Report: Golf Apparel Has First Monthly Sales Decline in 18 Months at Specialty
Golf Datatech reported that July 2023 retail sales for golf apparel at on- and off-course specialty shops in the U.S. posted their first decline in 18 months, decreasing 3.6 percent versus the year-ago July period.
Express, Inc. Names Atwood Footwear Creative Director
Express, Inc. hired Brian Atwood as creative director of footwear, overseeing women’s and statement men’s footwear.
MC Sports’ Mort Finkelstein Passes Away
Mort Finkelstein, the co-founder of the MC Sports chain, passed away on August 17. He was 93.
Macy’s Partners With Gap on Sleepwear and Intimates Line
Macy’s announced that it is selling an exclusive collection of Gap sleepwear, loungewear, underwear, and intimates, marking the first time the two retailers have partnered.
Mitchell & Ness Names New CEO as Kevin Wulff Retires
Eli Kumekpor has been named the company’s CEO, effective immediately. Kumekpor was most recently global VP and general manager of the Jordan Brand’s men’s business. He succeeds Kevin Wulff, who is retiring on Friday.
Elevate Outdoor Collective Names North America Race Manager
The company promoted Harry Goss to North America race manager for Völkl skis, Dalbello boots, Marker bindings, and accessories.
Nomadix Names New Brand Marketing Manager
Nomadix, the maker of The Only Towel You Need, made from post-consumer recycled materials, promoted Elyse Cornett to brand marketing manager, responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies.
Chandler Bats Acquires Emery Glove
Chandler Bats announced the acquisition of custom baseball glove manufacturer Emery Glove Co., benefiting both companies with product diversification and increased opportunity for customer crossover.
Active Brands Group Hires E-Commerce Manager
Sweden-based ABG hired Rohan Callander as e-commerce manager responsible on expanding the DTC business for its portfolio of brands.
DSW Parent Company President to Depart
Designer Brands, Inc. said in a regulatory filing that William Jordan, president of the company and president of Camuto LLC, is stepping down from his positions with the company on or before December 1, 2023.
Haro Bikes Names Supply Chain Director
As part of the brand’s global restructuring, Haro Bikes, based in Vista, CA, hired Grasie Ooi as supply chain director.
Wolverine’s Debt Ratings Lowered by Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the debt ratings of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., reflecting the company’s significant earnings decline in Q2 2023 and Moody’s expectations for continued weak near-term performance. S&P Global Ratings similarly recently reduced its rating.
Malibu Boats Swings to Fiscal Q4 Loss Despite Saltwater Fishing Sales Gain
The increase in net sales for the quarter was reportedly driven primarily by increased unit volumes in the Saltwater Fishing segment and a favorable model mix across all segments.
Ouray Sportswear to Close Colorado Operations Following Sale
Ouray Sportswear is closing its production facility in Englewood, CO, following its sale to Philadelphia-based L2 Brands in January 2023. The closure will affect 154 jobs.
Shoe Carnival Reduces Outlook on Weakness in Urban Markets
Shoe Carnival, Inc. slightly lowered its outlook for the year as second-quarter earnings and sales missed analysts’ estimates. The family footwear chain said that while overall conditions improved from earlier in 2023, soft traffic results continued within lower-income households and urban markets to lead to a 6.5 percent same-store decline in the quarter.
