SGB Update

Survey: Potential Tariffs and Inflation Jump-Started BTS Shopping

“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials.” — Katherine Cullen, VP of Industry and Consumer Insights, National Retail Federation

361 Degrees Owned-Retail Posts Healthy Q2 Growth

China-based 361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported that brick-and-mortar retail sales of 361º core-branded products increased by approximately 10 percent year-over-year for the second quarter of 2025, which ended on June 30, moderating slightly after expanding by 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter.

Play it Again Parent Sees Modest Earnings Growth In Q2

Net income for the quarter reached $10.6 million, or $2.89 per share, compared to net income of $10.43 million, or $2.85, in the year-ago period. For the six months, net income was $20.6 million, or $5.60, compared to net income of $19.25 million, or $5.26, for the same period last year.

EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure

Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.

Berghaus Appoints VP of Brand Marketing

Adam Field will lead the global marketing team, reporting to Charlie Pym, the company’s senior global vice president. He starts in his new role at Berghaus in July.

Vuori to Open First Store in Hawaii

Vuori plans to open its first store in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. The company ended 2024 with just over 80 stores in the U.S. and five globally. 

Lululemon Appoints SVP of Sustainability

Nike’s former chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder was hired as LULU’s senior vice president of sustainability, reporting to Ted Dagnese, the company’s chief supply chain officer. He replaced Esther Speck who served as senior vice president of Sustainable Business and Impact at Lululemon for almost ten years.

Pendleton Woolen Mills Appoints New CEO

Jennifer Ingraffea has most recently served as chief product and merchandising officer at The North Face since October 2020. Previously, she had an 18-year career at Nike. She succeeds John Bishop, a fifth-generation family member, who will remain as CEO through July to work with Ingraffea.