GNC’s Chief Merchant Joins Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Inc. announced that Timothy Mantel has been named chief merchandising officer. Mantel previously held the role of chief merchandising officer for GNC Corporation.
Bearpaw Makes Major Expansion Moves In Europe And China
Bearpaw, the maker of fashion footwear for men, women, and children, has taken another big step towards expanding their presence in Europe and China with the establishment of two new entities.
Schutt Sports Partners With Gridiron Sports Reconditioning
Schutt Sports expands Midwest reconditioning business with partnership with Gridiron Sports Reconditioning.
Varsity Brands Name Finalists In 2018 School Spirit Awards
The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, presented by Drillstack, has named finalists for its 2018 School Spirit Awards. With over $100,000 in award money up for grabs, winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 12th at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.

Remington Outdoor Prepares To Enter Bankruptcy
Remington Outdoor Company is planning to complete a debt restructuring in bankruptcy proceedings. The plan calls provides for the reduction of approximately $700 million of Remington’s consolidated outstanding indebtedness and the contribution of $145 million of new capital into Remington’s operating subsidiaries.

Puma Operating Profits More Than Double In Q4
Puma reported fourth-quarter earnings slightly more than doubled with the help of strong sales growth combined with an improved gross profit margin. Puma also said it expects currency-adjusted net sales will increase by approximately 10 percent in 2018.
Yue Yuen’s Sales Dip 1.8 Percent In January
Yue Yuen reported consolidated operating revenue reached $737.1 million in January, down from $750.5 million a year ago.
Iconix Brand Group Announces Private Exchange Of $110 Million Of Its Convertible Note
John Haugh, CEO of Iconix, commented, “These exchange transactions are part of the company’s strategy to satisfy near-term debt obligations and represent a positive step in improving our balance sheet. We are also announcing a cost savings initiative to improve our profitability and free cash flow.”
Puma And AC Milan Announce Long-Term Partnership
Puma and Italian Serie A football club AC Milan announced an official long-term partnership. The legendary club had been with Adidas since 1998.
Starboard Delivers Letter To Newell CEO And Board Of Directors
In a letter to the board of Newell, Starboard Value LP said it plans to nominate three former Jarden executives (Ian G.H. Ashken, Martin E. Franklin and James E. Lillie) and a former long-time Newell Director (Domenico De Sole) to its slate of director candidates to oversee a turnaround of the company.
L.L. Bean Drops Unlimited Returns Policy
L.L. Bean has ended its lifetime-returns policy due to rampant abuse in recent years. The retailer has initiated a new one-year limit on returns.
U.S. Soccer Elects Carlos Cordeiro President
U.S. Soccer’s membership elected Carlos Cordeiro as U.S. Soccer’s 32nd President during the National Council Meeting at the Federation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Frank A. Dassler To Retire From Adidas
According to Adidas, Frank A. Dassler retired at the end of January. The grandson of Puma founder Rudolf Dassler, was most recently head of the Adidas legal department and will remain closely associated with the sports equipment company in retirement.

LVHM Luxury Venture Partners With Stadium Goods
LVHM Luxury Ventures has formed a “partnership” with Stadium Goods, the New York City-based sneaker consignment giant.

Nuun To Hydrate Over Two Million Athletes On Course, At Festival and In Studio in 2018
Events most recently choosing Nuun include Australia’s City2Surf, the largest fun run in the world, Bay to Breakers, Portland Shamrock Run, Statesman Capital 10,000, Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon as well as the yoga and music festival Wanderlust Whistler.