REI Hires Chief Technology Officer
REI has named the former CIO and executive VP of Coach as its chief information officer and EVP, according to Geekwire. Christine Putur spent four years at Coach, from February 2013 to May 2017. Prior to that, she served as the CIO and senior VP of Staples Corp. Before Staples, she worked for Compaq Computer […]
NSGA Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Online Sales Tax Case
The National Sporting Goods (NSGA) filed a brief along with other retail trade associations on November 2 urging the U.S Supreme Court to hear South Dakota’s case that would require online sellers to be treated the same as local stores for collecting state sales tax.

Badger Sportswear To Acquire Alleson Athletic
Badger Sportswear, a leading manufacturer of athletic apparel and team uniforms, announced that it is acquiring Alleson Athletic, the manufacturer of in-stock uniforms and custom sublimated garments. Together, Badger and Alleson are positioned to become the preferred trade brand sportswear partner.

Kitsbow Donates To Redwood Credit Community Fund
The Sonoma County-based manufacturer of cycling clothing and accessories is donating 50 percent of its total sales from Friday, November 3 to the Redwood Credit Community Fund.

Moody’s Downgrades Under Armour’s Debt Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Under Armour, Inc.’s senior unsecured ratings to Baa3 from Baa2. The outlook is negative.

Asics U.S. Sales Slump In Nine Months
Asics reported sales in the Americas region decreased 5.6 percent, or 7.5 percent on a currency-neutral basis, in the nine months through September 30. The decline was attributed to weak sales in the U.S.

Skechers Brings Out Limited-Edition Meb Shoe For Final Race
To celebrate Meb Keflezighi’s final race, Skechers is introducing a limited edition 36 pairs of his racing shoe will be available for sale at the TCS New York City Marathon expo.

VF Agrees To Acquire Icebreaker
VF Corporation signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Icebreaker, the Merino-wool specialist based in Auckland, New Zealand. Terms were not disclosed.

Adidas Campaign Celebrates Women Runners
Adidas unveiled its new women’s running film, titled Fearless AF, that spotlights six powerful female Adidas ambassadors – Karlie Kloss, Kathrine Switzer, Mary Keitany, Robin Arzon, Jessie Zapo and Jen Rhines – with the confidence and creativity to change the rules of sport.

Ugg And Footaction Team Up With Multiplatinum Rapper KYLE
Ugg has tapped multiplatinum rapper and actor KYLE as ambassador for the brand’s second partnership with Footaction.

Yaktrax Launches New Website And ‘Stand Up to Winter’ Campaign
Yaktrax, the snow and ice traction specialist, introduced a new website at yaktrax.com and an updated marketing campaign with a major emphasis on education around winter protection.

Wolverine Worldwide Completes Portfolio Management Initiatives
Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced the completion of its comprehensive portfolio management initiatives that were executed and expected to be completed during fiscal 2017, including the closures of underperforming stores, sale of the Sebago brand and licensing of the Stride Rite brand.

Aventura Clothing Acquires Knitwear Brand Icelandic Design
Aventura Clothing acquired Icelandic Design and its subsidiary brands, Wooly Bully and Newari Accessories.

MSR Welcomes Mike Chambers To Athlete Ambassador Team
Chambers has joined forces with the company to collaborate on events, expeditions, social impact projects and new product performance testing.

Spy To Host Customer Of The Future Summit Meeting
Spy, in conjunction with Instinct Laboratory, is bringing together brands, retailers and marketing specialists in the Southern California action and outdoor sports industries for a workshop to brainstorm ways to engage with the modern consumer.