EXEC: Nike Cuts Workforce but Doubles Down on Endorsement Deals
Employee headcount at Nike’s Beaverton HQ declined 6.1 percent to 10,700 at the close of the company’s fiscal year, which ended May 31, but endorsement deals due within a year surged 31 percent year-over-year.
EXEC: Big 5 SG Suspends Dividend as Q2 Comps Fall 10 Percent and Losses Widen
Second quarter results were said to be consistent with the retailer’s guidance range, as “customers continue to feel the ongoing and cumulative impact of inflationary pressures on their discretionary spending.”
Skechers Signs WNBA Star Forward Rickea Jackson to Elite Athlete Team
“While Skechers is a new player in the basketball world, their commitment to fit, support, and active collaboration with athletes is clear. The comfort and design of their footwear is truly impressive. I love training in these shoes and I’m eager to see what we can accomplish together.” —
Rocky Brands Trims Q2 Loss as Sales Slip 1.6 Percent
Rocky Brands Inc. reduced its loss in the second quarter ended June 30 with the aid of higher gross margins and lower expenses. Sales in the period were down 1.6 percent, but grew 6.1 percent adjusted for the divestiture of the Servus brand.
JD Sports Warehouse Workers in England Face Job Cuts
“Around 200 workers” are impacted, as one staff member said that the consultation period should be concluded by September 6. JD Sports’ nearby distribution center in Rochdale (Kingsway), England, is not affected.
Rip-It Sports Hires First Chief Marketing Officer
Amy Craven was formerly the director of brand and global advertising for American Airlines. Her appointment follows Janelle Anderson’s recent naming as Rip-It Sports’ new CEO in April.
Brooks Running Shares Q2 Performance Metrics
Double-digit growth in its Wholesale and DTC channels drove a 15 percent year-over-year increase compared to the 2023 Q2 period.
Brooks Running Appoints New President & COO and New EMEA Chief
Brooks Running promoted Matt Dodge to president and chief operating officer, effective August 1, and hired Josh Vaughan, former EMEA general manager for Icebreaker and Smartwool, to fill Dodge’s former role in Europe.
Omega Capital Closes Investment in New Fund
The strategy for Fund II is expected to largely follow that of Fund I, investing $3 million to $10 million in growth equity or buyout transactions in Oklahoma and surrounding states in healthcare, outdoor products and aviation.
Qurate Hires Head Merchant for QVC U.S. Unit
Mara Sirhal will report to Mike Fitzharris, president of QVC US. Most recently, she was the chief merchant and brand officer for Saks Off 5th.
Report: U.S. Golf Rounds Show Recovery In June
June’s gains marked an uptick after May’s rounds declined 0.8 percent. By region for the month, the most significant gains were in the Mid-Atlantic, according to Golf Datatech, a subsidiary of Circana.
Bass Pro Shops Plans to Open Fifth Minnesota Location
The 70,000-square-foot space, which will be on Haines Road in Hermantown, accessible via U.S. Highway 53, is due to open in the first half of 2025.
REI Opens Distribution Center in Tennessee
The 400,000-square-feet DC reportedly “complements REI’s three existing distribution centers in Bedford, PA; Goodyear, AZ; and Sumner, WA.”
Report: U.S. Consumer Sentiment Drops to 8-Month Low in July
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 66.4 in July from June’s 68.2. Economists polled by FactSet had expected the reading to come in at 66.5.
PGA Tour Superstore to Open First Store in Michigan
The 42,000-square-foot space in Novi, MI is the chain’s 69th in the U.S. across 26 states.
