SGB Update Apparel

Escalade Amends Bank Agreement

Escalade, Inc. said it entered into a second amendment to Escalade's Credit Agreement with its issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., according to a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission…

Blacks Leisure to Close 89 Stores

Blacks Leisure, the U.K. outdoor chain, announced plans to close 89 stores across the group that have not “traded profitably for years”. The firm, which operates Millets, Blacks and O'Neill shops, also said it plans to lay off 50 employees at its Nor

Marketing Director Exits Zoot Sports

Elisette Carlston, Zoot Sports director of marketing, is leaving the company for personal reasons. Founder and CEO Brian Enge will assume a greater role over marketing…

Interbike’s Overall Attendance Down Slightly, Store Attendees Up

According to preliminary figures, total attendance at the just-concluded Interbike trade show reached more than 22,500, slightly down due to fewer exhibitor personnel. But the number of unique stores represented increased to more than 4,000 and the number

Nautilus to Divest its Commercial Business

Nautilus, Inc. said it is actively seeking buyers for substantially all of the assets, liabilities and ongoing operations of its commercial business. The fitness company said the move will enable it to focus its resources solely on its branded consumer bu

California Firearms Groups Protest Anti-Gun Bills

The California Association of Firearms Retailers (CAFR) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) issued a statement advising legislators to veto three anti-gun bills in the state. The groups said lost retail sales in California are estimated at

OIA Endorses Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Date Shift

The Outdoor Industry Association's Board of Directors announced their endorsement and recommendation of a shift of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market (ORSM) dates from the third week of July to the first week of August in 2010 and beyond…

Dorel Looks to Capitalize on Growing Cycling Market

At Scotia Capital’s annual Back-to-School Conference, held in Toronto this year, Dorel Industries pointed out several growth strategies they will be implementing in the coming year – particularly around their bike business. Martin Schwartz, Dorel In

SGMA Warns Over China Trade

The SGMA is warning sporting goods manufacturers that trade with China could become volatile in the near future. In response to the current administration’s decision to impose 25-35% safeguard duties on Chinese-made tires, China's Ministry of C

The Impact of Low Retail Inventories

Tough times call for prudent inventory management at retail. But is the industry overdoing it? As retailers work to keep inventories lean this year and focus on bottom-line profitability instead of just top-line growth, some are starting to get concerned

VF Names Susan Kellogg President of Contemporary Brands Coalition

VF Corp. named apparel industry veteran Susan Kellogg as president of its Contemporary Brands coalition. Its contemporary brands segment includes Seven For All Mankind, John Varvatos, Ella Moss and Splendid. VF also noted that Lucy, formerly in the contem

Adidas Endorses European Rugby Cup

Adidas became the official matchball and referee kit supplier to the European Rugby Cup (ERC). Under the sponsorship deal with the ERC, adidas will provide the official match ball for both the Heineken Cup and newly titled Amlin Challenge Cup…