Big Rock Sports Names VP Sales, Dealer Channel and New VP Merchandising
Big Rock Sports promoted Brad McNutt to VP of sales, dealer channel, and Ryan Link to VP of merchandising.
Neomouv Acquires Portuguese Bike Manufacturer Unibike
Neomouv, the French brand of e-bikes, announced the acquisition, via its parent company VAxE, of 80 percent of the capital of Unibike.
U.S. Jobs Growth Continues to Slow
The Labor Department reported Friday that U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs in June for the 30th consecutive month of job gains, but there was also a continued cooling in the labor market. The retail sector was the hardest hit, recording losses of about 11,000 jobs seasonally adjusted.
Giant Loop Adventure Shop Opens in Bend
Hydration pack and apparel maker USWE Sports, based in Malmö, Sweden, is opening its first retail store in the U.S.—USWE Sports Giant Loop Adventure Shop. Giant Loop was acquired last year by USWE Sports, and the company’s warehouse is the U.S. headquarters for both brands.
KMD Brands, Rip Curl and Oboz Parent, Reports Year-End Departure of Group CFO
KMD Brands Limited, the parent of the Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz brands, reported that Group Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid had given notice of his resignation, effective December 2023, to become the CEO with another NZX-listed company.
JD Sports Moves Forward to Acquire Balance of Iberian Sports Retail Group Shares
JD Sports Fashion Plc, the parent of the JD, Finish Line, DTLR, and Shoe Palace retail brands in the U.S. and others worldwide, reiterated its intention, first announced on May 9, to acquire the remaining 49.98 percent of shares in Iberian Sports Retail Group, S.L.
NRF Economist Says Conditions ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ Despite Slower Growth
The U.S. economy did better in the first half of 2023 than early indicators suggested and appear to be “rolling forward” even as the rate of growth slows for the remainder of the year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
Report: Birkenstock Exploring IPO
L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH, is considering strategic options for Birkenstock, including an initial public offering, which could value the German sandal maker at more than $6 billion.
Wolverine Worldwide Amends Credit Agreement
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. entered into a fourth amendment of its existing credit agreement to add near-term financial and operational flexibility.
EssilorLuxottica Inks Eyewear License with Jimmy Choo
EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, Costa, Native Eyewear, and Oakley, among others, signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Jimmy Choo to design, manufacture and distribute the brand’s eyewear worldwide.
New Wave Group Acquires Tenson AB
New Wave Group AB reported it acquired 100 percent of the shares in the Swedish outdoor and lifestyle company Tenson AB. Tenson AB will reportedly be part of the Sports & Leisure operating segment with a primary focus on the retail sales channel.
Gillz LLC Rebrands to Outdoor Nation Unlimited LLC
Gillz LLC, based in Jacksonville, FL, rebranded to Outdoor Nation Unlimited, emphasizing the company’s expansion beyond fishing apparel into the broader performance outdoor apparel category. The company’s consumer-facing brands include Gillz, Reel Life, FinTech, and Mad Pelican.
RC Tech Establishes Sales And Support Base For U.S. Outdoor Industry
RC Tech, a producer of Tungsten-based products and components for outdoor recreation applications, has formed The Tungsten Outdoor Group, a partnership between RC New Material USA, Tungsten Southern, LLC, and Outtech, LLC.
Marin Mountain Bikes Adds Territory Manager And Inside Sales Rep
Marin Mountain Bikes, Inc., based in Petaluma, CA, announced that industry veterans Mike Miranda and Keith Ketterer had joined its U.S. sales team as territory manager and inside sales representative, respectively.
Revo Continues Growth With Distributors In New Markets
Revo, the performance sunglass manufacturer, reported it added distributors in new markets.
