
Sportsman’s Warehouse Acquisition Close To Clearing Hurdles
According to a regulatory filing, the statutory waiting period for regulatory approval of Bass Pro’s acquisition of Sportsman’s Warehouse is scheduled to expire on February 5, 2021, although it may be extended by the Antitrust Division or the FTC.

FIVB Partners With CVC Capital To Drive Growth Of Volleyball
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has partnered with CVC Capital Partners Fund VII, the private equity firm, on the launch of Volleyball World, an entity designed to drive growth and investment in volleyball worldwide.

Belk’s Debt Downgraded Over Missed Interest Payment
S&P Global Ratings lowered the debt ratings of Belk Inc. as the department store chain missed the interest payment due on its second-lien term loan and the scheduled amortization payment due on its first-lien term loan.

Puma Named European Top Employer For 2021
Puma has been named Top Employer Europe for the second time in a row by the Top Employers Institute*. This independent award highlights Puma’s efforts to provide an attractive workplace for its employees.

Hudson’s Bay To Lay Off More Than 600 Employees In Canada
Hudson’s Bay Co. said it would lay off more than 600 workers across Canada due to the impact of pandemic-related temporary store closures.

NGF’s Graffis Report Sees Strong Increase In Golf Play In 2020
National Golf Foundation’s Graffis Report shows a 14 percent year-over-year increase in rounds played despite March/April course shutdowns. Total golf participation (on/off-course combined) was up 8 percent year-over-year to 36.9 million participants.

Tread & Butter Partners With Mountain Exposure On Canadian Distribution
Tread & Butter announced Mountain Exposure as its exclusive Canadian distributor.

Report: Under Armour To End NFL Licensing Deal
Under Armour is ending its on-field licensing contract with the National Football League, according to a report from the Financial Times. The move will restrict accessory products bearing the Under Armour logo from being worn or displayed on the field during games.

PGA Merchandise Show Connects 11,000 Virtually
The 68th edition of the PGA Merchandise Show, January 26 to 29, shifted to a virtual event in 2021 and drew more than 11,000 attendees from 78 countries, including some 6,500 PGA professionals. Exhibitors included nearly 400 golf brands.

Amazon Announces CEO Transition
Amazon announced that Jeff Bezos will transition to the role of executive chair in the third quarter of 2021 and Andy Jassy will become CEO at that time. Jassy is CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Rack Room Shoes Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Family footwear retailer Rack Room Shoes announced Molly Hartney has succeeded industry marketing veteran Jan Mauldin as vice president-chief marketing officer.

Nordstrom Canada Appoints SVP, Regional Manager
Nordstrom, Inc. announced that Alix Box has joined the company as senior vice president, regional manager for Canada. Michelle Haggard, who previously served in this role, has retired after 30 years with Nordstrom.

Everlane Hires Nike Exec As First Chief Marketing Officer
Everlane, the direct-to-consumer apparel brand, has hired Sophie Bambuck, former global VP of brand marketing for Nike Sportswear, as its first chief marketing officer.

Deckers Brands Appoints Independent Director To Its Board
Deckers Brands announced the appointment of Maha S. Ibrahim to its Board of Directors, effective February 1.

Clarus Sees 23 Percent Q4 Revenue Gain
Clarus Corp said it expects sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 to be approximately $75.0 million, a 23 percent increase year-over-year and ahead of guidance. Excluding the acquisition of Barnes, sales grew 12 percent.