SGB Update Apparel
Pure Hockey to Open Second Store in Washington
Pure Hockey announced it will open a store in Tukwila, WA, at 303 Tukwila Parkway later this Fall; this is the retailer’s second in Washington. The other store is in Lynnwood.
ICSC Sees Holiday Sales Expanding 3.8 Percent
Retail sales are expected to grow 3.8 percent this holiday season, according to ICSC’s 2023 holiday shopping forecast. The agency also forecasted a 7.6 percent increase in F&B, bringing the total expected spend for the season to $1.60 trillion.
REI Again Closing for Two Days for Thanksgiving Holiday
The co-op said it will be paying its 16,000 employees to spend the day outside the day after Thanksgiving, while calling on the broader community to join and help others to do the same.
Vista Outdoor Announces CFO for Outdoor Products Business
Vista Outdoor, Inc. announced that Andy Keegan, vice president and interim chief financial officer of Vista Outdoor, was promoted to CFO of Revelyst following Vista Outdoor’s planned separation of its Outdoor Products segment into a standalone public company.
Costco’s Longtime CEO to Step Down at End of Year
Costco Wholesale Corp. said Craig Jelinek, CEO since 2012, plans to step down, effective January 1, 2024. Ron Vachris, president and COO since February 2022, will succeed Jelinek as president and CEO.
Heiq Appoints New GM for Heiq China
UK-based textile and materials manufacturer Heiq hired Robert Liu as general manager of Heiq China, leading its business operations.
Deloitte Sees 2023 Holiday Spending Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Deloitte is forecasting that holiday spending this year will surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Consumers surveyed for the report plan to spend an average of $1,652 during the shopping season—a 14 percent year-over-year increase, though a modest four-year CAGR of 2.5 percent reflecting a normalization of trends.
’47 Makes Key Merchandising and Marketing Executive Hires
Sports fan apparel brand ’47 hired Steven Monti as VP of design and development, Ryan Cross as VP of merchandising and Brooke Thornton as VP of marketing.
Play It Again Sports Parent Posts Q3 Earnings Growth
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported earnings improved 7.5 percent in the third quarter ended September 30, to $11.1 million, or $3.05 a share, from $10.4 million, or $2.93, a year ago.
Wild Rye Taps Method Outdoor Collective to Lead Sales
Outdoor lifestyle apparel brand Wild Rye hired Method Outdoor Collective, a sales agency based in Burlington, VT. Its Founder, Sasha Dietschi-Cooper, will reportedly serve as a fractional VP of sales for the brand.
Mountain Hardwear Adds New Midwest Independent Sales Group
Parallel 45 Sales reportedly specializes in connecting brands and people to “build the communities of those who enjoy spending time in the outdoors, aligning with Mountain Hardwear’s commitment to make better outdoor gear and get more people outside using it.”
Retail Sales Grew 3.8 Percent in September; Sporting Goods Trailing Market
The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.7 percent from August and up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) said the gains have moderated as consumers face continued pressures from the slowed economy.
Outerknown to Open Four Stores
Outerknown, the sustainable clothing brand, co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, reported plans to open four brick-and-mortar retail stores, bringing the total operating store count to nine, with one store slated to open in Spring 2024.
Hybrid Apparel Appoints President, Hybrid Digital
Cypress, CA-based Hybrid Apparel hired Stephen Teglas as president of Hybrid Digital, the company’s print-on-demand apparel business.
Gildan to Close Salisbury Factory
Gildan Activewear plans to close its factory on Heilig Road in the Charlotte, NC, suburb of Salisbury, affecting 258 employees, according to a WARN notice first reported by the Salisbury Post.
