EXEC: Nike’s Stock Nets “Buy” Upgrade on Leadership Changes
Nike scored its first rating upgrade since news arrived of Elliot Hill’s appointment as CEO. Truist Securities’ Joe Civello believes Nike’s increasingly veteran-driven management team can revive the brand’s marketing and innovation, including better promoting Caitlin Clark, while continuing to repair wholesale relationships. Civello also cited selling direct on Amazon as a “game-changer” opportunity.
L.L.Bean Officially Opens Doors in Enfield, CT
In June, L.L.Bean announced plans to open four new retail stores in 2024, including its first store in Indiana, underscoring its omnichannel growth strategy. Last week, the retailer’s Enfield, CT store officially opened in Brookside Plaza, its third in the state.
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Sees Consumers Pull Back Spending In September
Retail sales saw a slight month-over-month drop in September but consumers continued to spend more than last year as interest rates and inflation fell and employment rose, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
Maine Outdoor Brands Appoints Board President
Maine Outdoor Brands appointed Devin McNeill, CEO and co-founder of Flowfold, as its new board president, succeeding Kay Henry. The organization also added three new members to its board of directors.
Rebel Sport’s Parent Appoints Amazon Exec As Director
Super Retail Group, appointed Kate Burleigh, formerly a regional Amazon executive, as a non-executive director, effective November 11.
Reju Launches First Recycling Facility in Germany
Materials recycling company Reju, led by former Under Armour CEO Patrik Frisk, with offices in Europe and North America, has opened its Regeneration Hub in Frankfurt, Germany with expected deliveries to begin in 2025.
EXEC: Anta Sports Sees Fila’s China Retail Sales Turn Negative in Q3
The company is the largest shareholder of Arc’teryx, Wilson and Salomon parent Amer Sports, and also runs retail stores in China for the Anta brand, Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport, and Amer Sports.
Nike Moves Tom Peddie Back Into VP/GM of North America Role
Nike, Inc. announced that Tom Peddie will become vice president and general manager of the North America geography, effective October 21. He succeeds Scott Uzzell, who has decided to leave the company.
StockX Hires Chief Marketing Officer
StockX named Nick Karrat as chief marketing officer. Most recently, he was chief marketing officer at Tommy John.
EXEC: Swedish Investment Firm Merges Five Companies into Single Sports/Active Entity
Storskogen companies Ullmax, JO Sport, Tennis fashion, Racketdoktorn and On Target have merged into the joint company ASHE, which now constitutes a leading Nordic distribution, sales and marketing partner within sports and active lifestyle.
The Oberalp Group Adds New Indie Sales Agency for Midwest Territory
The owner of the Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country, and Evolv, brands has added Paul Gerten and his firm Gerten Outdoors to represent Salewa and Evolv in its Midwest territory.
Mizuno Running Shifts U.S. Sales Regional Management Responsibilities
The restructuring comes as the company seeks to return to double-digit growth within the run specialty channel. The sales management team, now includes three regional managers. Casey Barrett (North), Greg Udzielak (West) and Matt Baum (South).
REI Set to Open College Station Store
The nearly 22,000 square-foot space is the co-op’s 11th store in Texas and will host a grand opening on November 1.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Hires VP of Performance Marketing
Ryan Carroll was appointed VP of performance marketing to lead brand management, creative strategy, trade marketing, integrated sales, and marketing planning.
The Buckle Sees Comps Slide Again in Fiscal September
Net sales for the September fiscal month ended October 5 decreased 2.5 percent to $100.6 million from net sales of $103.1 million for the prior-year 5-week fiscal month ended September 30, 2023.
