Foot Locker CTO Elected to PRA Group Board of Directors
As Foot Locker’s CTO, Butler drives technology strategy, innovation and delivery across their digital, data and analytics, supply chain/merchandising and omni-channel experiences. In addition to serving on multiple boards, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.
Study: Shoplifting Increased 93 Percent Since 2019; Violence Jumped 84 Percent Since 2022
According to the study, retailers surveyed experienced an average of 177 shoplifting incidents per day in 2023; however, that number can reach over 1,000 depending on the retail sector.
Report: U.S. November Online Sales Up 9.8 Percent; SG Segment Down 1.4 Percent
November’s Core Retail Sales – as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were up 0.4 percent seasonally-adjusted m/m and up 3.8 percent unadjusted y/y.
Report: Resale Spending Trend Outpacing Traditional Retail
The findings collected by Consumer Edge show resale spending outpaced traditional retail in 2024, driven by budget-conscious consumers and an increased focus on sustainability amid an uncertain economic environment.
Helen of Troy Completes Acquisition of Olive & June
The parent of Osprey and Hydro Flask intends to update its outlook for fiscal 2025 to include the incremental impact of Olive & June in conjunction with the third quarter earnings release on January 9, 2025.
EXEC: Smartwool and Icebreaker Consolidate Distribution in Benelux
Smartwool has appointed Ideavelop BV as its exclusive distributor for the Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg building on a 25-year relationship with VF Corporation sister brand Icebreaker.
EXEC: The Athlete’s Foot Opens Store in Rotterdam
TAF said the retail space represents a new “TAF 3.0” concept that has been “successfully tried and tested in the USA, now tailored to meet the unique cultural landscape and consumer demands of Rotterdam.”
EXEC: Perfect Moment Opens First Seasonal Store in Austrian Alps Ski Resort
The establishment of the Kitzbühel store, the fashionable winter ski resort in the Austrian Alps, follows the October opening of the company’s first seasonal retail location in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.
Report: Over 157M Consumers Plan to Shop on Super Saturday, with Almost Half Online
The NRF suggests that with only four days between Super Saturday and December 25, shoppers will likely embrace multiple channels as they wrap up their holiday shopping; however, e-commerce appears to be the top destination with 49 percent of respondents going online.
Rusty Saunders Passes Away After 60 Years in SG Industry
Rusty Saunders had a successful 60-plus-year career in the sporting goods industry, having worked in retail, manufacturing and sales. He was inducted into the NSGA Hall of Fame in 2013. Saunders passed away on December 8 at age 88.
PwC’s 2025 M&A Outlook Sees Arrows Pointing Up for Deal Flow
PwC’s analysis of PitchBook Data, Inc., found that several thousand PE exits were delayed over the past two years. The company said some of these exits are more likely to happen now that more certainty has returned to the market — meaning more potential targets for corporate acquirers.
Reebok Returns to Golf Category; Partners with Bryson Dechambeau and Crushers GC
Reebok, Bryson DeChambeau and his LIV Golf team, Crushers GC, announced a long-term partnership designating the brand as the “official apparel and footwear sponsor” of DeChambeau and the team, marking the brand’s re-entry into the Performance Golf category.
Costco Says Consumer is Healthy as it Reports 7.5 Percent Q1 Sales Growth
The commentary surrounding the fiscal 2025 first quarter results for Costco Wholesale Corporation ranged from “mixed” to “beats” to “strong” on Thursday, December 12 after the retail warehouse giant posted its operating results for the twelve weeks ended November 24.
Ororo Launches the Koldpwoof Heated Dog Vest
The Koldpwoof Heated Dog Vest offers two adjustable heating settings—high and low—and provides up to 9.5 hours of warmth, powered by a rechargeable battery. It also features a no-heating night mode.
EXEC: Roots Sees Solid Q3 Growth Continuing into Fourth Quarter
Roots Corporation reported that total fiscal third quarter sales were CN$66.9 million for the 13-week period ended November 2, a 5.3 percent increase as compared to CN$63.5 million in Q3 2023, led by double-digit growth in P&O sales.
