NPD analysts Matt Powell and Beth Goldstein flagged five trends that are driving sales across the U.S. in a new report: Health and Wellness; Casualization; E-Commerce, Seasonality and Brand Value/Societal Impact. Powell and Goldstein see the COVID-19 pandemic creating new interest in — and opportunities for — the performance running and outdoor categories, and they say store closures accelerated the importance of the e-commerce channel. NPD also highlighted the continued desire of consumers to purchase brands that they felt reflected their values and made positive social impacts: “Consumers may, however, be more inclined to spend more on brands with which they have a closer connection, where loyalty and shared values outweigh the monetary cost,” Powell said.

Hunter Boots recently named Paolo Porta as interim CEO to replace Vincent Wauters, who is stepping down “by mutual agreement” at the end of the month. Porta, the former SVP of merchandising and licensing for Jimmy Choo, is working with Andrew Lawley, the company’s former chief restructuring officer who is moving to executive chairman, on a strategic review of the British company. In June, a fund controlled by Goldman Sachs infused Hunter with more than $20 million in capital in exchange for majority control.

Pentland Brands, whose portfolio includes both licensed and own brands, is undergoing a strategic review that may result in as many as 350 job cuts. Part of the U.K. firm’s plan is a greater focus on eight of its nine owned brands, which include Speedo, Ellesse and KangaROOS, and lessen its attention on licensed brands. Additionally, Pentland intends to “hibernate” its Boxfresh brand.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association is asking all U.S. governors to require consumers to wear face masks when in public or shopping. Currently, fewer than half of U.S. states have such a mandate in place, according to the trade group. The joint objective of RILA and the National Retail Federation is to “homogenize” local and state policies and avoid confusion among both consumers and retailers.

Boston-based boutique running brand Tracksmith following up its Olympic Trials Qualifier program with a new initiative to support talented runners: the Amateur Support Program. The brand will be accepting applications through Aug. 1 from athletes ages 22 and above who have Olympic Trials Standard times or close. Accepted athletes will receive quarterly gear stipends of $250, membership to the brand’s Hare AC program, and mentorship from Tracksmith athlete Nick Willis, the middle distance standout and Olympic silver medalist for New Zealand in the 1500m. The program extends Tracksmith’s commitment to amateur runners: Earlier this year, the brand launched its OTQ Ambassador program, which offered a gear stipend and saw the brand dress approximately 1 in 5 amateur athletes during the Olympic Marathon Trials in its signature sashed kit.