SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
Kohl’s Seeing Share Gains In Active, Adding Nike Plus-Sizes
Kohl’s Corp said it continued to see strong momentum across its Active categories in the fourth quarter. The retailer also said that its test of expanded Active areas will be extended to 160 stores and Nike plus-size offerings will arrive this spring.
Foot Locker Scores Best Quarterly Comp Since 2014
With hot sellers ranging from Adidas Yeezy to Jordan, Nike’s Max Air, Fila and Champion, Foot Locker Inc. belted out a 9.7 percent same-store gain in the fourth quarter – its best quarterly gain since the fourth quarter of 2014. Fourth-quarter earnings and 2019 guidance also arrived well ahead of expectations. Some setbacks include the planned closing of its SIX:02 women’s chain and more impairment charges for Runners Point, but a bigger investment has been made into in Carbon38, the women’s activewear upstart.
Athleta Becomes Prime Growth Engine With Old Navy’s Exit
Gap Inc.’s move to spin off Old Navy is expected to accelerate growth opportunities for Athleta, the already fast-growing women’s activewear chain. The fourth quarter for Athleta marked a two-year comp hike of nearly 30 percent.
Fitbit’s Shares Sink On Weak Guidance
Fitbit in the fourth quarter managed to show its first quarterly year-over-year increase in device sales since the fourth quarter of 2016. But shares were trading down about 16 percent in late-afternoon trading amid warnings of softer-than-expected sales for the first quarter and margin deterioration for the year.
Big 5 Turns Bullish As Winter Kicks In
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. said its holiday quarter came out better than expected as chilly weather goosed sales. Continued seasonal weather into February also has the California-based chain upbeat for the first quarter.
Adidas Earns Upgrade On Yeezy Momentum
Wells Fargo raised its rating on Adidas to “Outperform” from “Market Perform” due to the success the brand is finding with its “democratization” of Yeezy, its sub-brand collaboration with Kanye West.
Retail Reports Roundup
Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks on the value of in-person customer service, in-app spending growth, mobile payments, virtual assistants, supply chain digitization and more…
Zion Williamson Injury Puts Spotlight On Nike And College Hoops
A shoe malfunction that injured college basketball’s biggest star in the most-hyped game of the year sent Nike into full damage control mode and drove more debates on the risks of college athletics.
Wolverine’s Shares Sink On Cautious Guidance
Wolverine World Wide reported sales came in slightly below Wall Street’s expectations but are expected to accelerate to mid-single digit growth in the back half of 2019 due to an expected turnaround at Saucony and accelerated growth at Merrell and Sperry. EPS guidance for 2019, however, came in below expectations as the company plans to ramp up brand-building efforts this year.
SFIA: Sports Industry Facing Too Many Casual Participants
The annual SFIA Topline Participation Report found more Americans embracing healthy lifestyles in 2018, including notable gains in participation in a number of outdoor and fitness activities. But the study found tackle football participation taking another hit and overall gains being driven by casual rather than core participants.
SportChek Q4 Boosted By Owned-Brands Push
Canadian Tire Corp reported that its SportChek segment saw same-store sales climb 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter, helped by a strong reception to its owned brands, Ripzone, Helly Hansen and Woods. Said Allan MacDonald, Canadia Tire’s EVP of retail, “I’m pleased that our owned brand strategy has now taken root at Sport Chek where we have to compete with some of the greatest brands in the world.”
Asics Resets Americas Team After Another Challenging Year
Following a year of double-digit declines, Asics America Group (AAG) reported that Koichiro Kodama will replace Gene McCarthy as CEO of the region in a broad management overhaul.
Puma’s Forecasts Double Digit Growth Again In 2019
Puma closed out its 70th year in business by seeing sales further accelerate in the fourth quarter, led by strength in Asia and North America. Another year of double-digit revenue growth and”significant” earnings gains was predicted for 2019.
Under Armour Struggles To Revive North America Growth
Under Armour Inc.’s fourth quarter came in better than expected in the fourth quarter due to strong growth internationally and fewer promotions. But sales in North America dropped 6 percent and a return to growth isn’t expected in the region until at least the second quarter. Patrik Frisk, president and COO, “When you’ve lost space on the shelf you got to earn it back and it takes a little bit of time.”
Retail Roundup … 7 Reports For February 2019
Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks around the state of influencer marketing, the link between inventory efficiencies and markdowns, turning one-and-dones into recurring customers, brands’ opportunities to “mend A divided nation,” and more…
