SGB Update Apparel

Foot Locker’s Debt Ratings Lowered by S&P

S&P Global Ratings downgraded the debt ratings of Foot Locker, Inc. following the sneaker giant’s report of weaker-than-expected second-quarter earnings amid elevated promotional activity and weak consumer demand.

POC Appoints Cycling Industry Vet as New CEO

POC, based in Sweden, has appointed Derek Bouchard-Hall as CEO. Before joining the helmets, eyewear, protection, and apparel manufacturer, Bouchard-Hall was CEO of Assos, president and CEO of USA Cycling and the director of International at Wiggle.

August Retail Sales Growth Moderates; Sporting Goods Trends Down

August sales were up in five out of nine retail categories on a yearly basis, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Circana reported flat sales growth year-over-year for their categories while the NRF and USCB saw sales up 3.3 percent for the period.

Deloitte Forecasts Softer Holiday Sales, Double-Digit E-Commerce Growth

Holiday sales in the U.S. are estimated to grow 3.5 percent to 4.6 percent between November and January, slowing from the 7.6 percent increase seen in 2022, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast. The moderation reflects less inflation but also weaker consumer spending.

Lululemon Athletica Appoints New Board Member

Shane Grant has been the group deputy CEO, CEO Americas, and EVP of dairy, plant-based and global sales at Danone, a global food and beverage company, since January 2023.

Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour to Merge

The operators of the two major pickleball leagues, Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour agreed to merge. The companies will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate scheduling conflicts and competition over players.

Report: Online Prices Reach 40-Month Low in August

U.S. online prices in August 2023 fell 3.2 percent YoY, reaching their lowest in 40 months, led by a drop in sporting goods, down 7 percent YoY, according to the latest data from the Adobe Digital Price Index, based on Adobe Analytics. This made August 2023 the 12th consecutive month of overall YoY price decreases.

Tommy John Snags New CEO from Calvin Klein

Tommy John tapped industry leader Cheryl Abel-Hodges as CEO. Last week, she joined the company’s executive team from her former role as CEO of Calvin Klein.

Nike Shareholders Reject Pay Equity Proposal

At Nike, Inc.’s annual meeting Tuesday, shareholders voted against a proposal seeking a more detailed report on pay gaps across race and gender. Shareholders also rejected a proposal over the disclosure of human rights commitments.