SGB Update Apparel

Sports Direct Owner Acquires Luxury Website
Frasers, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, has acquired Coggles, an online seller of designer fashion, from THG as part of a multi-year partnership that also includes Frasers using THG’s technology in some parts of its business.

Skeeter Boats Appoints New General Manager
John Clark was the assistant GM, and his responsibilities included managing daily operations, staff, facilities, and Skeeter’s long-term vision. He joined the company in 2006.

Nike Faces Shareholder Lawsuit Over DTC Strategy
A Nike, Inc. shareholder has filed a securities class action in the District of Oregon’s Portland division, claiming the company misled investors about the financial effects of prioritizing direct-to-consumer sales. Plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial.

Rally House Expansion Continues in Texas
The retailer announced the first of several stores to open in a new market for the company in Houston, TX with Rally House Houston Outlets.

Athleta-Parent Hires Chief Technology Officer
Prior roles for Sven Gerjets include chief information officer, Time Warner; SVP, information technology, DirecTV; chief technology officer, Pearson; director, global e-commerce, Symantec. Most recently, Gerjets was the EVP and chief technology officer from July 2017 to May 2024 at Gap, Inc.

Report: Retail Sales Show Signs of Stabilization in May
The latest report from Circana reveals that U.S. retail sales, encompassing discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG), have experienced a 1 percent growth, with consumers adapting their spending habits in response to moderating price pressures.

Athleta Hires Former Nike Exec to Lead Design
Athleta has hired Tania Flynn, formerly VP of apparel design at Nike, as head of design.

Nike, Converse Sue 52 ‘Counterfeiting Networks’
Nike and sister brand, Converse, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against 52 alleged counterfeit networks, which collectively operate 98 websites and 267 social media handles, over the sale of counterfeit goods.

Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
Paka Introduces New General Manager and Advisory Board
Paka, the sustainable clothing brand, hired former Prana executive Brian Thompson as general manager while introducing a new advisory board.

Trending: 2024 Midyear Per Race Participation Increases
RunSignup reported a mid-year update on race trends, showing that pre-race registrations have continued to increase after nearly matching 2019 numbers in 2023. On average, registrations grew 8 percent compared to 2023.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New CEO, Exec Chair, and Chief Stores Officer
Mark Hasting was promoted to president and CEO and Kim Treece to chief stores officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will assume the executive chair of the company’s Board and remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.

Authentic Inks Deal to Manage Sportswear and Activewear for Tapout Brand
Wholesale apparel company One World Brands will design, manufacture and distribute activewear and swimwear for men, women and kids.

Finisterre Opens First North American Retail Location
The retail storefront, in partnership with Maine Surfers Union in Portland, ME, is expected to spearhead the brand’s global retail expansion into North America.