Report: U.S. Holiday Season Retail Sales at Low End of Forecast
U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, increased 3.1 percent year-over-year this holiday season, according to a report from Mastercard SpendingPulse measuring the period from November 1 through December 24.
Happy Holidays From SGB Media
In observance of the Christmas holiday, SGB Media is taking time to be with family and will not publish the SGB Updates on December 25. Publishing will resume on December 26 with one Update newsletter daily through December 29.
American Outdoor Brands Names Chief Product Officer
The company promoted James Tayon to chief product officer. Tayon will continue to lead the company’s strategic product direction, including product innovation, design, development, and marketing.
Nike to Undergo Layoffs, Cost-Cutting Amid Weakening Sales Outlook
Nike, Inc. reported earnings in its fiscal second quarter ended November 30 topped analyst expectations but also announced a program to cut costs by about $2 billion over the next three years, including through layoffs, as it sees a “softer” sales outlook for its fiscal second half.
Yeti Expands Board of Directors with Two New Additions
Rob Katz has acted as the executive chairperson of the Board at Vail Resorts, Inc. since 2021 after serving as CEO from 2006 to 2021. Beth Axelrod reportedly brings over 20 years of strategic human resources leadership and management development expertise to the Yeti Board.
Nordstrom Rack To Add Another Houston Location in Fall 2024
The store will occupy 34,000 square feet in the Meyerland Plaza, among Texas’s Top 5 most visited open-air shopping centers. The retailer operates eight Nordstrom stores and 23 Nordstrom Rack stores in the state.
Jason Mayden Returns to Jordan Brand as Chief Design Officer
Jason Mayden, recently president of Fear of God Athletics, is returning to Nike as senior global design director of Jordan Brand.
IHRSA Finds Gym Memberships Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels
The total number of Americans who were members of a fitness club in 2022 increased by a record 3.7 percent to 68.9 million (ages six and older).
Compass Diversified Receives $75.2 Million Equity Investment
The owner of Velocity Outdoor, BOA, Primaloft, 5.11, and other active lifestyle brands, reported that it had completed a private placement of approximately 3.6 million of its common shares to a mutual fund managed by Allspring Global Investments to raise $75.2 million.
E-Bike Company EBliss Global Appoints New President
EBliss Global hired Dave Boyle, an auto industry veteran with over thirty years of experience, to help bring the company’s Always Brand e-bikes to auto dealers. He will also serve as company president.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer; Jim Zwiers to Exit
Bishu Jayaram was appointed to the newly-created role of chief supply chain officer, responsible for global sourcing, distribution, logistics, and integrated planning. Jim Zwiers, EVP and president of the Global Operations Group, will transition away from the company in early 2024.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises to 5-Month High in December
The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 110.7 million in December, up from a downwardly revised 101.0 in November in an indication that concerns about a recession in the U.S. are lessening. The Index improved for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest level since July.
Tonal Launches Trade-In Program for Lululemon Mirror Customers
Tonal launched a “Mirror Trade-In” program for Lululemon Studio customers as Lululemon phases out the fitness device.
Authentic Partners with Former Boardriders Execs to Manage Japan, Taiwan
BRJ Group, led by Sammy Yoo, a 13-year veteran of the Boardriders’ portfolio, will operate business in Japan and Taiwan, which includes the Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element and Von Zipper brands.
Electric Scooter Company Bird Lands in Bankruptcy Court
Electric vehicle company Bird Global filed for bankruptcy with an agreement to sell some of its assets to its existing lenders.
