SGB Update Apparel
Walmart Celebrates “Re-Grand Opening” of 117 Remodeled U.S. Stores
The re-grand opening project represents over a half a billion dollars in capital investments in local communities across 30 states.
QBP Drops DeFeet from Brand Stable; Sock Brand Will Not Add Reps
DeFeet is now entirely in-house with its sales team, employing no independent sales rep. The company distributes in-line products in the U.S. through its remaining domestic distribution partners and its DeFeet B2B platform.
Fanatics Partners with Argentine Football Association
Fanatics entered an e-commerce partnership with The Argentine Football Association (AFA). The long-term agreement will see Fanatics build and operate the AFA’s e-commerce store.
Report: Decathlon Explores Sales of Minority Stake in China Business
Decathlon SA is working with advisors to explore the sale of a minority stake in its China business, sources told Bloomberg. The report indicated that the French retailer seeks a strategic partner to drive regional expansion.
VF Corp. Sees Continued Americas Weakness In U.S. in Q2 Tied to Vans Declines
The company also said that Kevin Bailey will be stepping down from his role as global brand president, Vans. He will remain on the Executive Leadership Team reporting to the CEO and will transition to lead Reinvent, the company’s business transformation plan. CEO Bracken Darrell will be more involved with Vans until a new brand president is found.
Dick’s SG Sued Over Calia Logo
Wooter, a maker of sports apparel based in Staten Island, NY, reportedly filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Dick’s Sporting Goods over the infinity symbol used in the logo of women’s private label brand Calia.
REI to Open in Beavercreek, OH
REI reported it will open a retail store in Beavercreek, OH, in spring 2024. The 23,000-square-foot space will operate in the Beavercreek Shopping Center at 2650 N Fairfield Road.
Shein Acquires Missguided Brand from Frasers
Frasers, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, reported it plans to sell the intellectual property and trademarks of the Missguided online women’s fashion retailer to Shein.
Rhone Secures New Investors
Rhone, the men’s activewear and lifestyle brand, formed a new consortium of investors, including Blackstone executive and ex-football star Tim Tebow, to buy out the approximately 29 percent stake in the company owned by private equity firm L Catterton.
MEC Appoints New CEO
Canadian outdoor gear retailer MEC promoted COO Peter Hlynsky to CEO, succeeding Eric Claus, who led the retailer during the filing for creditor protection and sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Kingswood Capital Management.
New Balance Appoints Director, Global Apparel Planning
New Balance promoted Stephen Butch to director of global apparel planning, effective immediately. He has worked for New Balance since 1995, starting as a sales associate in the brand’s Boston factory outlet store.
Authentic Expands Deal With Shein for Forever 21
Authentic Brands Group signed a long-term agreement with the Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein to produce a co-branded clothing line with Forever 21. The collaboration follows Shein’s move in August to acquire about a third of Forever 21′s operator, Sparc Group, with plans to explore new ways to reach customers.
Report: Golf Apparel Sales Decline for Third Straight Month in September
Galk Datatech is reporting that golf apparel sales were down in on-and off-course specialty stores for the third consecutive month in September, falling 3.7 percent after declining 3.5 percent in August and a 3.6 percent decrease in July.
Fleet Feet Acquires Ultra Running Company
Fleet Feet expands its retail footprint further with the acquisition of Charlotte, NC-based Ultra Running Company. The store was rebranded to Fleet Feet Charlotte–Myers Park.
Columbia Sportswear Expects Sharp Decline in Q4 as Pull-Ahead Orders Boost Q3 Sales
Net sales are now expected to increase 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent for 2023, down from the previous range of 2.0 percent to 3.5 percent growth. Fourth quarter net sales are expected to decline 10 percent to 5 percent and the company is also forecasting a low-double-digit percent decline in wholesale net sales in first half 2024.
