SGB Update Apparel
Lululemon Inks Franchise Partner to Expand to India
The collaboration with Tata CLiQ will see the brand launch its first physical store in India in the second half of 2026, complemented by a dedicated e-commerce presence on both Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion platforms
NFL, Fanatics Antitrust Lawsuit Over Amazon Sales Dismissed
The ruling frees the NFL, its teams and Fanatics from a lawsuit brought in 2022 by merchandise business Casey’s Distributing, Inc., which alleged that the companies conspired to exclude it from selling NFL-licensed products on Amazon’s marketplace, leaving consumers with fewer options and higher prices.
Nike’s Debt Downgraded on Lower Profitability, Tariff Risks
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt ratings on Nike, Inc., due to recent sales and margin declines that it expects will continue in its current fiscal year as well as ongoing tariff risks. The rating agency said, “We believe it will take multiple years to regain the market share lost to both apparel and footwear competitors and return Nike to historical levels of profitability.”
Rygr Taps Saks, Backbone and TNF Veteran as Company President
Hlidek replaces Brian Holcombe, who co-founded Rygr in 2016 and assumed the role of president in 2023. The company said Holcombe’s nine-year tenure helped shape the agency’s “strong foundation, culture and client portfolio.”
Ireland’s Gym+Coffee Appoint Former Nike Exec as CEO
Niall Horgan, Diarmuid McSweeney and Karl Swaine founded the Dublin-based brand in 2017 and operate seven stores in Ireland. Jason Crawford, formerly of Nike and Adidas, will take on the role as CEO as the founders step away from the Ireland-based athleisure brand’s day-to-day operations.
Survey: Potential Tariffs and Inflation Jump-Started BTS Shopping
“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials.” — Katherine Cullen, VP of Industry and Consumer Insights, National Retail Federation
361 Degrees Owned-Retail Posts Healthy Q2 Growth
China-based 361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported that brick-and-mortar retail sales of 361º core-branded products increased by approximately 10 percent year-over-year for the second quarter of 2025, which ended on June 30, moderating slightly after expanding by 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter.
Baja Llama Expands Indie Sales Representation Across U.S.
The apparel company has added independent reps in the Midwest, New England, South Central, Southeast, the Rockies, and Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure
Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.
Cotopaxi Continues Senior Team Shuffle as Julie Menard Named VP of Sales
Menard was previously at Teva, a Deckers Brands brand, for over 14 years. Previously, she held sales roles at Earth Footwear and Rockport, following her start as a men’s shoe buyer at Nordstrom.
Berghaus Appoints VP of Brand Marketing
Adam Field will lead the global marketing team, reporting to Charlie Pym, the company’s senior global vice president. He starts in his new role at Berghaus in July.
Vuori to Open First Store in Hawaii
Vuori plans to open its first store in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. The company ended 2024 with just over 80 stores in the U.S. and five globally.
Lululemon Appoints SVP of Sustainability
Nike’s former chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder was hired as LULU’s senior vice president of sustainability, reporting to Ted Dagnese, the company’s chief supply chain officer. He replaced Esther Speck who served as senior vice president of Sustainable Business and Impact at Lululemon for almost ten years.
Oboz and Rip Curl Parent KMD Hires Finance VP for North America
Heather Sweeny, a former Adidas executive, was appointed as VP of Finance across all KMD Brands in North America, including Oboz, Rip Curl and Kathmandu.
Pendleton Woolen Mills Appoints New CEO
Jennifer Ingraffea has most recently served as chief product and merchandising officer at The North Face since October 2020. Previously, she had an 18-year career at Nike. She succeeds John Bishop, a fifth-generation family member, who will remain as CEO through July to work with Ingraffea.
