SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
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.
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.
Puma Looks At Basketball To Continue U.S. Momentum
At Puma’s Capital Markets Day, Bjørn Gulden, CEO, said re-entering the basketball category becomes the 6th priority in its turnaround plan as it aims to regain a foothold in American sports.
Hibbett Looks To Build On Q4 Momentum In 2018
Hibbett Sports’ earnings fell, as expected, in the fourth quarter due to the promotional marketplace. But results were better-than-expected coming into the quarter due to an acceleration in its e-commerce business and strength in sportswear and overall footwear offerings.
Golf and Nike Swim Drive Perry Elllis’ Q4 Growth
Perry Ellis International reported sales its Golf segment grew 20 percent in the fourth quarter ended February 3 while Nike Swim saw healthy gains.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 12
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Journeys Momentum Offset Lids Woes To Salvage Genesco’s Q4
A strong retro athletic and lifestyle athletic boosted revenues at Journeys to offset a steep decline at Lids and help Genesco deliver fourth-quarter results in line with guidance.
VF Corp. Moves Into Performance Running
Stepping into the road running category, VF Corp. reached an agreement to acquire Altra, the maker of road and trail running shoes popular with ultra-runners. While Altra is expected to benefit from VF’s Corp’s expertise in both footwear and apparel, VF secures one of the fastest-growing brands in run specialty.
Adidas Lifts Profitability Target After Robust 2017
Powered by North America and China, Adidas reported yet another quarter and year of strong sales and profit growth. Adidas executives offered an upbeat look at the coming year and increased its 2020 profit target.
Dick’s Hopes Healthier Margin Outlook Offsets Top-Line Challenges
Dick’s Sporting Goods said on its fourth-quarter conference call that it’s facing top-line challenges in the hunt and fitness tracker categories as well as the Under Armour brand overall. But stronger product innovation from select key partners and the continued expansion of its private brands are expected to result in less margin pressure in 2018 than previously expected.
Study: Inactivity Rates Among Low-Income Households Near Historic Levels
The 2018 Physical Activity Council Participation Report finds a moderate rise in participation for many sports and activities, including fitness sports, outdoor sports and winter sports. On the downside, the study identified a continuing trend toward the affluent getting more active while the less affluent are becoming more inactive.
Dorel Sports Returns To Growth In Q4
”Despite a continued weak global bicycle market, Dorel Sports grew its top-line in Q4 improving considerably from the third quarter driven by strong performance in Cycling Sport Group (CSG)’s international business, and at Caloi,” said Martin Schwartz, CEO of Dorel Industries.
