Aisle Talk, Week Of October 30
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Gildan Activewear’s Top-Line In Q3 Impacted By Sock Slowdown
The overall sock business was down in the quarter due to weak demand in the sock category, particularly for higher-margin sock brands in department stores, national chains, and sporting goods.
Moody’s Downgrades Under Armour’s Debt Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Under Armour, Inc.’s senior unsecured ratings to Baa3 from Baa2. The outlook is negative.
Asics U.S. Sales Slump In Nine Months
Asics reported sales in the Americas region decreased 5.6 percent, or 7.5 percent on a currency-neutral basis, in the nine months through September 30. The decline was attributed to weak sales in the U.S.
Skechers Brings Out Limited-Edition Meb Shoe For Final Race
To celebrate Meb Keflezighi’s final race, Skechers is introducing a limited edition 36 pairs of his racing shoe will be available for sale at the TCS New York City Marathon expo.
Adidas Campaign Celebrates Women Runners
Adidas unveiled its new women’s running film, titled Fearless AF, that spotlights six powerful female Adidas ambassadors – Karlie Kloss, Kathrine Switzer, Mary Keitany, Robin Arzon, Jessie Zapo and Jen Rhines – with the confidence and creativity to change the rules of sport.
Ugg And Footaction Team Up With Multiplatinum Rapper KYLE
Ugg has tapped multiplatinum rapper and actor KYLE as ambassador for the brand’s second partnership with Footaction.
Yaktrax Launches New Website And ‘Stand Up to Winter’ Campaign
Yaktrax, the snow and ice traction specialist, introduced a new website at yaktrax.com and an updated marketing campaign with a major emphasis on education around winter protection.
Wolverine Worldwide Completes Portfolio Management Initiatives
Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced the completion of its comprehensive portfolio management initiatives that were executed and expected to be completed during fiscal 2017, including the closures of underperforming stores, sale of the Sebago brand and licensing of the Stride Rite brand.
Champion’s Sales Climb Double Digits In Q3
Asked if the Champion brand is feeling pressure from the promotions being employed by Nike and Under Armour to reduce inventories in the U.S. market, Gerald Evans, HanesBrand’s CEO, said the core Champion business “was up 20 percent in our sporting goods and department store mid tiers. We now have the TSA bankruptcy behind us and we saw nice growth in our Sports License Apparel business as well.”
AAFA Applauds Launch Of GSP Footwear Bill
The American Apparel & Footwear Association welcomed Senate introduction of a bill to designate certain footwear as eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.
Gildan Activewear Lifts Full-Year EPS Guidance On Above-Plan Q3
Gildan Activewear raised its earnings guidance for the year due to better-than-expected third-quarter earnings but slightly lowered its sales outlook due to slowing growth in its Branded Apparel segment.
Deckers Brands Mails Letter To Stockholders Highlighting Merits Of Board’s Strategy
Deckers Brands announced that its Board of Directors has sent a letter to stockholders in connection with Deckers’ upcoming 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on December 14, 2017. The board offered its full support of the Deckers’ management team.
Two Under Armour Execs Leaving Company
Under Armour confirmed that Andy Donkin, its chief marketing officer, and Pamela Catlett, senior vice president and general manager of women’s and youth categories, will exit the company at the end of the month.
Zappos Introduces Zappos For Good
Zappos.com formally introduced Zappos for Good, a long standing department dedicated to fostering Zappos’ community and charitable efforts.
