SGB Update

Converse May Delay IPO

Converse has reportedly canceled a conference call to discuss its planned $86 million Initial Public Offering. The IPO has been delayed to “uncertain global conditions” and stock market uncertainties over the start of the war in Iraq…

Nike Looks to Asia and Europe for Growth…

The strategy to reduce its exposure at Foot Locker caused U.S. fiscal Q3 footwear revenues to slip and U.S. footwear futures to be move lower, but Nike says sell-through of Nike footwear remains robust and long-term prospects look promising…

Vans Q3 Hit on Skatepark Charge…

It wasn’t long ago that the Vans skateparks represented a revolutionary approach to marketing the brand to the extreme sports crowd. The concept was once the envy of the industry – a marketing concept that pays for itself and eventually becomes a profit

Of Course We’ll Still Buy Shoes…

Consumers may cut back on spending on the traditional “big ticket” items this spring but fewer expect to cut into their Apparel and Footwear purchases…

Wilson Exec Nabbed for eBay Sales…

Even as eBay attempts to make inroads into the sporting goods market with its close alliance with SGMA International and The Super Show’s Financial Day program, it seems that the online auction “e-tailer” has also given rise to opportunists that sell stol

Former Golden Bear Execs Indicted…

The SEC continues to make moves on company executives that have allegedly misused corporate funds or reported false revenues or profits…

Callaway to Sell NHL Licensed Gear…

Callaway Golf Company has signed a deal to make and sell golf products bearing the logos of the National Hockey League and its teams. Callaway will use its Odyssey Golf label to market the licensed goods…

… As They Halt Japan Putter Knockoffs

Callaway Golf Company said last week that two Japan-based golf club sellers have agreed to immediately cease the sale of their “White Shot New Wave Twin Ball” putter…

Rawlings Investor Bolts as K2 Deal Gets Iffy…

Two interesting developments in the K2 / Rawlings acquisition deal last week. On Monday, K2 Chairman and CEO Richard Heckmann confirmed that Rawlings’ Major League Baseball contract is indeed the stumbling block in the acquisition talks between the two c

Cannondale Asset Sale Completed…

Cannondale completed the Section 363 sale of its assets on Friday, enabling the company to emerge from bankruptcy protection within ‘the next several weeks” following the court's anticipated approval of the auction and the subsequent closing of the

Yue Yuen Sees European Shift As Well…

Yue Yuen Industrial Ltd., a subsidiary of manufacturing powerhouse Pou Chen Corp., saw its revenues rise 31% to $611.5 million in its fiscal first quarter, pointing to acquisitions as a driver of revenue growth…

Forzani Fiscal Year Profits Surge 48%…

The Forzani Group said favorable weather patterns are expected to outweigh the issues associated with the outbreak of the conflict in Iraq. FGL announced fiscal 2003 retail system sales, which represent both corporate and franchised stores, increased 20.

G-III Looks to Licensed for Growth…

Stronger Sports Licensed Apparel drove fourth quarter sales and gross margin at G-III Apparel Group while losses widened for the quarter ended January 31, 2003…

Baseball Express Sees Sales Up 17%…

Online and catalog baseball equipment retailer Baseball Express “racked up sales of $40 million in 2002, up 17% from 2001”, according to president, Pat Cowles…

Galyan’s 2002 Profits Quadruple on 24% Sales Gain

Galyan's Trading Company announced earnings per share on a fully diluted basis were $1.09 per share, on net earnings of $18.7 million for the fiscal year 2002, compared to $0.32 per share on a fully diluted basis, on net earnings of $4.6 million for