Swiftwick Pairs With Backbone Media
Tennessee-based sock company Swiftwick announced it is teaming up with Backbone Media to drive its public relations.
Moody’s Downgrades Toms Shoes Debt Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the corporate family rating (CFR) and senior secured first lien term loan rating for Toms Shoes, LLC , each to Caa3 from Caa2.
Volcom’s Revenues Slide 4.7 Percent In 2017
Kering reported that Volcom recorded €230 million in revenue in 2017, down 4.7 percent as reported and down 3.2 percent at constant exchange rates.

’47 Partners With Graffiti Artist OG Slick
Ahead of the NBA All-Star Game, ’47 announced the launch of a limited-edition collection of headwear and apparel designed by famed graffiti artist OG Slick.
January Retail Sales Climb 5.4 Percent
An improving economy fueled a healthy 5.4 percent increase in retail sales year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said. Among sectors, sporting goods stores showed the only year-over-year decrease, down 5.9 percent.
VF Corp. Named One Of The World’s Most Ethical Companies
VF Corp. has been recognized as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Foot Locker, Nike And Jordan Brand Celebrate 10 Years Of House Of Hoops
Timed for NBA All-Star 2018, the @HouseOfHoops Instagram account was launched with content featuring everyone from NBA players Kyle Kuzma, Devin Booker and Andre Drummond, to social influencers including King Imprint, Keone, Kid the Wiz and Lavaado.

Birkenstock Voted Most Animal-Friendly Shoe Company
Birkenstock has received the peta2 Libby Award “Most Vegan-Friendly Shoe company 2017.”
PickleballCentral.com Announces Acquisition Of PickleballTournaments.com
Olla LLC, the parent company of PickleballCentral.com, announced that it has completed the acquisition of PickleballTournaments.com.

Asics Americas Profits Recover In 2017
Asics reported net earnings declined 16.7 percent in 2017 due to restructuring activities in its European operations. Profits in the Americas region bounced back as improved margins and a fewer bad-debt write-offs offset a 6 percent sales drop.
Shimano’s Profits Dip In 2017
Shimano reported earnings dropped 24.6 percent in 2017 despite a 4.0 percent gain in revenues.

Tentsile Looks To Progression Brands To Leverage Experience And Resources To Fuel Growth
Tentsile, an innovative tree-tent brand and environmental steward, and Progression Brands Group, an equity investment and operating group, have entered into a partnership.

Chaos Adds New Rep Team For Mid Atlantic
Chaos Headwear have added Erik and Patti Weber to its national sales team. The Webers will be responsible for the Mid-Atlantic account and expanding the territory to NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, DC and North VA.

Sportube Retains What’s UP Public Relations As Agency of Record
Sportube has named What’s UP Public Relations its agency of record.
HanesBrands Completes Acquisition of Australian Intimate Apparel Seller Bras N Things
HanesBrands announced that it has completed the acquisition of Bras N Things, a leading specialty retailer and online seller of intimate apparel in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.