SGB Update Apparel

Umbro To Sponsor Soccer Shots

Umbro has signed a multi-year deal to be the official apparel partner for Soccer Shots, an international franchise program that provides children ages two through eight with an age-appropriate soccer and character development experience.

Kathmandu Announces North American Sales Teams

Kathmandu, the New Zealand travel and adventure brand, announced new sales representation in the Pacific Northwest, Rockies, and Southwest by The Alta Group, Urban Outdoors, and Pacific Crest Trading accordingly.

Tariff Hike Postponed

On Sunday, President Donald Trump delayed the March 1 deadline to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, citing “substantial progress” during a week of trade talks in Washington, D.C. between U.S. and Chinese officials.

MLB Players Association Releases Statement Supporting New Era Workers

The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) issued a statement on Thursday in support of workers at the soon-to-be-closed New Era plant in Derby, NY. New Era earlier this month reached an agreement with plant workers on comprehensive severance benefits ahead of the plant’s scheduled closure in March.

Fitch Downgrades Newell Brands To Junk Status

Fitch Ratings  downgraded Newell Brands Inc.’s long-term issuer default rating to BB-plus from BBB-minus, lowering it to speculative-grade, or “junk” status, from investment grade.

Arc’teryx’s Sales Grew 11 percent In 2018

Amer Sports issued its annual report review for 2018 that showed Arc’teryx’s sales grew 11 percent last year to drive growth across Softgoods, a strategic growth priority for the company.

Lids Sports Group Acquisition Secures Financing

PNC Bank, N.A. announced the closing of a $140 million senior secured credit facility to support Maryland-based Ames Watson, LLC’s acquisition of Lids Sports Group (LSG). PNC Bank, N.A., served as administrative agent.

Asics Appoints Director Of Run Specialty Sales

Asics North America appointed Kevin McHale as its new director of run specialty sales. In this role, McHale will manage the run specialty business. Asics also said it is unveiling a newly created Technical Representatives Program to provide rep coverage across the country.

Report: U.S. And China Trade Talks Making Significant Progress

The U.S. and China have made the most significant progress to date in their trade talks, outlining commitments  in areas such as intellectual property rights, services, currency and agriculture barriers to trade, Reuters reported.

Point 3 Secures Investment From Baron Davis

Baron Davis, the former NBA star, recently made an investment in Point 3 Basketball, the specialist in basketball uniforms and socks, and has become its creative director.

Gildan Activewear’s Profits Jump In Q4

Gildan Activewear reported adjusted earnings rose 31.5 percent in the fourth quarter. Revenues jumped 13.6 percent, led by a 22.3 percent increase in activewear sales.

PVH To Acquire Australian Partner

PVH Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Gazal Corporation Limited, its long term partner in Australia.