Liberated Adds Billabong, RVCA and Honolua to Licensee Portfolio
ABG entered into a new long-term agreement with Liberated Brands to be the retail and e-commerce operator for its newly acquired brands Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, Honolua and Boardriders in the U.S. and Canada.
Amazon Faces Antitrust Lawsuit from FTC, U.S. States
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan coalition of 17 state attorneys general sued Amazon over violations of anti-competitive behavior. The lawsuit alleges the e-commerce giant’s practices are anti-competitive in how it serves shoppers as well as third-party sellers on the site.
NRF Report Finds Crime Cost Retailers $112 Billion in 2022
According to the 2023 National Retail Security Survey* published by the National Retail Federation (NRF), retailers have seen a dramatic rise in theft-related financial losses, with shrink accounted for $112.1 billion in losses, up from $93.9 billion in 2021.
Costco’s Q4 Profits Climb 15 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corp. reported earnings rose 15.4 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter ended September 3 as sales gained 9.4 percent. Same-store sales in the U.S., excluding the impact of gas prices, were up 3.1 percent.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Slides to Four Month Low
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to a four-month low in September, weighed down by rising interest rates, still-high inflation and a stalemate over the federal budget in Washington.
American Outdoor Brands Secures Patent Settlement Agreement
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. announced it has secured a settlement with The Allen Company, Inc. related to Allen’s infringement of AOB’s patent rights.
Target Closing Nine Stores in Four Markets Due to Theft, Safety Concerns
Target said in a statement it is closing nine stores in four states, including one in East Harlem, NY, three in San Francisco, two in Portland, OR and two in Seattle, WA, suggesting that theft and organized retail crime have threatened the safety of its employees and customers.
Nordstrom To Open Another Rack Store in New York
The 24,000-square-foot Bay Shore store will be located on the South Shore of Long Island at the Gardiner Manor Mall with other retailers, including HomeGoods, Barnes & Noble, Michaels, and Old Navy.
Bote Opens Sixth Florida Retail Store
The brand opened its newest store in Jacksonville, FL, joining other Florida shops in Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Walton Beach, Grayton Beach, and St. Petersburg.
Project Bike Tech Hires New ED; Mercedes Ross Transitions
PBT hired Jeff Donaldson as its new executive director, replacing Mercedes Ross, who held the position for eight years, and is transitioning into a new role with PBT as “director of awesome.”
EXEC: Dick’s SG Joins Other Retailers with Lower Seasonal Workers Plans for Holiday
Dick’s Sporting Goods followed Macy’s in reducing its planned holiday hiring plans this year versus 2022. The downbeat hiring targets come amid forecasts of lowered seasonal hiring overall this year due to higher labor costs and expectations of softer holiday selling.
RV Industry Association Sees Moderating Shipments Decline in August
The trade association’s August 2023 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 28,071 units, a decrease of 16.9 percent, and down 45.0 percent year-to-date.
EXEC: Superfeet’s New CEO Discusses the Untapped Insoles Opportunity
In June, Trip Randall, a former long-time Nike executive, became the third CEO in Superfeet‘s 46-year history. He talked with SGB Executive about the outsized growth potential still ahead for Superfeet as well as for the overall insoles category.
Surf Hardware International Relocates Global Headquarters
Surf Hardware International relocated its global headquarters to Australia’s Coffs Harbour and is trading under the name of Gowings Pacific Trader.
Arc’teryx Re-Opens Newbury Street Store
Arc’teryx reported it re-opened its Boston retail store in the Newbury Street shopping district.
