NRF Opposes Corporate Tax Rate Increase In Biden Admin Budget
The National Retail Federation has issued the following statement from SVP of Government Relations David French in response to President Biden’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024.

Banks To Pause Implementation Of New Merchant Code For Firearms Retailers
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, said it is encouraged by the announcement from Visa and MasterCard that the companies will “pause” plans to implement a special Merchant Category Code (MCC) specific to purchases at firearm retailers with their credit cards.
Allbirds Hires New CFO
Allbirds hired Annie Mitchell as CFO, effective April 24. She succeeds Mike Bufano, who is stepping down and will remain with the company through mid-May to ensure a smooth transition.

Yeti Recalls 1.9 Million Coolers And Cases For Magnet Hazard
Yeti has recalled 1.9 million soft coolers and gear cases because of magnets that could detach and be ingested. The magnet-lined closures on Yeti’s Hopper M20, Hopper M30 1.0 and 2.0, and SideKick Dry products can fail and the magnets can be dislodged, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Yue Yuen Factory Revenue Declines Moderate In February; China Retail Worsens
Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings) Limited net consolidated operating revenue for February 2023 came in at $603.8 million, representing a 6.9 percent decline versus the year-ago February period.
The Buckle Delivers Modest Q4 Profit Growth On 4.6 Percent Comp Sales Gain
The Buckle reported earnings improved 4.6 percent in the fourth quarter ended January 28 as sales expanded 5.5 percent.

Peloton, IFit Face U.S. Import Ban Over Streaming Technology
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) banned imports of video streaming fitness devices made by Peloton Interactive, Inc. (PTON.O) and iFit, Inc after a judge ruled the company’s infringed on Dish Network Corp. (DISH.O) patents.

Allbirds Launches Transformation Plan Following Q4 Shortfall
Allbirds, Inc. reported a net loss in the fourth quarter ended December 31 as sales declined 13 percent. Earnings and sales missed guidance and the eco-friendly footwear announced a new transformation plan to reignite growth and improve its cost structure.

Smith & Wesson’s Q3 Profits Drop 52 Percent
Smith & Wesson Brands reported earnings declined 51.9 percent in the third quarter ended January 31 as sales declined 27.4 percent. The firearms maker said the sales improved sequentially and remain above the comparable pre-pandemic quarter in fiscal 2020.
Tilly’s Hints At Improving Sales Picture After Tough Q4 And Weak Start To 2023
Tilly’s, Inc. saw total net sales decline 11.8 percent to $180.4 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 ended January 28, compared to $204.5 million in the prior-year comparable quarter. Total comp store net sales, including both physical stores and e-commerce, decreased by 13.7 percent for the period.

Vail Resorts Lowers FY Guidance On Weather Disruption
Vail Resorts, Inc. reported a slight decline in earnings in the second quarter ended January 31 and slightly lowered its guidance for the fiscal year. The ski resort operator said season-to-date total skier visits increased 3.6 percent but abnormal weather conditions impacted traffic with Eastern U.S. resorts significantly below expectations in the post-holiday period.

Athleta Sees Q4 Comp Sales Down 5 Percent; CEO Exits
Gap Inc. announced that Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of Athleta, is exiting the business, effective today. The change comes as the women’s active apparel chain’s fourth-quarter comparable sales fell 5 percent in the fourth quarter, driven by continued product acceptance challenges.

Zumiez Sees Strong Double-Digit Sales Declines Continuing Into 2023
Zumiez expects net sales for the three months ending April 29 to be in the range of $178 million to $184 million, which would indicated another strong double-digit decline from the $221 million in sales in the year-ago first quarter. Earnings (Loss) per share are expected to be between a loss of 85 cents and a loss of 95 cents.

American Outdoor Brands’ Q3 Sales Drop 27.4 Percent
Profits at American Outdoor Brands, Inc. dropped 77.0 percent in the third quarter ended January 31 as sales fell 27.4 percent. The maker of outdoor and hunt accessories lowered its outlook for its fiscal year.
JD Sports Appoints Non-Executive Director
JD Sports Fashion Plc appointed Ian Dyson as a non-executive director, effective March 9, 2023. He will join the audit and risk committee and the remuneration committee.