NLS’ Direct segment sales were weaker than expected in the final quarter, despite the introduction of the new Max Intelligence digital platform, which management had hoped would jumpstart sagging sales in its DTC business.

The potential $113 million payout that HIBB could pay for City Gear, which includes $25 million in a contingent earn out, would be 7.8X the cash flow for last year of $14,554,000 on sales of $190,483,000 for the FY ended Feb. 4.

Continuing to sprinkle its impressive cash pile into some new ventures, Big Foot will put $2 million into the sneaker design school founded by sneakerologist D’Wayne Edwards.

The WI-based discount pharmacy and general merchandise chain filed for Chapter 11 protection, citing increasing pressure from online retailers and larger brick-and-mortar competitors such as Walmart and Target.

The Italian football club has acquired AS Roma Merchandising in Oct., which had managed the merchandising rights for the Serie A club, which it believes will enable it to realize higher revenues in the future.

Kathmandu Holdings, which acquired Oboz Footwear last year, appointed Amy Beck to run the brands’ North American operations based at its headquarters in Bozeman, MT.

At Xtep, Q4 retail comps increased mid-teens year-over-year, and the running-focused brand opined that retail discount levels were at low levels of 20-25% and that inventory was clean at about three turns.