MycoWorks Opens New South Carolina Factory
MycoWorks, a company developing a fungal-based biomaterial that it said could replace leather, began production at its new manufacturing facility in Union, SC. The San Francisco-based biomaterials start-up said its now set to grow millions of square feet of its leather-alternative material produced with the company’s proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium.
Bass Pro Shops Sets New Location in Tucson, AZ
The new retail store will be located off I-10 as an anchor of Marketplace at the Bridges.
Birkenstock’s Revenues Climb 21 Percent in Fiscal Nine Months
Birkenstock’s revenues grew 21 percent in its fiscal nine months ended June 30 due to broad-based growth across regions and channels, according to an updated regulatory filing tied to its initial public offering.
EXEC: Nike Retains Top Spot as Most Valuable Global Apparel Brand
Nike ranked as the world’s most valuable apparel brand for the ninth consecutive year, according to Brand Finance’s 2023 Annual Apparel 50 Report. Other brands in the active lifestyle space that made the Top 50 included Adidas, at #5; Lululemon, #16; Puma, #19; Anta, #26; Under Armour, #27; The North Face, #28; Moncler, #29; Skechers, #32; Fila, #34; Li Ning, #42; and New Balance, #50.
Kith To Open First Store in Toronto
Kith will officially open its first store in Toronto, and its first in Canada, on September 22.
Allbirds Completes International Distributor Deals
Allbirds, Inc. completed its previously announced agreement with distributor partners in Canada and South Korea. In-Sport Fashions, Inc. is now the brand’s exclusive Canadian distributor and EFG Corp. is its exclusive distributor in South Korea.
Saks Survey Indicates Early Signs of Luxury Spending Rebound
Saks’ latest Saks Luxury Pulse survey, fielded in late July, found that 58 percent of luxury consumers plan to spend the same or more on luxury in the next three months. This is an increase from 53 percent in the prior Saks Luxury Pulse fielded in late April, and represents the first increase in luxury spending plans since the survey began tracking this in May 2022.
EXEC: KMD Sees Rip Curl Post Solid FY Growth while Oboz Sales Jump 62 Percent
The parent company to the Rip Curl, Oboz and Kathmandu brands reported it had achieved record sales of over NZ$1.1 billion dollars in the fiscal year ended July 31, its first year of uninterrupted trade post-pandemic.
Five Below Adds Genesco’s CEO to Board
Five Below, Inc. appointed Mimi Vaughn, currently president, chief executive officer and chair of the Board of Genesco Inc., as an independent member of its Board of Directors.
Mastercard: U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Expected to Grow 3.7 Percent
Mastercard SpendingPulse said sales are expected to rise 6.7 percent online and 2.9 in-store for the period November 1 through December 24, with the biggest gain iexpected to come in electronics with a 6 percent increase.
Authentic Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded by Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the debt ratings of Authentic Brands Group to reflect the conglomerate’s “solid” operating performance, increasing scale benefits and improving debt leverage.
EXEC: HSBC is Bullish on Adidas, Lululemon and Puma; Still Holds on Nike
In a bullish report, HSBC said that despite tough conditions expected to continue in the U.S., sales growth and margins should improve for the global sporting goods sector following its “post-pandemic hangover.” Beneficiaries include Adidas, Lululemon and Puma, all rated “Buys” by HSBC while Nike remains at “Hold” due to its U.S. exposure.
DTLR Names New CEO, Opens Next Gen Flagship
DTLR, acquired by JD Sports in May 2021, named Todd Kirssin as CEO while also opening its “Next Gen” retail concept.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints New Board Member
Steven Sansom is a corporate executive with over 30 years of experience in high-growth businesses. He has served as founder and chairman of Steel Grove Capital Advisors and Steel Grove Family Office in Memphis, TN since September 2001.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Opens First Store in Kyle, TX
The new location marks the fifth store Academy has opened in 2023 as Academy looks to achieve its goal of opening a total of 120 to 140 new stores by the end of 2027.
