Survey: Back-To-School Spending Expected to Hold Up
According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey of nearly 1,200 parents, over one in three parents anticipate spending more than the amount they spent last year. For surveyed respondents who plan to cut back on shopping for back-to-school items this year, technology and clothing were cited as top categories for reducing spend.
Nike, Inc. Nominates Former Lego CEO for Board Seat
Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, former president and chief executive officer of the Lego Group from 2004 to 2016 and current deputy chair of the Lego Foundation, is expected to replace Cathleen Benko, a former Deloitte executive who is retiring from the board.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Worsens in June
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Sales Leader, Work Group
Jim O’Connor previously held executive roles at Timberland Pro, Shoes for Crews and Lands’ End. Wolverine’s Work Group includes Bates, Cat Footwear, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Hytest, Wolverine Boots & Apparel.
VF Corp. Appoints President of Napapijri
Valentina Visconti Prasca, formerly at Yoox Net-a-Porter Group, was appointed president of Napapijri, the Italian brand known for its travel bags and outdoor apparel. VF has owned Napapijri since 2004.
Survey: Footwear Execs Expect DD Jump in Landed Cost in H2; See Tariff Pass-Through
The Q2 FDRA survey conducted among footwear executives showed that a vast majority of industry leaders expect footwear prices to rise by more than 5 percent this year, with 60 percent anticipating a double-digit surge in the landing cost of footwear due to tariffs in the second half.
Pro Athlete Community, Inc. Secures $7.6 Million Series A Funding
The Series A funding, which was led by GSV Ventures, will fuel the launch of new virtual education programs, expanded mentorship, greater industry access, and enhanced career support—all centered on the unique needs of professional athletes.
CCM Hockey Receives Investment from Minority Stakeholders
Global hockey brand CCM has been at the forefront of hockey since 1899. Seven7, LLC, the Stamford, CN-based investment firm, has co-invested with Nordic private equity firm Altor in the previously announced acquisition of CCM.
Win Reality Acquires Blast Motion to Build Next-Gen Athlete Development Network
The merger will combine Win Reality’s VR training and video-based AI swing analysis with Blast Motion’s patented motion sensor and biomechanics platform to help athletes improve more quickly by unifying game-speed reps, swing feedback and real-time performance insights.
Amazon Expands Same-Store Day Delivery to More Rural Markets
The rural push comes as Amazon’s delivery speed hit record levels in 2023 and 2024, and the number of items Amazon delivered the same or the next day in the U.S. increased over 30 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.
MarineMax Expands Role for EVP and Chief Digital Officer
The nationwide boat dealer with 70 dealerships announced that Shawn Berg, EVP and chief digital officer, is taking on an expanded role to help support the company’s strategic growth and innovation initiatives.
Redarc Partners with Command Electronics; Strengthens Commitment to the U.S. RV Market
Command Electronics, a third-generation, family-owned and operated business since 1969, brings over 50 years of manufacturing experience to the partnership. With their facility located near the heart of U.S. RV production in Elkhart, IN, Command’s capabilities complement Redarc’s product portfolio.
Life Time Closes on $150 Million Sale-Leaseback Transaction
The company has closed on its sale-leaseback transaction of three properties for approximately $150 million in gross proceeds. Terms were reportedly similar to previous transactions.
GSM Outdoors, Pelican Products and Momentec Brands Owner Adds Solo Group to Stable
Los Angeles-based Platinum Equity reached an agreement to acquire Solo Group, a European maker of business-to-business personalized products including apparel, drinkware, bags and luggage, stationery and tech accessories.
Swany America Appoints Director of Marketing and Creative
Adam Weitzel brings nearly a decade of experience in the outdoor industry. He has held key in-house marketing positions at Smartwool and Exxel Outdoors while also creating content campaigns in the agency world
