
U.S. Retail Sales Slip 1 Percent Amid High Inflation, Rising Rates
The U.S. Census Bureau reported overall retail sales in March were down 1 percent from February but up 2.9 percent year-over-year. In February, sales were down 0.2 percent month over month but up 5.9 percent year-over-year.
JD Sports Appoints General Counsel
JD Sports Fashion Plc, parent company for Finish Line, Shoe Palace and DTLR retail brands in the U.S., hired Theresa Casey as general counsel and company secretary of JD, effective immediately.

NRF Report: Organized Retail Crime A Growing Threat For U.S. Retailers
Organized retail crime is a perpetual and burgeoning problem for the U.S. retail industry, and evidence suggests it is growing in scope and complexity, according to a recently released report from the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Walmart Closes Four Stores In Chicago
Walmart reported it will close four of its eight stores in Chicago after stating the stores were losing “tens of millions of dollars a year, and the retailer’s annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years.”

Dillard’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings on Dillard’s Inc. as the department store chain has maintained a “stable performance and a conservative financial policy even in the volatile retail operating environment of the past year.”
Marolina Outdoor Adds Industry Veterans To Team
Marolina Outdoor, the parent company of Huk Performance Fishing and Nomad Outdoor, hired Dean Rurak as CEO and Bill Ferreira as senior vice president of sales and merchandising, effective May 1.
Yukon Outfitters Names Sales Chief
Yukon Outfitters hired John Bissert as vice president of sales and business development. Most recently, Bissert was senior sales director for Sporting Goods, RV Marine & Promotional channels at The Coleman Company/Newell Brands.
Camping World To Acquire All Seasons RV In Oregon
Camping World Holdings, Inc. reported it agreed to acquire All Seasons RV in Bend, OR, bringing the number of Camping World locations in the state to six.
Yue Yuen Manufacturing Business Falls 21.3 Percent In March
Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings) Limited, the subsidiary of Pou Chen Corporation that manufactures a large percentage of global athletic and outdoor footwear, reported that its net consolidated operating revenue for March was $696.5 million, a 10.0 percent decline versus the year-ago month.
Anta Sports Saw Solid Q1 China Retail Sales Growth With Fila Up In High Singles
Anta Sports Products Limited reported that retail sales of Anta-branded products posted mid-single-digit growth in the first quarter compared to the year-ago comparable period.
Pou Sheng Retail Sales Surge 29.8 Percent In March
Pou Sheng International (Holdings) Limited, the China-based retail subsidiary of Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings) Limited, reported that net consolidated operating revenue for March was RMB 1.73 billion, up 29.8 percent from RMB 1.34 billion in the year-ago comparable month.
Sun & Ski Sports Opens Salt Lake City Location
Sun & Ski Sports will officially open its 33rd store in Murray, UT, on April 14. Representatives from On, Hoka, Cannondale, Shimano, Rocky Mountain Bicycles, and Haro will attend the grand opening.
Xtep International Sees 20 Percent Retail Sales Growth In First Quarter
The Board of Directors of Xtep International Holdings Limited, which operates retail stores in China for K-Swiss, Palladium, Merrell, and Saucony, in addition to Xtep brand stores, reported that retail sell-through growth in the first quarter, including brick & mortar and online channels, increased approximately 20 percent versus the year-ago comparable period.
Gunpowder, Inc. Forms Executive Leadership Team
Gunpowder, Inc. reported forming an executive leadership team, promoting Carie Breunig to the chief operating officer, Leah Berg to president and Caitlin Conley to vice president of finance. Agency Founder Ryan Chuckel will remain in the CEO role.
North St. Bags Moves Headquarters
North St. Bags, the maker of bike panniers and bags, is moving its headquarters to a renovated building in inner North Portland, OR.