SGB Update Apparel
Auburn University Moves on from Under Armour; Inks 10-Year Nike Deal
Nike signed a 10-year deal to become the official outfitter of Auburn University’s athletic teams, beginning July 2025. Nike replaces Under Armour, which had supplied Auburn’s athletic teams since 2006.
Lululemon Sues Costco Over Alleged Copycat Yoga Pants
The brand is seeking a court order to prevent Costco from manufacturing, importing, advertising, and selling the alleged LULU counterfeit products. It also wants Costco to pull all ads that promote the products and is asking for compensation for lost profits.
Gaia Appoints CEO
Kiersten Medvedich, company president, has been promoted to CEO. She continues to report to Gaia Founder and Executive Chairman Jirka Rysavy. Medvedich joined Gaia in 2016 as senior director of content.
Big 5 Sporting Goods to Go Private via Acquisition by Specialty Golf Retailer and PE Firm
The retailer has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by a partnership comprised of Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $112.7 million in enterprise value, including the assumption of roughly $71.4 million in credit line borrowings as of June 29, 2025.
Alo Yoga to Open First Store in Alabama
The Los Angeles, CA-based lifestyle brand specializing in luxury activewear, announced plans to open a stand alone shop in The Summit a one-million-square-foot upscale shopping mall with over 100 stores and restaurants located in Birmingham.
Saucony Opens London Flagship in Covent Garden
The store, spanning 3,695 square feet over two floors, is located at 4 James Street and was designed to serve as a hub for the local running community.
Nike, Inc. Beats Wall Street Estimates for Q4 Top- and Bottom-Line Declines
While the company produced a beat on both the top- and bottom-line consensus Wall Street estimates for the period, many analysts appeared more interested in the fiscal 2026 full-year guidance, which was not provided in the initial release of Q4 and full-year figures.
Survey: Early Back-To-School Shoppers Noticing Higher Prices
A survey of parents who have started back-to-school shopping conducted by Morning Consult found that 57 percent believe school supplies cost more this year than they did last year. A majority (59 percent) noted that inflation in general as the cause for the price increases, while 37 percent cited tariffs specifically.
Compass Diversified Reports Inability to Rely on 2022 and 2023 Financial Statements
The owner of the 5.11, Boa, Oxo, and Primaloft brands disclosed on Wednesday, June 24, its non-reliance on its financial statements for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 amid an ongoing investigation into its subsidiary Lugano Holding, Inc. The investigation does not involve CODI’s other subsidiaries.
On Outsole Partner Novoloop Raises $21M to Scale Circular Performance Materials Tech
By chemically upcycling post-consumer polyethylene into low-carbon polyols and polyurethanes, Novoloop produces sustainable materials for footwear, apparel, sporting goods, automotive, and other applications.
Adidas Appoints New GM for India
Vijay Chauhan, most recently SVP International at American Eagle Outfitters, joins Adidas as GM for India, effective August 1. He will succeed Neelendra Singh, who is stepping down after over two decades with the company.
Decathlon Closing Five Greater Toronto Area Stores
Decathlon is closing its five stores in the Greater Toronto area this summer. The retailer provided no reason for the closures, but the French sporting goods chain stated in a media release that it had recently launched same-day delivery and is considering opening smaller store formats or adopting a wholesale distribution model to serve the region.
Mark Walter to Acquire Majority Stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers
Chairman and CEO of TWG Global, Walter reached an agreement with the Buss Family Trust to acquire a majority stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. The sale is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter of 2025.
Primark Continues U.S. Growth with Memphis, TN Store Opening
The Memphis location, opening July 24, is the first of two planned store openings in Tennessee for Primark, with a second store set to open in the Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, TN. The opening marks the retailer’s 31st U.S. store, now spanning 13 states.
Survey: Back-To-School Spending Expected to Hold Up
According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey of nearly 1,200 parents, over one in three parents anticipate spending more than the amount they spent last year. For surveyed respondents who plan to cut back on shopping for back-to-school items this year, technology and clothing were cited as top categories for reducing spend.
