Smith Taps Randolph as Cycling Team Manager
Smith Optics has hired respected professional cyclist, Greg “Chopper” Randolph, as its bike team and promotions manager, effective immediately. Randolph will be responsible for supporting the current roster of athletes while continuing to develop its tea
Diane Sullivan Named President of Brown Shoe Company
Brown Shoe Company, Inc. announced that Diane M. Sullivan has joined the company as its new President. She will oversee the company's operating divisions, including Famous Footwear, Brown Shoe Wholesale and Naturalizer as well as Brown Shoe's ma
Stroesser Leaves Converse; Named CEO for Luxury Home Brand…
In a story reported exclusively by Sports Executive Weekly last week, Converse has confirmed the exit of VP of Sales Jim Stroesser…
Edwin Watts Golf Closes ReCap Deal…
Wellspring Capital Management LLC, a New York-based private equity investment firm and majority shareholder of The Hockey Company since 1997, has reportedly taken a majority stake in Edwin Watts Golf. Terms of the deal were not disclosed…
Serena Not Right Formula for Puma; U.S. Business to Grow 40%…
Jochen Zietz, in a published interview, said that Puma had decided to drop the $13 million sponsorship of Serena Williams in favor of becoming the official supplier of the Formula One BMW Williams team, its sixth F1 team.
“We would have certainly been ab
Williams Sibling Rivalry Intensifies as Serena Signs with Nike
After much speculation — and the acknowledgement of same from Puma’s Jochen Zeitz — Nike announced Thursday that it had signed an endorsement contract with six-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. Word on the street is that the deal is for five ye
Warnaco Closing Last of Speedo Stores, Sells White Stag to Wal-Mart…
The Warnaco Group announced additional moves last week to “lower costs and improve efficiency”, including the closure of all remaining Speedo Authentic Fitness stores and the sale of the White Stag trademark to Wal-Mart. Warnaco also sold its Honduran pr
Burton to Move Analog to SoCal…
Burton’s newest subsidiary, Analog Clothing, is moving from Vermont to Southern California in early spring of 2004. Analog just finished placing its fall line in stores and is currently looking for a suitable location in Orange County for its new headqua
Cutter and Buck Fiscal Q2 Profits Jump…
While Cutter & Buck reported a decline in total sales in its fiscal 2004 second quarter, the company continued their turnaround as net income jumped 600% due to actions emphasizing profitable sales, reducing costs and improving sourcing and product pricin
Variflex Looks to Shrek for Help…
Variflex had another tough quarter, with sales declining 4.0% from $12.6 million in fiscal Q1 2003 to 12.1 million in fiscal Q1 2004 ended October 31. VFLX swung to a loss of $477,000. or 10 cents per share, compared to $11,000, or $0 per share LY…
Spiegel Actions May Signal Renewed Focus on Bauer…
Spiegel is becoming more active with its management of their Eddie Bauer subsidiary, asking the judge overseeing their Chapter 11 bankruptcy for permission to close around 30 stores and open 17 new ones. This action may not bode well for LL Bean’s intere
Rocky Hits Wolverine with Stalker Suit…
Rocky Shoes & Boots and Wolverine Worldwide are duking it out over the “Stalker” brand name. Rocky last week sued Wolverine in Federal District Court in Columbus, OH, citing Wolverine’s use of the word “stalker” on a new line of hunting boots…
Brown Shoe Co. Escapes Big Lawsuit Hit; Exits Canada Factory…
In spite of several proactive initiatives to remedy an environmental impact problem in Colorado, Brown Shoe Company lost a lawsuit filed by Denver area residents. The plaintiffs had sought more than $380 million, including punitive damages, but the jury d
The White Weekend after Black Friday…
As the entire Northeast turned white under a blanket of snow last weekend, retailers from the fashion, electronics, and sporting goods sectors were reporting a disappointing outcome for the second biggest shopping weekend of the year. But outdoor retail a
InSport Awarded Navy SEAL Contract
InSport has been awarded a significant contract to meet the performance demands of the elite Navy SEALs. Under the contract, InSport will build the Navy SEAL’s next-generation combat clothing ensemble, known as the Protective Combat Uniform, or PCU.
