U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.
Category: Footwear

Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Sales Leader, Work Group
Jim O’Connor previously held executive roles at Timberland Pro, Shoes for Crews and Lands’ End. Wolverine’s Work Group includes Bates, Cat Footwear, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Hytest, Wolverine Boots & Apparel.

Survey: Footwear Execs Expect DD Jump in Landed Cost in H2; See Tariff Pass-Through
The Q2 FDRA survey conducted among footwear executives showed that a vast majority of industry leaders expect footwear prices to rise by more than 5 percent this year, with 60 percent anticipating a double-digit surge in the landing cost of footwear due to tariffs in the second half.

Amazon Expands Same-Store Day Delivery to More Rural Markets
The rural push comes as Amazon’s delivery speed hit record levels in 2023 and 2024, and the number of items Amazon delivered the same or the next day in the U.S. increased over 30 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.

Report: Dick’s SG Seeking Orland Park Financial Support for New House of Sports Project
The sporting goods retailer is looking to convert a 200,000-square-foot former Sears anchor space at the Orland Square shopping center, in a Chicago suburb, which has been empty since 2018.

EXEC: Wall Street Remains Skeptical of Any Nike Recovery in Fiscal Q4
Analysts expect Nike, Inc. will meet or exceed conservative guidance when it reports earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter ended May 31 on Thursday evening, June 24; however, results will again be well below year-ago levels.

EXEC: Switchback Spring 2025 Through the Eyes of the Industry
Sights and sounds from the inaugural Switchback Spring event in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring photos from show attendees, exhibitors and Outdoor Industry Association.

JD Sports Opens First Canadian Flagship
The Robson Street store is JD’s first exterior street-front location in Canada and features the largest LED display in JD’s Canadian footprint, a DJ booth, and shop-in-shops for Nike, New Balance and Adidas brands.

Dick’s SG Sees Strong Response to Foot Locker Debt Exchange Offer
The retailer reported that 92.5 percent of Foot Locker’s note holders have agreed to exchange their debt for Dick’s notes as part of an early tender offer. The debt swap supports the retailer’s acquisition of Foot Locker.

Nike Settles Lawsuit with “The Shoe Surgeon” Over Trademark Infringement
The case, which began in 2024, centered on the practice of custom designer Dominic Ciambrone, also known as The Shoe Surgeon, deconstructing Nike shoes and rebuilding them as luxury customizations.

EXEC: Bain Study Sees Luxury Sector Facing Soft Second Half
Luxury consumption is expected to contract 2 percent to 5 percent for the year, according to a recent report from Bain & Company, across key luxury categories, as price fatigue and macroeconomic turbulence continue to weigh on consumers

EXEC: Switchback Spring Brings Energy Back to a National Outdoor Show
While energy was high and attitude was positive, the show, unfortunately, did not escape the usual backroom banter and aisle talk about the venue’s few shortcomings, particularly about timing. Diversified will need to be cautious about whom they listen to and the motives of those pushing in each direction, as the outdoor industry risks a déjà vu event with this new potential gem.

Nike Board Member Plans to Retire from Board
Cathleen Benko, a former leader in Deloitte’s “Digital Giants” practice, plans to retire as a member of Nike’s Board of Directors, effective as of the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders.

Tailored Brands Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
John Tighe will become its new CE) and will join the Board of Directors, effective August 5, 2025. Peter Sachse will transition from his current role as CEO to become executive chairman of the company’s Board.

Amer Sports Appoints New Head of Greater China
Jeffery Ma joins the company from his role as CEO of Zhongqiao Sports, a sporting goods company in China. He has previously held executive positions at Topsports, the largest sporting goods retailer in China, and at Adidas.