Authentic Brands Group To Acquire Nautica
VF Corp. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Nautica brand business to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) LLC.

L.L. Bean Cuts Jobs Bonuses After Reporting Flat Sales In 2017
L.L.Bean said it plans to eliminate employee bonuses for the first time since 2008 and will lay off about 100 positions this spring. The retailer also reported annual revenue reached $1.6 billion in its fiscal year ended Feb. 25, which was nearly flat with year-ago levels.

Hibbett Looks To Build On Q4 Momentum In 2018
Hibbett Sports’ earnings fell, as expected, in the fourth quarter due to the promotional marketplace. But results were better-than-expected coming into the quarter due to an acceleration in its e-commerce business and strength in sportswear and overall footwear offerings.

L.L. Bean Forgoes Bonuses After Challenging Year
With sales coming in slightly down in 2017, L.L.Bean said it plans to eliminate employee bonuses for the first time since 2008 and will lay off about 100 positions this spring.

Columbia Sportswear And Major League Soccer Announce New Relationship
Columbia Sportswear and Major League Soccer announced a new collaboration featuring co-branded outerwear and apparel for men, women and children.

Aisle Talk, Week of March 12
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Hibbett Sports Q4 Comps Expand 1.6 Percent
Hibbett Sports Inc., in line with updated guidance, reported fourth-quarter earnings slumped 19.8 percent while comps grew 1.6 percent.

Zumiez’s Q4 Earnings Climb 18.2 Percent
Zumiez Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings rose 18.2 percent on a 16.9 percent climb in sales.
POC Partners With Locally To Connect Online Customers With Retail Stores
POC is partnering with Locally to bring the convenience of e-commerce to the local shopping experience.
Nester Hosiery Promotes Jason Nester To VP Sales
Nester Hosiery, a U.S. manufacturer of performance merino wool socks, announced that it has promoted Jason Nester to VP sales.

VF Corp. Moves Into Performance Running
Stepping into the road running category, VF Corp. reached an agreement to acquire Altra, the maker of road and trail running shoes popular with ultra-runners. While Altra is expected to benefit from VF’s Corp’s expertise in both footwear and apparel, VF secures one of the fastest-growing brands in run specialty.
Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO To Retire
Sportsman’s Warehouse announced today the retirement of its chief executive officer, John Schaefer. Schaefer also resigned as a member of the board of directors. Jon Barker, the company’s president and chief operating officer, has been appointed as the company’s chief executive officer and has also been appointed to the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy created by Schaefer’s retirement.
Safilo Group’s Sales Drop 16.4 Percent On Gucci License Change
Safilo Group, the parent of Smith, net sales reached €1.047 billion in 2017 compared to €1.25 billion in 2016, a decline of 16.4 percent. Sales were down 15.5 percent on a currency-neutral basis.
DeFeet Partners With LuxTag.io To Add Blockchain Solutions
Working exclusively with LuxTag.io based in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, DeFeet will be the world’s first apparel company to track products on a blockchain.
WakaWaka Hires Distributor To Support U.S. Launch
WakaWaka, a maker of solar powered chargers, lights, power banks and panel based in The Netherlands, has selected Revolution House Media as its public relations partner and Kompass Solutions as its distributor for North America.