SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Nike Looks to Lead on Race Relations

Nike’s Chairman and CEO Mark Parker sent a letter last Thursday to the company’s 32,000 employees understating Nike’s commitment to “racial justice” following the heightened tensions in black communities and the police. He also said Nike will hold meetings at Beaverton headquarters and in its NY, Chicago and LA offices to explore race issues.

ICSC Survey: BTS Sales Expected to Climb

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)’s annual back-to-school survey shows 78 percent of BTS shoppers expect to spend more this year, a significant increase compared with those who planned to do the same in 2015.

Retail Sales Climb in June

Retail sales (excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants) continued to grow in June and were up 5.1 percent year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said today. Retail sales rose 0.8 percent unadjusted over May, according to NRF’s calculations.

Finish Line Sets New Stock Buyback Plan

Finish Line authorized a new five million share repurchase plan. The new plan will commence upon completion of the current plan which has approximately 600,000 shares remaining.

Nike Adds Apparel, Accessories to MEAC Deal

Nike has entered into a multi-year agreement to become the official apparel, accessory and equipment brand of the the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference until 2020.

Play It Again Sports Parent Sees Q2 Earnings Gain

Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported net income for the quarter ended June 25, 2016 of $5.4 million, or $1.25 per share, improving from income of $4.75 million, or $1.00, in the second quarter of 2015.

Retail Imports Rise for Back-To-School

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports should see a small-but-significant increase this month as merchants stock up for the back-to-school season, then see a larger wave in late summer and fall for the holiday shopping season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report.