Nike, Converse Sue 52 ‘Counterfeiting Networks’
Nike and sister brand, Converse, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against 52 alleged counterfeit networks, which collectively operate 98 websites and 267 social media handles, over the sale of counterfeit goods.
Smith & Wesson’s Revenues Expand 10 Percent in Fourth Quarter
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis gained 43.1 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter ended April 30. Sales advanced 9.9 percent. Mark Smith, president and CEO, said, “We continue to expect healthy demand overall for firearms in fiscal 2025.”
BioLite Acquires MPowerd
Co-founded in 2012 as a B Corp. and Benefit Corporation by John Salzinger, MPowered CEO Seungah Jeong and the sales and marketing departments will join the BioLite team.
NSGA Promotes Jenny Shaffer to CFO
Shaffer worked as a summer intern for the Association in 2011 and returned to join the company full-time in 2019 as comptroller. Before that, Shaffer worked for the accounting firm of Plante Moran in Chicago from 2012 to 2019.
Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded By S&P
S&P Global Ratings revised up its full-year guidance to expected annual sales growth of 20 percent in 2024, from 17 percent to 18 percent previously.
Paka Introduces New General Manager and Advisory Board
Paka, the sustainable clothing brand, hired former Prana executive Brian Thompson as general manager while introducing a new advisory board.
Trending: 2024 Midyear Per Race Participation Increases
RunSignup reported a mid-year update on race trends, showing that pre-race registrations have continued to increase after nearly matching 2019 numbers in 2023. On average, registrations grew 8 percent compared to 2023.
Winnebago’s Quarterly Sales Sink 13 Percent
Winnebago Industries, Inc. reported profits fell 50.9 percent in its fiscal third quarter ended May 25 as sales declined 12.7 percent. The company indicated profitability improved sequentially in both its Towable RV and Marine Segments.
PickUp USA Expands into Boston
The new Hanover, MA location is a franchised outlet owned by James Medeiros, a long-time community resident, with a target opening date of early July.
FootBalance Appoints New CEO
Most recently, Atul Midha, was the global retail director at Eton Shirts. He also held senior leadership roles at Giorgio Armani, and other fashion retail and tech startups.
Intercollegiate Tennis Association Appoints New CEO
David Mullins will spend the next six months as the CEO designate, continuing his work with the ITA’s current CEO, Dr. Timothy Russell. Mullins officially takes over as the Association’s CEO on January 1, 2025.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New CEO, Exec Chair, and Chief Stores Officer
Mark Hasting was promoted to president and CEO and Kim Treece to chief stores officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will assume the executive chair of the company’s Board and remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.
Report: Solo Camping Continues Upward Trend
The surge in solo camping is closely tied to the availability of free camping sites. In 2023, a significant 65.8 percent of campers chose to camp for free, an increase from 47.5 percent in 2021.
