SGB Update

Puma Appoints Bas van den Bemt as Managing Director Central Europe  

Bas van den Bemt is Puma’s new managing director for central Europe, starting July 1, overseeing business in the Dach and Benelux regions. He replaces Nina Graf-Vlachy, who decided to pursue opportunities outside the company. Lucynda Davies will take over Van den Bemt’s role as managing director of Puma UK and Ireland.

Canada Goose Hires First Creative Director; Launches of Exclusive Style for PBI

Canada Goose’s appointment of Haider Ackermann comes with the launch of its limited-edition sweatshirt, PBI Hoodie, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Polar Bears International. The launch campaign also celebrates actress and activist Jane Fonda, “the ideal protagonist for this important story.”

Wild Rye Adds to Marketing and Product Teams to Support Growth

The outdoor and active lifestyle apparel brand made four new additions to the brand’s team: a marketing director, a product development associate, an e-commerce and digital merchandising manager, and a customer experience and events coordinator.

Boot Barn Ends the Year with 400 Doors, with Q4 Comps Falling in Mid Singles

An 8.7 percent decrease in net sales was said to be the result of the decrease in consolidated same-store sales and the impact of a 13-week quarter when compared to a 14-week quarter in the prior-year Q4 period, partially offset by the incremental sales from new stores opened over the past twelve months.

Vasque Footwear Expands Waypoint and OSM Sales Partnerships

Vasque expanded Waypoint Outdoor’s coverage to the Southwest and South Central regions, while Outdoor Sports Marketing now extends its reach to the Mid-Atlantic—the two groups now represent six of Vasque’s sales regions.

Jetset Pilates Announces Key Additions to Executive Team

Pilates franchise introduces key hires to strengthen its team and empower franchise success—Sarah Buie, head of franchise development, Jo Gomez, senior director of product and talent, Lisa Thorsen, director of marketing and merchandise, Taylor Talcott, head of franchise services, and Erin Hildebrand, director of franchise development.

Meijer Opens New Supercenters in Michigan and Northeast Ohio

Meijer opened its first store in Michigan in 1934. Today, it opened a new 159,000-square-foot supercenter in Hillsdale, MI and two new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Northeast Ohio. This summer, the retailer will celebrate its 90th anniversary as a family-owned Midwest retailer.