SGB Update Apparel

NPD Sees Continued Strong Online Growth For Apparel
E-commerce will continue to play a strong role in the apparel industry’s success, particularly while the in-store shopping experience feels different from what consumers are accustomed to, according to insights from the new Future of Apparel report from the NPD Group. In early June, U.S. consumers told NPD that more than half of their planned apparel purchases for the next two weeks would be made online.

The Buckle’s Sales Jump 27 Percent In June
The Buckle, Inc. announced that total net sales for the 5-week fiscal month ended July 4, 2020 increased 26.8 percent to $94.8 million from net sales of $74.8 million for the prior year 5-week fiscal month ended July 6, 2019.

Snipes USA Announces New President
Snipes has appointed Jim Bojko as president of Snipes USA. In this role, Bojko is responsible for leading the U.S. operations of the international sneaker and streetwear retailer as it continues to expand the brand across the United States.

Retail Imports Improving Slightly, But Still Far Below Last Year
Imports at major U.S. retail container ports are expected to remain significantly below last year’s levels into this fall as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation.

Under Armour Partners With Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisburg, PA announced that it has entered into a five-year partnership with Under Armour through BSN Sports.

Pinarello Appoints CEO Of U.S. Operation
Pinarello has hired Roberto Sadowsky as as Chief Executive Officer at the U.S. operation of the premium bicycles, accessories and apparel brand.

FC Barcelona To Seek Compensation From Nike For Flawed Jerseys
FC Barcelona plans to seek a monetary recovery from Nike after discovering its new football kits are defective, according to the Financial Times. The report stated that a manufacturing error caused the colors to bleed when wet.

JCPenney Closing Manhattan Mall And Kings Plaza Locations In NYC
JCPenney disclosed in bankruptcy court filings that it was closing two more locations in New York City. The locations are at Manhattan Mall in Manhattan and Kings Plaza in Brooklyn.

Retail Organization Seeks To Make Face Masks Mandatory
In a letter to the National Governors Association this week, RILA (Retail Industry Leaders Association) asked governors to require face masks when in public or while shopping. Fewer than half of U.S. states require masks in public places, according to the RILA.

Walmart To Launch Membership Service In July
Walmart plans to launch its own membership service, Walmart+, to rival Amazon Prime this July, according to Recode. The $98-per-year program will offer same-day delivery of groceries and general merchandise, along with other perks such as fuel discounts.

Report: Under Armour Looking To Sell MyFitnessPal
Under Armour is looking to sell MyFitnessPal, a smartphone app and website that tracks diet and exercise, according to a report in The Information.

Dick’s Announces Donation Of Nearly $800,000 To The CDC Foundation
Dick’s Sporting Goods announced a nearly $800,000 donation to the CDC Foundation in partnership with Callaway Golf.

HanesBrands Gerald Evans Recognized As 2020 Most Admired CEO
HanesBrands announced its CEO, Gerald W. Evans Jr., has been recognized as the most admired CEO in the Piedmont Triad, NC, region with a 2020 C-Suite Award from the Triad Business Journal.

Finish Line Delivers 9 Percent Comp In Fiscal Year
JD Sports Fashion reported a rise in annual earnings and indicated Finish Line’s comps in the U.S. grew 9 percent. However, the UK’s largest sneaker chain cut its dividend and warned the coronavirus outbreak has constrained its short term progress.

L.L.Bean Plans Three Stores In Canada
L.L.Bean announced the expansion of the brand in Canada, with three new L.L.Bean stores scheduled to open in Ontario by the end of 2020.