Sycamore Partners Rolls Up Top Women’s Brands into New Holding Company
The private equity company specializing in consumer, distribution and retail-related investments, formed the KnitWell Group, a holding company comprised o apparel brands, including Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots.
Mivice Makes Key North America Sales Hire
Mivice, an e-drivetrain system supplier, hired Brad Accettella as North American business development and sales executive. Previously, Accettella previously was the COO of Brooklyn Bicycle Co. and director of product and supply chain for Guardian Bikes.
L.L.Bean Adds Academy Sports + Outdoors as Wholesale Key Account
Academy Sports will carry a wide assortment of L.L.Bean’s products, including polos, backpacks, men’s and women’s apparel, and the iconic Bean Boots.
Pure Vida’s Sales Decline 3.6 Percent in Second Quarter
Vera Bradley, Inc. reported sales of Pure Vida declined 3.6 percent year-over-year in the second quarter ended July 30 to $25.1 million, primarily related to a decline in wholesale revenues.
MasterCraft Boat Holdings Sees Worsening Boat Trends in Fiscal Q4
The company said the 15.5 percent sales decrease in Q4 reflects decreased sales volumes, less favorable model mix, and increased dealer incentives, partially offset by higher prices.
Report: Resale Market To Reach $276 Billion in Five Years
OfferUp’s 2023 Recommerce Report found that 85 percent of shoppers buy and/or sell secondhand goods, an increase of 3 percent from 2022. Furthermore, 27 percent of shoppers ventured into the secondhand market for the first time in the last year.
Wren Sports Hires Managing Director For Europe
Wren Sports, the U.S.-based supplier of Wren inverted suspension forks and bike parts, hired Richard Hurst as managing director of its European operation.
Springfield Armory Retains Orion Wholesale as Firearms Distributor
Springfield Armory added Orion Wholesale, based in Jeffersonville, IN, to its lineup of distributors to represent the company’s brand.
Buck Knives Makes Marketing Appointments
Buck Knives reported the promotions of Justin Baar to senior e-commerce and digital marketing manager and Katie Swanson to marketing communications manager.
August U.S. Consumer Confidence Index Decline is Highest in Two Years
U.S. consumer confidence fell the most in two years as pessimism on the labor market, higher borrowing costs and stubborn inflation curbed optimism. The Conference Board continues to expect a recession before the year’s end.
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.
