SGB Update Footwear

NRF Calls On Biden Administration To Eliminate China Tariffs To Ease Inflation

The National Retail Federation announced it is launching the second phase of a seven-figure advocacy campaign with broadcast, digital and out-of-home advertising, urging the Biden administration to repeal tariffs on goods from China to lower costs for businesses and consumers who are being severely impacted by inflation.

Amazon Fashion Introduces Virtual Try-On For Shoes

Amazon Fashion announced the launch of Virtual Try-On for Shoes, an interactive mobile experience that uses augmented reality to help customers visualize how a pair of shoes will look on their feet.

Public Lands To Open Four More Locations

Public Lands, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ outdoor-themed concept, plans to open four stores in Framingham, MA; Huntington, NY; Kennesaw, GA; and Medford, OR.

BSN Sports Acquires Team Gear

BSN Sports, a division of Varsity Brands, announced that it has acquired I.D. Clothing Company (dba Team Gear) based in Whippany, NJ.

Quiksilver Appoints VP, Global Marketing

Quiksilver has named Bobby Gascon as VP, global marketing. He joins the company following 13 years at Vans where, most recently, he was senior director of global marketing, Action Sports

Nike Shutting Down Run Club App In China

Nike is deactivating its Run Club app in China.  In a statement to Reuters, Nike said it plans to provide runners in China with an “enhanced and localized digital solution.”

Under Armour To Be Dropped From S&P 500 Stock Index

Under Armour will be deleted from the S&P 500 stock index before the start of trading June 21 and be added to the S&P MidCap 400, S&P Dow Jones said. The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 large companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges.

VF Corp. Debt Outlook Revised To Negative On Tax Ruling

S&P Global Ratings revised its debt ratings outlook on VF Corp. to negative from stable. The rating agency estimated VF will likely have to increase debt by more than $845 million to pay the assessed tax in order to appeal an unfavorable decision from the U.S. Tax Court regarding its post-acquisition restructuring of Timberland Co. in September 2011.

Academy Sports Q1 Tops Expectations

Academy Sports reported first-quarter results that topped Wall Street targets but the retailer still slightly lowered its outlook due to macroeconomic challenges. Ken Hicks, CEO said, “We are satisfied with our first-quarter results as the company continued to position itself for long-term growth and expansion as we executed effectively in a highly dynamic environment and against a very strong prior-year quarter.”