SGB Update

Lids Opens NBA Store in Houston

Lids, in partnership with Fanatics and the NBA, opened a second NBA-themed store in The Galleria in Houston, TX, its second flagship in the U.S. following its New York City store that opened in 2015.

October U.S. Employment Numbers Fall Short of Expectations

Many noted that the 150,000 increase in jobs and the 3.9 percent unemployment rate were in line with the pre-pandemic employment picture and some wondered if maybe, just maybe, the market was getting back to normal.

VF Corp.’s Debt Ratings Outlook Revised To Negative by S&P

S&P Global Ratings reduced its debt ratings outlook at VF Corp. on the company’s fiscal second-quarter report which came in below the rating agency’s base-case forecast with leverage increasing further to 4.4x compared with 3.6x in the same prior year period.

NSSF: October Adjusted NICS Background Checks Sees Rebound

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that the October 2023 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) number increased by 8.2 percent, rebounding after five months of declines.

Compass Diversified Posts Flattish Q3, Sells Marucci Sports

Owner of Velocity Outdoor, BOA, Marucci, Primaloft, 5.11, and other businesses in the active lifestyle space, reported that third quarter net sales were $569.6 million, down 1 percent compared to $575.8 million in the third quarter of 2022.

Fox Factory to Acquire Marucci Sports

Fox Factory Holding Corp has reached an agreement to acquire Marucci Sports, the maker of baseball bats and gloves, from Compass Diversified (CODI) for $572 million.

NRF Sees 3 to 4 Percent Growth in Holiday Spending

The National Retail Federation (NRF) delivered its annual holiday forecast, predicting sales during November and December will be between 3 percent and 4 percent higher over 2022, similar to pre-pandemic levels.