SGB Update Apparel

Li Ning Signs Potential 2020 NBA Lottery Pick To Endorsement Deal

Li Ning, the Chinese sporting goods giant, signed RJ Hampton, a projected lottery selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, to an endorsement deal, according to ESPN. The retired Dwyane Wade in 2018 inked a lifetime deal with the brand. C.J. McCollum is Li Ning’s most prominent active player.

U.S. Trade Groups Urge Congress To Approve USMCA

The American Apparel & Footwear Association, Outdoor Industry Association and National Retail Federation joined with more than 600 other trade organizations in a letter to Congress supporting approval of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Report: Nike Exploring Sale Of Hurley

Nike Inc. is exploring the sale of Hurley International, the surf brand acquired in 2002, according to a report from Reuters. The move follows prolonged weakness in the overall action sports market.

UNLV Extends Deal With Nike

UNLV agreed to a three-year contract extension with Nike. Nike will remain the exclusive athletic footwear, apparel and accessories sponsor of UNLV Athletics.

Walmart E-Commerce Exec Joins Rockets Of Awesome

Scott Turner, Walmart’s director of e-commerce of two and a half years, has Rockets of Awesome, the growing children’s apparel company. In February, Foot Locker acquired a minority stake in the New York-based company.

Ross Stores Opens 28 New Locations

Ross Stores Inc. announced the recent opening of 22 Ross Dress for Less and six dd’s Discount stores across 10 different states in June and July. These new locations are part of the COmpany’s plans to add approximately 100 stores in 2019, with 75 Ross and 25 dd’s Discount locations.

Synchrony And Fanatics Launch The Ultimate Fan Card

Synchrony and Fanatics have launched the FanCash Rewards Card by Fanatics, a new offering that will provide fans with a customized payment method for licensed sports merchandise, timeless memorabilia and collectibles and sports experiences.

EFI To Be Acquired By Siris Capital

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI), a  leader in digital printing innovation,  announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Siris Capital Group, LLC in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.7 billion.

VF Corp.’s Earnings Beat Estimates, Guidance Raised

VF Corp. raised its sales and earnings outlook for the year after reporting first-quarter earnings that topped Wall Street estimates. On a currency-neutral basis, sales grew 9 percent, led by a 23 percent jump by Vans and 12 percent gain at The North Face.

Athleta Chief To Take Post At Old Navy

Gap Inc. announced that Nancy Green, who currently leads the Athleta brand, will shift in early August to a newly created role as president and chief creative officer of Old Navy. While a search is underway for Athleta’s next president, the brand’s leadership team will report to Gap Inc. Chief Executive Officer Art Peck.

Surfrider Foundation Adds Plastic Pollution Policy Expert

The Surfrider Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of clean water and healthy beaches, announced the addition of Jennie Romer as a legal associate for the organization’s Plastic Pollution Initiative.

Sustainable Apparel Coalition Appoints Amina Razvi As Executive Director

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition, a leading association representing the apparel, footwear and textile industry in sustainability, announced that its board of directors has confirmed the appointment of Amina Razvi as executive director. Razvi has assumed day-to-day leadership of the Coalition and has responsibility for its global operations.