SGB Update Apparel

Rip Curl and Oboz Parent KMD Names Former Nike Europe CEO as New Group CEO
Brent Scrimshaw transitioned from a non-executive role on the company’s Board to assume the role of Group CEO and managing director on March 24. Outgoing Group CEO Michael Daly will step down as director of KMD Brands on March 25 and complete a transition period with Scrimshaw until April 4.

Ross Stores Reports Q4 Sales and Earnings at Top End of Forecast
Ross sales trends began softening later in January and into February. The company believes a combination of unseasonable weather and heightened volatility in the macroeconomic and geopolitical environments has negatively impacted customer traffic.

Nordstrom Beats Q4 Sales and Earnings Estimates; CFO Heading to Starbucks
In the fourth quarter, active, women’s and men’s apparel reportedly had the strongest growth versus fourth quarter 2023. For fiscal 2024, active, women’s and men’s apparel, kids, and shoes were said to be the strongest categories.

Target Signals Concerns over Tariffs and Consumer in Cautious 2025 Outlook
Target said fourth quarter results were led by strong performance in Sporting Goods, Apparel, Entertainment, Beauty and Toys.
On Holding Swings to Q4 Profit in Q4; DTC Reaches 48.8 Percent of Net Sales
On’s fourth quarter net sales increased 35.7 percent (+40.6 percent constant-currency) to CHF 606.6 million. The strong performance was said to be supported by On’s ability to convert on the rapid rise in brand awareness across the globe.

REI Co-op is Gearing Up for New Larger Lynwood, WA Location
REI’s Alderwood Mall location will close at 3 p.m. on March 23. The larger relocated store will soft open to the community on March 28. A two-day grand opening is planned for April 4-6.

Ortovox Promotes Stefan Kohlbauer to CEO
Stefan Kohlbauer’s promotion to CEO follows a transition period during which Martin Riebel, managing director of Schwan-Stabilo Outdoor GmbH, provided interim leadership.

Urban Outfitters Still Sees Drag from Namesakes Brand; Nuuly Jumps
The Subscription segment, fka Nuuly, saw net sales increase 55.6 percent from adjusted net sales for the prior-year Q4 period, primarily driven by a 53.5 percent increase in average active subscribers in Q4 versus the prior-year quarter.

JanSport Finds New Partner to Re-Enter Collegiate Licensing Market
The VF Corporation brand formed a strategic partnership with L2 Brands, a manufacturer of collegiate and destination apparel, to expand its presence on college campuses nationwide this fall.

Skechers U.S.A. Opens Concept Store in Milan
Located on a boulevard that receives Milan’s second-highest footfall at 6,900 shoppers per hour, the 294-square-meter store at Corso Buenos Aires 42/9 is described by the company as a re-imagination of mid-century design.

Oberalp Group Names New Brand Director for Salewa
Nol Gerritse, a Dutch native and U.S. citizen, has held senior positions at Havaianas, Lululemon, Keen, Colgate, and Nike. His appointment is effective May 2.

Authentic Names Licensees for Quiksilver Women’s and Volcom Socks
Authentic has inked a partnership with Velocity Global Brands (Velocity) for Quiksilver women’s apparel and also tapped Majesty Brands to develop, sell and distribute Volcom socks.

Gymshark Appoints First U.S. Chief Commercial Officer
Kim Dolder, general manager of North America, has been promoted to the company’s chief commercial officer working from Gymshark’s New York office. Dolger also becomes Gymshark’s first U.S. Board member.

Dillard’s, Inc. Forced to Control Expenses During Tepid Q4 Period
Net sales reached $2.02 billion for the 13-week fourth quarter ended February 1, compared to $2.12 billion for the 14-week prior-year Q4 period ended February 3, 2024.

Mad Engine Global Sets Transition Plan with Dominic Farrell as New CEO
Danish Gajiani will transition from his role as CEO to executive chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. He will reportedly continue to work closely with Farrell and the company to ensure a seamless transition for all key stakeholders.