “Top and bottom line momentum continues. We’re seeing exceptional growth outpacing the industry with operating margin expansion.”

Shoe Carnival Lifts Outlook On Robust Athletic Trends

Said Cliff Sifford, CEO, “We believe the positive athletic and athleisure trend happening in the family footwear channel will continue, and we have reallocated inventory dollars to those specific categories for the fall season to take advantage of this trend.”

Wall Street Reacts: Dicks Q3

For the analyst community, Dick’s issuance of a poor outlook for 2018 indicates that the industry’s return to healthy, full-price selling will take longer than expected.

FDRA Holiday Surveys Sees Shoe Spending Increasing

FDRA’s 2017 Holiday Shoe Sales Survey shows comfort/casual sneakers/leisure footwear remain the top choice for holiday shoe buyers, more shoppers are planning to spend more than $100 on shoes, and Amazon dominating as go-to-place online for holiday shoe buying.

Sport Chek’s Weak Sales Continue, Management Upbeat On Prospects

“There are aspects of the business we are pleased with and others that require attention,” said Stephen Wetmore, CEO and president of Canadian Tire, the owner of FGL Sports, of the business on his company’s third quarter conference call. “However, everything we look at is providing upside potential.”

Dick’s Sees Margin Pressures Lingering Well Into 2018

Said Ed Stack, CEO, on a conference call with analysts, “With excess inventory still in the supply chain, broadened distribution strategies from some key vendors and a lack of newness and innovation, the fourth quarter and 2018 will continue to be promotional and pressure margins from last-year levels.”

Kohl’s Sees 20 Percent Growth Across Activewear In Q3

“Both apparel and footwear categories in Active were strong and this was driven by large increases in both Nike and Adidas, as well as continued strong performance from Under Armour,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s CEO, on a conference call with analysts.

SGB Q&A: Casey Sheahan, CEO, Simms Fishing Products

The former CEO of Patagonia and president of Keen talks about his passion for the sport of fishing, a wide array of growth opportunities he plans to pursue at Simms, and his commitment to conservation and driving more people to the sport of fishing.

Cowen Downgrades Finish Line On “Skyrocketing” Promotions

Cowen & Co. lowered its rating on The Finish Line to “underperform” from “market perform” due to signs of “skyrocketing” promotions at the retailer. The investment firm also found that Finish Line was continuing to undercut prices of Nike and Adidas online, posing a risk it may see less access to those key brands in the future.

Adidas Q3 Boosted By North America And China

The Adidas brand, which grew 13.6 percent on a currency-neutral basis in the quarter, was led by growth of 31 percent in North America, 28 percent in Greater China and 39 percent across global e-commerce.

Christy Sports Expands Rocky Mountain Reach

Randy England, director of marketing at Christy Sports, told SGB, ”BD allowed us the opportunity to expand our footprint in Telluride and venture into a new market, Taos.  They are a respected fixture in specialty ski retail with an outstanding reputation for customer service, like Christy Sports.”

Gander Mountain’s Return Now Set For 2018

Camping World has delayed the opening of its first Gander Outdoors locations until the first quarter but still expects to open 55 to 65 in 2018. Along with Overton’s, TheHouse.com, and Uncle Dan’s, Camping World expects its acquired outdoor lifestyle businesses to drive “north of $300 million” in revenues by 2019.