Nike Names New Chief Sustainability Officer
Nike Inc. announced that Noel Kinder will become the company’s new VP, chief sustainability officer (CSO), effective September 5. Kinder succeeds Hannah Jones, a 20-year Nike veteran as CSO, who after 14 years in the role will become president of Nike Valiant Labs, the company’s in-house new business model incubator.

Walking Company Emerges From Chapter 11
The Walking Company Holdings Inc. announced that the company has emerged from Chapter 11.
Giants’ Saquon Barkley Leads NFL Jersey Sales
Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Franscisco 49ers and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns were the top-five selling NFL jerseys between April 1 and June 23 on NFLshop.com, according to the NFL.
Under Armour Strengthens Regional Structure With New Executive Appointments
Under Armour Inc. announced the appointments of Jason Archer as managing director, Asia Pacific; Manuel Ovalle as managing director, Latin America and Massimo Baratto as managing director, Europe, Middle East & Africa. Additionally, the company announced that the Hong Kong office will be expanded to serve as the company’s Asia Pacific (APAC) headquarters.

June M&A Roundup: Megaresorts Expand Their Empires
Summer is an odd time to discuss what’s happening at North American ski areas—especially with record high temps now sweeping the U.S.—but the escalating “arms race” between megaresort operators Vail Resorts Inc. and Alterra Mountain Co. was among the hottest M&A developments in June.

Asics Signs Zhang Shuai
Asics announced a partnership with China’s top women’s tennis player, Zhang Shuai. Ranked 30th overall by the WTA, Zhang is the first female player from China to sign with Asics.

Retail Report Roundup – July 1
Studies arrived last week showing Nike ranked highest among active lifestyle brands, but lost ground on Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the most valuable American brands. Studies also rated the digital expertise of department stores, the relevance of social activism for brands with teens, robust urban population growth and apparel’s expansion online.

Pentland Group’s 2017 Revenues Climb 25 Percent
Pentland Group PLC reported operating income grew 14 percent in its year ended December 31 on a 25 percent revenue gain. The sale gains were driven by a record performance from JD Sports Fashion PLC.
Federer Leaves Nike For Uniqlo
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, a long-time Nike athlete, has signed on as an ambassador for Uniqlo, the Japanese apparel chain.
SIA Announces Inaugural Trade Mission To China
Snowsports Industries America (SIA) announced the inaugural SIA trade mission to China, September 16-19, 2018.
Salomon Signs Sophie Caldwell
American Nordic skiing star Sophie Caldwell will join Salomon for the 2018-2020 seasons after a successful year in which she finished third in the overall sprint rankings and earned a victory on next year’s World Championships track.
Keen Partners With Newport Folk Festival
Keen Inc., best known for the Newport sandal designed 15 years ago, has signed on as a sponsor of the Newport Folk Festival.

PGA Tour Superstore Plans To Double Store Base by 2022
PGA Tour Superstore, which has 33 locations, plans to open five to seven stores per year and have 60 plus stores by 2022, according to a report from Women’s Wear Daily.

Nike To Debut Nike Live Concept In Melrose
Nike on July 12 in Melrose will open Nike Live, a new store concept “that will be inspired by and built as a hub for its local NikePlus members.”
Retailers Disappointed In Lack Of Progress On Immigration Reform
“One of the fundamental strengths of the U.S. economy is its diverse workforce, and fostering that strength is critical to sustained economic growth.“ NRF’s Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French