SGB Update Apparel
Nike Promotes Jennifer Hartley to Chief Strategy Officer, ELT
Jennifer Hartley, a 14-year company veteran also joins Nike’s Executive Leadership Team. CFO Matt Friend said that Hartley will work to “develop, drive and deliver Nike’s strategic agenda.”
S&S Activewear Appoints Three Senior Leaders to Strengthen Commercial Team
The distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, has appointed Jim Sturgell as senior vice president of sales, Nick Blannin as senior vice president of merchandising and Bill Topf as senior vice president of commercial strategy and operations.
Report: Consumers Willing to Spend More for Brands if Prices Increase
A recent report from UserTesting, a provider of human insights for the enterprise, reveals that brand loyalty isn’t just holding steady in 2025, it’s becoming a safe haven for consumers navigating higher prices and watching their wallets.
Capezio Acquired by Argand Partners
Founded in the U.S. in 1887, Capezio is an iconic global brand in the dancewear sector. The company designs and manufactures technical footwear, apparel and accessories that support dancers and athletes to practice, compete and perform. It is headquartered in Totowa, NJ.
New Balance Reopens London Flagship
The flagship store reopened on April 17 “putting people, not products, at the center” of the redesigned space. To mark the reopening, New Balance will host a series of events around the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
Rural King Opens New Kingsport Store
The store carries a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.
Play it Again Sports Parent Gets Q1 Bottom-Line Bump from Settlement
The run-off of the franchisor’s leasing portfolio for the Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore and Music Go Round retail brands that was first announced in May of 2021 is “substantially complete.”
PGA Tour Superstore CEO Dick Sullivan to Retire
Sullivan will retire from his day-to-day CEO role with the company later this summer. He will remain CEO until a new leader is in place and then continue as executive chairman of the company into the future.
OIA Reports Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Returned to Growth in 2024
Outdoor market retail sales totaled $28 billion in 2024, up 1 percent year-over-year. OIA noted that overall Apparel sales remained stagnant, Equipment sales declined slightly, and Accessories and Footwear saw positive growth in 2024.
Lids Begins Nationwide Roll Out of New In-Store Format
This rollout represents a customer-centric experience where every visit feels personal, engaging and tailored to the individual. Lids will use key learnings from the initial store openings to continue evolving and expanding the in-store concept.
Vince Holding Corp. Solidifies Yuji Okumura’s Role as CFO
The company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer since March 2025, and Controller since September 2020, has been named Chief Financial Officer, effective April 14, 2025.
Planet Fitness Franchisee Joins NewRoad Capital Partners
The new partner at the firm, Vincent Love, is based out of Denver, CO. He is a Planet Fitness franchisee, owning five gyms in Colorado and Wyoming.
Under Armour Appoints Three New Members to Board of Directors
Effective April 15, Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith, and Robert J. Sweeney joined the company’s Board of Directors, which also includes Douglas E. Coltharp, Jerri L. DeVard, Mohamed A. El-Erian, Carolyn N. Everson, David W. Gibbs, Karen W. Katz, Eric T. Olson, Kevin A. Plank, and Patrick W. Whitesell.
BDA Appoints Senior Director of Sales
Nina Kersey, who reportedly brings a wealth of industry knowledge and extensive leadership experience at Fortune 500 companies, is expected play a key role in elevating the branded experience for BDA’s fitness client portfolio.
JP Sportswear Inks Joint Venture with Vietnam-Based Intermax Co.
JP Sportswear will be solely responsible for developing and supporting active and athleisure apparel brands and retailers throughout North America for the Intermax group of companies.
