Sporting goods stocks continued to outperform the world’s general stock indices with a gain of 2.3%, although that represented a considerable slowdown from the 36.2% gain of last year and the 83.8% surge recorded the year before.

The chief merchandising officer of The Sports Authority will exit the chain, according to reports in the market, and her responsibilities will be taken over by COO Greg Waters.

Under the direction of Hugo Malan, a former managing director for Barclay’s Capital who has served as the chain’s president of sports and fitness for nearly two years, Sears is taking steps to more strongly connect to consumers via health and fitness.

Joe Scirocco held the post since April, 2007.

The Born of Sport, Made of Japan is inspired by the vintage athletic brand’s athletic history and Japanese heritage.