SGB Update Apparel
361 Degrees Launches Retail Racing League
Kicking off mid-2019, the league will be comprised of teams from run specialty retailers who will compete at local races over an eight-month period to win the opportunity to run the final race in early 2020 and take home the coveted $50,000+ prize purse.

Asics Slashes Guidance On Weak Nine-Months Results
Asics significantly lowered its outlook for the year after reporting a steep decline in profits in the nine months on a 4.7 percent revenue decline. The Americas region showed a loss in the nine months on a 17.8 percent sales drop.
Amazon Drops Minimum Purchase Requirement For Free Holiday Shipping
Amazon said that beginning November 5, and for a limited time, all Amazon customers can enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase amount on orders that will arrive in time for the Christmas holiday.
Moody’s Lifts Outlook For US Apparel And Footwear Industry
The outlook for US apparel and footwear manufacturers has been changed to positive from stable, Moody’s Investors said in a new report. After two challenging years, earnings growth is accelerating beyond the rating agency’s previous expectations and is expected to remain robust over the next 12 to 18 months. The agency cited the progress of Nike, Inc., PVH Corp. and VF Corp.
Cherokee Appoints Evan Hengel To Board
Cherokee Global Brands appointed Evan Hengel to the company’s board of directors. Hengel will serve as a director of the company effective immediately.
Surfrider Foundation Launches ‘United States And Oceans of America’
The Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of clean water and healthy beaches, launched its nationwide United States and Oceans of America (USOA) campaign to rally Americans to join the bipartisan fight to protect our oceans and coasts for the future.
L.L.Bean To Expand Presence In Canada
L.L.Bean announced its first-ever entrée into the Canadian wholesale and brick and mortar retail market this fall with an exclusive agreement with Jaytex Group to distribute a broad assortment of L.L.Bean products. Jaytex Group, a 40-year old company, is a Canadian distributor of high-quality brand name outerwear and apparel.
Oros Closes $5 Million Funding Round
Oros, a digitally native performance apparel brand based in Cincinnati, OH, has secured a $5 million financing round.

Canada Goose Steps Into Footwear With Acquisition of Baffin
Canada Goose Holdings Inc. on Thursday afternoon announced that it has acquired Baffin Inc., a Canadian designer and manufacturer of performance outdoor and industrial footwear, for C$32.5 million (US$24.8 million).
Duluth Holdings Announces Opening of 44th Store in Oklahoma City
Duluth Holdings Inc. (dba, Duluth Trading Company), a lifestyle brand of men’s and women’s casual wear, workwear and accessories, on Thursday announced the grand opening of its 44th store in Oklahoma City, OK.

Gildan Activewear Impacted By Hurricane Florence In Q3
Gildan Activewear said sales grew 5.3 percent in the third quarter despite Hurricane Florence limiting shipments during September. Earnings were up 7.5 percent, in line with Wall Street’s targets.

HanesBrands Takes Charge For Sears Bankruptcy
HanesBrands, the parent of Champion, took a bad-debt reserve charge of $14 million related to the bankruptcy filing of Sears Holdings Corporation. As a result, GAAP operating profit of $257 million declined 1 percent and GAAP diluted earnings per share were 47 cents per share. HanesBrands lowered its EPS guidance for the year.
Inaugural Racquet & Paddle Sports Conference To Be Held In Orlando
The inaugural Racquet & Paddle Sports Conference, run by the TIA (Tennis Industry Association), will be held from January 23 to 25 in Orlando, FL.

Intersport Appoints New CEO
IIC-Intersport International Corporation GmbH (IIC) said Steve Evers, the current vice chairman of the IIC Board, was nominated as the new CEO. He will start in his new position early 2019. Victor V. Duran stepped down from his position as IIC CEO by mutual agreement with immediate effect.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. Misses On Q3 Revenue, Earnings
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation on Tuesday reported financial net sales for the third quarter ended September 30 of $266.4 million, down from net sales of $270.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2017.