EXEC: Puma Eyes Boost from Low-Profile Footwear Trend

Puma’s growth accelerated in the third quarter to a 5 percent currency-adjusted (ca) gain from 2.1 percent in the second quarter, led by a recovery in footwear demand. Arne Freundt, CEO of Puma, said on a media call, “I’m very confident to say that we are leading the low-profile trend.”

Study: Out-of-Stocks Drive 66 Percent of Consumers to Another Retailer

“‘Right product, right place, right time’ echoes in every retail conference room. Yet as retailers have expanded their online assortments and marketplaces to attract new customers and traffic, it’s become more challenging to avoid frustrating shoppers when they can’t find their size or their desired item in-store.”

EXEC: VF Corp. CEO Sees Recovery Gaining Traction at TNF and Vans Parent

On VF’s quarterly analyst call, Bracken Darrell, CEO and president, said the second quarter delivered “another quarter of really good progress,” marking the third straight quarter of sequential top-line improvement in the decline rate and witnessing moderating sales declines at its two most challenged areas: Vans and the Americas region.

EXEC: Lululemon Touts International Growth Potential

At an investor event held in Shanghai, Lululemon Athletica officials did not provide any major updates on progress in reviving North America revenues, but analysts told SGB Media that officials laid out a convincing strategy to reach its goal of having international ultimately represent half of sales, fueled predominately by China Mainland.

EXEC: Nike’s Stock Nets “Buy” Upgrade on Leadership Changes

Nike scored its first rating upgrade since news arrived of Elliot Hill’s appointment as CEO. Truist Securities’ Joe Civello believes Nike’s increasingly veteran-driven management team can revive the brand’s marketing and innovation, including better promoting Caitlin Clark, while continuing to repair wholesale relationships. Civello also cited selling direct on Amazon as a “game-changer” opportunity.