Total comparable net sales through August 29, 2023, including both physical stores and e-commerce, decreased by 3.9 percent relative to the comparable period last year.
Month: August 2023

EXEC: Caleres Sees Famous Footwear Gaining Share
Famous Footwear’s same-store sales declined 4.3 percent in the second quarter but showed sequential improvement from the first quarter and is estimated to be taking market share. Jay Schmidt, president and CEO of Caleres, the parent of Famous, told analysts on a call, “During the second quarter, Famous continued to navigate difficult spending trends among its target consumer and the challenging economic backdrop overall.”

Ross Stores Sets Changes to Board Leadership
Ross Stores, Inc. announced that George Orban is stepping down as chairman but will continue to serve as an independent director. Michael Balmuth, a strategic advisor to the company, is returning as executive chairman of the board. K. Gunnar Bjorklund is taking on the role of lead independent director.

EXEC: Academy Sports’ Shares Jump On Upbeat Outlook
Shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. closed up $4.63, or 9.3 percent, to $54.57 Thursday as second-quarter earnings topped analysts’ estimates and the retailer reiterated its guidance for the year. Academy officials said sales steadily improved throughout the second quarter as customers responded to its message around value and newness.
Lululemon’s Raises Outlook As Q2 Comps Jump 11 Percent
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. raised its guidance for the year as second-quarter results exceeded expectations. Earnings rose 21.6 percent on an adjusted basis in the quarter with revenues ahead 18 percent. Comparable sales increased 11 percent or 13 percent on a constant dollar basis.

EXEC: Genesco Shares Surge as CEO Highlights an Improving Picture at Journeys
Board Chair, President and CEO Mimi Vaughn said that thus far in the third quarter, sales trends for the back-to-school season improved a little further with consumers shopping when there is a reason and much closer to need.

EXEC: Symphony Holdings Posts Solid H1 as Brand Division Jumps 24 Percent
The Branding segment, which is comprised of the Skins and Pony businesses, sourcing, manufacturing and trading of healthcare products in Hong Kong and distribution of Sunseeker swimwear, posted a 24.2 percent YoY increase for the first half period. Still, the majority of revenues come from its malls leasing segment.

EXEC: Mips AB Takes 25 Percent Stake in Sensor Technology Company
Quintessential Design’s proprietary technology reportedly turns passive gear into smart companions capable of detecting safety events, triggering emergency response protocols and connecting the closest emergency services to those in distress.

RVIA: 16 Million RV Travelers Will Hit the Road for Labor Day
Of the 95 million leisure travelers in the U.S. planning to travel over Labor Day weekend, 16 million intend to do so in an RV, according to a recent survey conducted by Cairn Consulting for the RV Industry Association.

Kids Footwear Brand Founded by Industry Vets Closes Seed Round
Adidas and Mizuno vet Mike Gugat leads the brand as CEO. Jbrds was co-founded with Gugat by podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Jay LeBow as chief product officer and sporting goods merchant David Hirshfeld.

Crocs Hires Erinn Murphy to Lead IR and Corporate Strategy
She joins Crocs, Inc. from investment bank Piper Sandler. Crocs said she has nearly 20 years of “deep experience” in the financial industry and a “proven track record” of top research performance.
EoS Fitness Opens Phoenix, AZ Location
EoS Fitness, the nationwide gym chain founded in Arizona, reported that over 125-plus locations are open or scheduled to open, with its latest gym in Phoenix recently opening at 40,000 square feet.

Fjällräven Opens Palo Alto Store
Fjällräven expanded its global retail footprint by opening a new brand store in Palo Alto, CA.
Academy Sports’ Q2 Tops Wall Street Targets
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported second-quarter earnings came in just ahead of analyst expectations. Same-store sales declined 7.5 percent in the quarter but improved throughout the quarter. Academy reiterated its sales guidance while raising its EPS outlook due to share repurchases.
Redarc Electronics Makes Four Key Sales & Marketing Hires
Hires include, Greg Gorski as global marketing director, Gary Langbo as the general manager of sales, North America, Savannah Goodwin as North American strategic marketing manager, and Doug Larsen as global website and e-commerce manager.