K-Swiss Will Allocate Its Top Model…
K-Swiss has decided to limit 2004 sales of the white/white Classic shoe, moving to an allocation program that will only enable retailers to buy as much product next year as they did in 2003…
Skechers Sees Q3 Loss on Close-outs…
Skechers saw third quarter sales fall sharply, but the numbers were better than the company’s previous guidance due primarily to the company’s “aggressive approach” to reduce inventories that cut into margins and pushed the company into the loss column…
Bob’s Should Emerge as a New Player…
The New England rumor mill has been forecasting the acquisition by TJX to save Bob’s Stores from the Kohl’s onslaught in the Northeast. TJX, parent to the familiar TJ Maxx and Marshall’s close-out stores, and the lesser-known HomeGoods, T.K. Maxx and A.J
Columbia Out to Prove They Aren’t Just Outerwear Anymore…
Columbia Sportswear Company pointed to a strong backlog picture in upgrading its outlook for the balance of this year and into fiscal year 2004. Backlog at the end of the third quarter increased 26.7%, or 20.2% in constant currency, for the spring period
Deckers is Filling in Revenue Valleys…
Deckers’ acquisition of the Teva brand looks like it will provide even more upside than first thought, with opportunities now apparent in the Simple line as well as the expected upside in the Teva range. The company is also pointing to the expansion of a
Top-Flite Deal Looks Solid for Callaway…
Callaway chairman and CEO Ron Drapeau pointed to a number of leading economic indicators that show positive signs in the global economic landscape that usually impacts golf companies much more than the balance of the sporting goods market. Drapeau pointe
adidas Lost Two of It’s Stripes…
The European Court of Justice ruled that a two-stripe design, common on sporting goods throughout the EU, does not constitute trademark infringement. The case was brought by adidas against Fitnessworld Trading in Dutch courts five years ago, and has just
Oakley Loses Ground in Core Business as the U.S., Sunglass Sales and Hut Decline…
Oakley pointed to the lack of a new break-out model in its Sunglass line this year and heavier spring retail inventories that carried over into Q3 as reasons for the fairly sharp decline in its core Sunglass business for the third quarter…
Easton Sports Inks Deal with Hockey Canada
Easton Sports and Hockey Canada, governing body of the sport of hockey in Canada, announced a partnership wherein Easton will become an official equipment supplier of Hockey Canada through 2008. Agreeing to a comprehensive four-year deal, Easton will be
Wilson Shakes Up Management Team Once Again
John Embree, VP of Sales for Wilson Golf and Racquet Sports, has resigned from Wilson after 17 years with the company. He will be replaced by Rick Kerpsack, previously Business Director of Tennis Balls. Additionally, Antoine Ballon, who is currently Mark
SGMA Raquetball Group Hires Coordinator
The racquetball industry is taking steps to increase its visibility. To achieve this objective, the SGMA’s Racquetball Manufacturers Council (RMC) has hired Dave George of San Bruno, California, as its Project Coordinator…
Sport Casuals Names Bua Sales Chief
Sport Casuals, Inc., the Private Label Apparel Design and Sourcing company, has appointed Jeff Bua as Senior Vice President of sales and business development…
Another Textile Giant to Emerge…
On the heels of Malden’s exit from Chapter 11, Burlington Industries creditors approved the acquisition of the company by takeover king WL Ross & Co. LLC, enabling the company to emerge from bankruptcy protection on November 10, 2003. The majority of cur
Russell Looks Outside to Boost Artwear Business
Russell Corporation has elected Julio A. Barea SVP of the company and CEO for the domestic activewear business. Barea, who will officially join the company October 27, will be responsible for Russell's artwear and mass retail businesses. He will rep
Fotoball Swings to Q3 Loss on 26% Sales Decline
Fotoball USA Inc. reported net sales for the third quarter of 2003 were $8.2 million with a net loss per diluted common share of ($0.01) versus third quarter of 2002 net sales of $11.1 million with a net income of $0.07 per diluted common share. The pre-t
