Retail Jobs Grew 18,600 In November
Retail industry employment in November increased by 18,600 jobs seasonally adjusted from October, accounting for 12 percent of the 155,000-job increase reported by the Labor Department for the economy overall, the National Retail Federation said.

Foot Locker And Adidas Partner On Empowerment Program
For the new Adidas Asterisk Collective, Foot Locker and Adidas tapped musicians Kid Cudi, Raury and H.E.R., and athletes Patrick Mahomes, Donovan Mitchell and Candace Parker with a goal of spreading positivity.

Chinese Investor Consortium Reaches Agreement To Acquire Amer Sports
A consortium led by China’s Anta Sports made an offer to acquire Finland’s Amer Sports in a deal that values the company at €4.6 billion (US$5.23 billion) and Amer’s board is recommending shareholders approve the offer. The consortium plans to operate Amer Sports independently from Anta, with a separate board of directors.

Aisle Talk Week Of December 3
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including big news from trade show owner Emerald Expositions, which canceled Interbike (pictured) for 2019 and also shortened Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and Winter Market from four days to three days.

Zumiez Boosted By Healthy Streetwear Trends
With a number of its streetwear labels riding strong popularity with teens, Zumiez Inc. reported earnings rose 16.0 percent in the third quarter ended November 3 to $13.8 million, or 55 cents per share, exceeding guidance calling for earnings in the range of 45 to 51 cents.
FFANY Appoints Executive Director
The Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) appointed John Heron as its new executive director, effective January 1.
Sears Gets $4.6 Billion Bid From Chairman
ESL Investments Inc., run by Sears Holdings Corp’s Chairman Eddie Lampert, has offered $4.6 billion to buy the bankrupt retailer.
U.S. Soccer Foundation Files Lawsuit Against U.S. Soccer Federation
The lawsuit was filed in the wake of a recent demand by the USSF that the Foundation cease using its widely-recognized name and logos, which have defined the Foundation’s brand and charitable work since its inception in 1994.
The Thru-Hike-Syndicate Opens Application Period For Sixth Season
Vasque announced the kick-off of the sixth season of the Thru-Hike Syndicate, a brand partner-powered program supporting a select group of thru-hikers attempting to complete the longest trails throughout North America.

Skechers President Michael Greenberg Receives Two Ten Footwear Foundation’s Award For Humanitarian Achievement
At yesterday’s 79th Annual Two Ten Gala in New York, Skechers president Michael Greenberg was given Two Ten Footwear’s most prestigious honor – the T. Kenyon Holly Award for his outstanding local, national and global humanitarian achievements for children.

Genesco Sees U.S. Footwear Business Offset Lids’ Struggles
Boosted by a 9 percent comp gain at Journeys, Genesco Inc. reported its highest quarterly comparable sales increase in more than 2.5 years. Adjusted earnings easily topped Wall Street’s targets. Lids continues to face weak headwear trends and the sales exploration of the business is taking longer than anticipated.

Run Specialty Re-Finds Its Stride
With a spurt of innovation, a healthy shake-out of stores, and a number of nimble adjustments to the changing retail landscape, run specialty is back in growth mode, according to participants at last week’s The Running Event in Austin.

G-III Shares Plummet As Apparel Manufacturers Suffer
Shares of G-III Apparel Group Ltd. were down $5.84, or 14.3 percent, at market close Thursday amid a handful of other apparel manufacturers losing value after a mixed third quarter. But G-III was, in fact, one of the better performing apparel companies in the period. The company reported earnings for the third quarter ended October 31—its largest quarter of the year—rose 15.6 percent on a 4.7 percent revenue gain.
Shopko Closing 39 Stores
Shopko confirmed that plans to close 39 of its 363 stores by the end of February. Bloomberg reported that the Wisconsin-based retailer was making preparations for a bankruptcy filing.
Amer Close To Signing Anta Merger Deal
Amer Sports is in final negotiations regarding a merger with a consortium led by China’s Anta Sports, according to reports from Reuters and Bloomberg.