SGB Update Apparel
Costco’s Global Sales Climb 10 Percent In December
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $26.15 billion for the retail month of December, an increase of 9.9 percent from $23.80 billion last year. U.S. sales were up 7.3 percent.
Report: U.S. Holiday Online Sales Grow 4.9 Percent
Online spending in the U.S. during the 2023 holiday season climbed 4.9 percent to $222.1 billion in November and December, according to Adobe Analytics. Growth was reportedly driven by sizeable discounts across electronics, toys and apparel, as well as increased usage of the flexible ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ payment option.
Brooks Hires VP of Apparel and Accessories
Brooks Running hired Gabriel Rodriguez as VP of apparel and accessories. Most recently, Rodriguez was the director of run apparel and competitive train/Curry and basketball at Under Armour.
SFIA Re-Elects Ram as Chair; Adds Three New Board Members
SFIA re-elected Jonathan Ram, CEO of Clarks, Inc., as chairman of the Board of Directors for the 2024 term. Isabel Coscia, SVP of marketing at Technogym, Ryan Cruthirds, chief digital commerce and brand development officer at Implus LLC and Koichiro Kodama, president and CEO for Asics North America, were newly elected to the SFIA Board,
The Buckle’s Comps Decline 6 Percent In December
The Buckle, Inc. announced that comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended December 30 decreased 5.8 percent versus the year-ago period. Net sales decreased 5.0 percent to $203.8 million from $214.5 million a year ago.
Academy Sports’ Former President Lands at Groundworks
Groundworks, the foundation and water management solutions company, hired Michael Mullican as CFO. Last October, Mullican stepped down from Academy Sports as president and CFO to pursue personal and professional opportunities.
Digital Brands Group Lays Out Initial 2024 Guidance
In a release, the company said it expects first-quarter 2024 revenues to approximate $6 million, based on $4.5 million in confirmed wholesale bookings.
UK’s SportsShoes.com Inks Global Marketing Partnership with Parkrun
The UK-based online running shoe, clothing and outdoor gear retailer said in a release it is now exclusively Parkrun’s official retail partner in the UK, while also supporting the global Parkrun community with procurement and distribution of its range of merchandise.
Costco Store in Virginia to Unionize
At the Costco store in Norfolk, VA, employees voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, the largest union in America, marking the first “victory” for workers at a Costco location in two decades.
A Range of Business Issues, Brands and Retailers Top SGB Media’s Most Read for December
December 2023 featured many of the annual recaps and look aheads inherent in end-of-year business reporting; however, traffic and readership also rewarded a piece on Macy’s $5.8 billion buyout offer with the Most Read Article nod for the month.
Aspen Skiing Co. Sues U.K. Skiwear Brand Over Influencer Photos
Aspen Skiing Co. filed a lawsuit against Perfect Moment, the U.K.-based skiwear brand, for sending influencers to its four resorts to “falsely associate” themselves with the brand to “gain reputation” without permission.
Fairmonde Golf Secures Investment LPGA Tour Pro
Fairmont Golf, based in Sheridan, WY, reported that Angel Yin, the American professional golfer playing on the LPGA Tour, had invested and is a shareholder in its women’s apparel golf brand.
Forward Outdoor Apparel Hires Global Brand Director and Head of Product
Forward Outdoor Apparel, the freeskiing and snowboarding apparel brand, appointed Tony McWilliam as global brand director and Lionnel Ducruet as head of product.
Xcel Wetsuits Hires Head of E-Commerce
Xcel Wetsuits hired Johnny Gothard to head its e-commerce business in the U.S. and international markets. Most recently, Gothard was director of e-commerce at Rip Curl.
Lands’ End Secures New Term Loan
Lands’ End, Inc. entered into a new term loan of $260 million. The company used the proceeds to refinance its existing term loan ahead of maturity in September 2025.
