Aisle Talk, Week of March 26
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week including VF Corp. appointed Steve Murray, pictured left, former President of Vans, to VP Strategic Projects.
Finish Line’s Profits Progress, Sales Retreat In Q4
While its sales recovery efforts took a step back, The Finish Line Inc. improved its underlying profitability in its fourth quarter ended March 3, thanks to inventory end expense controls. Results were in line with a forecast given three days ago when it surprisingly announced plans to merge with JD Sports, the U.K.-based footwear chain.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Hitting the Mark With Firearms Sales
Although Sportsman Warehouse Holdings Inc.’s fourth quarter’s net income was “impacted by an elevated promotional backdrop and a tax-reform-driven investment in our associates,” the company is poised to gain market share in firearms as its competitors scale back in that category, CEO Jon Barker told analysts Wednesday.
Shoe Carnival’s Q4 Benefits From Fewer Promotions, Women’s Leads Athletics
Shoe Carnival Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings arrived at the top end of guidance due to a focus on lower promotions, but the move led to a dip in same-store sales. Adult Athletic comps were up low-single digits as strength in women’s athletic offset weakness in men’s basketball.
E-Commerce Bolsters Lululemon’s Q4 Earnings Surge
The Lululemon Athletica Inc. executives who handled the company’s first earnings call following last month’s resignation of CEO Laurent Potdevin didn’t focus on the leadership flux but instead on the chief drivers – e-commerce and site traffic conversion – that helped fuel a stellar fourth quarter.
Silver Lining in Continued Shift From Core to Casual Participation
Activity level trends saw a continued shift from core participation to casual participation across many sports last year, according SFIA’s 2017 Sports, Fitness and Leisure Activities Topline Report. On the surface, that is concerning, but there is a silver lining.
Oboz Looks To Secure Future With Kathmandu Partnership
In an interview with SGB Executive, John Connelly, president and founder of Oboz, said he expects the sale of the outdoor footwear brand to Kathmandu, the New Zealand-retailer, will support its international growth and provide a boost to its innovation and sustainability efforts.
JD Sports Looks To Take On Foot Locker In U.S. Market
In a shocker, JD Sports announced plans to enter the U.S. marketplace through the acquisition of the beleaguered sneaker chain Finish Line. Analysts said the merged retailer’s combined buying clout presents a new threat to Foot Locker.
Remington’s Bankruptcy Latest Trouble For Firearms Industry
The firearms industry suffered another blow Sunday when, as expected, Remington Outdoor Co. filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 19
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Nike Eyes North American Comeback
Aided by a strong response to new launches such as Nike React and Airmax 270, continued momentum in online sales and early success in pushing for further differentiation at its retail partners, Nike Inc. said its North America business is poised to return to growth mode.
Boardriders CEO: Billabong Won’t Get Another Deal This Good
Two Billabong shareholders are opposed to the $200 million, or $1 per share, acquisition offer from Boardriders, which has jeopardized the potential blockbuster deal and sparked sharp words from Boardriders CEO David Tanner.
Outdoor, Footwear, Fashion & Retail Industries Vocalize Opposition to Tariffs
It’s not China that will be punished for stealing American intellectual property but instead U.S. companies and consumers that will feel the effects of President Trump’s move to impose $50 billion in retaliatory tariffs on Chinese imports. That was the message Thursday from numerous trade associations that represent industries whose products might be affected by Thursday’s decision to move forward with the new tariffs.
Dick’s Touts Growth Opportunities In Footwear And Apparel
Speaking last week at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer and Retail Technology Conference, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ officials elaborated on its exit from the fitness tracker category and challenges in firearms. But much of its presentation was spent discussing growth opportunities on the footwear and apparel side with brands including Nike, Adidas, Brooks and Patagonia as well as its numerous private labels.
Ibex’s New Owner Talks Up Merino Wool Brand’s Revival
On March 9, news arrived that Ibex, which ceased operations last November, had been sold to Flour Fund, a New York-based group led by David Hazan, a marketing expert. SGB Executive talked to Hazan about what’s next for Ibex.
