
Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Outlook Raised
S&P Global Ratings revised its debt rating outlook for Academy Sports + Outdoor, Inc. following a debt repayment. The positive rating outlook reflects the potential for an upgrade if Academy consistently performs during an uncertain economy while sustaining low S&P Global Ratings-adjusted leverage of about 1x.

BRC Report: Fewer Retail Vacancies Seen In Q4 2022
The British Retail Consortium is reporting that the overall GB retail vacancy rate improved to 13.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022.

JD Sports Reports Cyber Security Issue Includes Customer Data Access
JD Sports Fashion Plc, the parent company for Finish Line, Shoe Palace and DTLR, among others, has been the target of a cyber incident that resulted in unauthorized access to a system that contained customer data relating to online orders placed between November 2018 and October 2020.
Dick’s SG Closes Midwest City Location
Dick’s Sporting Goods has closed its location in Midwest City, OK.

VF Corp. Opens Design Collective And Regional Office In Tokyo
VF Corp. opened its Tokyo Design Collective (TDC) and a regional office in Tokyo’s Harajuku district—the new home for VF’s Dickies, Timberland and Vans brands—and where the TDC team will work.
University Of Michigan Reports Consumer Sentiment Recovery In January
Consumers are feeling better about the economy for the second month, according to The University of Michigan’s closely watched Consumer Sentiment Index, which measured 64.9 for January, up slightly from the preliminary reading of 64.6 earlier this month and up from 59.7 in December.
Tread Labs Expands U.S. Sales Team
Tread Labs, the performance insole brand established by Chaco Founder Mark Paigen, has expanded its sales team and doubled the size of its headquarters.

Nike Sues Japanese Fashion Brand
Nike, Inc sued Bathing Ape (BAPE), the Japanese fashion brand in New York, for allegedly copying some of its most iconic footwear styles.
Nike Opens Store In Hoboken
Nike opened a Nike Live store in Hoboken, NJ.
Pacsun Announces Leadership Transition
Pacsun reported a leadership transition in which Brie Olson, Pacsun president and Board member, will be appointed co-chief executive officer with Co-CEO Mike Relich, effective March 9, 2023. Alfred Chang will step down after 17 years with the company to join Fear of God, a Pacsun brand partner, as CEO.
Foot Locker Reports Executive Exit, Job Cuts, Sidestep Wind Down
Foot Locker, in a regulatory filing, announced that Andrew Gray, EVP, Global Lockers and Champs Sports, had left the company, effective January 23. The company decided to wind down its Sidestep banner in Europe and eliminate some corporate and support roles.
Sport Chek To Close Store In Edmonton City Centre Mall
Sport Chek is closing its location at the Edmonton City Centre Mall, according to the Edmonton Journal.

Tractor Supply Q4 Sales Up 20.7 Percent; Comps Up 8.6 Percent
Tractor Supply company reported that net sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased 20.7 percent to $4.01 billion for the period ended December 31 from $3.32 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The RealReal Names CEO And Board Member
The RealReal, Inc., the largest online marketplace for authenticated, resale luxury goods, announced that John E. Koryl would join the company as CEO and a member of its Board of Directors, effective February 6, 2023.

Kohl’s Eliminates 60 Headquarter Positions
Kohl’s Corp. reported Wednesday that it is eliminating 60 positions in the marketing and merchandising departments at its headquarters in Menomonee Falls, WI.