SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
One-On-One With OrthoLite’s Glenn Barrett
The CEO and chairman of Ortholite discusses the keys to successful collaborations, 3D printing and other emerging technologies, new competitors in the space, and the insole category’s newfound respect.
Merry Holiday Forecasts Arrive
The NRF (National Retailer Federation) became the latest organization predicting robust sales for the holiday season. Gains are expected to be helped by low unemployment, rising stock markets and another year of double-digit online spending gains.
Susquehanna Downgrades Finish Line On Recent Run-Up
Susquehanna Financial Group lowered its rating on The Finish Line to “Neutral” from “Positive” because the stock’s recent spike in price now “fairly reflects the probability of a takeout by Sports Direct.”
Russell Throws In The Towel On Uniforms
Kevin Reber, VP of sales, Russell Athletic, said in a letter to team dealers, “We are proud of our heritage, but to build lasting relationships with a new generation of athletes, we will need to focus our efforts and play to our strengths.”
Aisle Talk, Week Of September 25
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Women’s Footwear Standout Performer During 2017 Back-To-School Season
Adidas brand led the charge with 70 percent growth in women’s athletic footwear sales over the back-to-school season, according to recent reports released by SSI Data.
Will Sports Marketing Change Post-Bribery Scandal?
Will the arrest of Jim Gatto, the director of global sports marketing at Adidas, in the college basketball bribery scheme soon lead to charges against other sports industry execs and an overhaul of sports sponsorships?
Nike’s U.S. Challenges Continue
Andrew Campion, Nike’s CFO and EVP, said on a conference call with analysts, “Given all of these dynamics, just one quarter into the year, it’s unclear, and I wouldn’t say precisely where North America will land for the full fiscal year.”
Mission Gets Its Own Heat Lab
In an interview with SGB, Josh Shaw, founder and CEO of Mission, said that beyond apparel, the lab will provide research into beverages, wearables and other areas. Said Shaw, “It’s going to be used to really further all elements related to heat safety.”
Aegis Capital Initiates Coverage On Escalade And Nautilus
Aegis Capital initiated coverage of Escalade Inc. and Nautilus Inc. Both earned a “Buy” rating.
Under Armour Upgraded, VF Corp Downgraded
KeyBanc Capital Markets on Monday raised its rating on Under Armour due in part to its recent hiring of Patrik Frisk as COO. At the same time, the investment firm lowered its rating on VF Corp. due in its valuation and online weakness at its jeanswear coalition and Timberland.
Aisle Talk, Week Of September 18
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Consumer Direct Offense Gets Heavy Play At Nike’s Annual Meeting
At Nike’s 37th annual meeting held at its Beaverton headquarters, Nike officials discussed the company’s liberal leanings, its climate change actions and new NBA partnership. But most of the time was spent talking up its “Consumer Direct Offense” initiative.
Susquehanna Upgrades Hibbett Sports On Hurricane Benefits
Susquehanna Financial Group has upgraded its rating on Hibbett Sports as it expects its stores and recently-launched e-commerce site to benefit from footwear replacement needs caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Academy’s Challenges Continue In First Half
Moody’s downgraded the debt ratings of Academy Sports + Outdoors due to “difficult market conditions, including a highly promotional environment for athletic apparel and weak demand for firearms and ammunition,”
