SGB Update Apparel
Columbia Sportswear Opens Largest Store in Japan
The flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo, marks the brand’s largest retail location in Japan to date, spanninb roughly 2900 square feet across two levels.
NRF: Import Cargo Levels Drop Again After Tariff Delay Ends; Rebound Expected in July
Ports have not yet reported numbers for June, but Global Port Tracker projects the month to climb 5.9 percent from May but down 3.7 percent year-over-year. July cargo volume is expected to increase 2.1 percent year-over-year, but then fall 10.4 percent in August and 19.9 percent in September as previously paused tariffs take effect.
Head/Tyrolia Winter Sports Undergoes Management Reset
Head USA, Inc. reported that Jon Rucker, president of Head and Tyrolia Winter Sports for the last 15 years, departed from the company on June 27 to pursue a new opportunity. The company’s new structure for the segment will see Andrew Couperthwait as VP of Winter Sports Product & Marketing while Rob Mignon will continue as VP of Winter Sports Sales.
Saks’ Debt Ratings Lowered On Proposed Restructuring
S&P Global Ratings lowered the credit ratings of Saks Global Enterprises, LLC, due to the luxury chain’s $600 million financing package, which it views as “tantamount to default.”
Decathlon Acquires French Cycling Team
The French sporting goods chain has agreed to become the sole owner of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale UCI World Tour, the French cycling team with UCI WorldTeam status, at the close of 2025.
Outdoor Research Opens Third Store
The technical outdoor gear and apparel brand announced the opening of a new store in Bellingham, WA. The Seattle-based outdoor brand operates two other stores in the state, including a flagship in Seattle and an outlet in Des Moines.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Varsity Brands, Inc.’s debt ratings due to improving EBITDA margin, stronger free cash flow generation, and declining leverage, supported by momentum in both its BSN and Varsity Spirit businesses.
NRF Sees Economic Growth Holding Steady but Market Uncertainty is Still Pervasive
With President Trump moving the goalposts once again by continuing the pause in increased tariffs until early August, and perhaps later, importers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, brands, and consumers all seem to be walking around with a big question mark above their heads.
Wolverine World Wide Adds Two Board Members
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. appointed Cheryl Abel-Hodges, current CEO of Tommy John, and Jack Boyle, the former head buyer for Fanatics, to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
Mountain High Outfitters Opens First Store in South Carolina
Tthe outdoor retail chain based in Birmingham, AL, opened its first South Carolina location at the Columbiana Centre in Columbia. The company now has 28 stores, including stores in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Utah.
Report: June Mall Traffic Declined Across All Formats
Placer.ai noted that June 2025 shopping center traffic fell slightly following two straight months of year-over-year visit growth – although indoor malls continued to show the strongest performance, with just a 0.7 percent drop in year-over-year June visits.
Adobe Forecasts Almost $24 Billion In Amazon Four-Day Prime Day Sales
Amazon’s four-day Prime Day event, running from July 8 to 11, is expected to drive online spending across U.S. retailers to $23.8 billion, representing 28.4 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth and the equivalent of two Black Fridays, according to data from Adobe Analytics.
L.L.Bean Sets Opening Date for First Central New Jersey Store
The store in Bridgewater will offer customers easy access to Washington Valley Park, Duke Farm and paddling routes along the Raritan River. The location will be L.L.Bean’s fourth store in New Jersey.
Eastside Golf Opens First Retail Store
Located at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), the store opening comes as the golf lifestyle brand recently launched at Nordstrom, Golf Galaxy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and House of Sport earlier this year and PGA Tour in 2024.
Lacoste Appoints New CEO
Éric Vallat, a former LVMH executive, was appointed as the company’s new CEO, starting September 1. He succeeds Thierry Guibert, who has held the position since 2015.
