SGB Update Apparel

Report: The Changing Dynamics of Country Clubs
The pandemic seemingly increased interest in golf and tennis, leading to more visits and members at country clubs, particularly from a younger demographic. As a result, country club visits are up, and foot traffic is above pre-pandemic levels.

Nordstrom Adding Rack Location in Fort Myers, FL
The 31,000-square-foot store will be located at Bell Tower, a central shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in Fort Myers.

Report: Nearly 8 of 10 Online Chargebacks Originate from Consumers, Not Fraud
Based on anonymized data obtained from Chargeflow’s merchant database, the company’s 2024 report found that 79.03 percent of chargeback cases result from friendly fraud, driving the need for businesses to adopt automated fraud detection solutions and educational initiatives.

Ashworth Golf Names Sales Rep of the Year
Ann Johnson’s hard work and determination proved instrumental in opening new doors, securing green grass accounts and delivering significant growth for the company.

Circana to Acquire Golf Datatech
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to be completed by March 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, Golf Datatech will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Circana.

Academy Sports and Outdoors Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer
Rob Howell will join the company as SVP and chief supply chain officer in February 2024, reporting to President Sam Johnson. He will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic and international logistics.

Pure Hockey Expands into Iowa with New Acquisition
The acquisition of JT’s Slap Shot in Urbandale, IA, marks Pure Hockey’s first entry into the state and “underscores the company’s commitment to serving the needs of hockey players across the U.S.”

Duluth Trading Appoints New CFO
Heena Agrawal will assume the role of SVP and CFO, effective February 12, 2024.

True Religion to Launch Footwear Range Under New License Deal
True Religion inked a footwear licensing agreement with Orly Corporation for its men’s, women’s, and kid’s footwear collection, which is expected to launch in Fall 2024.

Fanatics Sets Layoff and Closure Plan for JAX Fulfillment Center
The retailer, designer and manufacturer of licensed sports products has grown out of its hometown Jacksonville, FL fulfillment facility, resulting in the lay-off of 218 employees later this year.

L.L.Bean Set to Open Eighth New York Store in Spring
The retailer’s first new store of 2024 will open in Kingston, NY, in March/April.

Vaude Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
With new CFO Melissa Wach and CEO Antje von Dewitz, the management team is now 50 percent female. Women hold prominent positions across the board in leadership roles at Vaude, constituting approximately 45 percent of executive positions.

Former Athleta CEO to Lead Beyond Yoga as Co-Founder Exits CEO Role
Nancy Green, former CEO and president of Athleta, will join the athletic and lifestyle apparel brand owned by Levi Strauss & Co. as CEO on February 1. Co-founder Michelle Wahler will step down as CEO and COO/CFO Jesse Adams will also depart.

Tilly’s, Inc.’s CEO Departs; Board Chair to Lead Retailer on Interim Basis
Ed Thomas retired as president, CEO and director of the company. Company Co-founder and former President and CEO Hezy Shaked was appointed as the company’s interim president and CEO until a successor is found.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints Chief Retail Officer
Craig McNair brings strong leadership experience in the outdoor specialty retail space, having worked in key roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors and Cabela’s, Inc., where he was responsible for large regions of stores.