Retail Sales Climb in June
Retail sales (excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants) continued to grow in June and were up 5.1 percent year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said today. Retail sales rose 0.8 percent unadjusted over May, according to NRF’s calculations.

By The Numbers, Week of July 11
A quick hit of the figures and facts coming out of the industry this week.

Amazon Kills It On Second Prime Day
Marking its biggest sales day ever, Amazon Inc. said customer orders taken during second annual Prime Day, July 12, surpassed Prime Day 2015 by more than 60 percent worldwide. Sales vaulted more than 50 percent in the U.S.

At Friedrichshafen 2016, Europeans See Uptick in Sales With a Few Uncertainties
While last season’s weak early winter (in Europe and in North America) and plenty of talk surrounding Brexit added some uncertainties for the outdoor industry across the pond, the general mood was optimistic.

UBS Global Survey Finds U.S. Athletic Slowdown Fears “Overblown”
A new consumer survey from UBS finds concerns about slowing athletic market growth in the U.S. are “overblown.”.
Superfeet Steps Into Shoe Category In 2017
Superfeet, a leading insole brand in the active lifestyle and outdoor markets, will debut its first-ever footwear for spring 2017.
Finish Line Sets New Stock Buyback Plan
Finish Line authorized a new five million share repurchase plan. The new plan will commence upon completion of the current plan which has approximately 600,000 shares remaining.
Retail Imports Rise for Back-To-School
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports should see a small-but-significant increase this month as merchants stock up for the back-to-school season, then see a larger wave in late summer and fall for the holiday shopping season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report.
Cabela’s to Open Stores in New Mexico and Michigan
Cabela’s Inc. plans to expand its retail footprint with the opening of two new locations: Albuquerque, NM and Chesterfield Township, MI.
Spenco Execs Purchase Rights to Footwear, Silicore Business
Four executives at Spenco Medical Corporation have purchased the company’s footwear and Silicore assets after its insole and 2nd Skin first aid products were sold to Implus
Sports Authority Strikes Deal with Lenders to Avoid All-Out Liquidation
Sports Authority negotiated a deal with lenders that will allow its liquidation sale process to continue. According to bankruptcy court documents, going-out-of-business (GOB) sales would have ended Friday without the agreement.

NikeLab & Louis Vuitton Designer Create ‘Packable Sport Style’ Line
NikeLab has collaborated with Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director for Menswear, Kim Jones, on a new and colorful collection of apparel and footwear that blends street, sport and travel.

Red, White and Brooks Running
Brooks Running made custom shoes for its Olympic running squad, adding careful and crafted details to consumer models.

Why Was Canadian Tire’s CEO Ousted?
In a shocker, Canadian Tire, the parent of Sports Chek and one of the largest retailers in Canada, ousted its CEO, Michael Medline, less than two years on the job.