
Report: Textile Mills Lead List of Declining Manufacturing Operations in August
The U.S. manufacturing sector’s economic activity contracted in August for the fifth consecutive month and the 21st time in the last 22 months as demand continued to be weak, output declined and inputs stayed accommodative.

AAFES to Offer Outdoor Gear from Bass Pro Shops on Exchange Website
Bass Pro Shops signed an agreement with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the DOD’s largest retailer to bring a selection of Bass Pro fishing, hunting and camping gear as well as apparel to the military’s ShopMyExchange.com.

REI Co-op Expands Cameron Janes Role in COO Promotion
In his expanded role, Janes’s responsibilities include fulfillment and logistics and leading REI’s experiences division, which provides adventure travel, day tours, and classes.

Barclays Names New Global Head of Retail within Investment Banking
Cathy Leonhardt has been appointed global head of Retail within Investment Banking. She is based in New York, reporting to Lowell Strug, global head of the Consumer and Retail Grou

EXEC: Mountain Warehouse Approved as Winning Bidder in EMS Asset Sale
The terms of the pre-arranged stalking-horse bidder deal, which was originally said to be around $5 million, actually came in at double that amount. Mountain Warehouse plans to continue operating seven stores under the Eastern Mountain Sports name.

Tara McRae Returns to Puma as Head of NA Brand Strategy and Marketing
Following a decade of marketing leadership roles at Puma, Clarks and TB12, McRae takes on a new leadership role, spearheading Puma’s North America brand strategy and marketing.

NSGA Announces 2025 Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Honorees
John Cardinal, Cardinal’s Sporting Goods; Chris Considine, Wilson Sporting Goods; and E.J. “Ned” Hamilton, Peter Glenn Ski & Sports will join 185 retailers, team dealers, manufacturers, and industry influencers who have received the NSGA award in the past since the organization founded it in 1955.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Opening Nine Stores This Fall
Academy has opened three of the new stores this year and plans to open 15-to-17 more in fiscal year 2024.

That’s a Wrap. What Was the Most Read News This Summer?
From the long Independence Day holiday weekend to the just-completed Labor Day weekend that signaled the end of another summer, SGB Media readers focused on reading about a wide variety of issues and opportunities that affected their businesses each day.

Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Hooded Jacket Offers On-the-Go Versatility
“With the Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Hooded Jacket, we wanted to create a product that offered premium insulation and lightweight versatility without compromising on style.” —Susanne Capell, Category Director, Adidas Terrex

Under Armour Appoints VP Commercial for EMEA
Franck Denglos brings 25 years of experience in the sports, lifestyle and fashion industries to his role at UA as vice president of commercial for EMEA. He joined the company September 1 from Adidas, where, most recently, he was the president of Adidas Italy.

SGB Media Closed for Labor Day Holiday
SGB Media will not publish the SGB Evening Newsletter on Friday, August 30, and the SGB Morning and Evening Newsletters on Monday, September 2. SGB Media will return to the office and resume newsletter publication on Tuesday, September 3.

Kizik Expands Distributor Network Across Italy, Taiwan and SE Asia
Kizik has now partnered with Wellforce Sports in Taiwan, Artcrafts in Italy, and Nyne Ventures in Southeast Asia, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

EXEC: Lululemon to Fast-Track New Product but Cuts 2024 Guidance
Lululemon reported second quarter net revenue increased 7 percent to $2.37 billion, or increased 8 percent on a constant-currency (cc) basis. Analysts were looking for $2.41 billion. Earnings came in at $3.15 per share, above consensus estimates for $2.93 per share.

Duluth Trading Returns to Top-Line Growth in Q2 Despite Store Decline
Direct-to-consumer net sales increased by 5.6 percent to $91.7 million and Retail store net sales decreased 4.4 percent to $49.9 million, reportedly due to slower store traffic, partially offset by strong conversion rates.