Author: Thomas J. Ryan

Famous Footwear’s same-store sales slipped 0.8 percent in the third quarter ended October 29. Results topped expectations with the family footwear chain facing a 26.5 percent same-store gain in the 2019 third quarter. Jay Schmidt, president of Caleres, on a conference call with analysts, said, “By limiting promotional activity, the business generated margins higher than pre-pandemic levels.”

Dick’s Sporting Goods’ third-quarter earnings declined due to aggressive markdowns on apparel but came in well above Wall Street targets as sales remained strong. The sporting goods giant also noted that results remain significantly above 2019 levels while lifting its guidance for the second straight quarter.

Delta Apparel managed to rack up another year of double-digit top-line growth although earnings were slightly down due largely to higher cotton prices. Production curtailments are also expected to continue through the next two quarters to realign inventories due to a pullback in activewear orders in the mass channel.

Foot Locker Inc. reported third-quarter results that surpassed expectations due to improved allocation of Nike products on top of continued success in its diversification efforts to feature other footwear brands. The sneaker giant lifted its guidance for the year. Mary Dillon, Foot Locker’s new CEO, told analysts, “Our relationship with Nike is very important. It’s strong.”

Athleta’s comps were flat year-over in the third quarter as the chain continues to feel the impact of a demand shift from athleisure to occasion and work-based categories. However, success with lifestyle offerings led to significant improvement versus recent quarters.

Macy’s, Inc. raised its guidance for the year as third-quarter results topped analysts’ estimates in large part because consumers have returned to purchasing career and other dressier offerings. “Customers continue to return to in-person post-pandemic shopping experiences, and were searching for occasion-based products, including career in tailored sportswear, dresses and luggage rather than popular pandemic […]

Kohl’s Corp., in its first report since announcing its former CEO Michelle Gass would be joining Levi’s Strauss, reported results that were in line with preliminary guidance provided last week. Kohl’s told analysts that it was withdrawing its guidance for the year but said the CEO change doesn’t mean a change in strategy.

On, the Swiss running brand again raised its full-year outlook after reporting earnings in the third quarter ended September 30 surged 20.5 percent on an adjusted basis on a 50 percent sales gain. The gains were helped by strong product responses and expansion at Dick’s, Foot Locker and Nordstrom and came despite logistics disruptions at its Atlanta warehouse.

Shoe Carnival, Inc. reported sales reached the second highest level for any quarter in the family footwear chain’s 44 years in existence, only behind last year’s levels that benefited from government-stimulus measures. Boosted by non-athletic offerings, the family footwear chain’s sales were well above pre-pandemic third quarter of 2019, indicating strong growth momentum.

Ammo, Inc. dropped into the red in the second quarter that ended September 30 as sales fell 21 percent and gross margins eroded on higher commodity costs. The owner of the GunBroker.com marketplace and ammunition manufacturer also lowered its annual guidance due to softening market conditions.

Solo Brands delivered third-quarter results ahead of expectations on strong responses to launches across its brands. Sales guidance for the year was slightly lowered due to heightening macroeconomic pressures but guidance for gross margin and EBITDA margin was maintained.

SportChek’s comps were slightly down in the third quarter against a double-digit gain in the year-ago period, officials at parent Canadian Tire said on an analyst call. Growth in cycling and casual clothing partially offset the decline in athletic clothing and footwear against last year. On the call, Gregory Craig, EVP and CFO, said, “At […]

Asics Corp. reported significant profit improvement in the North America region in the third quarter on a 19 percent revenue gain. Asics raised its overall outlook with strength across regions in the quarter.

Planet Fitness, Xponential Fitness and Life Time Group Holdings all raised their full-year guidance and reported a strong uptick in revenues and membership growth in the third quarter, although membership activity has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Executives on analyst calls said they remain bullish on continued improvement in 2023 despite inflationary and macroeconomic pressures.

Shares of Yeti Holdings shot up $9.64, or 31.8 percent, to $39.98 on Thursday after reporting third-quarter earnings and sales that beat expectations on robust sales momentum. The drinkware and cooler specialist also maintained its guidance for the year. Matt Reintjes, president and CEO, told analysts about holiday selling, “Our goal remains focused on winning this season’s gifting occasions.”