Francesca Edwardson reportedly informed the company that she had independently decided not to stand for re-election to the company’s Board of Directors at its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Category: Footwear

OrthoLite Returns as Title Sponsor of the TransRockies Run
“Having OrthoLite along throughout all six days will make this year’s event an even more unforgettable experience,” said Aaron McConnell, president of the TransRockies Race Series. The organizers will announce the new 2026 race format during the event.

Doug Palladini Named President and CEO of Carter’s, Inc.
Palladini brings over three decades of senior leadership experience with an emphasis on brand and direct-to-consumer strategies. The former global brand president of Vans serves on the Board of Directors of Skull Candy, Inc. and Stance.

Foot Locker, Inc. Promotes Frank Bracken to Company President
The current EVP and chief commercial officer was named company president, effective immediately. He will continue to report to company CEO Mary Dillon. He joined Foot Locker in 2010 and has held several senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility across the company.

EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz Parent KMD Posts Positive Fiscal H1 on Strong Online Sales
The parent of the Rip Curl, Oboz and Kathmandu brands said Group online sales performance has been a highlight, with all three brands achieving double-digit sales growth y/y. Online reportedly remains a key growth priority for the Group.

Salomon Appoints Nike Vet as Global Brand Creative Director
As Global Creative Director at Salomon, At the core of all Align product is its insole technologyacross all consumer touchpoints, platforms, channels, and regions.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Down Again in March as Forward Outlook Crashes
The Present Situation Index, based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, decreased 3.6 points to 134.5, a solid score, but the Expectations Index, measuring a six-month outlook, fell to 65.2, the lowest level in 12 years.

H.H. Brown Launches Align Men’s Brand
At the core of all Align product is its insole technology, engineered to support the foots optimal alignment, eliminating the need for aftermarket insoles.

EXEC: EY M&A Outlook Signals Cautious U.S. Deal Market
EY expects U.S. deal volume will rise 10 percent in 2025, building on a robust 13 percent advance in 2024, driven by sustained economic activity, decreasing interest rates, pent-up demand & reduced valuation gaps.

The Buckle Appoints VP of Information Security
The company promoted Justin Ellison to VP of Information Security, effective February 28, 2025. Ellison has been employed by The Buckle since December 2005 and has recently served as the senior director of Information Security.

EXEC: Sports Direct to Expand South Asia Presence with Map Active
This latest strategic partnership between Sports Direct parent Frasers Group and MAP Active will expand the sporting goods retailer further into Indonesia, with entry into India, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Macy’s Names Senior VP & General Merchandising Manager, Men’s and Kids’
Daniel Leppo most recently served as Bloomingdale’s senior vice president and general merchandising manager, overseeing Cosmetics, Menswear, Children’s, and Home. Leppo started his career at Bloomingdale’s as an intern and was part of the executive training program.

EXEC: Spartoo Improves 2024 Cash Flows Through Improved Inventory Management
Spartoo is signaling that it will continue offering a wide range of footwear, ready-to-wear, bags, and accessories throughout 2024, even as it manages its online inventory more tightly.

L.L.Bean is Heading to Florida!
The 17,000-square-foot store will be located at the University Town Center in Sarasota near UTC’s Target, Best Buy and Old Navy. The new Bean location was previously a Bed Bath & Beyond.

EXEC: Fila Sets U.S. Re-Org and Inventory Sell-Off; Market Re-Entry TBD
The company has essentially shuttered the U.S. business and expects full clearance by strategically selling off Fila USA inventory by the end of 2025, and determine if best avenue for re-entry in the market is direct operations, licensing or a distribution model.