NSGA’s Sporting Goods Market Report Shows Retail Sales Reach $69.4 Billion
Consumer retail purchases of sporting goods equipment, athletic footwear and athletic apparel increased to $69.4 billion for the categories tracked by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) in 2017, an increase of 1 percent versus 2016.
Tommie Copper Closes Credit Facility
Second Avenue Capital Partners, LLC, (SACP) announced the company has provided a senior secured credit facility to Tommie Copper, the maker of compression products. The credit facility will be used to fund working capital and additional growth opportunities.
Rockport Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval Of “First Day” Motions
The Rockport Group LLC announced that the company has received approvals from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware for all of the company’s First Day motions, which will support Rockport’s business operations as the company completes the previously announced court-supervised sale process.
Academy Sports Hires Ken Hicks As Chairman And CEO
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that Ken C. Hicks, former CEO at Foot Locker Inc. has been appointed chairman and CEO. Departing CEO J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.
Report: Puma Targeting Trae Young For Basketball Relaunch
Puma is seeking to endorse Trae Young, expected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, as the face of the company’s return to basketball, according to a report from ESPN.
Goliath Acquires Tucker
Goliath, the maker of toys and games, acquired Tucker, the maker of outdoor toys that includes the Phlat Ball.
Finish Line Finds New Investor
Odey Asset Management, a London-based hedge fund, has acquired an 8.2 percent stake in The Finish Line, possibly complicating Finish Line’s merger with JD Sports Fashion.
Skullcandy Launches Live Stream Concert Series
Audio brand Skullcandy Inc. has announced the launch of Now Feel This, a global live steam concert series dedicated to showcasing emerging artists. The first set of concerts will feature performances by White Reaper, Hinds and Now, Now.
Vineyard Vines Collaborates With Shark Week
Vineyard Vines, best known for the company’s whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, announced an exclusive partnership with Discovery Channel’s annual TV event, Shark Week.
Gore Fabrics Joins Ellen MacArthur Foundation Initiative
W.L. Gore’s fabrics division announced that the company is participating in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s “Make Fashion Circular” initiative. Gore fabrics is joining forces with some 20 global brands in a commitment to develop new pathways for the textile industry informed by the principles of a circular economy.
Saucony Appoints Anne Cavassa President
Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced the appointment of Anne Cavassa as president of Saucony, Most recently, Cavassa served as chief customer experience officer and SVP of marketing and apparel for the Brooks Running Company.
REI Unveils Outessafest Festival Details
REI has announced the 2018 dates and locations for two all-new one-day festivals celebrating women, music and the outdoors. The Outessafest festivals will be held at Patuxent River Park in the Washington, DC, area on Sept. 29 and at Shakori Hills in North Carolina on Oct. 20. Outessafest is inspired by women, but all are invited to attend the inclusive gathering.
Nike To Supply Birmingham Legion Football Club
Birmingham Legion Football Club (FC) announced a partnership with Nike as official supplier for the Magic City’s professional soccer team, set to begin play in 2019.
Fanatics Hires Joe Bozich As First COO, Fanatics Brands
Fanatics Inc, has hired Joe Bozich, founder of Knights Apparel, as the first ever COO of Fanatics Brands, the company’s in-house apparel division, as the company continues ramp up vertical-manufacturing capabilities. In an interview with SGB, Fanatics Brands President Raphael Peck said Bozich will particularly focus on wholesale execution.
Macy’s Lifts Guidance On Strong Q1
Macy’s Inc. raised the company’s annual guidance after reporting first-quarter earnings that came in well ahead of Wall Street targets and a 3.9 percent gain in same-store sales.
