SGB Executive Sports & Fitness

Cornell University Ends Relationship With Nike Over Alleged Labor Issues

In response, Nike said in a statement that it’s “Code of Conduct meets or exceeds international standards set by the International Labour Organization’s conventions and while it is not possible to implement individual codes for over 1000 partner schools, we often find common ground that meets our shared expectations and enables us to move forward.”

Hydro Flask Delivers Strong Double-Digit Growth In Q1  

Helen of Troy’s CEO Julien Mininberg said Hydro Flask’s “new spring season refresh continues to build excitement and results with new products, expanded color assortments, increased shelf and display space, new distribution games including international.”

Industry Excited About Outdoor Retailer’s Move To Denver

While many thanked Salt Lake City for hosting the show for the past 22 years and commiserated with their loss, most of the Outdoor Retailer show veterans reached out to by SGB Exec were thrilled with the decision to move the event to Denver for the next five years.

Nike Confirms Sales Through Amazon As Q4 Tops Expectations

“As we do with all of our partners, we’re looking for ways to improve the Nike consumer experience on Amazon by elevating the way the brand is presented and increasing the quality of product storytelling,” said Mark Parker, chairman, president and CEO, on a conference call with analysts.

Fleet Feet Sports Embraces The Future  

“There’s probably not a bigger group of retailers who are excited to be in the position they’re in if you look at all the headwinds that retailers are facing,” said Joey Pointer, Fleet Feet Inc.’s new CEO, about Fleet Feet Sports’ franchise owners last week at the brand’s annual franchise conference.

Why Did Amazon Join SFIA’s Board?

Tom Cove, SFIA’s president and CEO, told SGB, “People in the industry and people at the brand level are figuring out the e-com channel, figuring out the Amazon-specific relations, and even figuring out their own e-commerce/direct-to-consumer initiatives while also looking to maintain relationships with traditional retailers. It’s all part of the mix.”

Finish Line Upbeat About Second-Half Rebound

Finish Line comps are projected to increase low-single digit due to easier comparisons, the sales lift from additional remodels, increased qualities of many current best sellers, and the strong pipeline of launch product, including more kids’ takedowns of top performing adult sizes.

SFIA’s Bill Sells Recalls Alexandria Baseball Practice Shooting

“It’s a little early for fireworks.” That’s what Bill Sells, VP for government relations at SFIA, literally said at 7:15 a.m. last Wednesday after hearing the first “pop” from a gunmen’s rifle at a baseball practice session of Republican lawmakers preparing for the next day’s Congressional Baseball Game.

Will Amazon’s Acquisition Of Whole Foods Transform Retailing?

Amazon shocked the retail world Friday morning by announcing that it had reached a deal to acquire Whole Foods Markets. While the move is largely seen as a way for the online giant to quickly way to gain a foothold in the grocery category, can the active lifestyle space be far behind?

Lululemon Sees Online Growth Accelerating In Second Half

Speaking at the William Blair 2017 Growth Stock Conference in San Francisco, Stuart Haselden, Lululemon’s COO and CFO, said that due to quick payback from extensive investments, growth in its online business is expected to bounce back in the second quarter “and accelerate in the second half.”

Nike To Axe 2 Percent Of Its Workforce In Restructuring

The restructuring will impact about 1,400 jobs globally and also includes a heightened focus on 12 key cities, the reduction of its geography structure to four regions from six and the creation of a Nike Direct organization to address the digital opportunity.