SGB Update Apparel

Tommie Copper Closes Credit Facility

Second Avenue Capital Partners, LLC, (SACP) announced the company has provided a senior secured credit facility to Tommie Copper, the maker of compression products. The credit facility will be used to fund working capital and additional growth opportunities.

Academy Sports Hires Ken Hicks As Chairman And CEO

Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that Ken C. Hicks, former CEO at Foot Locker Inc. has been appointed chairman and CEO. Departing CEO J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.

Finish Line Finds New Investor

Odey Asset Management, a London-based hedge fund, has acquired an 8.2 percent stake in The Finish Line, possibly complicating Finish Line’s merger with JD Sports Fashion.

Vineyard Vines Collaborates With Shark Week

Vineyard Vines, best known for the company’s whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, announced an exclusive partnership with Discovery Channel’s annual TV event, Shark Week.

Gore Fabrics Joins Ellen MacArthur Foundation Initiative

W.L. Gore’s fabrics division announced that the company is participating in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s “Make Fashion Circular” initiative. Gore fabrics is joining forces with some 20 global brands in a commitment to develop new pathways for the textile industry informed by the principles of a circular economy.

Saucony Appoints Anne Cavassa President

Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced the appointment of Anne Cavassa as president of Saucony, Most recently, Cavassa served as chief customer experience officer and SVP of marketing and apparel for the Brooks Running Company.

Fanatics Hires Joe Bozich As First COO, Fanatics Brands

Fanatics Inc, has hired Joe Bozich, founder of  Knights Apparel, as the first ever COO of Fanatics Brands, the company’s in-house apparel division, as the company continues ramp up vertical-manufacturing capabilities. In an interview with SGB, Fanatics Brands President Raphael Peck said Bozich will particularly focus on wholesale execution.

Macy’s Lifts Guidance On Strong Q1

Macy’s Inc. raised the company’s annual guidance after reporting first-quarter earnings that came in well ahead of Wall Street targets and a 3.9 percent gain in same-store sales.

Camber Outdoors Announces OR Summer Market Events

Camber Outdoors has announced its lineup of events during the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018 in Denver, CO. The events are focused on advancing the active-outdoor industries through convening and conversations on equity, inclusion and intersectionality.

North Face Endurance Challenge Series Commits To Reusable Cups

The North Face announced a commitment to eliminate disposable cups for its Endurance Challenge Series events. Hydrapak has been named as the official hydration sponsor of the series and will provide reusable Hydrapak Speedcups to runners.

April Retail Sales Up 2.8 Percent YOY

April retail sales increased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted over March and 2.8 percent year-over-year as consumers continued to spend, the National Retail Federation said Tuesday. The numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.

Clarus Corp. To Expand In Utah

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in Utah announced Clarus Corporation, parent company of Black Diamond Equipment, will expand in Utah over the next eight years, adding up to 147 high-paying jobs, $8.9 million in new state revenue and $40 million in capital investment.