SGB Update Apparel

Big 5 Posts Q1 Loss, Sees May Sales Recovering

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported a loss in the first quarter ended March 30 that came in line with projections provided in late February and said April’s comps tumbled 39 percent due to store closures tied to the pandemic. However, May’s sales and merchandising margins are seeing an uptick as stores reopen.

Golf Retailing Recovering

As the percentage of golf retail stores open to foot traffic continues to increase, a growing number of golfers indicate their concern for visiting physical store locations is subsiding, according to the National Golf Foundation’s latest industry-wide surveys.

Li & Fung Completes Privatization

Li & Fung Limited, the largest sourcing agent in the global apparel business, announced the company will delist from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange at the close of trading on Wednesday, marking the successful completion of its privatization process.

Adidas Partners With Yavapai College

Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ announced that Adidas will be its official uniform apparel and footwear supplier starting on July 1, 2020.

Shawnee State Partners With BSN, Nike

Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH entered into a multi-year partnership with Nike through BSN Sports to continue to make Nike the official apparel of SSU Athletics.

SquadLocker Appoints Chief Revenue Officer

SquadLocker, a leading uniform and custom team gear provider, appointed Jeanne Hopkins as chief revenue officer. Previously, she was chief marketing officer at travel management company Lola.com.

Afterpay Offers COVID-19 Support To Retail Community

Afterpay is teaming up with A Common Thread, an initiative led by Vogue and the CFDA, which raises funds and awareness for the American fashion community and Baby2Baby, which provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities.

ISPO To Launch Digital Live Conference

ISPO has developed a digital live conference, ISPO Re.Start Days, for the sports and outdoor industry. The event, to be held between June 30 and July 1, will offer orientation for the “new normality” during and after COVID-19.

OBIT: Dick Lipsey

Richard “Dick” Lipsey, founder, president, and CEO of SBRnet with a long career in supporting research for the sporting goods industry, passed away on May 15, 2020 at the age of 89. Lipsey underwent bypass surgery for a heart attack and was set to return home when he contracted COVID-19.

Consumer Confidence Ticks Up In May

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index held steady in May, following a sharp decline in April. The Index now stands at 86.6 (1985=100), up from 85.7 in April.

Hibbett Sports Posts Q1 Loss On Steep Sales Decline

Hibbett Sports Inc., posted a net loss of $15.3 million, or 92 cents a share, in the first quarter, as sales dropped 21.4 percent. E-commerce sales vaulted 110.5 percent and the retailer said its strong balance sheet provides ample liquidity to manage the COVID-19 fallout.

The Orvis Company Appoints Simon Perkins President

Orvis announced the appointment of Simon Perkins to president. Perkins will assume full strategic and operational leadership of the company as president and is the third generation of the Perkins family to lead Orvis since 1965. Outgoing President/CEO Bill McLaughlin will act as an advisor through the transition period.