SGB Update Apparel

Macy’s Cuts Guidance On Weak Holiday Sales

Macy’s slashed its outlook for profit, sales and gross margin, citing a weakening in sales in late-December. The company reported holiday-period same-store sales growth of 0.7 percent, compared with 1.0 percent growth in the same period a year ago.

JCPenney Sees Drop In Holiday Sales

J. C. Penney Company Inc. announced that its comparable store sales for the combined nine-week period ending January 5, 2019, decreased 3.5 percent on a shifted basis. On an unshifted basis, comparable sales decreased 5.4 percent.

Dakine Appoints David Orr To Global General Manager

Dakine Equipment LLC—a division of JR286 Inc., in partnership with Marquee Brands—on Wednesday announced the appointment of David Orr as global general manager. A veteran in the outdoor and sporting goods industries, Orr will be responsible for leading all aspects of product creation, sales and operations for Dakine.

Zumiez Inc. Raises Q4 Outlook On December Comp Increase

Zumiez Inc. on Wednesday raised its fourth-quarter outlook based on comparable sales increasing 4.9 percent for the five-week period ended January 5, 2019, compared to a comparable sales increase of 7.9 percent for the five-week period ended December 30, 2017.

La Sportiva Apparel Joins 1% For The Planet

La Sportiva on Wednesday announced its membership in 1% for the Planet. By donating 1 percent of apparel sales revenue globally to approved environmentally focused non-profit partners, La Sportiva demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and concern for the environment, on which the outdoor industry depends.

SFIA Hires New Managing Director Of Sponsorship

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced a new addition to the organization, Rick Salomone, who will be responsible for leading and expanding the SFIA sponsorship program. Salomone previously served as the CEO of Surys, a company rooted in holographic science, aiming to provide authentication solutions and reduce counterfeiting of products.

Sears Gets Another Reprieve From Liquidation

Sears has accepted Eddie Lampert’s bid to acquire the company to stave off a liquidation although the bid now requires Sears chairman to deposit $120 million by 4 p.m. Wednesday through his ESL Investments hedge fund.

USA Cycling Hires Former New Balance CEO Rob DeMartini

The USA Cycling Board of Directors has named Rob DeMartini as president and chief executive officer of  USA Cycling. DeMartini joins the organization from New Balance Athletics, Inc. where he spent the last 12 years as president and CEO.

Lacrosse Unlimited Appoints EVP Of Institutional Sales

Lacrosse Unlimited announced that Sean Haggerty has been brought on as executive vice president of institutional sales. Haggerty comes to Lacrosse Unlimited from BEA Partners where he led external strategic sales and marketing initiatives.

Adidas Extends Stock Buyback Program

Adidas announced the start of the second tranche of its current multi-year share buyback program announced in March 2018. The company intends to repurchase own shares worth around €800 million in 2019.

Retail Imports Level Off After Rush To Beat Tariffs

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports have slowed down after a months-long rush to beat increased tariffs on goods from China, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

WWE Names Sarah Cummins SVP, Consumer Products

WWE announced the appointment of Sarah Cummins as senior vice president, consumer products. Prior to joining WWE, Cummins was head of business development & strategic partnerships at New York Road Runners Inc.

SportPort Appoints Sector Sports To Initiate Retail Strategies, Business Development Expansions

Kim Highfield, CEO and founder of SportPort, a U.S.-owned, women-operated specialty athletic apparel company with headquarters in Charlotte, NC, announced the appointment of Greenville, SC-based Sector Sports & Associates to help develop strategic retail placements, business development activities and product line expansions for its women’s activewear business.