
EXEC: Under Armour Reduces North America Guidance on Wholesale Softness
Under Armour reported results for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 came in line with expectations amid progress reducing inventory levels while reiterating its overall guidance for the year. However, sales guidance was reduced for North America as the brand was unable to overcome due to stubborn challenges at U.S. wholesale.

Crocs Refinances Term Loan
Crocs, Inc. announced a repricing of the $1.18 billion outstanding under its Term Loan B facility through a refinancing amendment which reduces the interest rate margins applicable to the facility.
JD Sports Acquires Balance of Shares in Poland-Based Sports Retailer
JD exercised its rights under a call option to acquire the outstanding 40 percent minority stake of Marketing Investment Group S.A. (MIG) to become MIG’s 100 percent sole owner.
Report: Small Businesses Report Significant Hiring Decline in July
The CBIZ Small Business Employment Index (SBEI) reported a seasonally adjusted decrease of 2.1 percent in July. This month’s reading is a dramatic reversal from the strong hiring reported in June.

EXEC: Mizuno Posts Strong Fiscal Q1 Results; Footwear Jumps 46 Percent
The company reported sales grew in strong double-digits in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, driven by double-digit growth across all categories. The Japan-based company is maintaining its forecast for sales of ¥225 billion in fiscal full-year 2023.

Hanesbrands Faces Activist Investor Calling for Leadership Changes
Barington Capital, an activist shareholder group, issued a letter calling for changes in the Board of Directors of Hanesbrands, possibly the CEO and other operational changes to reduce debt. In response, Hanesbrands highlighted progress under its Full Potential strategy and said it remains committed to driving shareholder value.

EXEC: Asics Corp. Increases Full-Year Guidance on Strong H1 Results
For the first half ended June 30, net sales were ¥290.0 billion, recording the highest for the six month period and increased year-over-year in all regions and categories.

Under Armour Limits Fiscal Q1 Downside with Strong International Growth
Total net revenue was down 2.4 percent (-1.3 percent currency-neutral) year-over-year to $1.32 billion in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30. Wholesale revenues declined 6.3 percent while DTC increased 4.5 percent.

NRF Sees Cargo Volume Hitting Yearly Peak in August
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecasted to hit its highest level in nearly a year in August as retailers stock up for the winter holidays, according to Global Port Tracker’s report released by the National Retail Federation.

Havaianas Parent Sees 13 Percent Revenue Drop in Q2
Brazil’s Alpargatas reported a loss against a profit in the second quarter ended June 30 as sales fell 13 percent to R$(Brazil Real)926.4 million ($189mm). In the U.S., sales of Havaianas were down 13.9 percent while Rothys’ revenues slid 8.6 percent.
Nordstrom Rack to Open Store in Queen Creek, AZ
Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in spring 2024 in Queen Creek, AZ. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc.

EXEC: Analysts Gaining Confidence in Adidas’ Turnaround
While some still see an uphill battle for Adidas to regain share in the competitive landscape, the majority of analysts covering the stock were encouraged by the progress the company made in the second quarter toward a turnaround, including building momentum in its underlying business on the back of the “terrace” trend.
NRF Launches Center for Digital Risk and Innovation
The Center is expected to serve as the focal point for NRF’s engagement on technology issues that have significant policy and risk management implications for the global retail industry.

BRC: British Retail Foot Traffic Recovers as Outlets Fuel Growth
The data shows that much of the footfall recovery in July was shored up by strong performance in outlet retail, as shoppers turn to discount formats to make spend go further.

EXEC: Titleist Parent Sees Continued Benefit from Golf’s Pandemic Boost
Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s second-quarter results topped analyst estimates as the momentum in Titleist golf balls and golf clubs offset weakness at FootJoy. David Maher, president and CEO, told analysts, “Supporting the company’s first half results, we are enthused by the golf industry’s overall health and stability with participation remaining vibrant even as golfers return to many pre-COVID activities.”