SGB Update Apparel
Asics Joins a Plethora of Active Lifestyle Brands on Boston’s Newbury Street
The athletic footwear and lifestyle brand is joining over a dozen other active lifestyle brands and retailer’s on Boston’s iconic Newbury Street, which is akin to landing on London’s High Street. The move comes in advance of Boston Marathon weekend.
Walmart Plans 650 U.S. Remodels In 2026, Adding 20 New Stores
The remodels will feature wider aisles, updated displays, expanded assortments, and new digital touchpoints. The stores will also feature refreshed interiors and exteriors, modern signage, and improved parking and landscaping.
New Balance Promotes Tracy Knauer to SVP, North America
Knauer most recently served as VP of North America marketing, e-commerce and consumer analytics. Knauer has been with New Balance for over 20 years in roles spanning across marketing, product, sales and DTC operations.
Argyle Haus of Apparel Appoints VP of Operations
Argyle Haus of Apparel, a full-service cut-and-sew manufacturer based in Los Angeles, CA, hired Sheila Martinez as VP of Operations.
Patagonia Appoints Director of Marketing and Impact for EMEA
Patagonia appointed Amanda Calder-Mclaren, formerly at The North Face, as its new senior director of marketing and impact for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to bring together Patagonia’s marketing and impact work.
On Brand Opens First Boston Store
On Holding announced the formal opening of its first retail store in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The store marks the Swiss running brand’s 15th store in the U.S. and 70th store worldwide.
Amer Sports’s Debt Ratings Affirmed Following Debt Repayment
S&P Global Ratings affirmed the ‘BBB-‘ long-term issuer credit rating on Amer Sports following the repayment of $720 million in senior secured notes. S&P said its stable outlook reflects its view that Amer Sports will maintain a strong operating performance, with adjusted debt to EBITDA comfortably below 1.5x over 2026 and 2027.
March Retail Sales Climb Again as Tax Refunds Offset Rising Gas Prices
Retail sales rose again in March as consumers received higher-than-usual tax refunds that offset higher gasoline prices, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-over-month and up 6.59 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Vuori Hires Heather Archibald to Newly-Created Chief Product Officer Role
Prior to Vuori, Archibald served in product leadership roles across global brands, including, most recently, as Rothy’s chief product and merchandising officer.
March 2026 Mall Index Sees Midday Traffic Shrinking Year-Over-Year
The softness seen in March at indoor and outlet malls does not negate the strong start to 2026, which drove overall year-over-year visit growth in Q1. However, it does highlight what will be required to sustain that momentum going forward.
Kohl’s Debt Ratings Outlook Raised to Positive by Moody’s
Moody’s Ratings changed Kohl’s Corporation’s debt ratings outlook to positive from stable due to a recent better-than-expected operating performance.
Nike Returning to Manhattan’s SoHo Neighborhood With Smaller Store
Nike, after exiting its five-story flagship store in Manhattan’s SoHo district earlier this year, announced plans to open a new single-story store in a 40,217-square-foot space, formerly occupied by a Crate & Barrel at 611 Broadway.
Backcountry Establishes Incubator Fund, Acquires Coalatree
Outdoor online retailer Backcountry.com announced the launch of Backcountry Garage, a brand incubator platform, with Coalatree, a Utah-based eco-minded gear and apparel brand, marking its first acquisition. JM Fabrizi, president of Coalatree, becomes director of Backcountry Garage.
Dick’s House of Sport to Open in Sarasota
Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to open a House of Sport location in Sarasota, becoming the experiential concept’s fourth location in the state of Florida and the first on the Suncoast.
Norrøna Opens London Flagship
The Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna opened a new flagship store on Regent Street in London.
