SGB Update Apparel
Imperial Hires Director of Marketing
Jerry Biag fills the newly-created role as director of marketing. He joins Imperial with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience.
Sportsshoes.com Appoints First Partnerships Coordinator
Georgia Malir will manage run and fitness community partnerships. She joins the company from Saucony, where she was a technical rep.
DHS Outlines Enforcement Actions to Support U.S. Textile Jobs
The Department of Homeland Security outlined an enhanced strategy to combat illicit trade and level the playing field for the U.S. textile industry, which accounts for over 500,000 U.S. jobs and is deemed critical to U.S. national security.
Christy Sports Shuttering All New Mexico Stores
Christy Sports operates six stores in New Mexico, including four in Taos Ski Valley under the banners Cottam’s, Alpine Xtreme and Bootdoctor’s. One location in downtown Taos is under Cottam’s, and there is one seasonal Cottam’s in Santa Fe.
Consumer Confidence Index Flat in March, but Outlook Index May Signal Trouble Ahead
The Consumer Confidence Index was 104.7 in March, essentially unchanged from February. But the Expectations Index, based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, fell to 73.8, which is in recession territory.
NRF: Economy Remains ‘Sturdy’ Despite Forecast for Slower Growth
Adjusted for inflation, GDP is expected to grow about 2.3 percent year-over-year, slower than last year’s 2.5 percent but still strong enough to sustain job growth that drives consumer spending.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Posts DD Same-Store Sales Decline in Q4; Swings to Loss
The retailer reported lower-than-expected Q4 sales for the 14-week period ended February 3, but indicated it was successful in reducing excess inventory. Same-store sales decreased 12.8 percent on a 13-week comparable basis.
G/Fore Arrives in the Big Apple
The pop-up retail space at 536 Madison Avenue is said to be consistent with the company’s locations in Scottsdale, AZ and Palm Beach, FL.
Oros Labs Secures $22M in Series B Funding
The thermal solutions company serves an array of dual-use applications. The funding round was led by Airbus Ventures.
Hurley Names New Licensee for Women’s Sportswear and Activewear
Hurley, owned by Bluestar Alliance, named Mamiye Brothers the new licensee for its women’s sportswear and activewear lines, commencing its Spring 2025 collection.
Salomon Adds Softgoods-Specific Sales Agencies to NA Team
The brand added a softgoods-specific sales team within its North American organization to support accelerated growth focused on footwear, apparel and gear.
Puma to Open Puma Studio in Los Angeles in Early 2025
Puma Studio, when complete, will be a creative space that brings the brand’s design and marketing teams closer to the most influential communities and celebrities to inspire products and campaigns for the strategically important U.S. market.
March Manufacturing PMI at 50.3 Percent; Textile Mills Lead Sector with Growth
A Manufacturing PMI above 42.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.
Rally House Opening Four New Store in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois
Rally House opened in the Philadelphia region at Trainers Corner in Quakertown, PA. In Ohio, the retailer is open at Spring Meadows, west of Toledo, and Marketplace at Four Corners, just south of Cleveland. Rally House is also the newest tenant at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
Authentic Brands Group Appoints Head of Australia and New Zealand
The company appointed Lim Mi-Kyoung as SVP, head of Australia and New Zealand, reportedly overseeing its regional expansion, focused on brand development and driving long-term growth.
