SGB Update Apparel

U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises to 5-Month High in December

The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 110.7 million in December, up from a downwardly revised 101.0 in November in an indication that concerns about a recession in the U.S. are lessening. The Index improved for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest level since July.

Frasers Group Acquires Matches

Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct, agreed to acquire luxury e-tailer Matchesfashion, recently renamed Matches, for £52 million ($63 million).

Canada Goose Appoints Co-President; Shuffles Other Executive Roles

Canada Goose appointed Beth Clymer to the newly created role of president, finance, strategy and administration, effective January 8, 2024. Clymer will oversee finance, people and culture, corporate strategy, and legal matters with those who drive these functions.

Delta Apparel Settles with Activist Investor

Delta Apparel, Inc. agreed to appoint Timothy Brog as a new independent director to its board in a move that avoids a proxy battle with Forager Capital Management, an Alabama-based hedge fund management firm. 

PrimaLoft Promotes Cavassa to CEO, Joyce to Retire

Compass Diversified appointed Anne Cavassa as CEO of its subsidiary, PrimaLoft Inc., effective January 1, 2024. This move follows Cavassa’s recent appointment as president and as former president and CEO, Mike Joyce, steps into retirement at year end.

RW Designs Acquired by Platinum Equity

Rainbow West Apparel (RW Designs), a private label house, was acquired by Platinum Equity portfolio company Hop Lun, a Hong Kong-based designer and manufacturer of undergarments and swimwear.

SFIA names Chief Operating Officer 

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association hired Glenn Horine as chief operating officer, effective January 1, 2024, reporting to SFIA president and CEO Tom Cove. 

Asics Sells Haglöfs to PE Firm

Asics reported that it sold Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs AB to the Hong Kong fund LionRock Capital, which acquired 100 percent interest in the company. Terms were not disclosed.

Nordstrom Rack to Open Store in Omaha

Nordstrom announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Omaha, NB in fall 2024, representing the company’s first store of any kind in Nebraska.