SGB Update Sports & Fitness

February Retail Sales Increase 4.4 Percent Over Last Year

February retail sales increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 4.4 percent year-over-year as the economy continued to grow, the National Retail Federation said. Sporting goods stores were down 3.4 percent year-over-year but up 2.2 percent from January seasonally adjusted.

VF Corp. To Acquire Altra

VF Corp. signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the Altra footwear brand from Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.

Adidas Initiates Multi-Year Stock Buyback Program

With the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Executive Board of Adidas AG has decided to launch a multi-year share buyback program of up to €3.0 billion ($3.7 bn) in total until May 11, 2021.

Outdoor Voices Secures More Funding

Outdoor Voices, the women’s fitness apparel startup, has raised $34 million in a series C round, according to a regulatory filing.

2nd Chance Sports Appoints Anthony Sica As President

2nd Chance Sports, a non-profit organization that donates gently used and new sporting equipment to children in need throughout the New York City area, has appointed Anthony Sica as president.

Fitbit Launches Fitbit For Kids

Fitbit  introduced Fitbit Ace, an activity tracker that makes fitness fun for kids while inspiring the entire family to build healthy habits together and help fight decreasing levels of activity in children.

NSGA Welcomes Speakers To Management Conference

Speakers will include Michigan State University basketball coach Tom Izzo, Beth Porreca of USA Football, David James of Major League Baseball. The conference will also include a number of sessions focusing on how to compete with Amazon.

12 ReTech Acquires E-motion Apparel

12 ReTech Corporation has acquired E-motion Apparel, Inc. in a stock for stock transaction between 12 ReTech and Hubert (Hub) Blanchette, the owner and CEO of the company. E-motion Apparel owns several brands including E-motion Apparel, Lexi-Luu Dancewear, Punkz Gear and Skipjack.

Dick’s Q4 Earnings Arrive At Upper End Of Guidance

Dick’s Sporting Goods reported earnings fell 13.8 percent before non-recurring charges in the fourth quarter, to $127.3 million, or $1.22 a share, but came in at the top of guidance. Same-store sales slid 2.0 percent, in line with guidance. Earnings for 2018 were guided to be flat to down 7 percent.