Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine July' 17 | Page 48

RETAILER CURRENT THE LATEST NEWS HAVE YOUR SAY For the latest news on apparel and textile, make sure that you visit http://news.apparelresources.com Write to Apparel Resources, B-32, South Extension-1, New Delhi (110049), India or email: [email protected] Columbia Sportswear restructures executive posts Outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment retailer Columbia Sportswear has opted for a major restructuring of executive leadership line-up as a part of an on-organizational assessment kick-started by the company in the beginning of 2017. As a part of the move, Tom Cusick, who is currently the CFO and Treasurer of the company will move up to the position of Executive VP and COO; Franco Fogliato will move up to be the EVP, Americas General Manager, and will be responsible for the company’s wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales tasks in North America; Matthieu Schegg will take up Fogliato’s old position as Vice President, EMEA General Manager, and oversee the company’s wholesale and direct-to- consumer sales in Europe. Meanwhile, Joe Boyle will be promoted to EVP, Columbia Brand President, and will be in-charge for the creation of Columbia brand apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment internationally; Doug Morse, will now be the Senior VP, Emerging Brands and APAC, directing the leaders at the house’s Mountain Hardwear, prAna and Sorel brands and will oversee their dealings in Japan, China and Korea. Peter Bragdon, who has served as EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary of the company since 2015, will adopt oversight of the firm’s global distributor business and expand his leadership of Government affairs, external relations and corporate communications, in addition to his current duties. Commenting on the changes made, Tim Boyle, President and CEO, Columbia Sportswear, said, “We have established strong momentum behind our portfolio of dynamic brands. We are committed to being a brand-led, consumer- first organization with clarity in strategy and direction across brands, regions and channels. I am confident that the leadership structure we are announcing today will enhance our ability to successfully execute our strategic plan and to further drive sustainable, profitable growth.” Guess faces EC antitrust investigation over distribution practices restrict authorized retailers from selling online to consumers or to retailers in other Member States. They may also restrict wholesalers from selling to retailers in other Member States. The European Commission (EC) has opened a formal antitrust investigation into the distribution agreements and practices of clothing manufacturer and retailer Guess. The Commission will examine whether Guess illegally restricts retailers from selling cross-border to consumers within the EU Single Market. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, In-Charge of Competition Policy said, “The Commission has information indicating that Guess, in its distribution agreements, may ban cross-border sales to consumers. One of the key benefits of the EU’s Single Market is that consumers can shop around for a better deal. We are going to investigate Guess’ practices further to ensure that it’s playing by the rules and not preventing 48 Apparel Online Bangladesh | JULY 2017 | www.apparelresources.com consumers from buying products across borders.” The Commission will investigate information indicating that Guess’ distribution agreements may Guess designs, distributes and licenses clothing and accessories. Guess’ apparel is marketed under numerous trademarks, including “GUESS?” and “MARCIANO”. Guess’ agreements under investigation may be in breach of EU competition rules (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), which prohibit agreements between companies that prevent, restrict or distort competition within the EU’s Single Market.