SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
Under Armour Gets Hacked
In another blow for the brand, Under Armour admitted that that as many as 150 million MyFitnessPal user accounts were compromised in February of this year. The incident stands as one of the biggest hacks in history.
Aisle Talk, Week of March 26
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week including VF Corp. appointed Steve Murray, pictured left, former President of Vans, to VP Strategic Projects.
Finish Line’s Profits Progress, Sales Retreat In Q4
While its sales recovery efforts took a step back, The Finish Line Inc. improved its underlying profitability in its fourth quarter ended March 3, thanks to inventory end expense controls. Results were in line with a forecast given three days ago when it surprisingly announced plans to merge with JD Sports, the U.K.-based footwear chain.
Shoe Carnival’s Q4 Benefits From Fewer Promotions, Women’s Leads Athletics
Shoe Carnival Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings arrived at the top end of guidance due to a focus on lower promotions, but the move led to a dip in same-store sales. Adult Athletic comps were up low-single digits as strength in women’s athletic offset weakness in men’s basketball.
JD Sports Looks To Take On Foot Locker In U.S. Market
In a shocker, JD Sports announced plans to enter the U.S. marketplace through the acquisition of the beleaguered sneaker chain Finish Line. Analysts said the merged retailer’s combined buying clout presents a new threat to Foot Locker.
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.
