Core Insights - Gildan Activewear has appointed S&S Activewear as the exclusive wholesale distributor for its brands in the Canadian imprintables market, effective December 28, 2025 [1][3]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership aims to enhance product availability and streamline the ordering process for Gildan's Canadian customers through S&S Activewear's distribution network [2][3]. - S&S Activewear will provide improved service with inventory depth that allows for one and two-day service to over 99% of the Canadian population [3]. Group 2: Company Background - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands including Gildan, American Apparel, and Champion [4][5]. - The company operates large-scale manufacturing facilities primarily in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to ESG practices [5]. Group 3: S&S Activewear Overview - S&S Activewear, founded in 1988, is a major distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, offering over 100 brands and operating more than 6 million square feet of warehouse space [6]. - The company serves a diverse customer base, including retail brands, e-commerce companies, and garment decorators [6].

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear Inc. is set to report its second quarter 2025 financial and operating results on July 31, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for discussion with financial analysts and institutional investors [1][2]. Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks to a diverse customer base including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, retailers, and global lifestyle brand companies [4]. - The company markets its products across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America under various brands including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds, as well as through an exclusive licensing agreement for Champion in the printwear channel [4]. Manufacturing and ESG Practices - Gildan operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh [5]. - The company is committed to industry-leading labor, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain, which is integrated into its comprehensive ESG program as part of its long-term business strategy [5].

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. has been recognized on Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens list for the fourth consecutive year, being one of only two companies in the Textiles and Clothing Manufacturing sector to achieve this honor [1] - The company is also featured on TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list, marking its presence as one of 13 Canadian companies and one of only two in the "Apparel, Footwear & Sporting Goods" subcategory [1] Group 1: Recognition and Awards - Gildan's inclusion in Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens is based on a dataset of companies with over $1 billion in annual revenues, evaluated on 25 key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainability and corporate responsibility [2] - TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list identifies the top 500 companies from a pool of 5,000, assessed across more than 20 key indicators, including sustainability ratings and commitments from reputable organizations [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands including Gildan®, American Apparel®, and Champion® [4] - The company operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to labor, environmental, and governance practices [5]

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. has been recognized on Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens list for the fourth consecutive year, being one of only two companies in the Textiles and Clothing Manufacturing sector to achieve this honor [1] - The company is also featured on TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list, marking its presence as one of 13 Canadian companies and one of only two in the "Apparel, Footwear & Sporting Goods" subcategory [1] Group 1: Recognition and Achievements - Gildan's inclusion in Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens is based on a dataset of companies with over $1 billion in annual revenues, evaluated on 25 key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainability and corporate responsibility [2] - TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list identifies the top 500 companies from a pool of 5,000, assessed across more than 20 key indicators, including sustainability ratings and commitments from reputable organizations [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands including Gildan®, American Apparel®, and Champion® [4] - The company operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to labor, environmental, and governance practices [5]

Legal Action - Lululemon accuses Costco of selling knockoff activewear under the Kirkland brand [1]

Legal Action - Lululemon accuses Costco of selling knockoff activewear under the Kirkland brand [1]

Legal Action - Lululemon accuses Costco of selling knockoff activewear under the Kirkland brand [1]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry is facing significant challenges due to rising input and logistics costs, supply-chain disruptions, and increased SG&A expenses from digital and store reinvestments [1][4] - Macroeconomic pressures such as currency volatility, geopolitical tensions, and changing tax and tariff policies are exacerbating these challenges [1][4] - Weak consumer confidence and a competitive labor market are threatening operating margins across the industry [1][4] Consumer Demand Trends - Despite challenges, there is robust consumer demand for activewear, footwear, and wellness-driven products, supported by a growing focus on healthy lifestyles [2][5] - Companies are prioritizing product innovation, expansion of athleisure offerings, and enhanced investment in e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities to leverage this demand [2][5] E-Commerce Investments - E-commerce is a key growth driver in the athleisure market, with companies building their customer base through digital platforms [6] - Investments in faster delivery and improved supply chains are expected to provide a competitive edge [6] Financial Performance - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 33.6% over the past year [10] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/E of 24.41X, higher than the S&P 500's 21.86X and the sector's 19.45X [13] Company Highlights - **Birkenstock**: The company has sustained strong demand for its premium lines, with a projected sales growth of 21.8% and earnings growth of 36.7% for fiscal 2025 [17] - **Adidas**: The company is benefiting from strong demand and improved margins, with a projected sales growth of 12.3% and earnings growth of 86.1% for 2025 [22] - **Wolverine**: The company is focusing on strengthening its DTC business and has a projected sales growth of 3.6% and earnings growth of 15.4% for 2025 [25]

Core Viewpoint - Lululemon athletica inc. (LULU) experienced a significant stock decline of 19.8% following its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report, despite surpassing revenue and EPS estimates. The decline is attributed to investor concerns regarding the company's updated outlook, particularly the impact of rising import tariffs on gross margins in the latter half of the year [1][10][13]. Financial Performance - Lululemon's management revised its full-year gross margin outlook downward, now expecting a decline of 110 basis points year over year, which is nearly double the previously forecasted 60 basis points drop [6]. - The second-quarter guidance indicates a steep 380-basis point drop in operating margin, signaling potential near-term profitability challenges [6][10]. - SG&A expenses rose by 11.9% year over year, outpacing revenue growth and leading to margin deleverage, with an anticipated 50-basis point SG&A deleverage for the full year [7]. Market Dynamics - There is a noted decline in comparable sales in North America, particularly in the U.S., where store traffic has decreased compared to the previous quarter. Although average transaction values increased, overall sales volume has been negatively impacted [8]. - Elevated inventory levels are concerning, with inventory up 17% year over year while revenues only increased by 7%. This situation raises the risk of markdown pressure if demand remains weak [9]. Long-term Outlook - Despite short-term challenges, Lululemon is positioned for long-term growth, supported by a strong global brand and an innovation-led product strategy. The company is expanding its international presence, particularly in markets like China and EMEA, where sales are growing at double-digit rates [11][12]. - Lululemon maintains a healthy balance sheet with $1.3 billion in cash and no debt, allowing for continued investment in innovation and supply chain improvements [12]. - The company's long-term strategy, including the Power of Three x2 growth plan, remains focused on sustained growth in men's, digital, and international channels [12][14].

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. has published its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, highlighting progress against its Next Generation ESG strategy targets [2][3] Group 1: ESG Achievements - The company reduced water intensity at its manufacturing facilities by 25.2% per kilogram produced compared to a 2018 baseline [5] - Sustainable cotton sourcing increased from 35.7% in 2023 to 77.3% in 2024 [5] - The percentage of recycled polyester or alternative fibers and/or yarns sourced doubled from 2023 to 2024 [5] - Gildan achieved ISO 45001 certification in two additional facilities in 2024, totaling five certified facilities [5] - The company was included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class North America Index for the 12th consecutive year [5] - Gildan was recognized in the 2025 Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global for the 13th consecutive year [5] - The company was included in CDP's Leadership Band in 2025 for its 2024 climate change disclosure, marking the fifth time it has received this recognition [5] - Gildan was named in the inaugural edition of TIME's World Most Sustainable Companies [5] - The company was recognized as one of Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights for the third consecutive year [5] Group 2: Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, including activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands [6] - The company operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh [7] - Gildan's operations are supported by a strong commitment to industry-leading labor, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain [7]