SGB Update Apparel

Asics Invests In Soccer Scouting Platform
Asics Corporation announced that its investment subsidiary Asics Ventures Corporation has invested in Dreamstock Inc., an operator of a soccer scouting platform that matches soccer players with club teams.

VF Corp. Appoints Global Brand President, Icebreaker
VF Corporation announced the appointment of Jan Van Mossevelde to the position of global brand president, Icebreaker.

RYU Apparel Engages Oak Ridge Financial
RYU Apparel Inc. has engaged Minneapolis-based, Oak Ridge Financial to support the company’s investor relations and financial markets communication strategy.

Jack Wolfskin Appoints New Sales Representative
Jack Wolfskin announced a new addition to its North American sales team, Will Lachenauer. The founder of the LG3 sales agency, Lachenauer will be in charge of retail sales across Arizona, Nevada and California.

Emerald Holding Posts Q4 Loss
Emerald Holding Inc. recognized a net loss of $58.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to a net loss of $68.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Revenues were down 72.8 percent.

VF Corp Allocates Green Bond Net Proceeds
VF Corp announced it has fully allocated the net proceeds from its inaugural green bond issued last year, totaling approximately €493 million ($596 mm).

SportChek’s Q4 Comps Decline 3 Percent
Canadian Tire Corp. reported comparable sales growth in the SportChek segment declined 3 percent in the fourth quarter due to reduced promotional activity, temporary store closures and COVID-19 restrictions.

Gore Wear Shifts From Dealer Direct To QBP Distribution In North America
Gore Wear said it is taking a new approach to wholesale distribution in North America and will focus its product portfolio more on cycling apparel. Gore said it will focus on sales to a few key retailers and rely on Quality Bicycle Products for distribution to the IBD channel.

Kohl’s Appoints Board Member
Kohl’s Corporation announced that Robbin Mitchell has joined its Board of Directors as an independent director. She is a member of the Fashion & Luxury leadership team at the Boston Consulting Group.

Foot Locker Announces 2021 Capital Allocation Plans
Foot Locker, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized two capital allocation initiatives, which provide for both elevated investments in the organic growth of its business and an increase in its dividend. The Board of Directors approved a $275 million capital expenditures program for 2021, compared to the approximately $155 million spent in 2020.

January Retail Sales Jump 7.4 Percent On Stimulus Benefit
Retail sales grew sharply in January as government stimulus checks provided a boost and momentum from 2020’s record holiday season carried over into the new year, the National Retail Federation said. Overall sales were up 7.4 percent seasonally adjusted year-over-year with sporting goods stores up 8 percent.

GOA Retailers See Second-Half Bounce Back In 2020
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) reported that with double-digit growth across the group in December, GOA retailers finished the 2020 calendar year down 0.34 percent compared to 2019. From June 2020 through January 2021, GOA retailers nationwide were up 10.8 percent.

New Balance To Sponsor AS Roma
New Balance has reached a deal to replace Nike as the official kit provider to the Italian Serie A club AS Roma, starting with the 2021/22 season.

Apex Global Brands To Be Acquired By Galaxy Universal
Apex Global Brands Inc. said it entered into a merger agreement with Galaxy Universal LLC. Apex’s brands include Hi-Tec, Magnum, 50 Peaks, Interceptor, Cherokee, Tony Hawk, Point Cove, Carole Little Everyday California, and Sideout.

Target Announces Updates To Executive Leadership Team
Target Corp. announced a number of changes across its executive leadership team, including appointing Christina Hennington as executive vice president and chief growth officer