SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
Iconix Finds Starter, Umbro Resets Gaining Traction
Iconix Brand Group Inc. reported net earnings again eroded in the first quarter on a 17 percent revenue decline. But results were in line with expectations and Iconix’s management said they’re making progress realigning the company’s brand relationships, including Umbro’s with Target and Starter’s with Amazon.
Aisle Talk Week of April 30
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Nike Inc. CEO Mark Parker (pictured) holding a rare company-wide staff meeting at Nike headquarters to apologize for recent incidents at the company.
Vans ‘Nothing Short Of Outstanding’ in Q1
Vans delivered another record quarter for VF Corp., which rode the footwear brand and the rest of its portfolio to an outstanding first quarter. VF reported earnings of $252.8 million, or 65 cents per share, for the quarter ended March 31, up 20.9 percent from the same quarter a year ago.
GoPro Ramps Up Marketing Spend
First-quarter success in international markets without the benefit of sustained marketing support has GoPro Inc. bullish on sales prospects in those regions, and really everywhere the company’s products are sold.
Crosman And 5.11 Up, Liberty Safe Down For CODI
Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI) reported healthy growth for Crosman and 5.11 in the first quarter but Liberty Safe saw a steep decline.
Golf Club Sales Drive Acushnet’s Q1 Performance
Strong demand for Titleist golf clubs–most notably the 718 irons, Vokey SM7 wedges and Cameron Select putters–helped drive parent company Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s strong first quarter.
Adidas AG’s North American Momentum Continues
Adidas AG said a slowdown in Western Europe and continued weakening the company’s key footwear franchises in the first quarter was more than matched by strong sales momentum overall in North America and Greater China, an accelerating apparel business and strong full-price selling.
Versa Accelerates Fitbit’s Revenue Shift Toward Smartwatches
Smartwatches composed about 30 percent of Fitbit Inc.’s revenue in the first quarter, but based on executive commentary during yesterday’s earnings call, look for the products to grab even an larger share of the company’s top line in future earnings reports.
Fitness And Outdoor Drive Garmin’s Q1 Growth
Powered by robust gains in its Outdoor, Fitness and Aviation segments, Garmin Inc. reported sales climbed 10.8 percent in the first quarter.
The Fēnix drove Outdoor and the new Forerunner launch helped lift Fitness.
Big 5 Wacked By Weather Woes In Q1
Big 5 Sporting Goods reported that a lack of cold weather crushed its winter business early in the first quarter while the arrival of chilly weather restrained its spring business later in the quarter.
Under Armour Elevates ‘Loud Brand, Quiet Company’ Focus
A mostly positive first quarter that saw Under Armour Inc. beat analyst expectations on earnings and revenue has the company doubling down on the “loud brand, quiet company” strategy announced earlier this year.
Champion Shines Again For HanesBrands In Q1
HanesBrands Inc. said Champion’s sales outside of the mass channel in the U.S. catapulted over 50 percent in the first quarter, driven by strong consumer demand, space gains in the specialty channels and growth in the online channel.
SGB Executive Q&A: Hibbett Execs Discuss New App, Digital Strategy
Jeff Rosenthal and Bill Quinn of Hibbett Sporting Goods spoke with SGB Executive about how the company’s newly unveiled app fits into the retailer’s digital strategy and was designed to meet consumers’ shopping and buying demands.
SGB Executive: Q&A with Matt O’Toole, President, Reebok
SGB Executive talked to Matt O’Toole, Reebok’s president, about the fitness-first brand’s headquarter’s move to the heart of Boston, the Muscle Up turnaround strategy, and untapped growth opportunities.
Thule Overcomes Softness In U.S. Market With Upbeat Q1
Thule Group AB’s strength in Europe and the rest of the world helped overcame softness in the Americas, as the company saw first-quarter revenue improve 5.6 percent (5.5 percent with currency adjustment) to SEK 1.6 billion and net income jump 11.9 percent to SEK 220 million.
