Decathlon’s Debt Ratings Affirmed On Strong 2020 Operating Performance
S&P Global Ratings affirmed its ‘A-2’ short-term issuer credit rating on Decathlon SA as the France-based sporting goods retailer’s operating performance for 2020 was stronger than S&P expected, thanks to strong cost management and cash preservation measures.
Twisted X Welcomes Sustainability Strategist
Twisted X, a Twisted X Global Brands company, announced it had hired Kristy Rosica as sustainability strategist, a new role created in 2021 to support the company’s pledge to “protect the planet through the use of eco-forward materials and innovative practices.”
Nike Signs Projected No. 1 NBA Draft Pick
Nike has signed an endorsement deal with Cade Cunningham, the projected top overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
Sun & Ski Sports To Open In Former Modell’s Location In Maryland
Sun & Ski Sports plans to open its 31st store in a former Modell’s location at Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, MD.
K-Swiss Appoints VP Marketing, E-Commerce For Americas Region
K-Swiss, owned by China-based Xtep International Holdings Ltd, appointed Kate Minner as its new vice president of marketing and e-commerce for the Americas region.
Asics Invests In Insole Maker
Asics has taken an unspecified stake in healthcare startup, Japan HealthCare Co., Ltd., which makes custom insoles working from photos of feet taken by smartphone.
SFIA Applauds USTR Decision To Not Hit Vietnam Imports With Additional Tariffs
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced Friday that the U.S. would not initiate Section 301 Tariffs of up to 25 percent on Vietnamese imports in response to currency manipulation.
NPD Sees Performance Footwear Sales Climb 23 Percent In Second Quarter
The NPD Group reported total U.S. performance footwear sales grew 23 percent in the second quarter while leisure footwear sales climbed at a slightly higher rate. Fashion footwear sales decreased mid-single-digits.
Puma Expands Gen.G Partnership
Global esports organization Gen.G and Puma announced an expansion to the brands’ existing partnership in South Korea, as Puma becomes the official jersey of Gen.G’s Global pro teams and creators, including the Gen.G Valorant players and creators in North America.
JD Sports Acquires Stake In Gym King
JD Sports has announced a multi-million dollar investment in the UK, Yorkshire-based athleisure retailer Gym King, taking a “significant” minority stake in the firm.
Skechers Lifts Outlook On Q2 Beat
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. significantly raised its guidance for the year after reporting earnings and sales in the second quarter that came in well ahead of guidance. Sales rose 127 percent in the second quarter year-over-year and gained over 30 percent as compared to the second quarter of 2019.
Rack Room Shoes Makes Key Promotions
Rack Room Shoes has promoted Dawn Heath to director of integrated marketing and Julie Barr to vice president of human resources.
Golf Rounds Played Show Weakness In June
U.S. golf rounds played were up 0.4 percent in June 2021 against a surge in play in the year-ago period due to the pandemic, according to Golf Datatech. For the year-to-date period, rounds played are ahead 22.8 percent.
Sequential Brands To Sell DVS Footwear Brand
Sequential Brands Group Inc. in a regulatory filing said it sold its 65 percent interest in DVS Footwear to Elan Polo International Inc. for $2 million in cash.
GNC Strengthens Executive Leadership Team With New Appointments
GNC announced that it has appointed Nate Frazier as EVP, chief operating officer and Karlyn Mattson as chief merchandising officer.
