Gander Outdoors Opens in Cedar Rapids
The 31,000-square-foot location is the only planned facility in Iowa.

Running Rebrand: Fleet Feet Refreshes Logo, Drops ‘Sports’ From Name
Fleet Feet has unveiled a new logo that resembles a torch and also dropped the word “Sports” from its name, all part of a brand refresh for the 42-year-old retailer.
Grundéns Makes Key Hires
Grundéns, producer of fishing apparel and footwear, has added 13 new team members globally since the start of 2018. Six of these hires are in key positions that will aid in the continued development of the brand and expansion into additional fishing market segments.
Surys Commits To Three-Year Sponsorship Deal With SFIA
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced a partnership renewal with long-time sponsor, Surys Inc. of Trumbull, Conn. Surys is a provider of physical and digital security solutions for authentication, consumer engagement, product protection and identification.

VF Corp. Makes New Leadership Appointments At North Face And Smartwool
VF Corporation announced the appointment of Travis Campbell to the position of vice president, general manager, The North Face, Americas. Campbell most recently served as president of VF’s Smartwool brand. Jennifer McLaren will succeed Campbell as president, Smartwool. McLaren most recently served as CFO, Smartwool.
Neiman Marcus Appoints New Bergdorf Goodman President
Neiman Marcus Group announced the appointment of Darcy Penick as the president of Bergdorf Goodman. Penick will begin her new position on September 4, 2018 and will report directly to Geoffroy van Raemdonck, chief executive officer, Neiman Marcus Group.

Goldman Sachs Initiates Apparel Coverage With Attractive View
In initiating coverage on the Apparel & Accessories sector, Goldman Sachs said many companies in the space are expected to benefit from ongoing lifestyle shifts towards active and casualwear, the ability to react to faster fashion cycles and digital’s ability to drive direct communications with consumers and commerce. Among active lifestyle stocks, VF was initiated at a “Buy” while “Neutral” ratings were given to Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon and Canada Goose.

Nike To Help Refurbish Portland’s Basketball Courts
Nike and the Portland Trail Blazers announced they are partnering to refresh and upgrade the majority of the basketball courts across 30 Portland Parks & Recreation parks.
NRF Calls Supreme Court American Express Ruling Missed Opportunity
The National Retail Federation said the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in favor of American Express rules that prevent retailers from encouraging the use of other credit cards with lower processing fees will perpetuate a system that costs merchants and consumers billions of dollars a year.
Fila Signs Björn Borg’s 15-Year-Old Son
Fila announced that the company has signed a sponsorship agreement with Leo Borg, son of tennis legend and Fila brand ambassador, Bjӧrn Borg. Earlier this year, Fila reignited the company’s partnership with Bjӧrn Borg, a relationship that dates back to 1975.

Retail Report Roundup – June 25
Studies arrived last week on the benefits to local retailers from community engagement, quality beating price as a purchase driver, apparel’s continuing appeal in malls, the benefits of perks over raises for workers, the stress of online shopping, and Fourth of July sales.
OIA Praises Supreme Court’s Ruling On Online Taxes
In a statement, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) said the Supreme Court’s ruling that states may collect sales tax on remote internet sales “helps level the playing field for specialty outdoor retailers.”

Nike Opens ‘Just Do It’ Pop Up In Los Angeles
Nike opened a “Just Do It” training center in Los Angeles. In short, the space brings all aspects of the Nike Training Club (NTC) app to life, including the five facets of training (movement, recovery, nutrition, mindfulness and sleep).

Puma Inks Sponsorship Deal With The Basketball Tournament
Puma and The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the $2 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on ESPN, announced a new multi-year partnership making Puma the exclusive footwear and apparel partner of TBT.
Mo Bamba Partners With Bombas On Charity Initiative
Mo Bamba, drafted sixth in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, is teaming up with give-back sock brand Bombas.