Swiftwick Adds Industry Vets to Management Team, Executes Brand Overhaul
Swiftwick has hired Katie Nguyen from Chaco as head of integrated marketing and James Osborne, who spent nearly two decades at Nike, to build the run specialty sales and community functions at the company.
On Opens Flagship Store in Milan
The roughly 5000-square-foot space on two levels aligns with the company’s expansion strategy, which operates 37 mono-brand stores in North America, Europe, and Asia, including 20 in China.
Adidas x Damian Lillard Unveil Dame 9 Signature Shoe with Bape Collab
Adidas Basketball showcased the latest iteration of the Dame franchise, the Dame 9, an extension of Damian Lillard’s signature shoe line. Adidas rounded out the shoe drop with a selection of apparel pieces. The limited edition collection will be available on August 31.
Bass Pro Shops to Open Outdoor World location in Lansing, MI
The 85,000-square-foot Outdoor World retail store will be in the Delta Crossing development and is expected to open in early 2026.
EXEC: Stifel BTS Survey Reflects Nike’s Fading Popularity at Store Level
New Balance, Adidas, Asics, and Vans all saw improved responses in the 17th Annual Back-to-School Report as Nike and Jordan “Most Popular” references fell to lowest level since the survey started.
Puma Hoops x LaMelo Ball Are Back with MB.04 and LaFrancé 1:1
The newest MB.04 integrates Ball’s branding, including the Phoenix logo and “1 1 1” motifs. Puma and Ball are also dropping a new colorway of the LaFrancé 1:1 in all-over baby blue. Launching on September 12, the Puma MB.04 and LaFrance 1of1 include various apparel pieces.
EXEC: BSN Sports Gets A New Parent as KKR Closes Varsity Sports Acquisition
As the new majority owner of Varsity Brands, KKR said it will support the company as it continues to grow its business. KKR said it is making this investment primarily through its North America Fund XIII.
EXEC: Golf Rounds Played Fell 5 Percent in Q2 in Great Britain
Total rounds played per course in Great Britain dropped by 5 percent year-on-year in Q2 2024, according to a recent report from UK-based Sporting Insights.
EXEC: EMS Bankruptcy Bidding Process Cancelled Due to Lack of Bids
According to the Bid Procedures outlined in the bankruptcy proceedings, if no Qualified Bids, other than the Stalking Horse Bid, were received by the bid deadline of August 20, 2024, no auction would be conducted.
Abercrombie & Fitch Elects New Board Director
The global omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories, elected Andrew Clarke to its Board of Directors, effective August 21, 2024. Clarke is the global president of Mars Snacking, a division of Mars, Inc.
BOA and Primaloft Parent Compass Diversified Appoints New CFO
Effective August 31, 2024, Stephen Keller will assume the role of chief financial officer at Compass Diversified (CODI), succeeding Ryan Faulkingham. Faulkingham, who has served as the company’s CFO since July 2013
Skechers Signs Football Legend Ruud Gullit
The former Netherlands National Team Captain will appear in Skechers marketing campaigns as the brand’s first ambassador for Benelux.
Adidas and Patrick Mahomes Sign Six Texas Tech Student/Athletes to Team Mahomes
Adidas and Patrick Mahomes signed six student-athletes at Texas Tech University to NIL deals on August 23. The contracts follow just weeks after Adidas signed a deal with school to be the official footwear, uniform, apparel, and accessory partner of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Adidas Originals x Edison Chen Release The Clot August Collection
Adidas Originals and Edison Chen debuted the next chapter of their collaboration with the updated Clot Gazelle in linen khaki and blue and their first global apparel range with the Clot August Collection by Edison Chen.
Johnnie-O Welcomes Dave Neville as Senior VP of Marketing
Neville brings over two decades of experience in marketing and brand management, with a career that includes senior roles at Callaway Golf. He has also been at the forefront of digital and social media trends and content marketing, hosting the Callaway Talks YouTube show and The Fitting Room podcast.
