SGB Update Apparel
Survey: Potential Tariffs and Inflation Jump-Started BTS Shopping
“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials.” — Katherine Cullen, VP of Industry and Consumer Insights, National Retail Federation
361 Degrees Owned-Retail Posts Healthy Q2 Growth
China-based 361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported that brick-and-mortar retail sales of 361º core-branded products increased by approximately 10 percent year-over-year for the second quarter of 2025, which ended on June 30, moderating slightly after expanding by 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter.
Baja Llama Expands Indie Sales Representation Across U.S.
The apparel company has added independent reps in the Midwest, New England, South Central, Southeast, the Rockies, and Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure
Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.
Cotopaxi Continues Senior Team Shuffle as Julie Menard Named VP of Sales
Menard was previously at Teva, a Deckers Brands brand, for over 14 years. Previously, she held sales roles at Earth Footwear and Rockport, following her start as a men’s shoe buyer at Nordstrom.
Berghaus Appoints VP of Brand Marketing
Adam Field will lead the global marketing team, reporting to Charlie Pym, the company’s senior global vice president. He starts in his new role at Berghaus in July.
Vuori to Open First Store in Hawaii
Vuori plans to open its first store in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. The company ended 2024 with just over 80 stores in the U.S. and five globally.
Lululemon Appoints SVP of Sustainability
Nike’s former chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder was hired as LULU’s senior vice president of sustainability, reporting to Ted Dagnese, the company’s chief supply chain officer. He replaced Esther Speck who served as senior vice president of Sustainable Business and Impact at Lululemon for almost ten years.
Oboz and Rip Curl Parent KMD Hires Finance VP for North America
Heather Sweeny, a former Adidas executive, was appointed as VP of Finance across all KMD Brands in North America, including Oboz, Rip Curl and Kathmandu.
Pendleton Woolen Mills Appoints New CEO
Jennifer Ingraffea has most recently served as chief product and merchandising officer at The North Face since October 2020. Previously, she had an 18-year career at Nike. She succeeds John Bishop, a fifth-generation family member, who will remain as CEO through July to work with Ingraffea.
Stahls Appoints EMEA General Manager
Martin Borley, most recently served as executive managing director for Stahls’ UK and Europe. He was promoted to chief executive officer of Stahls’ EMEA, reporting to Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeStahl, Inc.
Running USA Executive Director Departs for Leadership Role at USA Track & Field
Jay Holder will support Running USA’s transition efforts until a new executive director is named. Kathleen Titus, president of the Board of Directors, will assume the role of interim executive director role.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded by S&P
S&P Global Ratings stated the debt ratings upgrade for Varsity Brands, the parent of BSN Sports and Varsity Spirit, reflects “solid demand in both segments, management’s effective execution in expanding the businesses, and the wind-down of significant legal and restructuring cash expenses.”
Pure Hockey Opens Third Store in Ohio
The retail store in New Albany, OH, a suburb of Columbus, is the company’s third in the state and 84th overall. A grand opening will be held later this year.
CNBC/NRF Report Sees June Retail Sales Trends Moderate; Sporting Goods Sector Accelerates
Growth in the Clothing, Footwear and Accessories store sector decelerated from the prior-month trend. The category that includes Sporting Goods stores was up 8.5 percent y/y unadjusted in June after an 8.2 percent y/y gain in May.
