SGB Executive

LL.Bean Chairman Urges UNH Grads To Lead ‘Adventure-Filled” Lives

In his commencement address for the University of New Hampshire’s 2018 graduating class, Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s chairman, called the outdoors “a critical antidote to this hyper-competitive, hyper-stressed, tech-driven world we live in.” While technology powers the world in wonderful ways, “it will never fill your soul like a sunrise in the mountains,” he said.

Ellison Leaves J.C. Penney At Precarious Time

Shares dropped sharply at J.C. Penney Co. Tuesday with the announcement that Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison would be leaving the retail giant to take over as the CEO of Lowe’s, effective July 2.

Kohl’s Delivers Blow-Out Q1 On Active Strength

Led by 10 percent comp growth in its active assortments, Kohl’s Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that easily topped Wall Street’s targets and lifted its guidance for the year. Nike, Under Armour and Adidas led the active gains and the department-store operator is planning a 30-store test that will see square footage dedicated to active expand by 40 percent.

The Running Event Has A New Owner

Oakley Dyer, corporate vice president, strategy & corporate development, Diversified Communications, told SGB Executive, “We always look for industries that have a need for face-to-face interactions for buyers and sellers as well as a need for content and education. The Running Event and Running Insight fit this perfectly.”

Macy’s, Dillard’s Lead Department Store Performance In Q1

Department stores have seen diverging performances in the first quarter. Of the stores that reported earnings in the past week, Macy’s and Dillard’s exceeded Wall Street expectations on income and revenue, while Nordstrom improved income and revenue but missed on comparable sales and J.C. Penney stumbled.

Kayak Maker Hemisphere Design Works Sets Course For Growth

Hemisphere Design Works is the result of a 2017 merger between KL Outdoor and GSC Technologies. The newly formed, 500-employee company is now ramping up production of a wide range of kayaks, pedal boats, human-powered fishing boats and paddling accessories under the Sun Dolphin, Evoke, Future Beach and Swiss Cargo brand names.

Boot Barn Tops Guidance On Double-Digit Comp Growth

Boosted by significant improvement in the retailer’s ladies business and the roll out a new performance-boot platform, Boot Barn reported same-store sales grew 12.1 percent in the fourth quarter ended March 31 while earnings came in well ahead of guidance.

Patagonia CEO: Public Lands Stance Having ‘Positive Effect On Business’

Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario has again spoken out in defense of her company’s campaign against the current administration’s attack on public lands, telling the popular podcast Recode Decode the stance has had a “positive effect on business” and that Patagonia is poised to have its “best [sales] year ever.”

Fanatics Hires Joe Bozich As First COO, Fanatics Brands

Fanatics Inc, has hired Joe Bozich, founder of  Knights Apparel, as the first ever COO of Fanatics Brands, the company’s in-house apparel division, as the company continues ramp up vertical-manufacturing capabilities. In an interview with SGB, Fanatics Brands President Raphael Peck said Bozich will particularly focus on wholesale execution.

Champion Projected To Reach $2B In Sales By 2022

At the company’s Investor Day Meeting on Tuesday, HanesBrands’ officials set a goal of having Champion’s global sales reach more than $2 billion by 2022, up from $1.4 billion in 2017. The growth is expected to driven by expanded lifestyle offerings driven by its newfound cachet in fashion circles, aggressively expanding direct-to-consumer and expanding Champion’s geographic reach.

The Spring Of Nike’s Discontent

March, April and May should be a time for Nike Inc. to focus on promoting new products and growing North American revenue, but this spring the global footwear giant has instead been stumbling over accusations of workplace harassment, which has led to a host of high-profile executive departures