SGB Update Apparel
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Varsity Brands, Inc.’s debt ratings due to improving EBITDA margin, stronger free cash flow generation, and declining leverage, supported by momentum in both its BSN and Varsity Spirit businesses.
NRF Sees Economic Growth Holding Steady but Market Uncertainty is Still Pervasive
With President Trump moving the goalposts once again by continuing the pause in increased tariffs until early August, and perhaps later, importers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, brands, and consumers all seem to be walking around with a big question mark above their heads.
Wolverine World Wide Adds Two Board Members
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. appointed Cheryl Abel-Hodges, current CEO of Tommy John, and Jack Boyle, the former head buyer for Fanatics, to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
Mountain High Outfitters Opens First Store in South Carolina
Tthe outdoor retail chain based in Birmingham, AL, opened its first South Carolina location at the Columbiana Centre in Columbia. The company now has 28 stores, including stores in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Utah.
Report: June Mall Traffic Declined Across All Formats
Placer.ai noted that June 2025 shopping center traffic fell slightly following two straight months of year-over-year visit growth – although indoor malls continued to show the strongest performance, with just a 0.7 percent drop in year-over-year June visits.
Adobe Forecasts Almost $24 Billion In Amazon Four-Day Prime Day Sales
Amazon’s four-day Prime Day event, running from July 8 to 11, is expected to drive online spending across U.S. retailers to $23.8 billion, representing 28.4 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth and the equivalent of two Black Fridays, according to data from Adobe Analytics.
L.L.Bean Sets Opening Date for First Central New Jersey Store
The store in Bridgewater will offer customers easy access to Washington Valley Park, Duke Farm and paddling routes along the Raritan River. The location will be L.L.Bean’s fourth store in New Jersey.
Eastside Golf Opens First Retail Store
Located at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), the store opening comes as the golf lifestyle brand recently launched at Nordstrom, Golf Galaxy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and House of Sport earlier this year and PGA Tour in 2024.
Lacoste Appoints New CEO
Éric Vallat, a former LVMH executive, was appointed as the company’s new CEO, starting September 1. He succeeds Thierry Guibert, who has held the position since 2015.
Perfect Moment Opens European Distribution Hub
The new facility for the luxury skiwear and lifestyle brand will replace its former warehouses in the UK and Hong Kong, which it plans to close as part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations, reducing costs and enhancing the customer experience.
Survey: Women’s Interest in Outdoor Activities Remains Strong
Winnebago Industries’ Annual Spotlight Survey found that 52 percent of women plan to increase their outdoor activities in 2025—a six-point jump from last year, with over half (55 percent) spending six hours or more outside each week. The survey from the RV and boat manufacturer examined the benefits and barriers to getting more women outdoors.
Canada’s Holt Renfrew Department Store CEO Steps Down
Holt Renfrew, the Canadian luxury department store chain, reported Sebastian Picardo plans to step down as president and CEO, effective Sept. 30, 2025. He has served in the role since 2020.
Nordstrom to Close Two Stores
The retailer plans to close its Santa Monica, CA store at Santa Monica Place and its St. Louis, MO location at Saint Louis Galleria in late August of this year.
Nike Virtual Studios Vice President Exits
Ron Faris, who served as vice president and general manager of Nike Virtual Studios, has joined Disney Consumer Products as VP of global marketing.
Report: Back-to-School Spending to Surge 17 Percent, Shopping Starts Earlier
JLL’s 2025 Back-to-School survey of 1,010 parents found a 17.3 percent increase in planned spending this year, with respondents shifting toward in-store shopping while adopting earlier purchasing patterns and becoming more sensitive to higher prices.
