Foot Locker Sees Strength in Marquee Drive Q2, Adds Excitement for H2
Foot Locker had a strong second quarter as sales increased slightly and the retailer swung to a net profit after a year-ago loss with help from a leap in gross margins. Even more promising was a 3.5% decline in inventory at quarter-end versus the same ti
PacSun Sales Up Slightly for Second Quarter as Retailer Switches to Net Profit
During the company’s earnings conference call on Aug. 21, Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc. reported that total sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 ended Aug. 2 rose to $312.7 million this year from $311.8 million in 2007…
Shoe Carnival Net Up on Higher Athletic Margins
Higher merchandising margins, partly due to increased performance product, as well as on inventory and expense controls fed a surge in Shoe Carnival's Q2 earnings. Although overall store traffic continued to decline, comps in athletics increased for
Escalade Sports Ends Evansville Production
Escalade Sports plans to close its last manufacturing operation in Evansville, IN, the company's headquarters, effective Sept. 5. HR director Gary Allan told the Courier Press that table tennis production will be consolidated into Escalade Sports’ Me
Versatility Proves Key Footwear Trend at ORSM
There was a marked trend at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market toward improving existing product lines by adding useful features. The words “hybrid,” “crossover” and “versatile” have become a mantra for most exhibitors. There was also an abundance of multitas
Eastern Mountain Sports Hits Home Run with North Conway Store
Eastern Mountain Sports newest store in North Conway, N.H. hit $1 million in sales in its first six weeks and is running 80% ahead of plan, according to senior executives B.O.S.S. visited in The Granite State.
The success of the store validates the compa
Interbike Sees Pre-Reg Up
Resurging interest in bicycling appears to be pushing up interest in the industry’s primary trade show. More than 13,000 individual buyers, representing close to 3,000 bicycle storefronts have pre-registered to attend Interbike International Bicycle Expo
Pipeline Forms Licensing Agreement with Mikshag
PIPELINE International announced a new licensing agreement with Mikshag, Inc. to create an extensive line of apparel, swimwear and outerwear for young men and juniors. Mikshag will design, produce, and distribute PIPELINE branded product through sporting
Steve and Barry’s Acquisition Approved
Steve & Barry's LLC announced that BHY S&B Holdings LLC, a newly formed affiliate of investment firms Bay Harbour Management and York Capital Management, has received bankruptcy court approval to acquire substantially all assets of Steve & Barry'
Outdoor University Reaches 200 Retailers in 2008
Attendance at Outdoor University rose in the double digits this year, reaching more than 200 retailers from more than 125 independent specialty shops, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. The growth indicates retailers are warming to a new forma
Bay Harbour to Acquire Steve and Barry’s
Bay Harbour Management LC plans to purchase out of bankruptcy the assets of Steve & Barry's for $168 million. The New York-based investment firm plans to keep open about 150 of the chain's 276 stores, according to the Bay Harbour managing princi
Bob’s Stores Sold to Private Equity Group
TJX Cos. Inc. announced the sale of Bob's Stores to a pair of private equity firms, Versa Capital Management and Crystal Capital. Terms of the sale weren't disclosed. However, the deal will result in a $15 million, or 3-cent-per-share charge, in
NFL Wins Suit Against American Needle
The National Football League won a licensing suit against American Needle over its past deal to make Reebok its exclusive headwear licensee. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit affirmed a summary judgment ruling that the National Football League
DAK Americas to Report to The Climate Registry
DAK Americas, producer of PET Resin, Polyester Staple Fibers, and raw materials for polyester based products, said it has become a founding reporter of The Climate Registry, a non-profit that measures and publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in
Heelys Rejects Skechers Second Bid
Heelys Inc. rejected a second unsolicited buyout offer from Skechers USA Inc., saying the $142.8 million cash offer is too low. In a statement issued after the market close on Tuesday, the maker of wheeled shoes for children said its board rejected Skeche
