Newly-published data from One Click Retail suggests the success Adidas has had on Amazon.com during the first half of 2017 might have played a role in Nike’s recent decision to forge an official alliance with the online behemoth. Five variations of the women’s Superstar were among the six fastest-growing footwear styles on Amazon during the first half, led by an 890 percent year-over-year increase for the white/black/white, size 7 version. Read more...
Despite forecasts of a highly promotional season and flat growth in absolute dollars, Back-to-School is in a crucial phase for retailers looking to carve out a sizeable slice of this $27 billion retail pie given early shoppers are likely to spend more than late starters. An estimated 62 percent of all B-T-S shopping is done between late July and early August, according to Deloitte research. Also, it should be noted that average B-T-S spending on school supplies, computers/Hardware and electronic gadgets is projected to decline, but rise 19 percent to an average $284 for clothing and accessories. Read More...
Big 5, the regional operator of 433 stores, hopes this month and September will bring sales improvement to its camping and water sports products. There was soft consumer demand in both categories in June, something BGFV senior management blamed on unfavorable weather comparisons and “colder and dangerously high water flows in many of the rivers” in many of its markets. Read More...
For the Three Stripes, momentum is continuing to build in North America where the brand has expanded brick-and-mortar distribution in Foot Locker and Dick’s by 400 doors this year and it is focused on hitting the 5 billion euros revenue mark by 2020. Still, the company says it needs to see more growth from its apparel. Read More...
Global Champion apparel sales rose 7 percent on a pro-forma basis in the second quarter as HBI’s online channel sales rose approximately 25 percent globally to equal about 9 percent ($148.2 million) in the period ended July 1. Activewear sales inched 1 percent higher to $379.8 million and were negatively impacted by the effect of retailer bankruptcies and later-than-expected shipments of licensed sports apparel into the third quarter.
“We expect Champion globally to continue to grow at a high-single digit rate throughout the balance of the year,” CEO Gerald W. Evans Jr. told analysts. “We’ve got a nice base with our retail stores now, particularly in Champion Europe, and our omnichannel push here is also having a pretty dramatic impact on sales.”
HBI is also banking on broadened distribution for core Champion items in the second half.
Elsewhere,
• Delta Apparel realized a 9.6 percent increase in third quarter Basics segment sales to $79.0 million. Activewear revenues increased 11 percent year-over-year, bolstered by a 25 percent increase in FunTees private label business that has become a versatile private label solution for brands and retailers.
• Gildan Activewear reported a 1.9 percent gain in second quarter printwear sales to $480.1 million, helped by strong double-digit, organic unit sales increases in fashion basics, higher net selling prices and increased international shipments. There were lower unit sales of fleece in the period ended July 2.
Life Fitness and Cybex parent Brunswick Corp. is confident its Fitness segment will close 2017 with “nice momentum” and will be well positioned “to expand margins further in 2018” with an operating margin in the mid-teens range. This year, BC has reshaped its fitness business by paring back headcount, developing new products for 2018, expanding manufacturing capacity at its Owatonna, NY plant and closing down Cybex’s former Medway, MA facility in the third quarter. First half Fitness revenues, excluding acquisitions, were up 4 percent.
“…We believe that traditional (U.S.) clubs are slowing investments as they evaluate alternatives in response to some changing exercise preferences,” Brunswick Chairman and CEO Mark D. Schwabero told analysts. “While this is creating some short-term growth challenges, it does not change our long-term positive view of this industry’s fundamentals.”
Brunswick’s second quarter Fitness revenues were 9 percent higher at $250.5 million. International sales, which accounted for 48 percent of total (approximately $120.2 million), were 17 percent higher.
Nautilus, the Bowflex and Octane parent, is anticipating strong retail growth in the second half driven by gains in retail floor placement at key national accounts and new products online. COO Bill McMahon says the company is “starting to see stability” return to specialty fitness channel “although there is still more work to do.”
In the second quarter, NLS revenues dipped 2 percent to $77.0 million as Retail sales improved 12.7 percent to nearly $37.1 million and Direct sales dipped 13 percent to $39.1 million.
The publicly-traded parent of the Kappa and Superga brands among others has acquired the 71-year old, footwear business from Wolverine Worldwide for $14.25 million. The iconic Sebago brand, which markets penny loafers, moccasins and boat shoes, is distributed in 90 countries.
Wolverine acquired the Sebago business, including inventory and trademarks, from a Maine family for $16.8 million in November 2003 in a transaction that included $14.8 million in cash. The sell-off is part of the company’s Wolverine Way Forward strategic initiative that includes a focus on reducing costs and increasing profits.
The two companies have established a transition plan for the Sebago business through the end of 2017 that will ensure a seamless transition for all Sebago brand customers worldwide.
Meanwhile, BasicNet last week confirmed first half results that included 3.7 percent revenue growth from commercial licensees to approximately $315.4 million and a 3 percent increase for productive licensees to $125.1 million. American market sales were said to be up more than 24 percent for the six months, helped by a 39 percent gain for the Kappa and Robe di Kappa brands in the region. Superga sales were 18 percent in the U.S. during the first half while the K-Way brand license for North America was phased out. Also of note, in June, a subsidiary of the Italian company sold the Lanzera brand.
La Pointique Int’l Ltd (LP Support) has been endorsed by the Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers Society for its Compression series of apparel and supports; including the EmbioZ Apparel and Gear, Power Sleeves, CA (Extreme) and XT (X-Tremus) Support series.
Respect Your Universe strikes an ecommerce partnership with Global-e that will enable consumers in more than 190 countries to purchase the brand’s apparel, accessories and bags.
Xenoma, the Japanese smart apparel company, initiates a $50,000 Kickstarter campaign for its e-skin pre-consumer version. The product will be provided to the first 100 people who donate $479. The project ends September 6.
The design consultant who began his 20-year career as a graphic artist for Nike dishes on the blur between lifestyle and performance and the importance of Struktur, the creative conference for active, outdoor and urban design.
The co-founders of Selkirk Sports, a Hayden, ID maker of Pickleball paddles and accessories, dish on the rise of the sport that counted 2.5 million participants in 2015.
CEO of SidelineSwap, an online marketplace for used sports gear and equipment, dishes on the market and whether it steps on the toes of traditional, full-line retailers.
The long-time race director and long-distance runner weighs in on marathon participation, the future of event marketing and his latest venture that may bring a marathon to a MLB ballpark near you.
Reebok’s VP of U.S. Retail and Direct-to-Consumer channels talks about the company’s new South Boston headquarters and adjacent global flagship store.
The former president of the Dominican Association of Free Zone Companies and current member of the National Commission of Footwear addresses the industry, Dominican Republic’s infrastructure and Footwear Technology Institute.
The managing director for Baird in Charlotte, NC discusses the M&A climate, consumer loyalty to brands today and the impact of private label.
The president of Formula4Media, LLC previews The Running Event conference and trade show set for November 28-December 1 in Austin, Texas.
The general manager of Zamst Americas talks sports protectives, dispelling some of the consumer and athlete misconceptions about the category.
Formula4Media colleagues Emily Walzer, Textile Insight editor, Jennifer Beaudry-Ernst, footwear specialist, and contributor Kurt Gray, owner of SimplyGrayDesign, dish on key trends from the final Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City.
Shifting consumer purchasing patterns are vital to understanding today’s marketplace. Russell, a marketing and strategic planning professional, offered up her thoughts at TexWorld in New York on a panel with Sports Insight Extra’s Bob McGee.
Family-owned Silicon Valley firm Plug and Play, which dubs itself the “Ultimate Startup Ecosystem,” has raised over $6 billion in venture funding during its 11 years while bringing corporations, venture capitalists and start-ups together.
In the fragmented hydration market, where price points for performance products are on the rise, HydraPak is an OE supplier to numerous brands and has its own lightweight, flexible products.
Superfeet Celebrates 40th Anniversary. The employee-owned company introduces footwear and rolls out a 3D printed insole program.
BOA introduces New Tech and Names New CEO. Nothing will constrict Boa Technology CEO Shawn Neville from helping the Denver company improve its customized fit solution.
No strings attached. The married Argentinean couple has raised nearly $20 million for Hickies, a Brooklyn company addressing how athletic shoes are closed around the foot two eyelets at a time.
The Co-founder and Managing Partner of Partners Growth, which brings premium brands into the U.S. market, talks Finnish children’s wear brand Reima.
Six-year old Altra is teaming with Utah State University to develop outdoor design talent.
Let's Go Hyperwear: Former Equinox personal trainer merges the innovative, functional fitness gear from Austin, TX company with programming for schools, camps and institutions.
Sly and Simple. BlueFox.io and its technology enable a retailer to interact with customers in store and track traffic. No beacon required. The CMO explains the benefits of the platform.
The CEO of Xenio Systems talks about the company’s new platform that tracks where shoppers spend time in physical stores and its patented hyper-positioning technology.
The director of export promotion for Mexico’s Guanajuato State government agency addresses the proposed impact of the Border Adjustment Tax by the U.S. and the possibility of a renegotiated NAFTA free trade agreement.
The founder and CEO of EyeFitU, a former investment banker, talks ‘glocal’ assortments, shoppers’ personal sizing and global web payment options.
The president and CEO of the SFIA addresses the most serious threat the industry has faced in the past half-century and the expected re-introduction of the PHIT Act by Congress.
The Italian global trade expert in footwear talks about the present and future of TheMicam trade show and the potential impact of a Border Adjustment Tax in the U.S. on imported shoes.
Dr. James Eakin, chief marketing officer and director of U.S. operations for Xenoma, discusses the Japan company’s e-skin shirt and entire wearable category.
Industry senior statesman Rusty Saunders dishes on industry leadership, pressing issues and the inactivity pandemic.
Expert Barbara Barclay, president of RightEye, talks eye-tracking technology and her company’s recent alliance with Major League Baseball and USA Baseball.
Julie Sylvester, Executive Producer at Living in Digital Times, talks trends likely to emerge at Sports and FitnessTech Summit at CES in Las Vegas.
Chris Palmer, Founder and CEO of BoxFox, talks excess inventory and solutions for vendors, retailers and distributors.
Susie McCabe, SVP of global retail for Under Armour who previously spent 16 years at The Ralph Lauren Corp., dishes on UA’s retail strategy and new Brand House in Boston.
On the eve of Election Day, we talk to three leading industry lobbyists on how the results may impact trade in the sporting goods, outdoor and apparel and footwear industries.
On the eve of Election Day, we talk to three leading industry lobbyists on how the results may impact trade in the sporting goods, outdoor and apparel and footwear industries.
On the eve of Election Day, we talk to three leading industry lobbyists on how the results may impact trade in the sporting goods, outdoor and apparel and footwear industries.
The president of Reebok Future discusses the intent of the unit and the brand’s plans to develop footwear in a new way.
TREW CEO Paul Schille dishes on the eight-year old company in the process of completing its Series A round of funding and his dual career.
Milestone Sports CEO Jason Kaplan dishes on the company’s low-cost, wearable pod and how it will help specialty retailers connect.
OOFOS marketing executive talks about the recovery footwear brand and candidly about her courageous personal health journey.
Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America President Matt Priest the likelihood of the Trans-Pacific Partnership being passed soon.
ING Source executives dish about compression technology and the Hickory, NC company’s breakthrough OS1st Brace Layer System.
Jones & Vining’s Charles Liberge addresses strategies and directions for the iconic brand.
Rockport Group senior executives talk about the brand’s fresh start under new ownership that has a major emphasis on versatility.
Mission Athletecare CEO Josh Shaw says thermoregulation is the New York company’s singular focus.
Tim Porth of Octane Fitness talks trends, Zero Runner and the company’s January acquisition by Nautilus Inc.
The principal and founder of Rising Tide Associates talks about industry advocate lobbying for the domestic textile and footwear industries.
The ‘47 brand executive dishes on the Boston company and long-time MLB licensee founded by his father Arthur and his late Uncle Henry.
Pam Gelsomini, president, and CB Tuite, VP–sales, discuss the company’s products, partnerships and what’s new for the season ahead.
The tradeshowdirector for the American Sportfishing Association casts comments on the activity’s popularity, and trends in fishing.
The principal and founder of Rising Tide Associates talks about industry advocate lobbying for the domestic textile.
The VP of sales and sponsorships for Spalding, Dave Coradini talks Shot Tracker and basketball.
The executive brand and product innovation leader dishes to F4M’s Emily Walzer on an array of topics.
Snow Sports Industries of America’s Kelly Davis talks weather, participation trends and how to handle the psyche.
Gene McCarthy, president of Asics America, speaks to Jen Ernst Beaudry on specialty run and more in the second part of the podcast.
Gene McCarthy, new president of Asics Americas, dishes to F4M’s Jen Ernst Beaudry in the first of a two-part podcast.
Saucony’s Richie Woodworth offers his views on brand’s running business and what it takes to manage through change.
Bruce Cazenave, CEO of Nautilus Inc., recently ranked 23rd on Fortune’s “Fastest Growing Companies” list.
Gary Smith has been at the helm of the Lawrence, MA firm for three years, and his 2016 strategies will broaden Polartec’s scope.
Wilson Sporting Goods, one year removed from its 100th anniversary and a major restructuring, has a renewed focus and strategy.
