Foot Locker Named NBA Marketing Partner in the U.S.

Foot Locker and the NBA have signed a multiyear partnership that makes the sneaker retailer an official league marketing partner in the U.S. Foot Locker will receive media exposure across league platforms, including on-court virtual signage during national broadcasts and on league social media channels.

HanesBrands Appoints Three New Independent Directors

HanesBrands announced that it has appointed Colin Browne, Natasha Chand and John Mehas as independent directors to the Board, effective immediately. It also reached a cooperation agreement with Barrington Capital Group, an activist investor group.

Dillard’s Announces Special Dividend On Shares

The Board of Directors of Dillard’s, Inc. declared a special dividend of $20.00 per share on the retailer’s class A and B common stock, payable on January 8, 2024, to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2023.

Ross Stores Lift Outlook as Q3 Beats Plan

Ross Stores raised its earnings guidance for the year after third-quarter results arrived ahead of targets. Profits grew 30.7 percent in the period on a 5 percent same-store gain and the benefit of lower freight costs.

Columbia Sportswear Hires President, Sorel Brand

Columbia Sportswear Company hired Cory Long as president of the Sorel brand. Most recently, Long was the global general manager and chief global merchant of DC Shoes. He also has leadership experience at Mitchell & Ness, Asics, Supra, and Converse.

REI to Open Albany Store in 2024

REI announced it is opening a store in Albany, NY, in the fall of 2024, the retailer’s sixth store in New York, following the opening of its Ithica store in summer 2024.

VF’s Debt Ratings Downgraded by Moody’s

Moody’s Investors Service downgraded VF Corp.’s long-term debt ratings due to continued weakness at Vans, VF’s second largest brand, as the company embarks on a significant transformation initiative, project Reinvent, to revitalize VF’s business, most notably in North America.

Skechers Responds to Nike Patent Lawsuit

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. said it will vigorously defend a patent lawsuit filed by Nike., Inc. in California Federal Court on November 6, in which claims Skechers’ Ultra Flex and Glide Step, among other shoe models, infringed on patents for its Flyknit upper technology for running, soccer and basketball shoes.

Rip Curl, Oboz Parent KMD Brands Sets Plan for CFO Transition

While KMD continues to recruit for a permanent Group CFO, Ben Washington, Deputy CFO, will provide interim cover for financial and investor aspects of the role, and Lachlan Farran, chief commercial officer, will absorb the remaining operational responsibilities on an interim basis.

Walmart Raises Outlook as Q3 Surpasses Analyst Targets

Walmart raised its annual sales and profit forecast for the second straight quarter after third-quarter exceeded analyst estimates. Sales in the quarter grew 5.2 percent with strength across segments and comps rising 4.9 percent for Walmart U.S.