SGB Executive Sports & Fitness

Nike Accelerates Efforts To Reach Digital Consumers

Said Mark Parker, president and CEO, “The consumer has decided digital isn’t a just part of the shopping experience. Digital is the foundation of it. This and other factors have shifted consumer patterns, especially in North America, impacting traffic, the economics of brick-and-mortar retail and is driving a more promotional environment in the near term.”

Nike Q3 Boosted By International Gains

Beyond double-digit gains in double-digit growth in Western Europe, Greater China, the Emerging Markets as well as DTC overall, Nike’s better-than-expected earnings were helped by expense leverage, higher other income and a lower effective tax rate.

Jeff Phillips Out At Fleet Feet Sports

Jeff Phillips has stepped down as president and CEO of Fleet Feet Sports. In a statement, Joey Pointer, CFO of Fleet Feet Sports, said he will be partnering with the Fleet Feet Sports board of directors “to lead the company through this change.”

DSW To Add Under Armour

While reporting fourth-quarter earnings that were well above year-ago levels due to improved margins and expense controls, DSW Inc. said it was adding Under Armour to its mix in time for back-to-school season.

Camping, Firearms, Classic Footwear Drive 2016 Sporting Goods Revenues

Camping, firearms, classic footwear, soccer and lacrosse were among the strongest selling categories for the sporting goods industry last year, according to the just-released 2017 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report.

Gander Mountain Files For Chapter 11

Gander Mountain Co., as expected, filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota. The hunt & fish specialist plans to close 32 of its approximately 160 stores in coming weeks but is in active discussions with a number of parties interested in a going-concern sale.

Hibbett’s Q4 Dragged Down By Legacy Sports Categories

Said Jared Briskin, SVP and chief merchant, ”The continued declines of some of our legacy businesses such as performance apparel and footwear, licensed products and equipment continue to reinforce our direction, focusing on sports-inspired fashion products for our stores.”

Dorel Sports Stung By Delays In Bike Purchases

Martin Schwartz, president and CEO of Dorel Industries, said, “Dorel Sports has worked throughout 2016 to position itself for an earnings rebound this year, excess industry inventories have been reduced and the ramp in discounting should not be repeated.”

JackRabbit’s New Owner Eyes Expansion

Said Bill Kirkendall, CEO of JackRabbit, in an interview with SGB, “Our strategy is to consolidate all stores under the JackRabbit banner and grow organically and through acquisitions.”

Adidas Ramps Up Growth Goals

In his second quarterly conference call since taking over as CEO of Adidas AG, Kasper Rorsted strongly bumped up the company’s long-term growth outlook while announcing several new initiatives to support its five-year ‘Creating the New’ business plan.