
EXEC: Super Retail Group Posts Solid Year But H2 Trends Cut Into H1 Gains
Sales for fiscal 2023 rose 7 percent to A$3.80 billion. Adjusted for the 53rd week in fiscal 2022, sales were up 9 percent for the year. Comp-store sales were up 8 percent for the 12-month period ended June 30.
Peloton Interactive Launches B2B Platform; Hires Senior VP/GM
Peloton Interactive launched Peloton for Business, housing all of the company’s B2B offerings. In tandem with the service, Greg Hybl was hired as senior vice president and general manager of Peloton for Business.

Report: More Consumers Plan Camping Trip for Labor Day Weekend
The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report, August 2023 Edition, finds that more campers intend to camp over Labor Day than compared to 2022, with roughly three-fourths of campers have already made plans for the holiday weekend.

EXEC: Walmart’s Robust Q2 Delivers Upbeat Signal for Retail’s Recovery
Walmart, Inc. lifted its outlook for the year after reporting second-quarter results that handily topped guidance due to strength in the grocery but also a better-than-expected performance in general merchandise. The strong results were a relief for the retail sector following sluggish sales reports from Target and Home Depot although Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon told analysts household budgets remain under pressure.

Ross Stores Swings to Positive Q2 Comp Store Sales Trend; EPS Increases
Comparable store sales were up 5 percent, partially reversing the 7 percent comp store sales decline in the second quarter of 2022.
U.S. Jobless Claims Fall As Economy Chugs Along
In the week ending August 12, the advance figure for seasonally-adjusted initial claims declined 11,000 to 239,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 248,000 to 250,000.

Digital Brands Group Swings to Profit on Q2 Revenue Gain
The company reported that net revenues for the second quarter increased 69.6 percent to $4.5 million. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $5.0 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, in the quarter.
VF-Backed Wildwood Ventures Adds Portfolio Company; Expands Board
Wildwood Ventures, the venture studio and early stage investor backed by VF Corporation, added consumer app Chimani to its portfolio. The company also added three members to its advisory board.

Report: Traffic Report Sees Dick’s and Hibbett Well-Positioned for BTS
With Dick’s Sporting Goods releasing second quarter earnings next week and Hibbett Sports usually close behind in timing of its release, a new report from Placer.ai looks to be rather timely.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Elects New Board Director
Costco Wholesale Corp. elected Helena Buonanno Foulkes to its Board of Directors. Most recently, Foulkes was CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company.

Herschel Supply Opens Flagship in New York City
Herschel Supply has opened its new SoHo flagship store in New York City, continuing its retail expansion plans for 2023 following recent store openings in Santa Monica, CA and NYC’s Flatiron district.

BofA Upgrades Adidas To Buy, Lifts Price Targets for Dick’s and Academy
Bank of America Corp. (BOFA) upgraded Adidas to “Buy” due to its progress in improving margins while lifting its price target on Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports on improving sales trends.
Winnebago Increases Quarterly Dividend
Winnebago Industries, Inc.’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 31 cents per share, representing a 15 percent increase, or $0.04 per share, from the previous quarter.

Outdoor Retailer to Unveil New Format at Summer Market 2024
New features will reportedly roll out with Outdoor Retailer Summer 2024, taking place June 17-19, 2024 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The upcoming OR Winter show in November will be held in its existing format at the Salt Palace.

AKU Hires New PNW Sales Agency for Outdoor Category
Based in Seattle, The Alta Group will manage specific outdoor accounts for AKU in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.