American and Chinese negotiators continue to meet over resolving their differences before the Mar. 2 deadline set by the U.S. to reach a deal with President Trump seemingly more willing to reach a deal but his top trade negotiators remain skeptical that what has been offered so far is meaningful and enforceable.

While the ultimate impact of the government shutdown will remain largely unknown until its duration is determined, the effects are already being felt from the closing of national parks to a delay in passing the long-awaited PHIT Act to the obvious uncertainty of 420,000 federal workers working without paychecks and another 380,000 furloughed.

Overall U.S. retail sales grew 5.1% in the 2018 Holiday season to more than $850 billion, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, driven by an 18.3% jump in online spending. The tally handily exceeded the NRF’s forecast of 4.1% growth.

The retailer cited “a new investment focus” as the reason for the change, but noted that the 86 athletes in its Contenders program will have the option to remain employees in a traditional part-time role.

CWH hired former EVP and CFO of DTS Melvin Flanigan as its new CFO and appointed Thomas Wolfe as president of its Good Sam membership program, reporting to Brent Moody, who was named president of the company back in Sep.

Comprehensive net loss at the Japanese retailer expanded to ¥195 million ($1.7 mm) from a loss of ¥48 million in its first fiscal quarter ended Nov. 30, on revenues that were just 2% lower at ¥15,026 million ($134.8 mm) from ¥15,384 million despite a much smaller footprint.

New Balance is in negotiations to extend the kit sponsorship of its only Premier League team in a deal that could exceed the £75 million a year that Adidas pays Manchester United, The Liverpool Echo reported.

COLM completed its buyout of the remaining 40% stake in Columbia Sportswear Commercial (Shanghai) Company held by Swire Resources.

Footwear maker Pegasus International said that it expects to report an unspecified net loss for 2018 against last year’s $773,000 profit.

Vans says that Farylrobin’s Camella lace-up sneaker, which is sold by Target, intentionally and willfully copies its Old Skool trade dress, in a suit filed in Central CA District Court.