SGB Executive

YKK goes high-tech, producing a zipper pull with a digital component, Touchlink, allowing consumers to interact with brands and brands to engage their consumers, creating a digital footprint of every purchase. SGB Executive catches up with Brian La Plante of YKK USA’s global marketing group for more on the innovation and how brands are receiving it.

Most vendors in the active lifestyle space reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and raised their 2021 guidance as demand remained resilient. However, supply chain concerns, marked by continued port congestion and recent factory shutdowns in Vietnam that could limit second-half growth, were widely discussed on recent quarterly calls with analysts from VF Corp., Columbia Sportswear, Deckers Brands, Inc., Under Armour, Vista Outdoor, Yeti, Skechers USA, and Wolverine Worldwide. 

On, the Swiss running brand backed by tennis champion Roger Federer, filed for an initial public offering on Monday in the U.S. The company is reportedly seeking a valuation between $4 billion and $6 billion. The filing details the company’s rapid growth, including sales surging 85 percent in the first half of 2021.

Foot Locker reported second-quarter sales and earnings that crushed Wall Street targets, led by an uptick in sales from its women’s and kids categories as well as strong full-price selling. Upbeat guidance was also delivered for the second half as recent heightened supply chain risks are seen holding off until the end of the year.

The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of August 16, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day. This week’s Athlete is Kara Goucher, who was one of the first whistleblowers in the case against Alberto Salazar, her former coach, whose name was removed this week from The Alberto Salazar Building at Nike’s Beaverton campus in Oregon after the disgraced coach was handed a lifetime ban for sexual and emotional misconduct.

Kohl’s Inc.’s second-quarter sales in its active department rose 40 percent year-over-year and gained over 20 percent compared to the same period in 2019. Said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s CEO, on an analyst call, “Customer demand and sales remain high for our key national active brands of Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and Champion.”

The TJX Companies, Inc. reported second-quarter sales and earnings came in well ahead of management’s expectations as gangbuster sales in the home category continued and apparel gains accelerated from its recent momentum. Margins are expected to benefit going forward from continued robust growth and price adjustments.

Reebok’s sales peaked at $3.2 billion in 2004 and have shrunk to $1.4 billion in 2020. However, the brand was able to deliver growth for the majority of the 14 years under the ownership of Adidas and profitability ended being the main challenge toward the end. SGB Executive takes a look back at the brand’s ups and downs since being acquired by Adidas in 2016.

Smartwool, now owned by VF Corp., continues its long-held practice of sustainability. Lately, however, with its environmental ethos emboldened by VF’s push for product circularity in its brands, the company has stepped up its game. In speaking with its Sustainability and Social Impact Senior Manager, Alicia Chin, SGB Executive learned about recent initiatives that continue the brand’s commitment to being a steward for the planet.  

With the Canadian government opening its borders to U.S. tourists on August 9, after being closed since March 2020, outfitters north of the border are rejoicing, but is it enough to save a second straight season of losses? SGB Executive checks in with Canadian outfitter Madawaska Canoe Centre to get its outlook on the outdoor industry amid the pandemic.

Planet Fitness Inc. has regained approximately 75 percent of the members it lost from its peak numbers in Q120 to the low of Q420. Chris Rondeau, CEO, told analysts on a call, “We believe the unseasonal momentum and our membership gains are fueled by people recognizing the importance of self-care.”

The Top National stories and the Latest headlines across the Active Lifestyle Market for the week of August 9, 2021 covered in the SGB Updates and delivered to your inbox every business day. This week’s Ambassador Athlete is Mustang Survival’s Emily Nagel, a professional sailor, who takes her “life = sailing” motto seriously.

Recently adding Ocean Rodeo and MTI to its brand portfolio, Mustang Survival is enjoying a growth spurt. SGB Executive caught up with Josh Horoshok, recreation division vice-president, to discuss its recent acquisitions when other companies are downsizing and bringing its offshore safety role into new markets.

SportChek’s same-store sales continued to see a strong recovery, jumping 28.6 percent in the second quarter ended July 3 year-over-year and advancing 5.1 percent over the 2019 second quarter. Canadian Tire Corp.’s officials said the growth reflected strong demand for casual wear as well as athletic footwear and apparel. The gains came despite inventory constraints.

Shuttering its doors in late 2017 after 20 years in business, merino wool apparel brand Ibex is back up-and-running under GM and mountain athlete Bonie Shupe, who spoke with SGB Executive on the struggles in relaunching the brand during the pandemic and plans to make it relevant once again.