SGB Update Apparel

Running Race Participation Sees Slight Decline In 2018

The number of runners registering for organized races in the U.S. was down slightly in 2018, continuing a five-year gradual drawback of mass participation in recreational road racing, according to Running USA.

Uli Becker And Bernd Wahler Join Hype Sports Innovation

Hype Sports Innovation said Uli Becker, ex-president of Reebok, and Bernd Wahler, former president of VfB Stuttgart who also served as Adidas CMO, have joined the firm. Hype Sport also said it is launching a $75 million sports tech fund.

Moody’s: J.C. Penney Store Closings Pressure U.S. REITS

Store closures as part of J.C. Penney’s turnaround plan will keep the pressure on US real estate investment trusts (REITs) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) to mitigate their exposure to associated risks, Moody’s Investors Service said in a new report.

US Youth Soccer Unveils New Brand Identity

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the United States, today announced a complete redesign of its brand. The refreshed look and feel reflects the organization’s commitment to making soccer the preeminent youth sport in the country.

Salomon Announces New Outdoor, Run Marketing Hires

Salomon welcomed two new hires to its brand marketing leadership team in the United States, Becky Marcelliano and Erin Cooper, bolstering its commitment to the run and outdoor categories. Cooper, formerly of Saucony, joins as run marketing manager while Marcelliano, formerly of Deuter USA, will serve as outdoor marketing manager.

Gildan Announces Board Of Directors Leadership Succession Plan

Gildan Activewear Inc. announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Donald C. Berg as chairman of the board effective May 2, 2019, contingent upon his reelection to the board at the company’s annual shareholder meeting to be held that day.

Minor League Baseball Launches National Retail Program

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced the creation of the largest retail program in Minor League Baseball history. The “Grilling All-Stars” program merges MiLB with local retailers and brands associated with a summer grill-out: Bush’s Beans, Scott Bath Tissue, Scott Paper Towels, Ball Park Buns and The Original Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce.

RYU Apparel Closes Final Tranche Of $6 Million Private Placement

RYU Apparel Inc., the fitness apparel specialist based in Vancouver, announced that it has closed a final tranche of the non-brokered private placement financing of up to 80 million units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $6 million.

Umbro Extends Deal With Everton

Umbro signed a multi-year extension with Everton, the Liverpool soccer team that competes in the Premier League.

JCPenney To Close 27 Stores In 2019

JCPenney announced plans to close 27 stores this year. The closures include 18 full-time department stores and nine home and furniture shops.

Nike Accredited For Fair Labor Practices

The Fair Labor Association (FLA) announced that its board of directors voted to re-accredit Nike’s social compliance program, the third FLA accreditation for the company.